IP Mark Lyon Announces Int’l BOD Recommendation for Third Vice President in 2027
Dear Lion Leaders,
Certified and endorsed international third vice president candidates are interviewed, evaluated and considered for a recommendation by the International Board of Directors based on their knowledge of the association, understanding of the role of international president, support of LCIF, and their demonstrated leadership in the association and alignment with the association’s mission.
The board met earlier this week, and I am pleased to announce that the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors recommends Past International Director Vijay Kumar Raju from Multiple District 316 (India) as international third vice president for election at the 2027 Lions International Convention in Washington D.C., USA.
The international board was incredibly impressed with the dedication, vision and service of Past International Director Raju, including his recent role as a member of the LCIF Board of Trustees.
Past International Director Raju has also served as chairperson of the Membership Development Committee, Centennial Action Committee member, GAT area leader, Lions Clubs International Strategic Planning Committee member, LCIF constitutional area chairperson, and has served on a number of other local and international committees, all advancing the association’s mission and goals over his 30 years as a Lion.
Past International Director Raju works in the education field as a senior executive with a focus on governance, strategic direction and advisory leadership. In addition to his long-standing history of service to our association and foundation, he has been actively engaged with a wide range of civic, cultural and professional organizations, reflecting his commitment to both industry and community.
The 2027-2028 third vice president will be elected by certified delegates at the Lions International Convention in Washington, D.C., July 2-6, 2027.
Past International Director Raju is an exceptional leader and a long-serving Lion, making him the ideal choice to lead our great association forward.
On behalf of the international board, I would like to thank you for your support and your service.
In friendship and service,
Mark S. Lyon
International President
By PID Ben ApelandTo The Lions of Montana District 37 and Alberta MD-C
It is with heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of PDG Steve Hadnagy on August 1, 2026. Lion Steve was a great Lion who was instrumental in shaping District 37 and Multiple District C into what we are today. He was a true friend, a mentor, and a leader in our world of service. Just knowing Lion Steve brings back memories of his personality and his dedication to the causes he believed in.
Lion Steve was a long time member of the Butte Mile High Club along with dedicated support of the Anaconda and Deer Lodge Clubs. During the Lions year 2002-2003 Lion Steve served on the MD 37 Council of Governors representing District D along with Shirley Dillman from District A, Ken Pickett from District B, Gail Witherspoon from District C, Dennis Stevenson from District E, Allan Reed from District F and Betty Ann Robson from District G. Now Lion Past International President Dr. Patti Hill served as Council Chair during the Lions year 2002-2003.
A memorial service is planned for Friday August 28th at the Wayryen-Richards Funeral Home, 1800 Florence Ave. in Butte at 1 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lion Steve’s name may be made to the Lions Club in care of the Funeral Home. Here is the link the funeral home and the official obituary.
https://www.wayrynen-richards.com/obituaries/steven-hadnagy/#!/Obituary
Respectfully submitted,
Lion Ben Apeland
A Special Memory from IPDG Corinna Christensen
Thank you for sharing this sad news and for honoring the remarkable service of PDG Steve Hadnagy.
I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to meet Lion Steve during a visit to the Butte Lions Club in May of 2025, when I was serving as First Vice District Governor. Although he had become less active in his later years, Steve made a special effort to attend that meeting. He came not only to visit with me, but also to be there for a very memorable occasion—the induction of an incredible six new Lions into the Butte Lions Club.
It was clear that evening how deeply Lion Steve cared about Lions and about seeing the organization continue to grow and serve. Watching a longtime Lion and Past District Governor be present to welcome six new members into our Lions family was especially meaningful. It was one of those evenings that reminded me of the legacy our longtime Lions leave behind and the responsibility we have to carry their dedication to service forward.
I only had the privilege of knowing Lion Steve for a short time, but that evening made a lasting impression on me. I feel truly blessed to have shared it with him.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Lion Steve’s family, his fellow Lions in Butte, Anaconda and Deer Lodge, and all of the Lions throughout Montana and Alberta whose lives were touched by his friendship, leadership and service.
Rest well, Lion Steve. Your legacy of service lives on.
In Lionism, IPDG Corinna
Lion Steve was a Lion for the ages. Spoke his mind and listened. Rest in peace.
PDG Richard Gessling