Derek Gene Lewis MSW Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Type: Expendable Gift Immediate Use Scholarship
Established Date: October 1st, 2024
Derek Gene Lewis was born on September 18, 1964. He attended Crestview Christian Academy in O’Fallon, Missouri, which was his safe place, providing temporary respite from a very stressful childhood. Derek was an Army Veteran. He was honored to serve his country. The cause of Derek’s death is still debated, but he apparently was in liver failure when he died on October 22, 1994, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Most people who knew Derek invariably described him as “sweet.” He was also a mischievous, sensitive, and brave boy with sad eyes. He tended to cling to people who showed him kindness. Derek was a skilled athlete. He especially loved basketball. Derek dreamed of being an NBA superstar, but this never materialized. Derek was the proud father to three beautiful daughters. He worked as a handyman and had other odd jobs as a civilian. He made friends easily and was loyal to a fault.
Derek was mostly optimistic that his existence would turn around and he would have a peaceful, more productive life. His life was challenging and ever-shifting. Since childhood, he dreamed of finding peace; hopefully, now he has discovered peace and is basking in it. Derek Gene is still loved today and missed very much.
Impact
Scholarship Category: Master of Social Work
Criteria:
- Residency of any state or country
- Graduate-level Master of Social Work degree seeking
- Enrolled either full-time or part-time
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA that identifies as a student in good standing
- Financial Need
- Preference given to those who have served in the United States military as a Veteran or current service
- Intention of working specifically in areas of child abuse, homelessness, substance abuse or veteran services