Pat Cross, Dennis Sanders inducted into district-level Rotary Hall of Fame
MADISON – Pat Cross and Dennis Sanders have been inducted into the prestigious Rotary Hall of Fame for District 6860. They are members of Rotary Club of Madison.
Rotary Hall of Fame is the highest recognition by the district and recognizes significant contributions and leadership of Rotarians who were, or are, club members within District 6860, covering the north half of Alabama.
Recipients have been past District Governor, past club president or a member with exceptional service at club, regional, district, zone or Rotary International level, Cross said.
For Hall of Fame, Rotarians had two objectives: to honor members who were instrumental when the North Alabama District was formed and to recognize achievements of Rotarians with multi-level service, Sanders said.
Cross lives by Rotary’s motto: “Service Above Self.” “I strive to help others, to make their life more comfortable, meaningful and healthy at home and around the world. The pair of athletic shoes that I donate to a ‘Shoes for Souls’ project here helps a child in Africa,” Cross said. “’Rise Against Hunger’ meals provide hope to people in underserved areas.”
“These actions bring smiles to my face and warm my heart to know I’m helping, in small ways, people I’ll never meet, but their life is improved,” Cross said.
According to Sanders, the joke in the district contends the only time you can say “no” is when you’re asked to join Rotary. “From then on, you’re fair game. I enjoy serving the community and the smiles we always get back warm my heart.”
“Madison Rotary is a very active club,” Sanders said. “I get to participate in various community service opportunities like Christmas events, Thanksgiving baskets for needy families and Adopt-A-Spot cleanup, to name a few. As Public Image Director, I get to brag about my club and highlight achievements of fellow members.”
Sanders was an inaugural inductee to Rotary Hall of Fame in 2025. “I was humbled to receive this award last year. I feel there are many that are more deserving than I, but I appreciate the honor,” Sanders said.
Sanders retired from a career in commercial and defense software development. Now a Hampton Cove resident, he joined Rotary in 2005.
By his second year in Madison Rotary, Sanders began a two-year term as co-chair of Parrots of the Caribbean annual fundraiser. He has served as Community Services Director. Since 2007, Sanders has participated in 20 service trips to Choluteca, Honduras. He is a past Club President and Club Foundation President.
Sanders served as District 6860 Membership Chair, currently with District Grants Committee and numerous consecutive terms as District Communications Officer. He coded a grant app for clubs to use and collaborates with Mid-South President-Elect Training Seminar.
Sanders’ awards include 2013 Rotarian of the Year, 2016 District Outstanding Leadership Award, 2022 District Vocational Service Award and 2024 Thomas L. Milford Jr. Service Above Self Award. Sanders serves on International Club Visioneering Committee and completes training in districts worldwide.
Cross emphasized Rotary’s involvement in the community. “Service opportunities range from a Mardi Gras Celebration for Madison Senior Center; scholarships and ethics training for students at KTECH; sponsorship of Interact Clubs at local high schools; honoring a police, fire and city employee annually; to name a few,” Cross said.
“Rotary is my passion and serving others through it provides me great personal satisfaction. I’m honored and humbled to receive the Hall of Fame Award,” Cross said. “Many Rotarians have gone before me, and I stand on their shoulders for their example and lessons I’ve learned from them that make me the individual I am today.”
Cross has been a member of two Rotary Clubs. In Hamilton County, Illinois, from 1994-2001, she served as president. After moving to Madison, she quickly joined the Madison Rotarians.
In Madison, Cross’ achievements have included club president; Rotarian of the Year, 2004-2005; and Four Avenues of Service Award, 2009-2010. For district-level service, she served as Assistant Governor, Assistant Governor Coordinator, Past District Governor, Membership Chair, Secretary, District Trainer, event chair and committee positions.
Cross was instrumental in forming a Rotary Youth Leadership Award program for District 6860. She holds membership in Paul Harris Society. Her husband, Roger, is a Paul Harris Fellow. In 2015, Pat and Roger received Rotary’s Major Donor Award. In 2011, Cross received the prestigious Thomas L. Milford Jr. Service Above Self Award.
Cross participates in guilds for Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and Madison Hospital. She graduated from Huntsville- Madison County Leadership and Masters’ Class 2 and is a day leader in Masters’ Classes 4-7.
For more information, visit madisonalrotary. org.
