Delano Lewis, '63, Pens Memoir and Shares Experiences with Washburn Law

Photograph: Delano LewisEsteemed alumnus Delano Lewis, '63, a 2007 Washburn University School of Law Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, spent quality time at Washburn Law on September 22, 2015. He met with faculty and staff; gave a presentation to students entitled "How My Washburn Legal Education Impacted My Career;" visited one-on-one with students; and signed copies of his recently released memoir, "It All Begins With Self."

Lewis’ memoir is filled with lifelong lessons from his impressive career on how to overcome the odds and become successful. Lewis grew up in a segregated Kansas community in the 1950s, feeling isolated, and he questioned his ability to compete. The son of a railroad porter and stay-at-home mom, Lewis learned to overcome these feelings and went on to lead a life full of accomplishments. After graduation from Washburn Law, he began his career in the federal government; served as CEO of National Public Radio for five years; held leadership roles in companies such as Apple, Colgate-Palmolive, and Kodak; and served as U.S. ambassador to South Africa from 1999 to 2001.

“Washburn Law was a significant and valued part of my career and later successes in life!” said Lewis.

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.

For more information about Delano Lewis, visit: www.delanolewisspeaks.com.