Each year, the Rotary Club of Morganton singles out one person who has contributed significantly to the betterment of the community.  It is a special honor that transcends politics and personalities, and it is reserved for those individuals whose leadership and service extend far beyond the range of the average citizen, exemplifying the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”

In 1948, the late J.D. Fitz, an outstanding Rotarian and past Club President, conceived the idea of a “Man of the Year” award, which was later changed to the “Distinguished Person of the Year” award to accept both men and women as nominees. In 2023, the title of the award was updated to “The Rev. Bob D. Shepherd Distinguished Person of the Year” in memory of our longtime Rotarian friend and former 1990 “Man of the Year”, Bob Shepherd. Bob was termed a “good shepherd”, a man who personified the spirit of Service Above Self and was deeply involved in many community service oriented endeavors since making Morganton his home in 1982. Bob passed away in 2023 after more than 60 years of Rotary service.

Nominations for the award are solicited from throughout the community and the award recipient is selected by a secret committee appointed by that year’s Rotary Club President.

Many of the award winners have been honored for a lifetime of community service, while others have been chosen primarily for spearheading a single, extraordinary project.  Their spheres of influence are as wide and diverse as the community itself:  education, commerce, athletics, religion and charitable endeavors, to name a few.

Each recipient has been welcomed into an exclusive fellowship of men and women whose deeds and vision have helped enhance the quality of life in this community for over 60 years.

The Rotary Club of Morganton is very proud to present the “Distinguished Person of the Year” and welcomes all the past award winners.