Manawa man recognized by Lions Clubs
By Jane Myhra
Wayne Heiman, of Manawa, was awarded the Lions International President’s Medal.
This is the second highest honor from Lions Clubs International.
LCI President Dr. Jitsuhiro Yamada, of Japan, selected Heiman for the award, which was presented at the 2016 Wisconsin Lions Convention held May 19-21 in Appleton.
Although he had served on the 2005-07 LCI board of directors with Yamada, receiving special recognition was a surprise to Heiman.
“I was honored to receive the award from Dr. Yamada via International Director Karla Harris,” he said. “I served on the LCI board and continue to work with Lions International so we can do all the good that we Lions do around the world.”
Only three words are printed on the gold pin – dignity, harmony, humanity.
As she presented the award, Harris read Yamada’s message to Heiman:
“The International President’s Award is an expression of our appreciation for your dedicated service to those in need. Your hard work and compassion serve as an example to the Lions, your community and the world around you. It is encouraging to know that Lions like you work together to foster peace and harmony, giving hope to all people, and giving others opportunity to live with dignity.
“Along with this award, I would like to express my personal gratitude for your efforts and accomplishments. I know you will continue to enrich the lives of your fellow club members and others and to provide even greater humanitarian service.”
Heiman joined the Manawa Lions Club in 1986 and continues to be an active member. In 2005, he was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs.
Past International Director Heiman has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair, zone chair, district membership chair, district LCIF chair, district governor, multiple district membership chair and multiple district council chair.
Additionally he has served on the International Convention Elections Committee, as moderator at two USA/Canada forums, as a co-presenter at a USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum, plus presenting at numerous meetings and conventions and in multiple positions at the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, including director.
In recognition of his service to the association, Heiman has received numerous awards, including the Club President’s Excellence Award, the District Governor’s Award, the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation and the International President’s Leadership Award. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.
In addition to his Lions activities, Heiman is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Waupaca Area Toastmasters, the Society for Human Resource Management and the Manawa Zoning Board of Appeals. In the past he was a Manawa City council alderman and chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee. He was previously a member of the Marion Jaycees.
His wife, Cheryl, is also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow.