The Lions Campus Club of Alma Mater Europaea University (LKK AMEU) organized the Lions Campus Gala Charter Night 2026 on Sunday, 30 August 2026, at Hotel Delfin in Izola.
The evening, marked by charity, culture, and connection, brought together the academic community, Lions members, and guests from Slovenia and Italy.
An important part of the evening was the ceremonial induction of new members into the Lions Campus Club of Alma Mater Europaea University. Joining the Lions community were Jerneja Lipič, Alen Fašnik, Neja Grabar, Blaž Pučnik, and Matija Bobek. By being inducted, they became part of a community that builds its work on volunteerism, cooperation, and helping others, while fulfilling the fundamental Lions mission, “We Serve – We Help.”
On this occasion, Assist. Prof. Marko Vidnjevič, PhD, and Assist. Prof. Mitja Gerževič, PhD also received the Certificate of Sponsor Status in recognition of their role in involving new members and strengthening the Lions community.
The event was also attended by Marja Dolamič, Governor of the Association of Lions Clubs, District 129 – Slovenia, who expressed enthusiasm for the event and for bringing together charity, culture, and the Lions community.
The central cultural part of the evening was marked by a performance of Donizetti’s opera Rita in cooperation with Lions Club Valle Brembana from Italy. The opera roles were performed by Gaya Nichozia (soprano), Gabrielle Albirgehti (tenor), and Rafaelle Alborgheti (tenor), accompanied on piano by Tatiana Shigajeva.
The evening was further enriched by a diverse dance and music program. Erika Lievore performed oriental dance to the music of Botir Qodirov, while Giada del Turco and Ivano Felice presented salsa to El Rubio Loco – Salsa Habana and bachata to the music of Manuel Turizo. The vocal part of the program was provided by Marco Simonelig with performances of Mia anima piccola, A Million Dreams, and Stand by Me – Every Breath You Take.
The evening was hosted by Prof. Emerita Jana Goriup, PhD and Carmine Nigro, President of the Lions Campus Club of Alma Mater Europaea University.
A special place was given to the charitable mission of the gala evening. Voluntary contributions and donations were intended to support Spominčica – Alzheimer Slovenia, which provides assistance to people with dementia and their relatives, the Italian association Sogno nel cassetto, which helps children in hospital wards, and the Golftegration project, which connects sport, inclusion, and support for vulnerable groups.
The Lions Campus Club of Alma Mater Europaea University was founded in 2024 and brings together professors, staff, and students from Slovenia and Italy. As the first and only academic Lions campus club in Slovenia, it connects the academic environment with humanitarian activity and promotes volunteerism, intergenerational cooperation, and assistance to vulnerable groups.
The gala evening in Izola thus brought together culture, the academic community, and humanitarianism, while also strengthening international cooperation among members and guests from Slovenia and Italy. With the induction of new members, the club also took a new step in expanding the community of people united by the willingness to dedicate their knowledge, time, and energy to helping others.
At the forefront of the evening remained the fundamental Lions mission “We Serve – We Help” – bringing people together and fostering goodwill to help those who need it.
Thank you to all members, performers, guests, supporters, and donors who helped create an evening for a good cause.
