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The El Dorado Rotary Club named the latest Paul Harris Fellow Wednesday, bestowing the honor on David Stewart.
"This is a big deal to honor somebody in our community as a Paul Harris Fellow," said Steve Pershall, Rotary member and former Paul Harris Fellow.
This award is named after Paul Harris, one of the three original men who formed the Rotary organization. After Harris's death, the Rotary Club established the fellowship in his honor. It recognizes a Rotary member who has either donated $1,000 to Rotary or has received a certain number of points from other Paul Harris Fellows.
To bestow this latest honor, David Nygaard, district governor elect, and Dr. Gerald Green, past district governor in 2003-2004, were in attendance.
Stewart is the El Dorado Rotary's 37th Paul Harris Fellow. He is a 1986 graduate of Cheney High School and in 1992, he received a bachelor of architecture degree from Kansas State University.
Stewart joined the firm of Dean L. Glasco & Associates of Phoenix, Ariz., in June 1993. Then in the fall of 2002 he joined the local firm of PKHL Architects, becoming a partner in January 2006 and making it PKHLS. He currently serves there as a principal and vice president of the firm.
"His design portfolio includes many local projects," Pershall said.
He has worked on several renovation projects with the city. At Butler Community College, he played a major role in the construction of the Champion Training Center and the Hubbard Welcome Center. He played an integral role in the proposed El Dorado Stadium Complex project. Stewart also worked with county officials on the East Annex project and on the completion of the Flinthills Services Life Enrichment Center.
Stewart joined El Dorado Rotary in 2005 and was named president elect in 2006, serving as president during the 2007-08 term.
During his tenure as club president, the El Dorado Rotary undertook two major community projects.
"In the fall of 2007, Rotarians took on the task of cleaning up trash along the recently completed bike path," Pershall said. "Members were able to remove tons of debris and tree limbs along the West Branch on the Walnut River. This project has now become an annual project."
The other major project was the 1958 Tornado Victims' Memorial.
Along with fellow Rotarian and PKHLS partner John Prigmore, Stewart co-designed the unique idea of the memorial that was built in Graham Park along the exact path of the 1958 tornado.
The El Dorado Rotary Club named the latest Paul Harris Fellow Wednesday, bestowing the honor on David Stewart.
"This is a big deal to honor somebody in our community as a Paul Harris Fellow," said Steve Pershall, Rotary member and former Paul Harris Fellow.
This award is named after Paul Harris, one of the three original men who formed the Rotary organization. After Harris's death, the Rotary Club established the fellowship in his honor. It recognizes a Rotary member who has either donated $1,000 to Rotary or has received a certain number of points from other Paul Harris Fellows.
To bestow this latest honor, David Nygaard, district governor elect, and Dr. Gerald Green, past district governor in 2003-2004, were in attendance.
Stewart is the El Dorado Rotary's 37th Paul Harris Fellow. He is a 1986 graduate of Cheney High School and in 1992, he received a bachelor of architecture degree from Kansas State University.
Stewart joined the firm of Dean L. Glasco & Associates of Phoenix, Ariz., in June 1993. Then in the fall of 2002 he joined the local firm of PKHL Architects, becoming a partner in January 2006 and making it PKHLS. He currently serves there as a principal and vice president of the firm.
"His design portfolio includes many local projects," Pershall said.
He has worked on several renovation projects with the city. At Butler Community College, he played a major role in the construction of the Champion Training Center and the Hubbard Welcome Center. He played an integral role in the proposed El Dorado Stadium Complex project. Stewart also worked with county officials on the East Annex project and on the completion of the Flinthills Services Life Enrichment Center.
Stewart joined El Dorado Rotary in 2005 and was named president elect in 2006, serving as president during the 2007-08 term.
During his tenure as club president, the El Dorado Rotary undertook two major community projects.
"In the fall of 2007, Rotarians took on the task of cleaning up trash along the recently completed bike path," Pershall said. "Members were able to remove tons of debris and tree limbs along the West Branch on the Walnut River. This project has now become an annual project."
The other major project was the 1958 Tornado Victims' Memorial.
Along with fellow Rotarian and PKHLS partner John Prigmore, Stewart co-designed the unique idea of the memorial that was built in Graham Park along the exact path of the 1958 tornado.
"David played a major role in the project design and construction, fundraising efforts and the solicitation of donated labor and material from countless local contractors," Pershall said.
"His inspiring leadership as club president led to the participation of almost the entire membership in either the fundraising, construction or in the final dedication ceremony on June 10, 2008."
Stewart and his wife Darla have four children, Ayrton, McLaren, McKenna and Mara. They are active members of the First Baptist Church. Stewart also serves on the Planning Commission for the city of El Dorado and has played a leading role in making the city a better place.
"I certainly have plenty of people to thank," Stewart said, thanking the entire club, and mentioning a few individuals who got him into Rotary and served as mentors.
"I appreciate this very much."
