At the District Year-End Celebration, we had the privilege of honoring two of our members with special awards from Rotary International. Son Michael Pham received the Service Above Self Award and Jeffrey Brennan received the Citation for Meritorious Service.
The Service Above Self Award is considered the highest honor that RI can bestow on a member. This award recognizes Rotarians who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service, especially those who have helped others through personal volunteer work and active Rotary involvement. Although we submitted Son Michael’s nomination while he was still alive, District 5030 and Rotary International are gave the Service Above Self award posthumously to Son Michael Pham from University District Rotary Club.
- Only 150 outstanding Rotarians and Rotaractors (out of 1.4 million members) are so honored each year.
- This is our first recipient since 2014 and the 13th in 27 years.
Son Michael’s Story:
On the last day of the Vietnam war 50 years ago, Son Michael Pham left Viet Nam as a refugee. He and his family started their lives in the U.S with nothing except the generosity and care of community and church members in Chicago.
Son’s vision was “All Kids, One World”. This award focuses primarily on that vision.
Since 1990, Son tirelessly championed causes for children: particularly orphaned, disabled, abandoned and homeless children in Vietnam.
Since 1990, Son tirelessly championed causes for children: particularly orphaned, disabled, abandoned and homeless children in Vietnam.
- He “adopted” the languishing GoVap Orphanage in Saigon (1990). That means medical care, living support, water, wheelchairs, education and more).
- He brought resources to the kids at the Hoa Phong orphanage in Hai Phong.
- He showed a light on the multi-generational medical and health-related impact of Agent orange on babies.
His “Teach me to Fish program” provides Scholarships & mentoring, as well as vocational training, for kids in orphanages in Saigon, Hanoi, and Hai Phong.
Son said he MADE LEMONADE out of LEMONS. He never let challenges stop his efforts to do good in the world.
KIDS WITHOUT BORDERS
Kids Without Borders was launched as a school service project for students to sort clothes and donate items for children in their local community. Today, the organization supports and works with children in more than 30 countries including the US and our own nearby communities. Son inspired and encouraged children to give of themselves through service to others in their communities and worldwide.
He TOLD the VIETNAMESE CHILDRENS’ STORIES TO ROTARIANS and ROTARY’S STORY IN VIETNAM
HE CONNECTED ROTARIANS WITH VIETNAM
Son led “Humanitours” for 33 years (starting in 1991) introducing Rotarians and others to the needs of children in Hanoi, Saigon, & Hai Phong Vietnam.
On his last trip, last October, he experienced a near-drowning incident. After heroic medical efforts in Vietnam, Bangkok, and finally here at Harborview, He passed peacefully on November 21, 2024.
SON MICHAEL PHAM
- He lived SERVICE ABOVE SELF since he came to the US after the Vietnam war.
- ALL KIDS: ONE WORLD. He worked for that vision and helped us embrace it.
- An INPIRING ROTARIAN AND GOOD FRIEND. Many in this community called him BROTHER.
Citation For Meritorious Service
The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service recognizes individual Rotarians and Rotaractors who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Foundation, such as through their involvement in Foundation committees, grants or programs, or by supporting Rotary Peace Fellows. It is our honor on behalf of District 5030 and The Rotary Foundation Trustees to recognize Jeffrey Brennan from the Mill Creek Rotary Club and award the Citation for Meritorious Service.
The Foundation’s programs are how members transform donations into sustainable projects that change people’s lives. Each year, districts can nominate one member to honor their commitment, enthusiasm, and passion for these ideals.
Jeff served as District Foundation Chair for six years. During that time, he recruited exceptional subcommittees and developed successive leadership at all levels, served on the District Leadership Team for the 2022 District Foundation Gala with RI President Jennifer Jones.
Additionally, he served as District Grants chair for three years, establishing key processes and criteria to ensure quality projects & successful grants to the clubs.
He promoted the Rotary Foundation as a club speaker, sharing his own experiences and expertise. Jeff’s work was invaluable, and he is one of the reasons why our District continues to be one of the top global grant sponsors in the Rotary World! Beyond this work at the District, he was personally involved with Global grants in Guatemala, Chile, El Salvador & Panama. Jeff is an exemplary Rotarian who not only created positive changes in the world, but created systems so others can also make a difference in our global community.
Please join me in congratulating Son Michael Pham and Jeffrey Brennan.
