Honorable Mentions

Lions Club International has had many notable individuals involved in its ranks over the years, ranging from political figures to business leaders and humanitarians. Some of the most significant include:

Melvin Jones

Role: Founder of Lions Clubs International
Contribution: Melvin Jones, a Chicago businessman, founded the Lions Clubs International in 1917. His vision was to create an organization that would focus on serving the community and improving the lives of people in need. His leadership and ideals continue to shape the club's worldwide mission.

W. P. Woods

Role: First International President
Contribution: W. P. Woods was from Indiana and was the founder of the International Association of Lions Clubs, now LCI, in 1916. He served as the first International President from 1917-18.

Helen Keller

Role: First Honorary Member
Contribution: In 1925, Helen Keller, the renowned blind and deaf activist, addressed the Lions Clubs International Convention and challenged Lions members to be "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." This pivotal moment led to the Lions' strong emphasis on sight preservation and blindness prevention.

President Jimmy Carter

Role: Past U.S. President
Contribution: President Carter was a zone chairperson, district governor and chairperson of the Council of Governors in Georgia. After his presidency, him and his wife founded the Carter Centre. In 1994 the Carter Centre partnered with LCIF's SightFirst program to focus on two blinding diseases: trachoma and river blindness. Though President Carter is no longer with us, the Carter Centre is among the most important and long-lasting relationship enjoyed by SightFirst and LCIF.

Gudrun Yngvadottir

Role: First Female International President
Contribution: Gudrun Yngvadottir made history in 2018 as the first female to serve as International President. Her election was a landmark moment that helped to focus on diversity and empowering women to take leadership roles.

Douglas X. Alexander

Role: First African American International President
Contribution: Douglas Alexander made history in 2021 as the first African American to serve as International President. His leadership has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the organization.

These figures represent just a small fraction of those who have contributed to the organization's remarkable global reach. The Lions Clubs, with their commitment to service, have been home to a wide array of people who have worked tirelessly for the betterment of their communities.

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