Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In more than 160 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs.

Rotary Club of South Austin was formed on February 8, 1958. The Charter Presentation Banquet was held at the Driskell Hotel. The club began with twenty-three charter members. In 1967, the Rotary Club of South Austin hosted the District Conference for the first time. Arthur Kasper was District Governor, Carl Lind was President of the club and Earl Curry and Davis Hill served as Conference Co-Chairs. Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community's business and professional men and women.

The world's Rotary clubs meet weekly and are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.