Billings Rotary Foundation
A gift bequest of over $300,000 from Dr. Gerhard "Gerry" and Fern Hartman initiated the Billings Rotary Foundation. As a separately-established 501c3 organization, this local Rotary Foundation is able to accept tax-deductible gifts for donor-restricted purposes. This first gift is the largest single gift ever given to the Billings Rotary Club.
Dr. Hartman, who passed away February 28, 1999, at the age of 87, was a devoted member of our Club and a Rotarian for 52 years. In his impressive work career he was a pioneer in the field of healthcare management. He had a long and distinguished career as a practicing executive and academic leader. He was CEO of University Hospitals in Iowa for 25 years, where he taught nearly 500 master's and doctorate students at what was then the nation's largest university-owned teaching hospital. He came to Billings in 1974 as a senior consultant for the Deaconess/Billings Clinic.
The Hartmans desired to have a long-lasting impact on the college education of youth from our area. According to Billings Rotary Foundation President Jim Hanna, "their most generous gift will initiate a scholarship fund that will make its first award at the end of the '06-'07 school year." Dr. Hanna further stated, "Gerry and Fern wanted Rotary to oversee their scholarships and we'll do everything we can to ensure that their intent is served."
The Billings Rotary Foundation is established with a separate Board whose members include Past Club Presidents, the current President, and President Elect.