Stephen Glass of Bridgeport has served as a member of The Lions Club for more than 30 years. This summer, he was elected as the director of The International Association of Lions Clubs.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Stephen Glass of Bridgeport has served as a member of The Lions Club for more than 30 years. This summer, he was elected as the director of The International Association of Lions Clubs.
"Lionism defined my adult life. It's been a tremendous reward for me and my family to be able to serve people. That's our motto - we serve," he said.
Glass is an attorney and retired FBI management and program analyst. He has held many offices within The Lions Club, including as club president in Clarksburg, zone chairman, district governor and Certified Guiding Lion.
He has received numerous awards for his service, including the Presidential Excellence Award, the Grand Master Key and the International President's Leadership medal.
He has also chaired the West Virginia State Convention and presented at several West Virginia Lions Leadership Schools.
Since receiving his newest and most prestigious title within the group after traveling to the international convention in Busan, Korea, this summer, Glass has expanded his services more than ever.
If he's not stopping by his area library to read to children, he's making sure members of his community have access to eyeglasses, hearing aids and other necessities.
"Historically, Lions Clubs were organized with the main focus on sight projects. We still do that, but we've really branched out. We assist at-risk citizens, the elderly and children," he said. "We will take up any need in our community, or at least try our best with the resources we have."
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Stephen Glass of Bridgeport has served as a member of The Lions Club for more than 30 years. This summer, he was elected as the director of The International Association of Lions Clubs.
"Lionism defined my adult life. It's been a tremendous reward for me and my family to be able to serve people. That's our motto - we serve," he said.
Glass is an attorney and retired FBI management and program analyst. He has held many offices within The Lions Club, including as club president in Clarksburg, zone chairman, district governor and Certified Guiding Lion.
He has received numerous awards for his service, including the Presidential Excellence Award, the Grand Master Key and the International President's Leadership medal.
He has also chaired the West Virginia State Convention and presented at several West Virginia Lions Leadership Schools.
Since receiving his newest and most prestigious title within the group after traveling to the international convention in Busan, Korea, this summer, Glass has expanded his services more than ever.
If he's not stopping by his area library to read to children, he's making sure members of his community have access to eyeglasses, hearing aids and other necessities.
"Historically, Lions Clubs were organized with the main focus on sight projects. We still do that, but we've really branched out. We assist at-risk citizens, the elderly and children," he said. "We will take up any need in our community, or at least try our best with the resources we have."
Helping others over the years has been just as fulfilling for Glass as it has been for those in need.
"To see a mother cry tears of happiness and thank us because her child is doing better in school because they can see the assignments on the board, that's amazing," Glass said. "Many situations have happened to me in 31 years that makes this work worthwhile. I get as much from it as they do."
Glass isn't the only Lion in his family, though.
His wife, Cindy, has served as a district governor of the Lions Club and is a Melvin Jones Fellow.
Their daughter, a student at West Virginia University, is the youngest member of the Clarksburg Lions Club.
"Service is in her blood," Glass said of his daughter. "Lionism is in our family for good."
Reach Mackenzie Mays at Mackenzie.m...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5100.
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