Harry Croll
The Fort Collins Foothills Rotary Club
2006-2007 Rotarian of the Year
Harry Croll became a Rotarian in 1976 in the Arvada Rotary Club, Arvada, Colorado. Harry quickly engaged in Club service and leadership as follows: 1978-79 Director; 1979-80 Secretary; 1980-81 Treasurer; 1981-82 Vice President and 1982-83 President. In 1982 Harry attended the Rotary International Convention held in Dallas, Texas. In 1983 he funded his first Paul Harris Fellow.
Also, while a member of the Arvada Club he participated as a Bell Ringer for the Salvation Army each Christmas season. Developed the Club's major fund raiser, which was a video travel and adventure series held at the local performing arts center six times per year. Harry put his construction talents to good use when the Arvada Club remodeled a home for the local safe house shelter for women and children.
In 1987 work took Harry to Maine where until 1989 he was a member of the Scarborough Rotary Club. Thereafter, work brought Harry back to Colorado and the Arvada Club.
In May of 1999 Foothills Rotary had the good fortune of Harry and Nila retiring to Fort Collins and Harry joining this Club. Once again, Harry delved into service:
- He was the Club representative on the Quad Club committee to recycle computers.
- Under the Avenue of Vocational Service he coordinated mock interviews at Fort Collins High. Additionally, under this Avenue he worked on the Student of the Month committee.
- He currently is on the Membership Committee and has been for several years. Harry developed the Club's current system of prospective new member orientation and most of its materials.
- In June 2007 Harry finished a three year term as a Director of the Club.
- In 2006-07 he served on the ad hoc committee to update the Club's Articles of Incorporation, Club Constitution and By-laws.
- Harry had another Rotary opportunity to apply his vocational talent when he acted as the Quad Club Project Manager from September 2001 to July 2007 on a house for Habitat for Humanity. Through cold, snow and wind Harry was there to guide the volunteers.
- In 2004 Harry funded his second Paul Harris Fellow in the name of his darling, his wife, Nila.
Every Club President since Harry Croll joined the Foothills Club had the good fortune of when needing someone to, not just "Lend a Hand" on an initiative but, more likely to get someone to "Lead the Way", Harry said "yes."
If ever a Rotarian exemplified "Service above Self", it would be Harry Croll.
On June 30, 2007 Harry Croll, with Nila by his side, was presented with the Foothills Rotarian of the Year award and a Paul Harris Fellow.