Mack Gilkeson
Professor to student, then alum, then trustee
I would like to honor Malcolm Lewis by providing his remembrances about his early relationship with the College.
From a June, 2008 email interview:
REMEMBRANCES ABOUT THE COLLEGE, YOUR PROGRAM, AND THE ENGINEERING PROGRAM IN THE EARLY DAYS?
Malcolm: “I really liked HMC: dorm life, close relationships with the faculty and staff, the small size and feel of the campus. I had a tough time academically the first two years because I didn’t have calculus in high school, which was a huge handicap. But once I conquered calculus and got into the engineering courses in my junior year, I did well academically and really enjoyed myself. I was very involved in non-class activities (ASHMC, computer lab, McAllister Center, etc.). I was captivated by the systems engineering and control theory courses taught by Serdengecti, and took every course he offered.
My first exposure to the Engineering Program was the Freshman Project (which in our year was focused on the LA Traffic Problem) and the related Introduction to Systems Engineering that Warren Wilson taught. I really enjoyed the project team challenge, and the chance to work on a project with real societal significance. …”
Bob Cave
Worked with him through board activities
Malcolm was a kind, wise, and supportive soul. I deeply appreciated his enthusiasm for the school and the work of the faculty to make it better. You knew Malcolm would always listen in with an open mind, but you’d also get great advice from him. It is hard for me to think about HMC without his presence and guidance.
Jon Roberts '93
Mentor, Employer and Friend
Malcolm will be deeply missed by all who encountered him, but his memory and influence in the countless lives he touched, including my own, will never fade.
Malcolm was a true visionary who looked intently to the future, and tirelessly committed his engineering expertise to making our world a better place. His hope and optimism in the face of great societal challenges is inspiring and mobilizing. He has profoundly and irreversibly shaped the green building and sustainable design movement and leaves a legacy that will endure for generations. The buildings and communities that our children and grandchildren will live in will bear his influence.
Malcolm was not just an excellent civil/mechanical/electrical engineer, but he was just as intentional and skilled at “social engineering”–he truly invested himself in, and was very successful at developing human potential: directly through mentoring and example; through his guidance as a trustee, LEED steering committee member, etc; and through the unique institutional structures and businesses that he created. I am privileged and thankful to have worked for Malcolm at CTG, one of his unique creations. He truly embodied HMC’s mission as a leader. He challenged me to set my goals higher and be a better person. He was a great example of how to live a life faith in an era with few role models. He has had a profound personal influence on me and will continue to be a role model.
Beth Platt Garrow
Friend
My earliest memories of Malcolm are from his freshman year at HMC – I must have been 8 at the time. He, like so many HMC frosh, came to our home at the Garrett House for one of the “freshman dinners”. Even then, to a shy 8 year old, he made an impression of kindness and warmth. Over the years,he became a very special part of the Platt and HMC families. I remember how pleased Dad was early this year when I shared with him Malcolm’s appointment as board chair.
Cindy and family, my thoughts are with you. Thank you for being wonderful caregivers to a remarkable man.
Treasa Sweek '99
Colleague and Past Employer
Malcolm exemplified professional engineering. His ethics and love for helping others shaped my career. At CTG, Malcolm gave me the room I needed to grow and the vision I still have that helps me make tough decisions. Although I will miss him dearly, his passion and friendship will live on in my life.