He threw me a curve ball and said, “I am looking forward to the programming your presidential year. You enjoy a good weekly meeting program as much as I do, and I know you will make sure we have a robust program each week!” Al had great ideas, strong ambitions, and high expectations for our club.
Al joined the Souderton-Telford Rotary in 2008. One of the first projects I recall Al rallying behind was the beginning of our annual Golf Benefit in 2013. Al saw this as a way to raise funds for our club’s student scholarships. This was going to be quite the undertaking, but this did not deter Al! He talked about it non-stop, got a few Rotarians excited, and in 2013, we hosted our first event. I soon learned this was how Al got things done! He would get excited about an idea, talk and talk about it, and eventually…you would agree to support the idea! You then realized, why did I not agree to serve immediately?
Al was a master at connecting people to Rotary. Early on in my Rotary experience, I enjoyed a private tour of the American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia thanks to Al. As I recall, Al was on a flight, and he happened to be sitting next to the Society’s Executive Director. As the flight concluded, Al inquired if his Rotary club could come for a private tour. Thanks to his inquiry, I had the honor to examine the original Lewis and Clark journals – a surreal experience for someone interested in history! When Al inquired about the programming for our Centennial year, this experience stuck out – like….how on earth will I ever live up to that experience?
Al served as our club President from 2015-16. Thanks to his leadership, our club received a Presidential Citation for Giving to the Rotary Foundation that year. Al was committed to making sure our club was not only visible in our local community but also active with Rotary International. Al invited me to tour Keystone Opportunity Center in 2016. He was very interested in learning about the many services Keystone provides, but in particular about Citizenship and ESL classes.
In 2016, Al convinced me, Suzi Berry and Karla Myers to attend the Million Dollar Journey Celebration and meet Rotary International President K. R. (Ravi) Ravindran. We eventually decided to attend, as we weren’t quite sure what we were getting in to. Al of course was beyond thrilled that we decided to attend and introduced us with much pride to the other Rotary dignitaries at the event. He had a way of always finding a way to introduce you with a link to how you were serving with the club. Al was a member of the Paul Harris Society and reached major donor level in 2021.
His passion for youth programs started as a student himself attending the Rotary leadership camp, Camp Neidig. Al was able to rally other Rotary members in our club and in our district to achieve four great things for students in our community:
1. Reengagement of the Interact Club at Souderton Area High School (SAHS). This club had diminished, and Al felt it needed to be restarted. It has now blossomed into the largest service club at the high school.
2. Souderton-Telford Rotary Scholarships. Our club had one scholarship, but Al felt we needed to give scholarships to high school students pursuing careers in STEM. Our club now commits to providing scholarships to students at SAHS and Dock Mennonite Academy.
3. Al encouraged our club’s re-engagement in the annual Four-Way Test Speech Contest and became the district coordinator. He enjoyed encouraging the students and discussing their topics with them….AFTER the competition of course! (Al is observing to make sure John Heidgerd is following the strict protocol!)
4. Development of the Rotary District 7430 STEM YEA. This 4-Day 3-Night Residential Academy for Middle School Students is a gateway to introducing future career opportunities in STEM – a field Al was very passionate about.
When he wasn’t traveling, you could always count on Al to attend any event our club was participating in. From dipping ice cream to bowling to even participating in a version of “The Amazing Race” – he was in it to win it and guess what, he usually did!
One could also always count on Al to attend Rotary District Events. His enthusiasm for Rotary was never-ending.
In addition to the leadership skills and enthusiasm he brought to our club, he also convinced his wife Nancy to attend many events. They were a match that complimented each other perfectly.
One of his last Rotary projects was the leadership he provided for the Beer Fest. Held for the first time this past summer, Al saw this as a way to promote Rotary in our community, and to also support our ST Rotary Foundation. It was a huge success thanks to the many hands that were committed to the vision the committee set forth for the event.
I am betting Al would love his legacy to inspire you to become more engaged with our club. Our club was very important to him. Al’s spirit will live on in the many projects and friendships he helped developed while a member of Rotary. Thank you for helping me continue those projects and develop new members into our 100th year. Thank you Al Engel for being a member of the Souderton-Telford Rotary Club.
In Rotary,
Sarah Bergin, President-Elect
CLICK HERE to make a financial contribution in memory of Al Engel, or mail your check made out to the “Souderton Telford Rotary Foundation” ST Rotary Club, PO Box 135, Souderton PA 18964
CLICK HERE to read Al's obituary.
