Austin Founder Lions Club upcoming events

Digital Access for People with Disabilities (04/09/2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Digital Access for People with Disabilities

WHEN: Thursday April 9, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Sharron Rush
Introduced by Lion Aimee Ronn

Think about all the ways you rely on the Internet for information, entertainment, and social and civic activities. Then imagine that your access to the Internet was blocked because of design features that did not consider your disability. It could be like a wheelchair user unable to enter a building without a ramp or automatic doors. Come to this talk by Sharron Rush to learn about the issue and how you can help address the barriers. If we raise awareness and work together, we can ensure equal access for everyone, regardless of disability.

About our Speaker:

Sharron Rush is the award winning co-founder and Executive Director of Knowbility, a nonprofit advocacy, consulting, and training company based in Austin, Texas. Since 1998, Sharron has been a leader in raising awareness and skills around the issue of access to technology for people with disabilities. Her work at Knowbility includes policy review, performance analysis, technical consultation, and training development for private and public companies, government agencies, and schools. Her technical expertise, understanding of the barriers faced by people with disabilities, and strong communication and training skills have contributed to her leadership position in the field. Since 2007, she has served as an Invited Expert at the W3C, developing and applying global accessibility standards for their Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). In 2014, she became co-chair of the Education and Outreach Working Group at WAI.

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

News from the Austin-Bergstrom Int'l Airport (04/16/2026)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:45:00 GMT

What's New at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

WHEN: Thursday April 16, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Bryce Bencivengo
Introduced by Lion Robert Watson

Learn about recent and future plans for the Austin Bergstrom International Airport!

About our Speaker:

Bryce Bencivengo works in stakeholder relations for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. He is focused on connecting the business community with the airport and sharing information about the exciting expansion coming to the airport. Before the airport, Bryce was the Director of Public Affairs for the Austin Chamber of Commerce. He also spent a decade in communications for the City of Austin in a variety of posts, including at City Hall. Bryce is a graduate of St. Edward’s University and the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs. Bryce is a self-proclaimed aviation geek who holds his private pilot rating.

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

We Are Blood (04/23/2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:45:00 GMT

We Are Blood

WHEN: Thursday April 23, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Victoria Mendiola
Introduced by Lion Jean McArthur

This presentation will shed light on We Are Blood’s mission and role within the Central Texas community, today and into the future. We’ll discuss types of donations, community blood drives, regional growth and patient needs, and we’ll hear from community members about the impact of We Are Blood on fellow Central Texans. Finally, we’ll share opportunities to get involved with our organization and become a volunteer.

About our Speaker:

Victoria is the director of communications for We Are Blood, where she is proud to inspire Central Texans to donate and make a lifesaving difference for local patients. Hailing for South Dakota, Victoria holds nearly 20 years of experience in the marketing and communications field, with much of her career spent serving nonprofits in the educational and healthcare sectors. She holds a bachelor's degree in mass communication from the University of Mary, is a certified strategic communicator through University of Texas - Austin and has a master’s in strategic communication and innovation from Texas Tech University. As a whole blood donor herself, Victoria is grateful to use her experience to support the We Are Blood mission and the Greater Austin community.

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Dr. Melva K. Wallace - President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University (04/30/2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Dr. Melva K. Wallace - President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University

WHEN: Thursday April 30, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

President Melva K. Wallace
Introduced by Lion John Nyfeler

About our Speaker:

Results, stability, and forward planning define the leadership of Dr. Melva K. Wallace, Seventh President and Chief Executive Officer of Huston-Tillotson University, a nationally ranked private liberal arts historically Black college and university (HBCU) and the first institution of higher education established in Austin, Texas. Her career spans more than 20 years in senior leadership across public and private higher education.

Since she took the helm in 2022, Huston-Tillotson University has advanced measurably in fundraising, enrollment strategy, and academic innovation, including expanded international, graduate, and online offerings. Most notably, Huston-Tillotson secured a historic $150 million philanthropic investment from the Moody Foundation---the largest gift in its history---supporting campus growth, student access, and long-term financial stability. During this period, enrollment grew, and the institution welcomed its largest male first-year class to date, with men representing 55 percent of the cohort. Dr. Wallace is widely regarded for her disciplined financial management and strategic execution.

Prior to her presidency, she held senior executive appointments within the Southern University System, the only HBCU system in the nation. Her service as vice chancellor, interim vice chancellor, and chief of staff included system-level oversight of multiple campuses and complex operations. Earlier academic leadership roles included service at Centenary College of Louisiana, where she contributed to student retention initiatives and now serves on the Board of Trustees.

Nationally, Dr. Wallace is recognized for her perspective on HBCUs and higher education leadership. As a Presidential Leadership Scholar, she studied leadership under former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George H. W. Bush. Her honors include the ATHENA Leadership Award, recognition by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education as a leading minority woman in higher education, and designation as one of Texas' Top 100 Influential Professionals.

Her academic preparation includes degrees from Grambling State University and a Ph.D. from Jackson State University.

She is married to Dr. D. L. Wallace, an educator and pastor engaged in leadership development and community service. You can find her on instagram @mkwth7th for updates on leadership, higher education, and innovation at Huston-Tillotson University and the whole nation.

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Lions Clubs Overviews (05/14/2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Lions Clubs Overviews

WHEN: Thursday May 14, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Woody Mathew
Introduced by Lion Ann Ward

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

All About Austin FC (05/28/2026)

Thu, 28 May 2026 16:45:00 GMT

All About Austin FC

WHEN: Thursday May 28, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Trennis Jones
Introduced by Lion Mac Ragsdale

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Austin Public Libraries (06/11/2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Austin Public Libraries

WHEN: Thursday June 11, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Hanna Terrell
Introduced by Lion John Nyfeler

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Annual Installation of Officers (06/25/2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Annual Installation of Officers

WHEN: Thursday June 25, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Introduced by Lion Mac Ragsdale

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

ArtSpark Texas (07/02/2026)

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:45:00 GMT

ArtSpark Texas

WHEN: Thursday July 2, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Luke Climber
Introduced by Lion Mac Ragsdale

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Independent Identity (07/09/2026)

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Independent Identity

WHEN: Thursday July 9, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Jenna Taylor, M.Ed.
Introduced by Lion Glenda Summers

About our Speaker:

Jenna Taylor is a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the founder of Independent Identity. She earned her Master of Education in Autism and ABA from Texas State University and a B.A. in Special Education from the University of Texas at Austin. Jenna has over a decade of experience teaching and providing services to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities as an ABA provider and high school life skills special education teacher. She is the Past President of the Austin-area special interest group for local BCBAs, ATX ABA. Originally from Southern Colorado, Jenna is a passionate Denver Broncos fan. She enjoys spending time with her new baby boy, Reese, and has two crazy dogs—a Yorkie and a Golden Doodle. In her free time, she loves attending live music events, enjoying Mexican food, listening to True Crime Podcasts and going to the theatre. Jenna is committed to expanding Independent Identity, refining its model for growth at its current location, and eventually bringing its unique ABA-based day program for adults with IDD to communities across Austin and Texas.

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

The University of Austin (07/16/2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:45:00 GMT

The University of Austin

WHEN: Thursday July 16, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

President Carlos Carvalho
Introduced by Lion Jean McArthur

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

The Story of Jack Allen's Kitchen (07/23/2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:45:00 GMT

The Story of Jack Allen's Kitchen

WHEN: Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Jack Gilmour
Introduced by Lion Gaylord Armstrong

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Dr. Matthew Hinsley: The Spirit Economy (08/27/2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:45:00 GMT

The Spirit Economy

WHEN: Thursday August 27, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Dr. Matthew Hinsley, Executive Director of Austin Classical Guitar
Introduced by Lion Jean McArthur

Author and community arts leader Matt Hinsley will speak about his 30 years building performance and education programs through Austin Classical Guitar. He’ll share stories of impact and transformation through music as well as lessons from his forthcoming book, his ninth, entitled The Spirit Economy.

About our Speaker:

Dr. Matthew Hinsley received the 2020 Margaret Perry Award for Excellence in Education, was a 2019 recipient of the National Guild for Community Arts Education Milestone Award for more than twenty years of community service in the arts. He was named Public Citizen of the Year in 2017 by the Texas Statewide Division of the National Association of Social Workers, and was a winner of a 2015 Austin Under 40 award. Hinsley has worked as a community arts organizer in Central Texas since 1996.

As Executive Director of Austin Classical Guitar (ACG), Dr. Hinsley has raised more than ten million dollars in support of broad concert, community engagement, and educational programming, building the nation’s largest classical guitar nonprofit organization. In 2015 he joined the faculty at the University of Texas College of Fine Arts to teach courses in arts entrepreneurship and business management in the arts. In 2021 Hinsley opened ACG’s first concert and creative learning center in central Austin, called The Rosette.

Dr. Hinsley is founder and a lead author of the ACG curriculum and music library that, paired with extensive direct service, has transformed classroom guitar education in public schools across the United States reaching tens of thousands of students. The curriculum, which is now used internationally, is in service in over fifty Austin-area schools including for-credit programs at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, multiple Juvenile Justice centers, forty-five Texas districts, and forty US states.

Dr. Hinsley was trained as a classical guitarist and vocalist at the Interlochen Arts Academy, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and the University of Texas at Austin. He has written eight books including Form & Essence: A Guide to Practicing Truth, Classical Guitar for Young People, Creativity to Community: Arts Nonprofit Success One Coffee at a Time, and the film-optioned fantasy series Tinder & Flint.

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

AISD Volunteer Opportunities (09/03/2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:45:00 GMT

AISD Volunteer Opportunities

WHEN: Thursday September 3, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Sandra Grimaldo Hernandez
Introduced by Lion Jean McArthur

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Truth in Media (09/24/2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Truth in Media

WHEN: Thursday September 24, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Dr. David Ryfe
Introduced by Lion Mac Ragsdale

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!