Larry Lunsford (’81, ’83) has been selected Rotary International’s president for 2027-2028. Larry’s track record of service and involvement has deep roots. As a student, Larry played both varsity basketball and baseball. Additionally, he held multiple leadership roles as a student, including Vice President of Student Senate, President of Delta Sigma Pi and a member of the Student Activities Board, Accounting Club and the Residence Hall Association. He continued his involvement with his alma mater after graduation, serving as the first president of the Alumni Board and also serving on the Foundation Board. Additionally, he received Truman’s Distinguished Service Award in 2003.
Larry’s long involvement with the Rotary includes receiving a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship. In 1982 he spent an academic year at the University of Newcastle, Australia as a beneficiary of the Rotary Foundation. This immersion began a 42-year journey in leadership with Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation – a journey that includes 21 International Conventions, service as Governor, Director and Trustee.
Larry enjoys the opportunity to connect with his community and has always enjoyed making connections through public speaking. One speaking engagement in 1983 gave him the opportunity to connect with Jill Griffin, an audience member who introduced herself after a speech on leadership he gave on a college campus. Jill is now his wife of nearly 40 years, and they share two grown children and one grandchild. In addition to his service to Rotary International, Larry is active in his community through events such as Kansas City Spirit Festival, the Epilepsy Foundation for the Heart of America and the Variety Club. His advice to students is consistent with his passion for getting involved: “Don’t stand on the sidelines; be an active participant in the game.”