Widely recognized for his contributions to the policy, planning and
management needs of various partners throughout the state, Lewis joined
the University faculty in 1969 and, four years later, founded the
Institute for Public Administration, a research and public service
center that has impacted public policy throughout the state and region
for more than four decades.
Raffel said of Lewis, Under Dr. Lewiss leadership, IPA has
forged a strong track record of engaging graduate and undergraduate
students in research and technical assistance projects on topics in
fields such as water resources, transportation, education, womens
leadership, conflict resolution, planning and economic development, and
democracythat is, just about every issue critical to Delaware in the
last four decades.
Lewis was honored for creating the Legislative Fellows Program,
a flagship internship began in 1982 that links the research needs of
the state legislature with University of Delaware students, who work
directly with legislators on complex public policy issues.
Among the hundreds of students who have participated in this
30-year-old program, as well as other IPA programs, are many who have
gone on to distinguish themselves in elected or appointed office in
federal, state, and local governments and in the private sector.
In attendance were many of the current Legislative Fellows,
several of Lewiss colleagues from IPA and the School of Public Policy
& Administration, and College of Arts & Sciences Dean George Watson.
Lewis was recognized for 40 years of public service by both the Delaware House and Senate
in 2009. In 2004 he was one of the first two recipients of the
Ratledge Family Award for Delaware Public Service, which recognizes the
contributions of UD community members who exemplify excellence in
public service to Delawares citizens. In 1998 he received the National
Association of School of Public Affairs & Administrations Elmer B.
Staats Public Service Career Award. This award recognizes faculty who
inspire students to pursue public service careers and encourage
student interest and participation.