Kennesaw State University President Sam Olens (left) paid tribute to the South Cobb Rotary Club and its President Darlene Duke (center) for the group’s steadfast commitment over the past 40 years to fund dozens of scholarships for Cobb County students and various faculty projects. Olens praised the organization, which has been in existence nearly 80 years, for living up to its motto, “Service above Self.”

“The South Cobb Rotary Club has been helping Kennesaw State University for more than half our life, since we were only chartered in 1963,” said Olens, who addressed the club’s scholarship recognition meeting at the Presbyterian Village in Austell. “There may be other civic organizations with more members, but there are none with a greater heart than the South Cobb Rotary Club. This partnership between us not only strengthens Kennesaw State, but the whole community,” Olens said. “You can be proud of the high degree of service by your club.”

Kennesaw State Trustee Bob Prillaman (right), who is also a member of the South Cobb Rotary Club, presented Kennesaw State’s Owl Award to Duke on behalf of Kennesaw State University Foundation President Jo Ann Chitty.

In accepting the Owl Award, Duke noted the contributions of her fellow members over the years to help Kennesaw State students continue their college education and become productive members of the community.

“We are a small, but mighty club,” said Duke. “This award to the South Cobb Rotary Club recognizes the work of both past and current Rotarians, and will continue to serve as an inspiration to future Rotarians.”