JOHN MATSUSHIMA - Rotary Lifetime Service Award - 2015

Posted

on Apr 15, 2015

JOHN MATSUSHIMA was born to Japanese immigrant parents near Lafayette CO on December 24, 1920. He earned a PhD in Animal Nutrition and Biochemistry at University of Minnesota in 1949. He was a professor and researcher at the University of Nebraska from 1949 until 1964 when he came back to CSU...

John’s research discovered that a process of Steam Flaking greatly increased weight gain efficiency in feedlots. This led to his traveling throughout North America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe. He has been honored at the National Stock Show with the “Citizen of the West Award. In 2009 the Emperor of Japan brought him to Japan to receive a gold Medallion for his contribution to the Japanese beef industry. Always humble, John contributes much of his success to his family. His wife of 56 years died of cancer in 2011. His son Bob and daughter Nancy live in the Denver area.

He was sponsored for membership to the Rotary Club of Lincoln but could not accept because he was transferring to CSU. He was unable to become a member of the RCFC until 5 years later because of Classification quotas for CSU faculty.

Since joining Rotary February 19, 1969 he has 100% attendance since becoming a Rotarian 46 years ago. He did this by doing Make-up meeting as he traveled through tour the World. He has 130 banners from clubs that he has visited.

Award Presentation for John Matshshima

John has served as Chairman of every RCFC committee except the newly formed STEM committee. As Chair of the Social committee, he started the Matsushima Steak Fry which he continues to present. He served as president Rotary Year 1981-82 Since 2003 John has been compiling the history of the Rotary Club of Fort Collins. He is writing a book to be published in 1918 when our club will celebrate his which will celebrate its 100th anniversary.