Shriners Gathered in Reno for Historic 150th Imperial Session

At the 150th Imperial Session of Shriners International, held in Reno, Nevada, June 30-July 4, nobles from around the world gathered with their ladies and families to let the good times roll and usher in new leaders for Shriners International and its philanthropy, Shriners Children’s.

Throughout the action-packed annual event, the Marketplace and Shriners Zone were open for shopping and fun, featuring vendors as well as diversions like basketball hoops, a photo booth and pin trading.

Session officially opened to the public on Sunday with a talent show starring Shriners Children’s Patient Ambassadors. We also bade a fond farewell to Gianna and Juan Diego, Shriners Children’s 2023-2024 International Patient Ambassadors.

That was followed by Brewfest, an evening of fun, fellowship, music and beer. In souvenir sample glasses, guests tasted a variety of special home brews from members of the International Association of Shrine Taprooms. Congratulations to Bedouin Shriners, whose Weissbier won the Imperial Potentate’s Choice, as well as Aleppo Shriners, whose Weissbier was named Best of Show.

Monday and Tuesday were filled with legislation and elections. Tuesday also featured two important luncheons: the Ladies’ Luncheon and the Membership Hall of Fame Luncheon. At the former, ladies honored outgoing First Lady JoLynn Dickins and celebrated her program, Believe in Tomorrow. The event’s dress code was themed boho, and guests didn’t disappoint, donning their best hats and fascinators.

Meanwhile, at the Membership Hall of Fame Luncheon, outgoing Imperial Potentate James E. “Ed” Stolze Jr. and the Imperial Divan bestowed honors upon 22 Shrine temples for their incredible achievements in growing our ranks throughout 2023. Platinum Award Recipients included Abou Saad Shriners, Agila Shriners, Al Atfal Shriners, Al Rai`e Saleh Shriners, Aloha Shriners, Amal Shriners, Anezeh Shriners, Emirat Shriners, Hikmat Shriners, Lubnan Shriners, Mabuhay Shriners, Mecca Shriners, Oleika Shriners, Salah Shriners and Scimitar Shriners. Gold Award Recipients included Ballut Abyad Shriners, El Maida Shriners, Khiva Shriners, Omar Shriners, Pyramid Shriners, Tehran Shriners and Tigris Shriners. An additional 11 temples received the Conversions Excellence designation, and 23 won the Creations Excellence designation for their exceptional membership-growth efforts.

That evening, the colorful Imperial Session Parade made its way through downtown Reno as temples showed off their best, including cars, bikes, ATVs, flags, floats, horses and ceremonial garb. Spectators lined the street to get a glimpse of the pageantry and unity on display.

Wednesday honored incoming leadership, starting with a pageant for the newly elected Imperial Potentate Richard G. Burke and First Lady Judy. With her program On Angels’ Wings, she has chosen to focus on Shriners Children’s mission to provide life-changing care to children with burns, inspired by a family tragedy.

Not only did Imperial Sir Burke receive his five-star fez during the installation of the Imperial Divan and Board of Trustees, but other newly elected officials received new fezzes, too, including Leslie “Doc” Stewart, M.D., now President of Shriners Children’s. He also now serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

In addition, Kenny Craven, PIP, of Omar Shriners and Ron Capps of Midian Shriners were elected to the Shriners Children’s Board of Trustees, and Ricaurte A. “Ricky” Arrocha of Abou Saad Shriners was re-elected to the Board of Trustees. On the fraternal side, Dale Vrsalovich of Afifi Shriners was elected Imperial Outer Guard. Jerry Gantt, who served as Chairman of the Board for nine years, was also honored for his service.

The Award of Merit was bestowed upon RJ “Jody” Meguiar of Egypt Shriners, J. “Hut” Hutson of El Zaribah Shriners, Wiliam A. “Bill” Garrard Jr. of El Zaribah Shriners, Michael J. Fox of Kerak Shriners and James D. Cole of Kazim Shriners. Created in 1996, the award is given by the Imperial Potentate to Shriners who have made an outstanding and lasting impact on Shriners International and Shriners Children’s. The award – a pin and a wood shadowbox with the Award of Merit medallion hung on a red, green and yellow ribbon – is presented to unsuspecting recipients who are not notified in advance that they are being honored.

Plus, in wonderful expansion news, two new international chapters received dispensations during Session to form and build: Acrux Shriners of Victoria, Australia, who were sponsored by Aahmes Shriners, and Ñemity Shriners of Asunción, Paraguay, who were sponsored by Abou Saad Shriners.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Marketing and Communications and Office of Philanthropy Report was presented by Imperial Sir Burke, featuring a Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson theme and special guests – much to the delight of the crowd. Then came the Patient Success Story Premiere, introducing Paige and Grayson, the 2024-2025 International Patient Ambassadors. We can’t wait to work with them over the next year to spread the message of Shriners Children’s.

That night, the All Nobility Evening featured an exclusive concert by Grammy Award-winning R&B and funk group The Commodores. The special evening, which welcomed all nobles, ladies and their families, capped off the 2024 Imperial Session on just the right note.

Events wrapped up the following morning, and Shriners returned home with a renewed sense of brotherly love and dedication to our noble cause.