Story

Robert L. Lewis was the founding chair of Cuyahoga Community College’s Board of Trustees, establishing Tri-C as the first community college in Ohio in 1963.

Until his death in 2005, Lewis devoted himself to the College’s humanistic enhancement. In addition to serving as a trustee for 17 years, he created the unique Scholar-in-Residence program, helped to establish the Faculty Symposium and worked to institute the Honors program.

Lewis delighted and inspired generations of students, faculty and community members with his courses and lectures on Greek mythology, revealing its relevance to contemporary issues of civic responsibility and ethics. He was unyielding in his pursuit of justice for every person. His wit and kindness endeared him to everyone who knew him.

THE DREAM
Robert Lewis had a dream to recreate the classical Academy of Scholars, like the one in the ancient olive grove. There, students and their teachers would gather together to learn from each other through informal conversation and respectful consideration of the most important social issues of the day.

THE REALITY
Launched in fall 2008, the Robert L. Lewis Academy of Scholars offers an alternative learning adventure for a select cadre of high-achieving Tri-C students. Lewis would be thrilled to know that his dream is being realized. Each year, the idealistic projects of the Robert L. Lewis Scholars affirm their devotion to becoming involved citizens with a commitment to making the world a better place.