Clifford L. Dochterman, a past Rotary International president and university administrator, died on 23 November 2021. He was 95.

Dochterman, who was known for his lively sense of humor, ready smile, and positive outlook on life, served as RI president in 1992-93. An accomplished public speaker, he was recognized around the world as one of the premier spokespersons for Rotary.

Dochterman retired in 1990 after more than 40 years in higher education administration, including 20 years at the University of California, Berkeley, and almost two decades as executive vice president of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, USA.

At the University of the Pacific, Dochterman was instrumental in getting funding for new campus buildings and in establishing the development office and the school’s Community Involvement Program, which supports first-generation students. When he retired, his colleagues and friends created an endowment in his name.

Dochterman was active in civic and professional organizations throughout his life. He served as president of the Stockton Chamber of Commerce and chair of the San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation Commission, and he received the George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, a U.S. organization that encourages civic engagement. Dochterman also authored two Rotary-related books: a compilation of columns he originally wrote for his club’s bulletin called “The ABCs of Rotary,” and “As I Was Saying,” a collection of his favorite speeches.

Dochterman, a member of the Rotary Club of Moraga, California, joined Rotary in 1958. In addition to his term as president, he served as RI vice president and as Rotary Foundation trustee and trustee chair. He served on or chaired a number of committees and was chair of the 2001 Council on Legislation.

He was one of the architects of Rotary’s Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) program and was recognized for his leadership in creating the PolioPlus program.

Clifford and Mary Elena Dochterman were Rotary Foundation Major Donors and Benefactors. He received The Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service, Distinguished Service Award, PolioPlus Pioneer Award, and Service Award for a Polio-Free World.

Dochterman was married to Dorothy Coset from 1954 until her death in 1987. In 1994, he married Mary Elena Washburn, who died in 2013. He is survived by two children, Claudia and Clifford Jr.; two stepdaughters, Elena and Karen; and six grandchildren.

Donations to The Rotary Foundation in memory of Clifford Dochterman can be made on the Donate page of Rotary.org. To make a memorial gift, check “I would like to make this donation in honor or in memory of someone” and enter the information you’re asked for. To tell the family about your donation, use emennuti@comcast.net as the email address for notification.