Lewis, William S.

ENCAENIA, MAY, 2001
WILLIAM LEWIS
to be Doctor of Letters

Bill Lewis is an engineer, economist, businessman, and philanthropist. He is also a proud graduate of the University of New Brunswick, class of 1962. Born in the Moncton area, he graduated from high school at Millerton on the Miramichi, and as a young man entered the Canadian Air Force. In his seven years of service, he advanced to the rank of Flying Officer and flew as a navigator on the CF-lOOs, Canada's front line jet fighters of the time. After his stint in the airforce, he came to UNB to study electrical engineering.

Despite the fact that he was a mature student, Bill fit in well with his classmates, and he thoroughly enjoyed his years at UNB. He lived in Jones House where in his senior year he became a member of the house executive as social convenor. He was active in winter carnival and the engineering society, and he was exposed as most students are to academic subjects and professional possibilities that he had never previously considered. By the time he finished, he was not sure whether he wanted to be an engineer or a businessman. In the end, he pursued both. He went on to take his Master's degree in engineering at MIT, and then turned to economics and completed his PhD at Carleton University. With his credentials firmly in his back pocket, he taught economics and finance at Montreal's Sir George Williams University, later to become Concordia, and eventually moved on to Halifax where he taught at Dalhousie and at St. Mary's University. Ultimately, however, Bill decided that he would rather do than teach. He established himself in the real estate business in Halifax and it became his ticket to success and self-fulfilment.

Today, more than twenty-five years later, Bill Lewis is best known for his volunteer work and his philanthropy. He eventually reached the point where he felt he wanted to give back to the community that had contributed so directly to his success. Reflecting his enormous interest in music, he became a patron of the arts, a fundraiser for cultural institutions, and a generous benefactor. Perhaps his first love, among many worthy causes, is Symphony Nova Scotia. He has endowed one of the principal chairs and is today working on an endowment for the musical director's chair as a lasting memorial to maestro Georg Tintnor. Last year, the Symphony's Board of Directors publicly recognized Bill as its outstanding individual philanthropist by presenting him with the Concert Master's Award. In addition to his work with the symphony, he has lent his time and his energy to numerous other endeavours in the Halifax area including his church (historic St. Mathew's), the Scotia Festival, the St. Cecilia Society, the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation. He has not only worked behind the scenes to promote worthy causes, but he has also thrown open his magnificent house in Cow Bay for various fundraising activities.

Luckily for UNB, his generosity has extended to his Alma Mater. He was a major supporter of the Venture Campaign, and, thanks to his particular interest in music, our resident musicians program has continued to thrive. In the last few years, he has made the UNB family his family. He has actively promoted alumni activities in Halifax, made special trips to Fredericton to attend concerts and special University functions, and has now traveled on seven of the international tours organized by the Associated Alumni. We take pride today in honouring one of our own. Bill Lewis has become one of the Maritimes’ most generous volunteers and benefactors. To this loyal alumnus of our University, we say a sincere thank you.

From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 3