On November 15, 2025, at the District 7090 Foundation Celebration in Beamsville, the Rotary Club of St. Catharines was recognized with a rare “triple honour” for its work in the 2024–2025 Rotary year:the Rotary Club Excellence Award
the District 7090 Lighthouse Award
and the Past District Governor (PDG) Rick Sterne Governor’s Trophy as the most engaged and impactful club in the district.
That Rotary year was led by then-President Jackie Van Lankveld, who now serves as Immediate Past President. Under her leadership – and with support from leaders like Past President Rick Evans – our club earned those certificates and that trophy. They represent more than one good year – they are a snapshot of who we are as a club: active in local service, committed to global work like polio eradication, investing in youth and education, and intentionally growing our membership.
We placed a strong focus on membership, welcoming 12 new members into the Rotary Club of St. Catharines and introducing dedicated new-member meetings to help them connect, understand Rotary, and feel that their voices matter from day one. That energy and engagement from newer Rotarians has been a big part of our momentum.
PHOTO: Members of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines display their Rotary Club Excellence certificates at the District 7090 Foundation Celebration in Beamsville. Immediate Past President Jackie Van Lankveld (2024–25 President) is pictured at far right.
The Rotary Club Excellence Award recognizes clubs that set and achieve meaningful goals in membership, service, Rotary Foundation giving, and public image. The Lighthouse Award is District 7090’s way of saying, “this club goes above and beyond” – a beacon for others to follow. The PDG Rick Sterne Governor’s Trophy sits on top of both, honouring the single club whose overall engagement and impact lead the district for the year.For St. Catharines, that story includes everything from hands-on projects and fundraising to support PolioPlus, to initiatives like our Environmental Sustainability Graduate Scholarship at Brock University. Together, we bring people and resources together to solve problems close to home and around the world – Rotary members as people of action.
Today, with President Duncan Willock and the 2025–2026 board building on this foundation, the Governor’s Trophy isn’t just something that might sit on a shelf – it’s a reminder of what our club can achieve when we work together.
PHOTOS: LEFT: Immediate Past District Governor Dave Alexander (left) presents the District 7090 Lighthouse Award to the Rotary Club of St. Catharines. Immediate Past President Jackie Van Lankveld (right), who served as 2024–25 club president, accepts the award on the club’s behalf. RIGHT: Rotary Club of St. Catharines members celebrate receiving the PDG Rick Sterne Governor’s Trophy as the most engaged and impactful club in District 7090 for 2024–25. Past President Rick Evans is second from the right.