Dwight Lewis: Purdue U. Diversity in Ed Activist
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Support Long-term Medical Care for Dr. Dwight Lewis
Dr. Dwight Lewis, the former director of Multicultural Programs in the graduate school at Purdue University, is a STEM activist and visionary with a profound impact on the participation of underrepresented students in the sciences and engineering. His efforts changed the face of Purdue University and the broader science and engineering fields. During his time at Purdue, Dr. Lewis developed nine pathway programs to support success for underrepresented graduate students. As a result, the institution became the nation’s leader in graduating underrepresented Ph.Ds in chemistry, and increased underrepresented graduate enrollment from under 200 to over 1000 graduate students of color. He profoundly touched the lives of the many students whom he supported and mentored. One alumni stated that his first interaction with Dr. Lewis “proved to be the beginning of a phenomenal mentor-mentee relationship that developed into a father-son type of relationship” Another alumni indicated that when asked how she became a tenured professor, she often states “God, my parents, and Dr. Lewis.”
Today, Dr. Lewis and his family need our help. Dr. Lewis has been diagnosed with a debilitating brain injury that has led to significant loss of memory. He no longer remembers those closest to him or the many lives he significantly impacted through a life of service and mentorship. Dr. Lewis is still home with his family but will need long-term care. His devoted wife, Deborah, has taken an early retirement to care for him.
Like many of you, I am a product of Dr. Lewis' legacy at Purdue University. As such, I am reaching out to others whose lives, like mine, has been changed as a result of Dr. Lewis' investment in our success, to invest in the care of Dr. Lewis. I know this may be challenging times for some in light of COVID-19 and its impact on the economy. Whatever you can give will be appreciated and will go toward the long-term care of Dr. Lewis, someone who has given so much to contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.
Dr. Dwight Lewis, the former director of Multicultural Programs in the graduate school at Purdue University, is a STEM activist and visionary with a profound impact on the participation of underrepresented students in the sciences and engineering. His efforts changed the face of Purdue University and the broader science and engineering fields. During his time at Purdue, Dr. Lewis developed nine pathway programs to support success for underrepresented graduate students. As a result, the institution became the nation’s leader in graduating underrepresented Ph.Ds in chemistry, and increased underrepresented graduate enrollment from under 200 to over 1000 graduate students of color. He profoundly touched the lives of the many students whom he supported and mentored. One alumni stated that his first interaction with Dr. Lewis “proved to be the beginning of a phenomenal mentor-mentee relationship that developed into a father-son type of relationship” Another alumni indicated that when asked how she became a tenured professor, she often states “God, my parents, and Dr. Lewis.”
Today, Dr. Lewis and his family need our help. Dr. Lewis has been diagnosed with a debilitating brain injury that has led to significant loss of memory. He no longer remembers those closest to him or the many lives he significantly impacted through a life of service and mentorship. Dr. Lewis is still home with his family but will need long-term care. His devoted wife, Deborah, has taken an early retirement to care for him.
Like many of you, I am a product of Dr. Lewis' legacy at Purdue University. As such, I am reaching out to others whose lives, like mine, has been changed as a result of Dr. Lewis' investment in our success, to invest in the care of Dr. Lewis. I know this may be challenging times for some in light of COVID-19 and its impact on the economy. Whatever you can give will be appreciated and will go toward the long-term care of Dr. Lewis, someone who has given so much to contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.
Organizer and beneficiary
Detris Adelabu
Organizer
North Andover, MA
Deborah Lewis
Beneficiary