Tributes
In Memoriam:Glenda Lewis | ||
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Additional Statements Regarding the Passing of Glenda Lewis
African American Student Services
"Glenda Lewis was an integral member of African American Student Services. As a graduate student, Glenda served as President of the Black Graduate & Professional Student Association (BGPSA) and also served as a fellow for the UNM Black Alumni Chapter. Anytime Glendawanted us to think deeper about the way we approached our work, she would say, 'I don't know, sounds suspicious...' which always meant that we needed to think more critically."
Department of Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies
Glenda Lewis was a doctoral student in the Department of Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies and in the final stage of completing her dissertation. She approached her research and scholarship as an educator, activist, community-organizer, and intellectual. Her dissertation was framed by Critical Race Theory: A Participatory Action Research Study on the Racialized Experiences and Perceptions of Race by Students of Color in Higher Education. Ms. Lewis was deeply committed to social justice as illustrated in the following passage from her dissertation:
All stakeholders in higher education must center race and structural racism in the dialogue if past errors are to be corrected (Bonilla-Silva, 2010; Leonardo, 2009)….We students of color must collectively and collaboratively break the silence. Social justice requires a re-envisioning and a re-investment in our educational outcomes. If higher education is that space where ideas can be questioned, challenged, and changed, then we must begin putting these needed changes into action (p. 4).
Her dissertation committee included Professors Glenabah Martinez (chair), Nancy López,
Laura Haniford, Pisarn Chamcharatsri, and Carlos Lopez Leiva.
LGBTQ Resource Center
The LGBTQ Resource Center alongside the rest of the UNM community mourns the loss of Glenda Lewis. Glenda was a tremendous force on campus, advocating for students as GPSA president, and for equitable access for all. We could always count on her support at anything we did, with her marvelous smile and swagger that was unmatched. Thank you Glenda for all the work you did alongside us, you will be greatly missed.
Native American Community Academy
We are very saddened to hear about the passing of Glenda; our friend, mentor and colleague. Glenda worked with and taught many students, leaving a positive impact, encouraging them to do their best and modeling hard work. Her humor was infectious. We could always count on her for a laugh or a smile, especially when she told many on campus, “Sounds suspicious!” She embodied the NACA core values of perseverance, respect, community/service and she was a great friend to many. She will be missed by many at NACA and we send our deepest condolences.
Student Activities Center
Glenda Lewis was a wonderful person, friend, and Lobo. As President of the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), she was a champion for student rights and services here at UNM. Glenda had a wonderful leadership style and always had a way of making people feel very important and a part of something larger. Her efforts to make things better for everyone did not end with her term as GPSA President. She continued doing great work with other student and community organizations. Her smile and personality would always light up a room. Glenda Lewis will be greatly missed, but more importantly, greatly remembered and valued for her impact at UNM.
