LOIDA LEWIS NAMED SPEAKER FOR 2008 MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT

Morgan State University President Earl S. Richardson today announced Loida N. Lewis, Chairperson and CEO of TLC Beatrice International Holdings Inc., as the keynote speaker for the University’s 132nd Commencement ceremony, to be held on May 18, 2008 beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the W.A.C. Hughes Memorial Stadium on the university’s main campus. 

A professional lawyer, accomplished author and noted philanthropist, Lewis was named by Working Woman Magazine as its “Top Female Business Owner in America” in 1994. She is the widow of Reginald F. Lewis, one of America’s most notable African-American entrepreneurs and author of the 1994 book, Why Should White Guys Have all the Fun?

“We are excited and honored to have Loida Lewis as the keynote speaker for this year’s commencement exercises, says Dr. Richardson. “Her example of intellect, compassion and courage is one that all of our graduates should be proud to emulate and surpass in their own careers and lives.”

Born in Sorsogon, Philippines, Lewis earned her undergraduate degree at Saint Theresa’s University and her law degree at the University of the Philippines. She holds the distinction of being the first Philippine woman to pass the New York State Bar exam with a law degree earned outside of the United States. In 2007, she was inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame along with Olympic skating champion, Apolo Anton Ohno.

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a coeducational institution offering more than 60 academic programs leading to bachelor’s degrees as well as programs at the master’s and doctoral levels.  As Maryland’s public urban university, Morgan serves a multi-ethnic and multi-racial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. 

####