Local Philanthropist Receives Scouting’s Highest Service Honor
Edward
Lewis, Ph.D. to be honored for more than 50 years of service
San Diego, CA – May 23, 2008 — For more than a half–century, Edward
Lewis, Ph.D., of Greensburg, Pa., has
significantly impacted thousands of youth around the world through his
volunteer leadership in the Boy Scouts of America. For his decades of service
to youth, the BSA National Council will honor Lewis with the Silver Buffalo
Award at its Annual Meeting in San Diego on May 23.
The
Silver Buffalo Award, Scouting’s highest commendation for service to youth, has
been awarded annually since 1925 to civic-minded men and women who stand out
for their invaluable contributions and service to the youth of America.
Lewis has served Scouting
and his community in many ways over the past half-century, but his greatest
legacy lies in the strong relationships he has fostered. He has worked to
strengthen relations between the BSA and numerous organizations, including the United Methodist Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, of which he is a
lifelong member. Both denominations have honored him for his work.
Beyond Scouting,
Lewis has been a strong advocate for at-risk youth, abused and neglected
children, and young people with special needs. In 1984, he formed Circle of
Sons, a scholarship program that has awarded more than $200,000 in aid to young
people representing 16 states, eight countries, and many ethnicities.
“Edward has
dedicated himself to fostering important relationships between the BSA and
other influential organizations for more than half a century,” said Bob
Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive. “The Boy Scouts of America is proud to
recognize his decades of service to youth through involvement in community
programs and philanthropic scholarships, in addition to Scouting initiatives.”
Lewis has received
the Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope awards. He also has been honored with the
Daniel Carter Beard Community Service Award Renee: I couldn’t verify this
award, but I did find the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award. Please
clarify. Thanks.
An active
management and entrepreneurial consultant, Lewis has helped start more than 50
small businesses. He holds undergraduate degrees from California University of
Pennsylvania and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, as well as a doctorate
from Cornell University.
About
the Boy Scouts of America
Serving more than 4.6 million youth between the ages of 7
and 20, with more than 300 councils throughout the United States and its territories, the BSA is the
nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based
leadership training. The Scouting movement is composed of 1.2 million
volunteers, whose dedication of time and resources has enabled the BSA to
remain the nation's leading youth-service organization. For more information on
the BSA, please visit www.scouting.org.