“Lions Clubs International has earned the distinction of being the greatest service club organization in the world. Everywhere we go, the Lions emblem is seen as a symbol of commitment to improve the quality of life for all people. We wear our emblem on our lapel because it is near the heart. Indeed, to be a Lion is to serve with a heartfelt commitment—a Passion To Excel,” stated Dr. Ashok Mehta, in his inaugural address on Friday after being installed as the association’s international president.

“Lions,” he continued, “our passion to excel is nourished by our passion to serve freely and generously to help others, to perform by turning dreams into real achievements, to grow and share our opportunities with other service-minded people, to promote the principles we believe in and live by and, finally, by our passion to lead with confidence and humility, knowing that we gain so much for ourselves by making life better for someone else. These are the passions of a Lion. These are my passions. As we embark on a new year of excellence, may they be your passions as well.”

The third plenary session began with the reading of the Resolutions by Committee Chairperson Past International Director Vuthi Boonnikornvoravith. This was followed by the presentation of the 2005 Humanitarian Award, the highest recognition Lions Clubs International has to offer. The honoree, Dr. Arnall Patz, was unable to attend due to an accident, but the award was accepted on his behalf by Past District Governor and Board Appointee Robert B. Muchow. In bestowing the honor, President Kusiak said, “Dr. Patz is among the world’s most distinguished ophthalmologists and is a former director of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University. There, he founded the Retinal Vascular Center and was a pioneer in the management and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. When only 32 years of age, he made his first important scientific contribution, proving that the practice of giving high levels of oxygen to premature infants caused blindness. For this discovery, he was given the prestigious Albert Lasker Medical Research Award which he received personally from Helen Keller. He also made important discoveries about diseases caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye and helped to develop one of the first lasers used to treat eye disease. 

President Kusiak then presented a check from LCIF in the amount of $200,000, designated to support the Multiple District 22 Lions Vision and Rehabilitation Center at the Wilmer Eye Institute.

In his farewell, outgoing International President Kusiak said that as president, “I came to understand first-hand what Lions are capable of doing, both locally and worldwide. The experience has given me added incentive to become still further involved in service activities. Thank you, thank you so very much for making this possible. Thank you for sharing your ideals, your energy and your commitment to the We Serve imperative. I will never forget all that you accomplished in making this year such a magnificent success. Yes, you did Share Success Through Service.”

Following the installation of 2005-2006 International President Mehta and his stirring inaugural address, Past International President Joseph L. Wroblewski, the association’s liaison to the United Nations, presented the U.N. flag to President Mehta which will be displayed in his office at International Headquarters. “Our partnership with the United Nations,” observed Past President Wroblewski, “reflects the highest ideals of service and the commitment of both our association and the U.N. with a true passion to excel in answering the needs of humanity.”

Past International Director Eberhard Wirfs, chairperson of the Elections Committee, presented the final report of the committee, after which President Mehta introduced the newly elected international directors and incoming Second Vice President Mahendra Amarasuriya. A total of 3,245 delegates voted earlier that morning and, in addition to electing new officers, passed the five proposed amendments to the International Constitution and By-Laws.

The final order of business was the administration of the oath of office to the 2005-2006 District Governors. “Last week I was honored to join in working with a group of Lions who this year will occupy the most important posts in this association—those of district governors,” said President Mehta. “It will be their responsibility to promote the objectives of our international program and to demonstrate why it is necessary for all Lions to recognize the importance of taking to heart our theme, Passion to Excel.”

President Mehta then thanked the Host Committee and International Convention Board Committee for their work in making the 88th International Convention a success and, in adjourning the convention, looked forward to the 2006 International Convention.

Read more about the convention:
2005 International Convention: Sharing Our Success in Hong Kong
The Launching of Campaign SightFirst II
Celebrating Global Fellowship: The Big Parade
The International Contest
Academy Awards: An Evening of Stars