In a heartfelt ceremony held earlier this summer, Wayne State University former President M. Roy Wilson and the Board of Governors honored Denise J. Lewis with the Eugene Driker Award for Distinguished Service. This prestigious award, established in December of the previous year, aims to celebrate community leaders who embody the spirit of tireless support for Wayne State University and the city of Detroit. Denise J. Lewis, an accomplished alumna and former real estate attorney, was recognized for her exceptional contributions to the university and the community, following in the footsteps of the award’s namesake, Eugene Driker.
A Legacy of Service
Denise J. Lewis is a shining example of an individual who has gone above and beyond to serve both Wayne State University and the city of Detroit. Her journey of commitment to the university began in 1993 when she joined the Board of Governors. Over an eight-year term, she demonstrated unwavering dedication, which only grew stronger with time. Upon completing her term, she actively sought additional ways to contribute to the betterment of Wayne State and the city it calls home.
Then President M. Roy Wilson praised Lewis for her role in advancing diversity at Wayne State, a cornerstone value and strategic focus for the university. Her tireless efforts have created opportunities and advanced social mobility for countless members of the university community. Furthermore, as a real estate attorney, Lewis played a pivotal role in the transformation and revitalization of Detroit’s Downtown, riverfront, and Midtown areas.
Notable Achievements
Denise J. Lewis’s achievements extend far beyond the walls of the university. She made history by becoming the first woman and first minority individual in Michigan to be elected to the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. Her influence in the legal field was nationally recognized when she was named one of the nation’s most influential Black lawyers by Savoy magazine. Notably, Lewis headed Honigman’s Urban Redevelopment Practice Group, where she contributed to landmark real estate deals such as the Compuware headquarters at Campus Martius, the expansion of the Marathon Oil refinery in southwest Detroit, and TechTown, a research and development park near Wayne State aimed at providing students with real-life entrepreneurial experiences.
Currently, Lewis serves as a member of the Wayne State University Foundation Board of Directors, a vital independent nonprofit foundation that advocates for and generates financial support for the university. In her role as chair of the foundation board’s committee of directors and as a member of its Investment Committee, which oversees the university’s endowment valued at $451 million, she has made invaluable contributions.
A Champion of Diversity and Inclusion
Lewis is a long-time advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership positions. Her guidance has been instrumental in shaping the direction of the university’s leadership and governance. She has also played a crucial role in diversifying the foundation board’s membership, ensuring that it reflects the diverse community Wayne State serves. Her tireless efforts in these areas have not only had a significant impact on the university but also on the broader community.
A Grateful Recipient
In her acceptance speech, Denise J. Lewis expressed her deep gratitude for receiving the award in the name of Eugene Driker, someone she greatly admired for his dedication to the city of Detroit. She acknowledged her enduring connection to Wayne State and the vital role the university plays in revitalizing and rebuilding the city. Her passion for the institution is palpable, and she remains committed to its continued growth and success.
A Visionary Leader
Apart from her involvement with Wayne State University, Denise J. Lewis is actively engaged in various volunteer boards, including the Detroit Zoo, Detroit Opera, and the Motown Museum. She is celebrated for her ability to garner support from diverse communities, looking beyond traditional philanthropic sources. Her leadership extends to establishing endowed funds at several nonprofit organizations, leaving a lasting legacy of support for the causes she holds dear.
Denise J. Lewis, the second recipient of the Eugene Driker Award for Distinguished Service, exemplifies the spirit of tireless dedication to Wayne State University and the city of Detroit. Her remarkable achievements, unwavering commitment, and passion for diversity and inclusion make her a deserving honoree. As Wayne State University continues to thrive, individuals like Denise J. Lewis serve as beacons of inspiration, showing how one person’s dedication can leave a lasting impact on both the university and the community. The legacy of Eugene Driker lives on through this award, recognizing those who follow in his footsteps, serving as champions for positive change.
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