Stan Soderstrom receiving praise and official honors

Heading into retirement, Kiwanis International’s executive director is being recognized for his work and service. 

By Tony Knoderer 

Kiwanis International Executive Director Stan Soderstrom has received multiple state and local honors in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. — home of the Kiwanis International Office — as he approaches his January 31 retirement from the organization.  

During a dinner in his honor last week, Soderstrom’s current and former colleagues on the Kiwanis staff informed him that he had been awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash — the highest honor for Indiana citizens. 

In addition, January 31 has been proclaimed “Stan Soderstrom Day” in Indianapolis by the city’s mayor, Joe Hogsett. In its own recognition of Soderstrom’s work and service, the Indianapolis City-County Council praised Soderstrom for “lifelong service to others and empowering youth worldwide.” 

Throughout the day on January 31, Kiwanis leaders and staff members have also been sharing their professional and personal appreciation of Soderstrom, who has been Kiwanis International’s executive director since 2010 — after joining Kiwanis International’s staff in 1997. 

“Stan’s dedication to serving the children of the world has been an inspiration for more than two decades,” says 2023-24 Kiwanis International President Katrina Baranko. “While he’s retiring from his role as executive director, Stan will always be an important member of the Kiwanis family. I speak for all Kiwanis members and staff when I wish him a happy retirement.”