Standing at the podium in front of the Dowagiac Rotary Club, Cass County Sheriff Joseph Underwood recalled a pivotal moment in the life of fellow Rotarian Robert Wagel.

During the 2000-2001 school year, Wagel was faced with a decision on whether or not he should hang up his hat after 28 years in education. After serving as a high school guidance counselor and as a political science, history and bee-keeping instructor at Southwestern Michigan College, he wasn’t sure step he should take next.

“Retire is a word Bob Wagel does not understand,” Underwood said. “He just moved from the field of education into world of county government, which was probably equal to if not surpassing his work in education.”

Wagel was one of two people honored by the Rotary club on Thursday during its annual Paul Harris Fellow Award ceremony. The award, named after the original founder of the service organization, is presented to individuals, both in the club and outside, who exemplify their core tenet of “Service Above Self.”

The Dowagiac club handed its 109th and 110th Paul Harris Fellow Awards in its history on Thursday, said host Dick Judd.

“Our first award was presented to Graham Woodhouse in 1977, and our club presented at least one every year since,” Judd said.

Underwood said Wagel, a former president of the Dowagiac Rotary Club, has served on the Cass County Board of Commissioners for two decades, seven of which as chair.

“He strives to make sure the board of commissioners is doing all it can to serve the residents of Cass County,” he said. “He is also serving as chair of the board of public works, chair of the Woodlands Mental Health Board and chair of the Tri-County Head Start Board.”

In addition to his work with the county, Wagel also volunteers with the Red Cross, and is a member of the American Legion and the local Masonry Lodge.

Also honored on Thursday was Tom Carlson, a member of the Lee Memorial Foundation. Carlson is one of the founders of the upcoming Wine and Beer Tasting event, one of the two main fundraising events the foundation hosts for Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital every year.

During his introduction, Judd highlighted the contributions that the local Rotary club has made toward various Rotary International causes, including supporting its Polio Plus program dedicated to the eradication of the disease throughout the globe.

“Dowagiac Rotary Club has played a significant role in the Rotary Foundation’s growth,” Judd said. “Our award today will raise our total contributions to $173,504, as of our last report. That is a pretty good effort coming from a small but vibrant community of 5,700 people located in southwestern Michigan.”

The club also inducted two former members on Thursday, Chuck and Ann Ringland.

Next week, president-elect Matt Cripe will officially take over leadership of the club from current president Victor Fitz. They also plan on inducting two new members during the meeting.