Methodist College Welcomes Lions Club to Campus

Methodist College hosted the first meeting of a new service organization. We welcomed members of a new branch of Lions Club, the world’s largest service club organization. The new organization is the Grand Prairie Champion Lions Club Branch with the Peoria Heights Suburban Lions Club serving as the parent club. This new branch of the Lions Club was initiated by faculty and staff of Methodist College but the group is open to the public. Methodist College students are also encouraged to join the organization and participate in service projects.

The first meeting was held at Methodist College with attendees from the parent club and Lions Club district representatives in attendance to show their support of the new branch. Members of the Grand Prairie branch selected the inaugural officers: Michelle Nielsen Ott, President; Dr. Staci Wolfe, Secretary; and Dr. Lirim Neziroski, Treasurer. At an upcoming meeting branch members will determine service projects, which may include community events such as highway cleanup, The Salvation Army holiday bell ringing campaign, and collecting eye glasses.

(Pictured in the photo L-R: Robert Green, Peoria Heights Lions Club Treasurer; Ray Parrish, District Governor
Bill Jeffries, Peoria Heights Lion’s Club President; Sara Kimble; Dr. Pam Ferguson; Dr. Deb Stark; Meredith Garrison, Parent Club; Dr. Lirim Neziroski; Michelle Nielsen Ott; Dr. Eileen Setti; Barry Soffietti; Tom Garrison
Bob Schlink, Parent Club; Dr. Deborah Garrison, Parent Club)

Lions Club International is a global leader in community and humanitarian service with a mission to serve communities. The Lions service areas include vision, hunger relief, environment, pediatric cancer, and diabetes. The new organization is aligned with the Methodist College mission of civic engagement, community service and meeting the healthcare needs of the diverse population we serve.

If you are interested in joining the Grand Prairie Champion Lions Club Branch, meetings will be in the Grand Prairie area with specific meeting details to be determined at an upcoming meeting. Anyone over 18 years and interested in serving the community are encouraged to attend a meeting. To join the club, you must pay dues and should participate in club service and meetings. Members of the Grand Prairie Champion Loins Club Branch are also full members of the parent club, Peoria Heights Suburban Lions Club. Members of the branch may attend meetings and service projects with the parent club. For more information or to join the organization contact Michelle Nielsen Ott at mnielsenott@methodistcol.edu or (309) 672-4937.