Rotary Club of Gainesville honors Roy Hunt with 2025–2026 Service Above Self Award

Press release from Rotary Club of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Rotary Club of Gainesville proudly recognized Roy Hunt as the recipient of its prestigious 2025–2026 Service Above Self Award during a special ceremony at the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention.

The Service Above Self Award is among the highest distinctions presented by the Rotary Club of Gainesville and honors individuals who embody Rotary’s commitment to service, integrity, compassion, and leadership.

“The Service Above Self Award represents the very best of Rotary and recognizes individuals whose compassion, leadership, and commitment have transformed our community. This year’s recipient exemplifies what it means to put others before oneself, creating a lasting impact on Gainesville and inspiring all of us to continue Rotary’s mission of service both locally and around the world,” said Jon Thomas, 2025–2026 past president of the Rotary Club of Gainesville.

Roy Hunt has made a profound impact on Gainesville through decades of leadership in historic preservation, education, and community service. His advocacy was instrumental in preserving the University of Florida’s historic Collegiate Gothic buildings, including Floyd Hall, Peabody Hall, Anderson Hall, and Flint Hall, helping protect the character of UF’s historic core. He also played a key role in securing National Historic Landmark recognition for Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ home at Cross Creek and Dudley Farm. Through his scholarship, mentorship, and civic leadership, Roy has helped ensure that Gainesville’s history remains a living part of its future.

“Over my 93 years, I have received many honors and awards, but receiving the Rotary Club of Gainesville’s Service Above Self Award is the most meaningful. I am truly humbled by this recognition and grateful to be honored by an organization that represents a lifetime of service to others,” said Roy Hunt.

“Roy’s passion for serving others is truly incredible. We all have passions that bring us to Rotary and inspire us to give back, but Roy has turned his passion into a lasting impact on our community. The legacy he has created will be here for a very long time, and generations to come will be able to enjoy and benefit from the difference he has made,” said Jay Nordqvist, president of the Rotary Club of Gainesville.

The Rotary Club of Gainesville continues its long-standing tradition of serving the local community through scholarships, youth programs, charitable initiatives, and hands-on service projects while supporting Rotary International’s global efforts to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, support education, and strengthen communities.