Past District Governor, Joan Arsenault has received one of Rotary International’s highest recognitions, the Service Above Self Award. This distinction is reserved for those who exemplify the very heart of Rotary: a selfless commitment to helping others, not for recognition, but because it is the right thing to do.The Service Above Self Award is an internationally competitive award, granted by Rotary International Directors to up to 150 Rotarians per year out of more than 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide. This recognition is reserved for those who embody the very essence of Rotary—individuals whose dedication, generosity, and compassion make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Joan has consistently gone beyond expectations, someone who leads with compassion, gives generously of their time and talents, and inspires others through her passion for The Rotary Foundation.
PDG Joan Arsenault was honored by this award at the District 7930’s Annual Officers’ Installation on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Joan’s heartfelt commitment to The Rotary Foundation reflects not only her belief in doing good in the world, but her unwavering dedication to making that good possible. Through her leadership, advocacy, and generosity, she has inspired others to give, to serve, and to believe in the power of Rotary to create meaningful change.
Her impact is both meaningful and historic. Joan played a pivotal role in bringing the first environmental Global Grant into the United States and into our district—an achievement that not only advanced Rotary’s growing focus on environmental sustainability but also opened the door for future projects that protect and preserve our world for generations to come.
Highlights of grant service projects over the years include working with Home Base to provide much needed supplies for their Intensive Clinical Program for Veterans’ Mental Health, expanding a mobile food truck by increasing a local farm’s food production, leading the district in purchasing a service dog for a veteran and as District Governor during COVID, ensuring personal protective equipment reached first responders when it was needed most. She is currently working with on a global grant with Home Base to support a neurodivergent program for Veterans and their families and working with the Rotary Club of Kikuyu in Kenya to clean up the Nairobi Dam, located on the edge of one of the largest and most impoverished slums in the world
Joan’s work has helped strengthen the Foundation’s mission and extend its reach, impacting communities both near and far. Yet, what stands out most is the spirit in which she serves—with humility, sincerity, and a deep sense of purpose.
District 7930 thanks Joan for her outstanding service and for being a shining example of what it means to be a Rotarian. Congratulations, PDG Joan!