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Interview with Mel Lewis ’53

Below is an interview with Mel Lewis ’53, Santa Clara’s first African American graduate, athlete, and ROTC graduate.

 

Mel Lewis ’53 and his wife, Ernestine, attend an alumni event in 2014 on campus, where he was honored as a veteran and the University’s first Black graduate. / Photo by Charles Berry.

Q: What was it like being a young African American man at SCU in the 1950s?
A: It was a good experience, yet sometimes lonely. However, I grew up poor in Santa Monica, CA an integrated community and was often the only Afro. American in my classes. I played football, was student body president at Santa Monica High and still keep in touch with friends made during my early school years. 

Q: Why did you choose to come to SCU?
A: I came to SCU on an athletic scholarship. The offensive formation used at SCU was the same as the formation used at my high school. I also received a very warm reception from the football team when I came to visit SCU. I was also impressed by the size and location of the campus. It was not too large.

Q: Is there a specific moment that stands out to you most vividly when recalling your time as a student at SCU?
A: yes, it took place in a malt shop in one of the cities in the south and the shop did not serve Afro-Americans. We were there for a football game. One night the players surrounded me and we all walked into the shop without incident and ordered malts.

Q: What do you consider as your greatest achievement?
A: Earning a diploma at SCU. Being inducted into the Southern California Senior Tennis Hall of Fame. Representing the United States as a member of the Super Senior Tennis Team which won the World Championship for the 80s division in Turkey in 2011.

Q: How has Santa Clara impacted your life and career?
A: SCU helped me to accomplish my goal of becoming a teacher, coach, and dean. It also helped me to become a better person and a more informed citizen. It broadened my vision because I had a chance to meet and interact with students from all over the world.

Q: Who is your role model, and why?
A: One of my role models was Dr. Quinn, an Afro-American professor at Santa Monica City College. He talked with me often about my goals, my education, and life skills. Another was my mother who always said “Get an education.”

Q: What do you think makes Santa Clara University such a special place?
A: SCU is special not only because of its size, beautiful campus, diverse friendly student body, and great faculty. It also celebrates the part faith can play in the quality of life and how we treat each other.

Q: What would you say defines our Bronco spirit?
A: Bronco spirit is defined by drive, determination, love of, competition, and comradery!

Q: What advice would you give African American students at SCU today?
A: Feel fortunate that you have the chance to attend this great university. Seize the moment! Keep your eye on the prize (a degree). Get involved in activities and have fun too! Being Afro American is just a part of who you are. Being a human being is what you have in common with everyone else on campus.

Q: Where is your favorite place to hang out on campus, and why?
A: My favorite place to hang out on campus was the snack shop. Students met to relax, study, converse, and, of course, to eat.

 

Interview from January 2015

Photo by Charles Berry

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