Eugene Lewis sits among artwork collected by his late wife Eulalia,
whom he is honoring with a new named WNMU art scholarship.Silver City, NM – In the care of the Western New Mexico University Foundation, the new Eulalia Lewis Memorial Scholarship supports students in any area of art, whether undergraduate or graduate, part- or full-time, international or local students.
Silver City community member Eugene Lewis created this expressive arts scholarship in memory of his wife, Eulalia Lewis, who passed earlier this year. Lewis committed to donating generously annually and also encourages others to contribute to Eulalia's legacy.
As art collectors, Eulalia and Eugene donated a Chase Webb painting that is meaningful to the university where Webb taught for 30 years and where the drama building and 125-seat theater carries Webb's name today.
Avid travelers all throughout life, Eulalia and Eugene became involved closer to home after relocating to Silver City from Kansas in 1991. They both volunteered at the Silver City Museum, and she participated in numerous other organizations. Eulalia discovered more about the southwest through the Audubon and Gila Native Plant societies, and she attended Western Institute for Lifelong Learning classes on campus. She enjoyed the Mimbres Region Arts Council events and helped out with the Town and Country Garden Club, maintaining her affiliation with the American Association of University Women.
Once a teacher and substitute, Eulalia earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Washburn University in 1978 and is remembered as a passionate artist who never stopped learning. For this reason, Eugene opted to make her memorial scholarship available to scholars of all stages of life and of all backgrounds.
"We have so many students who want to go back to school or continue their education and do have need but don't qualify for financial aid," WNMU Foundation Executive Director Jodi Edens-Crocker said.
Eugene recently created a scholarship at the Conservatory of Dance, too, and by introducing this new named scholarship at WNMU, they are aiding this community that they love and have been a part of in an even bigger way, Edens-Crocker said. "Eugene wanted to have a significant impact on students, and he is making a substantial contribution."
To give to the Eulalia Lewis Memorial Scholarship, contact the University Foundation office at 575-538-6310 or mail a check to PO Box 1158, Silver City, NM 88062.