08/27/2026
Today, San Diego Rotary Club announced the honorees of the 72nd annual Mr./Mrs./Ms. San Diego awards program. Ted Martinez Jr., Ph.D. and Lidia S Martinez will receive the honors.
For decades, the Downtown San Diego residents have opened doors for others, cultivated future leaders, and brought people and organizations together to create lasting community impact. Their work reflects a shared belief that the greatest measure of success is not individual achievement, but helping others succeed.
“Lidia and Ted truly exemplify Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self. Their volunteer and community work, leadership through action, and wonderful sense of humor make them the perfect couple for this Life Achievement Award,” said Patti Roscoe, an accomplished entrepreneur, a past president of San Diego Rotary Club (2003-2004), and recipient of the Mr./Mrs./Ms. San Diego Award.
Mr./Mrs./Ms. San Diego Awards program celebrates notable San Diegans
The Mr./Ms./Mrs. San Diego Award is the most prestigious award granted to a San Diegan. This longstanding San Diego tradition dates back to 1952, when it was established by the Grant Club, and has been with the San Diego Rotary Club since 1976. To be nominated and qualify as a recipient, you should be a living person, not currently in government elective office, who has contributed outstanding community betterment to the San Diego region in a variety of ways, through his/her efforts over a long period of time. The Mr./Ms./Mrs. San Diego Award is not a fundraising tool or sponsorship; it solely exists to recognize a worthy recipient who has made a significant improvement to San Diego.
Award recipients are now chosen by the San Diego Rotary Club’s past presidents, who are more closely involved in the community and those making the largest impact, through a voting process after reviewing all qualified nominations.
