October 6, 2002 at 9:25 PM ET | Written by: Lion Norbert A. Peiker | Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation

To my Friends of the Eye Research Community,

As a child in my native Germany, I experienced the destruction and rebuilding of a war-torn nation. That experience has led to a lifelong drive to rebuild lives and communities. Arriving in this country 33 years ago, I quickly recognized that my profession of architecture afforded a unique opportunity to use my experience, training and skills to benefit my new home here in Ohio. Ascribing to the philosophy that “vision with action can change the world” I set out to serve Lions and Eye Research through leadership, vision, public service, philanthropy, and advocacy for human rights.

The Lions elected me to represent District 13-B on the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation nearly 16 years ago. I served as the Foundation’s secretary-treasurer for six years and lead the Foundation as its president since 1994. With nearly nine years at the helm I have been the longest serving president in the 50-year history of the Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation.

I am proud of our accomplishments during my tenure:

• Building the Bryan Fund for Diabetes Research to $285,000;
• Reaching the goal of establishing the Ohio Lions Eye Research Laboratory at The Ohio State University – a $500,000 task, and
• Raising over 3.0 Million Dollars to benefit Ohio’s Eye Research Institutions.

I always believed that great leadership recognizes the right time for change. That time has come. I have tackled cancer for the last six years and continue to fight the war. My energy needs to be redirected. I would like to continue as mentor to my successors, while I still can.

At next year’s 13-B District Convention, I will not be a candidate for trustee to serve on the OLERF Board of Trustees. I, therefore, cannot be president of the Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation. I trust that over the next half year visionary candidates will step forward with the energy to further build the Foundation that has become so much of my life.

Concluding I thank you for the opportunity to serve and the trust you have set in me. I always will treasure your friendship.

Yours in Service,
Lion Norbert A. Peiker,
Trustee 1987-2003
President 1994-2003