Dr. Elizabeth Lewis ’44: SJC Distinguished Alumna
In the years since her 1944 graduation from Saint Joseph College, Dr. Elizabeth Lewis developed a life devoted to the betterment of humanity through the practice and teaching of Social Work. For her more than 50 years in the professional arena and for her personification of the College's Mercy mission and Core Values, we recognize Elizabeth Lewis with the Mary Rosa McDonough Award for outstanding service to her profession and her community. Committed to both Social Work practice and education, she established a home in Cleveland, Ohio where she taught at Cleveland State University (retiring as professor emeritus) and served the greater community as a practitioner. Each year, Saint Joseph College celebrates her legacy when it hosts the Caritas Conference on Women, Culture and Society, established as an endowed fund by Elizabeth in 2001. As noted in her nomination, "Her practice, research, writing and teaching has contributed to the empowerment of women, children and communities, and the advanced knowledge base of the profession."
"This is a very nice tradition, but a bit embarrassing because what you do to get here is simply get up every day, do what you do and hope it turns out for the best. I'll tell one story: Before I came to Saint Joseph College, I never took a college course. My father suggested I go talk to the nuns so I met with Sister Rosa McDonough. Little did I know I was expected to know things about the College and its values. I sat across from her and she asked me about the seven Core Values. I had no idea what she was talking about and I burst into tears. I remember she gave me nice, white handkerchief and I realized at that moment that I had better get with it and learn. Sister Rosa and the College were gambling on me, so I'd better hustle. I've been hustling ever since!" - Dr. Elizabeth Lewis '44, accepting the Mary Rosa McDonough Award.
