It is with a heavy heart we share that Louis Stephens will be retiring from Civitan International.
Louis’s roots with our organization began as a Junior Civitan, as he is our 1975-76 Junior Civitan International President. Perhaps his most notable accomplishment in that role was creating the President’s Challenge Sno-Do held in Canada. It would become a long-time tradition in our history that we all would come to know as Sno-Do.
Over the last four decades on staff, he has held many roles, starting with janitorial and print shop work as a student. He would then work for several years in our Junior Civitan/youth department, where he would cherish putting together several conventions and supporting several boards of directors. Louis would be the staff liaison who facilitated such accomplishments amongst our Juniors as the creation of the Hall of Fame awards as well as revising the Junior Creed to the verses we still repeat today. In 1993, Louis transitioned to the membership department where he supported Civitan clubs from across North America. He would wear hats like Director of Growth and Retention and Vice President of Membership-Leadership over time. He not only spent his time encouraging members to strengthen the organization but he also built clubs himself. In fact – the first club he built is still active. In the last two years, Louis helped the organization audit and start anew with many of our international clubs among many other feats. His work alone to clean up this program is something we will be forever thankful for.
“The one thing I will always respect about Louis is that he holds Civitan close to his heart. Civitan is a part of who he is – and he not only did it for a living but he also is the lifeblood of his personal club and has been for several years,” says Scarlet Thompson, Executive Vice President. He has been seen building ramps, selling fruit cake and conducting mini golf tournaments, all in the name of his community and our organization. He loves us, and we love him.
Happy Retirement Louis. You deserve every bit of it.
Valley District, Past Governor 1995/96
Louis….You will be missed by me and thank you for all your help and concern for Erv during his time as governor, board member, and International President. Enjoy retirement ?
Louis you will always be a great friend. Good luck in your retirement. Always in CIVITAN your friend J B PRICE.
How do you honor a legend? How do replace a person who has made your organization better for 44 years? How do you adequately acknowledge someone who has consistently helped thousands of Civitans do their job better? How do you recognize a man who has loved us with all his might for over four decades?
Every thought I have and everything I might utter is inadequate, so I’ll just say,
“Thank you Louis Stephens for the dedication, creativity, leadership and love you have given to Civitan. You are simply the BEST! Enjoy your retirement.”
Brian Connelly
1978-79 International President
Louts, CONGRATULATIONS on your well deserved retirement. Thank you For all you have done for CIVITAN. You have not only made CIVITAN and your community better, but the world.
Louis-
I am very happy for you but very sorry for us. I have known you since you were a Jr. and have admired and respected all you have done on our behalf as you have progressed through the years. I cannot think of anyone who has truly contributed more to our program and been more responsible for all we are than you. You can truly retire with pride knowing you have made a difference. You will always have my love, admiration, and respect
On behalf of the Clarksville Civitan Club, best wishes as you retire from your many years of great service to Civitan. You were a beacon of light and knowledge to many during your career. On a personal note, I always enjoyed your training classes at convention and will close with “well done sir, well done!”
Louis- Congratulations on your retirement- well deserved! One testament of your commitment to Civitan is being talked about by my mother, Lura Boggs. When we attended the 75th convention in 1992, Mom could not stop talking about this young man making big strides to improve the Juniors and the organization as a whole. She was always impressed by your dedication and love for Civitan. Our organization will not be the same without you but you have laid a strong foundation for us to build upon a better Civitan. Good luck in your future endeavors!