Rotary District 7430
July 2, 2026
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
I have recently been asked to reflect on my 50 plus years in Rotary. Striving to live the Rotary Motto, “Service Above Self” and adhering to the, “Four Way Test” are very important to me.
My first exposure to Rotary was my grandfather, William Eisenhardt, who was a long time Easton Rotarian. Growing up, when we would visit, he often spoke of his work in Rotary and shared the experiences traveling to several international conventions. His next door neighbor and eventually my sponsor was Charles Churchman, another long term Easton Rotarian and Past District Governor.
My professional career brought me to take over our multi-generational family business. Shortly after taking over our business, I was invited to join Easton Rotary. I was immediately asked what kind of activities and what committees I would be interested in serving on. Rotary quickly proved very rewarding and its mission very meaningful.
Shortly after joining, a host family for an Exchange Student was needed for the last months of the school year. My wife Pat and I decided to give it a go and we became hooked. This became a main focus for us in Rotary.
Over the years we hosted 15 students from around the world for periods of three months to a full year. As our young family grew up we developed an extended family with long term relationships that continue. Our daughters spent time abroad on exchanges as well.
I served as the Exchange Committee Chairman in Easton for several years. I was also on our District Exchange Committee serving as the District Outbound Chairman for several years and as District Chairman. My wife, Pat, though not a Rotarian, was also very active on the District Committee.
In our club I have served on the Club Board of Directors, as Club President, and as a member of our Foundation Board of Directors. It has proven very rewarding and meaningful helping to support local and international projects and needs. In support I have been fortunate to be able to contribute significant monies locally and achieve the status as a Major Donor to the Rotary International Foundation.
It does not seem like 50 years have passed. My involvement in Rotary and Rotary projects locally and around the world is so important in today’s world. The support of local needs and services such as the Miracle League, Project of Easton, the international eradication of Polio, providing clean water in impoverished locations, and medical and dental care in remote locations, just to name a few.
I look forward to continuing to support Rotary and its programs locally and around the world.
Yours In Rotary,
Donald W Lockard
Donald W Lockard