NW Valley Times

T.W. Lewis, a notable homebuilder from Arizona, has chosen Grand Canyon University (GCU) as the new focus for his philanthropic efforts. The T.W. Lewis Foundation, established by Lewis in 2000 during his successful career in homebuilding, has pledged a $2 million gift over five years to GCU's Colangelo College of Business. This donation will support the creation of the T.W. Lewis Center for Student Success.

Kevin Youngblood, an entrepreneur who introduced Lewis to GCU, commented on Lewis’s influence: “The real power of Tom is not his checkbook, even though he is very generous,” he said. “The real power of Tom is his knowledge and his character and his beliefs.”

Lewis expressed optimism about this new partnership with GCU: “I think we’re off to a good start,” he stated, acknowledging that this isn't his first time making substantial donations to various organizations.

John Kaites, Dean of the Colangelo College of Business at GCU, shared enthusiasm for the plans involving Lewis: “He is not only on board with the plans; he's excited about them,” Kaites noted.

Reflecting on his journey and career choices, Lewis emphasized the importance of taking risks and setting goals. His Amazon bestseller "Solid Ground: A Foundation for Winning in Work and in Life," published in 2020, discusses these themes extensively.

In addition to philanthropy and business success, personal challenges have shaped Lewis's life philosophy. Following a stage-four cancer diagnosis in 2017, he found renewed depth in his Christian faith.

Youngblood arranged for meetings between Lewis and key figures at GCU including President Brian Mueller and Paul Lambertson from the College of Engineering and Technology. These interactions solidified Lewis’s decision to support GCU's mission.

Lewis was particularly moved by a Chapel service at GCU attended by thousands of students. He observed their happiness both during and after the service.