Susan Lewis, executive director of development and external relations at the College of Arts and Sciences, passed away Friday, March 15. She was 49.
Lewis began this role in 2008, working to strengthen programs in the arts, humanities, mathematics and social, physical and biological sciences through affiliations with partners throughout Cleveland. During an earlier stint at the university, she served as director of major gifts and then in development at the School of Dental Medicine.
“Susan was passionate about the College of Arts and Sciences and the university, and gifted at working with people from all of our constituencies—alumni, faculty and staff, students, and other stakeholders—to help find a way to make the university a better and more powerful institution,” said Dean Cyrus Taylor. “She combined breadth of interests with acute insights into details, all with outstanding charm and a warm sense of humor. We will all miss her very much.”
Lewis graduated with a master’s degree in positive organization development and change from the Weatherhead School of Management in 2012. In addition, she was a member of the 2010 class of the university’s Women Staff Leadership Development Initiative.
In her spare time, Lewis served as a member of the board of directors of the L.D. Pankey Dental Foundation, a member of the National Council of the international student exchange program AFS USA, the past president of Olmsted Falls Music Association and a member of the 2009 class of Leadership Lorain County.
Lewis is survived by her husband, Tim Crowley; her children, Carey and Madison Woods; her stepchildren, Mitchell Ann and Michael Crowley; her parents, Mary and George Lewis Jr.; and her three siblings.
Services will be held Tuesday, March 19, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Falls Church in Olmsted Falls (26515 Bagley Road). Visiting hours will take place Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the A. Ripepi and Sons Funeral Home (18149 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights). In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to be made to The Gathering Place (800 Sharon Dr. Westlake, OH, 44145) or the Greater Cleveland Council of Boy Scouts of America (2241 Woodland Ave. Cleveland, OH, 44115).