Remembering Mac Lewis

Mac Lewis found his passion for the study of and teaching Classics. In particular, he was an enthusiastic, hands-on Roman Archaeologist – through which he pursued his curiosity about Roman’ colonization’; finding evidence about the timing, events, and process through which Rome influenced, assimilated and managed people’s, places, economic activity, and cultures – to become the Roman empire.
Mac Lewis
Mac was at a point in his personal life and career that was happy, productive, and satisfying. He was having a growing and profound impact on his students and colleagues as a teacher, mentor, and leader for student involvement in Archaeology. Unfortunately, his loving personal life and friendships – as well as his career – were cut short when he died unexpectedly in March 2020 at age 45. He enjoyed Classical myths while growing up. This led to his fascination with philosophers, which was the doorway through which he developed his interest in the Classics. As he learned more about the stories, culture, history, leadership, politics, expansion, and adventure of these civilizations, he developed a passion for learning more about them and how this knowledge can impact our perceptions and experiences in today’s world. We are proud of the feedback from his former and current students as he engaged them in a classical legacy – to understand our collective cultural history better Mac Lewis This site is to remember Mac. A son, brother, spouse, father, grandson, friend, and colleague. His focus on the Classics is a reminder that we all have much to gain from study and knowledge of this history and culture. And, we are delighted to include video and comments on his life, as well as memories from FamilyFriends and Students/ Colleagues/ Archaeologists. His Students suggested (and provided their seed funding) for a Scholarship Award in Mac’s name. We are delighted to have established a Memorial Fund to support annual Student and Archaeological Awards. We seek to attract more support for this Memorial Fund, so that these Awards may be supported by an endowment for future support of students and Archaeologists whose interests and passions can continue the work done by Mac Lewis. If you would like to learn more about the C. McKenzie (Mac) Lewis Memorial Classics Fund and make a donation, go to the Memorial Fund page on this web site. We hope you found this site interesting. That perhaps it will increase your interest in learning more about Ancient Classical history, and peak your interest in archaeology. If you have comments or questions, or would like to send us your reflections about McKenzie, please contact us at: mac.lewis@gmail.com This poem captured some aspects of Mac’s journey – He pursued his own path; touching many along the way. During his journey he sought for ancient items that would speak to us today, and mentored students to help this Classical history ‘come alive’

Magellan 

By: Mary Oliver

Like Magellan, let us find our islands to die in, far from home, from anywhere Familiar. Let us risk the wildest places, lest we go down in comfort, and despair.

For years we have labored over common roads Dreaming of ships that sail into the night. Let us be heroes, or, if that’s not in us, let us find men to follow, honor-bright.

For what is life but reaching for an answer? And what is death but a refusal to grow? Magellan had a dream he had to follow. The sea was big, his ships were awkward, slow.

And when the fever would not set him free, to his thin crew, “Sail on, sail on!” he cried. And so, they did, carried the frail dream homeward. And thus, Magellan lives, although he died.