Left to right--Mary Nittman, Judy Robinson, Christine Hutchinson (back), Blanche Magnuson (front), Lois Peltz, Delores Turman, Ann Rutledge, Carolyn Wade, Joan Gladden, Connie Pfeiffenberger, Robanette Catalano, & Karen Omeg (current club president)
Soroptimist International of Fort Collins celebrated 60 years of service on February 16, 2010. Soroptimist’s Living Her Dream Celebration at the Fort Collins Hilton brought past presidents, members of area Soroptimist clubs, award winners, and friends together to celebrate. Eleven past presidents joined the club’s current president, Karen Omeg, to cut the cake. Soroptimist members traveled from Laramie, Scottsbluff, Denver and Colorado Springs to share in the festivities. Barbara Lewis, Governor of Soroptimist’ Rocky Mountain Region was in attendance. Joan Cromer, past Soroptimist International of the Americas President and past Soroptimist International President was an honored guest.
Soroptimist International of Fort Collins was chartered February 25, 1950, by Soroptimist International of Greeley, Colorado. At that time, the City of Fort Collins covered 2.98 square miles and the population was 14,937. There were three traffic lights, all on College Avenue at the corners of Laporte Avenue, Mountain Avenue and Olive Street. Careers for women were primarily as clerks, teachers, nurses and secretaries. Much has changed, but not the club’s focus.
Service was the foundation and purpose of the club in 1950. That is still true. Throughout 60 years, “The Club has reached out to the entire Fort Collins area, other parts of Colorado, across the nation, and around the world through service dollars, donated items, and hands-on projects,” writes Judy Robinson, historian for the club.
