[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 116 (Thursday, September 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF ROBERT L. LEWIS, FOUNDER OF CUYAHOGA 
                           COMMUNITY COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Robert L. Lewis, beloved husband, father, friend and United States 
Veteran. Mr. Lewis leaves behind a brilliant legacy that reflects his 
personal passions and professional accomplishments as admired attorney, 
educator, author and longtime activist on behalf of the performing arts 
and educational opportunity for all.
  Mr. Lewis was born and raised in New York. As a young boy, he 
performed song, dance and comedy routines with his family on the 
vaudeville circuit. His formal education in public school did not begin 
until age 12. Extremely bright, Mr. Lewis quickly ascended through the 
grade levels. He graduated from high school at age 15 and enrolled in 
college at age 16. Following his service in the army in Europe during 
World War II, Mr. Lewis studied law at Western Reserve University in 
Cleveland and graduated in 1948 with a law degree.
  Mr. Lewis joined the law firm of Ulmer, Berne, Laronge, Glickman and 
Curtis and retired in 1996 after 46 years of outstanding work with the 
firm. He worked as a professor at Case Western Reserve University's 
Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations, and also taught corporate 
and contract law courses at what was then Cleveland Marshall Law 
School.
  Throughout his adult life, Mr. Lewis maintained an unwavering focus 
on raising the lives of others into the light of possibility and 
achievement. He volunteered his time as past president of the 
Association of Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities; board 
member with PACE (Program for Action by Citizens in Education), and 
served on the board of the Fairmount Center for the Creative and 
Performing Arts.
  His passion and belief that higher education should be affordable for 
everyone manifested itself in 1963 with the establishment of Cuyahoga 
Community College (CCC), an institution that continues to be a 
significant source of educational and career opportunities for 
thousands of students each year. Mr. Lewis served on the CCC Board of 
Trustees for 18 years and Chairman of the Board for 4 years. He also 
served as CCC's ``resident scholar,'' and taught courses in Greek 
mythology and drama.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor, remembrance and 
gratitude to Mr. Robert L. Lewis, whose life was defined by his 
steadfast commitment to his family, his significant contribution to our 
community and his boundless energy in promoting the performing arts and 
securing educational opportunities for everyone. I offer my condolences 
to his wife of 42 years, Joanne; his daughters, Pavia and Clea; his 
sons, Paul, David and Brian; his nine grandchildren and his extended 
family members and many friends.
  The kindness, vision, energy and personal and professional excellence 
that flowed from the gracious life of Mr. Lewis will continue to serve 
as a fountain of learning and strength for the students and educators 
at Cuyahoga Community College, and his legacy will continue to raise 
our entire community into the light of hope, possibility and 
opportunity for all.

                          ____________________