Dick Rhodes of Utica was awarded the 2023 Wayne Tanderup Award by Seward Rotary Club
Utica resident Dick Rhodes was the recipient of the Seward Rotary Club’s Wayne Tanderup Award, which was presented to Rhodes earlier this year at the Service Above Self Celebration in May.
His nomination stated, “Dick is an outstanding, dedicated volunteer, well known in his community for his kindness and true sense of volunteer spirit, and in spite of his handicap, he continues to prove and live his life motto of 'Determination!'”
In his acceptance speech, Rhodes spoke of his longtime friendship with the late Wayne Tanderup and that he admired Tanderup’s determination to win, both in business and when they would play pool together!
The Tanderup Award was created by the Seward Rotary Club to recognize an individual who has overcome a handicap or disability to become successful and a contributing citizen and to honor Tanderup, a longtime Rotarian, who overcame polio to become a successful businessman in Seward.
Rhodes lost a hand and part of his wrist to an infection 12 years ago but was determined not to let it set him back. He was recognized for his involvement with the community of Utica, and the Utica Cemetery, as well as the Utica Senior Center and the Seward County Historical Society. One of his avid hobbies is his membership in the Nebraska Metal Detecting Club, and he is assisting with volunteer leadership and coordinating a major “treasurer” hunt in the Hastings area this year, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary of the club.
Rhodes truly lives by the motto “We all need to be determined!”