Alice Lloyd College was honored to welcome philanthropist and author Tom Lewis, founder of the T.W. Lewis Foundation, to campus for a special visit this week. During his time in Pippa Passes, Mr. Lewis delivered an engaging talk to students, signed copies of his book Solid Ground: A Foundation for Winning in Work and in Life, and met with campus leadership to discuss the shared values that guide both his foundation and the College’s mission.
A Kentucky native, with deep family roots in Letcher County, Mr. Lewis spoke of spending his childhood summers in Whitesburg and Neon, breaking green beans on the neighbors’ front porches. He credits his Appalachian heritage for instilling in his life the values of faith, hard work, and perseverance, as well as a strong sense of right and wrong.
The T.W. Lewis Foundation generously supports Alice Lloyd College, helping to sustain programs that promote leadership, character, and purpose-driven living. Mr. Lewis’s message about building a life grounded in values, hard work, and integrity deeply resonated with students who are currently reading Solid Ground as part of their Leadership 101 course.
“Our partnership with Mr. Tom Lewis and the T.W. Lewis Foundation is a tremendous blessing,” said Dr. Allison Holbrook Southard, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “He exemplifies the very principles we strive to instill in our students through the Purpose Road Philosophy. It is a privilege to call Tom a friend, and to have the opportunity to welcome him to Caney to share his wisdom with the future leaders of Appalachia.”
Alice Lloyd College is deeply grateful for the ongoing partnership with the T.W. Lewis Foundation and looks forward to continuing this shared commitment to developing principled leaders who will make a difference in Appalachia.