Distinguished Alumni Recognition for 2007
Delano Lewis '63
- John Dawson '06
- Clifford Hope Sr. '17
- Marie Russell '25
- Delmas Hill '29
- Richard Donnelly '38
- Jack Campbell '40
- Jerry Michaud '51
- Senator Robert J. Dole '52
- Sherman Parks '55
- Delano Lewis '63
- Kay McFarland '64
- William H. Kurtis '66
Delano Lewis received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1960 from the University of Kansas and his law degree from Washburn University School of Law in 1963. After graduating from Washburn Law, Lewis began his career in the federal government, first as an attorney with the Department of Justice and later with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He then became associate director of the U.S. Peace Corps in Nigeria and country director of the U.S. Peace Corps in Uganda. He was legislative assistant to Senator Edward W. Brook of Massachusetts and chief of staff for Delegate Walter Fauntroy of the District of Columbia.
His career in the telecommunication industry began in 1973, when he joined C&P Telephone Company, a subsidiary of AT&T. Lewis remained with C&P Telephone Company until 1984 when he joined Bell Atlantic (now Verizon). In 1994, he retired from Bell Atlantic as president and CEO of the company’s District of Columbia operations. Later that same year he was asked to take the helm of National Public Radio (NPR) in Washington, D.C., as president and CEO.
After five years with NPR, Lewis retired, continuing to serve on the Boards of Colgate Palmolive Company, Eastman Kodak, The Haliburton Co., and Black Entertainment Television.
In June 1999, President Clinton nominated Lewis to be the first United States Ambassador to The Republic of South Africa, and the Senate confirmed him that November, the same year the Topeka Capital-Journal named him Kansan of the Year.
Lewis received the Distinguished Service Award from the Washburn University School of Law Alumni Association in 2003.
In July 2001, Lewis retired from diplomatic service, and he now resides in New Mexico. He is president and CEO of his communications consulting practice, Lewis & Associates, in Las Cruces. He consults with and lectures for many groups and organizations including, Amoco Oil Co., The African American Group of Lincoln Life Insurance Co., and The Developmental School’s Foundation.
He received an Honorary Doctor of Human Letters in 1992 from Queens College, in 1994 from Barry University, in 1995 from Kent State University, and in 1996 from Lafayette College; an Honorary Degree — General in 1988 from Marymount College and in 1997 from Nova University; an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts in 1997 from Southern Illinois University; an Honorary Doctor of Law in 2000 from Washburn University; and a Doctor of Public Service in 1991 from George Washington University.
