But few deny that Lewis has always had students’ interests at heart for the past eight years.
Although the renovations to the Malkin Athletic Center and the Hasty Pudding Theater have yet to begin, Lewis has tirelessly searched for space for student groups despite the perpetual dearth of room in Cambridge.
He has also continually talked about improving undergraduate advising—a topic frequently featured in his annual letters.
The tenacity with which Lewis approached his major projects as dean was evident in his quick response to e-mail—at anytime of day.
“You could call him if it was necessary 24 hours a day,” said Winthrop House Master Paul D. Hanson. “It’s that kind of proven dedication and diligence that I’ll remember him for.”
—Staff writer Sarah M. Seltzer can be reached at sseltzer@fas.harvard.edu.