1981-1990
- 1990 • William H. Miller, for his lifelong efforts as a community volunteer and a Circuit Court Judge, to coordinate people resources and initiate court reform to make Evansville a civilized and caring city.
- 1989 • Jack Buttrum, for his unceasing efforts for 20 years to improve the lives and opportunities of Evansville’s black citizens, for his efforts to provide job training and job placement for displaced workers and the disadvantaged, and for his efforts to promote dialogue, understanding, and cooperation between labor and management.
- 1988 • N. Keith and Susanne Riley Emge, for more than 20 years of service to their family, their church and their community through countless hours of volunteer service for scores of not for profit and governmental organizations.
- 1987 • Rolland M. Eckels, for his decades of diligent and tireless leadership in numerous community betterment projects including key roles in moving public television into the historic Willard Carpenter home, and the development of the University of Southern Indiana.
- 1986 • Ted C. Ziemer, Jr., for his repeated willingness to take on the tough and vital fundraising challenges of our community, and for raising more money for more organizations than anyone in Evansville’s history.
- 1985 • Dr. David L. Rice, president of the newly independent University of Southern Indiana, for his many contributions to the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of the Evansville region. His tireless and unpretentious leadership symbolizes the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”
- 1984 • Robert L. Koch, for his quiet leadership, his wise counsel in matters of business, civic works, cultural achievements, and especially for his generous stewardship which serves to inspire others in our community in their free will support of worthy institutions.
1983 • William L. Brooks, for his continuing efforts to introduce our city and its people to visitors…for placing Evansville in the national spotlight…and especially for serving as point-man for the Thunder On The Ohio Regatta.
1982 • Aubry D. Ryals, For his long service and leadership to Evansville in many projects adding to the quality of life for people in our community. He worked for the return of professional baseball. He served the business community as President of the Chamber of Commerce and, more recently, demonstrated his patient leadership in bringing to a successful conclusion the rebuilding and revitalization program for our YMCA, which now becomes a cornerstone of our City’s downtown.
- 1981 • None
