A Transformative Gift for a Transformative Moment
Dear students, faculty and staff,
I am thrilled to announce that UIW has received a pledge of $5 million to support the development and renovation of Founders Hall. This transformative pledge comes to UIW from the Elma Dill Russell Spencer Foundation, managed by the family of Jack Lewis III, former chair of our UIW Board of Trustees.
Envisioned as a hub of academic excellence and gateway to global understanding for the community, Founders Hall is the future home of the Liza and Jack Lewis Center of the Americas, also named for the Lewis family. The Lewis Center works to promote better relations and grow understanding among the people and nations of the Americas. In addition to the Lewis Center, Founders Hall will also house a community events center, the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering, the School of Media and Design and International Affairs, along with other areas to be determined as the project expands, while providing “swing space” for areas of our campuses needing renovations over the years to come.
I am deeply grateful to the Lewis family for their whole-hearted support of UIW and long-time friendship. During his 12-year tenure as a Trustee, Jack co-chaired the School of Osteopathic Medicine’s capital campaign committee, co-chaired our last comprehensive $100 million campaign and served as treasurer, vice chair and, ultimately, chair of our board. In every role, he helped guide us through many challenges and toward even more triumphs, including helping us navigate through the pandemic. In addition to his support of Founders Hall and the Lewis Center, he has also sponsored individual students for whom a UIW education would not have otherwise been possible.
Jack is also one of our most ardent ambassadors, welcoming new friends and benefactors into our community in hopes that they come to appreciate the work that we do here as much as he does. To borrow a few words from Jack himself, “I have loved UIW forever. … We are changing lives. I have seen all the good that the university has done for students over the years. I’m a believer.”
This gift is the third seven-figure gift toward the Founders Hall project. The nine-story, 380,000-square-foot, 10-acre property represents the largest renovation project in UIW history. It was designed by noted architect Atlee B. Ayers in the 1950s and expands UIW’s footprint by 20 percent.
I remain committed to keeping you updated on our fundraising efforts that help move UIW forward, and I look forward to issuing continued good news in support of our students, institution and greater Mission.
Praised be the Incarnate Word!
Sincerely,
Thomas M. Evans, PhD
President