Jackson — A local Rotary International member will be honored for her service in the Women in Rotary Celebration and Awards Luncheon in Jackson Wednesday.

Former District 6820 Governor and Natchez club member Nancy Hungerford will be honored with the Pat Fordice Humanitarian and Community Service Award during the ceremony at the Country Club of Jackson.

Rotary International members and non-member guests can participate in the celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Country Club of Jackson. Tickets to the event are $30 each.

Rotary International has been an active organization for 113 years, with a goal to serve humanity and encourage ethical standards.

However, women have only been active members of Rotary International for the last 30-years. Travis was also District 6820 governor from 2015 to 2016.

“(The WIR celebration) is strictly celebrating Women in Rotary,” Travis said. “It started three years ago while I was governor. … Pat Fordice was totally committed to making life better in Mississippi. … She epitomized what Rotary is all about.”

Travis said the Pat Fordice award honor’s Fordice’s memory, service and what other women have done after her. Travis said Hungerford has mirrored Fordice’s Rotary career and is a very deserving recipient of the award.

“Nancy Hungerford epitomizes all that women in Rotary are and all the things that Pat Fordice stood for,” Travis said.

Hungerford said she feels honored to receive an award with the name of someone she had always admired.

“I feel certainly honored,” Hungerford said. “I have always admired Pat Fordice as a very strong and passionate lady. … To receive something with her name on it is very humbling.”

Hungerford said her career in Rotary started in 1992 soon after women were first accepted into Rotary. She was a Rotary officer in various positions, including president, and attended conferences across the nation. Hungerford said through Rotary she has forged many friendships throughout her career.

“I love the Four-Way Test,” Hungerford said. “Is it truthful, is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and friendships and will it be beneficial. … Though (the test) is the club motto, it is a good gauge of honor to be used in all of life.”

Hungerford’s son-in-law — a New York Times Best Selling Author — Greg Iles will be attending the luncheon as guest speaker.

Miss Mississippi Ann Elizabeth Buys will also be attending.

Travis said Buys plans to speak about her platform issue, “Water for Life” — one of Rotary International’s primary objectives.

Also attending are Pat Fordice’s children, her daughter Angela Fordice Jordan and her son Hunter Fordice with his wife.

Travis said Hungerford will not be the only woman recognized for her contribution to Rotary. The first female presidents of each of district’s 46 Rotary clubs have been invited to receive recognition.

“I have found most but not all,” Travis said. “We will recognize all the first female club presidents in attendance.”

Travis said all are welcome — men, women, old and young — to join the celebration and learn what it means to be a member of Rotary International.

“(The WIR celebration) not only highlights the lifelong work of women in Rotary but serves to increase our female membership,” Travis said.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting rotary6820.org. Travis said to email her at mktlynx@bellsouth.net for more information.

 

Story by Sabrina Simms