The Kiwanis Legacy

The Kiwanis Legacy focuses on the history of Kiwanis International, starting in the year 1914, and ending in 2010.

The Kiwanis Legacy focuses on the history of Kiwanis International, starting in the year 1914, and ending in 2010. The narrative unfolds by decade. It provides world history overviews to clarify the socio-cultural context in which Kiwanis developed. It notes the important details of the organization’s evolution as driven by Kiwanians, from convention delegates to board members. It shares the colorful viewpoints of Kiwanis scribe Roe Fulkerson. And it tours the pages of Kiwanis magazines, recounting the varied projects of hundreds of Kiwanis clubs. In addition, chapters contain sidebar snapshots of Kiwanis International presidents, a running total of the organization’s membership numbers, lists of Kiwanis International conventions and short stories of special interest.

Chuck Jonak, a native of Chicago, served as the executive editor/managing editor of Kiwanis magazine from 1984 to 2002, earning him the distinction of holding that position longer than any of the magazine’s previous 14 professional editors. In 1990, he gained the additional title of director of publications. Jonak first joined Kiwanis International staff at the general office at 101 East Erie Street, Chicago, in 1981 as an assistant editor, moving to Indianapolis with the organization in 1982. Previously, he worked for two suburban Chicago newspapers, having received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. He also taught classes as journalism instructor at Indiana University/Purdue University-Indianapolis Indianapolis and at Kishwaukee Community College in Malta, Illinois.