Deb Stewart Lewis
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the loss of a cherished friend of UWC Atlantic, alumna Deb Stewart Lewis, who died on May 1st at the age of 60. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies go out to her husband Neil, her children Rhys and Rhiannon, and her family.
Deb (UWCA 1977) and Neil (UWCA 1975) met at the wedding of a mutual friend and alumnus where they were introduced by close friend and fellow alumnus Oscar Strugstad, now a Governor on the UWC Atlantic Board of Trustees. The rest, as they say, is history.
Oscar says “I had the privilege of knowing Deb for over 40 years. She was a woman of passion and fierce intellect, warm laughter and incisive analysis (and a love of gin and pink champagne), all of which she engaged without hesitation for the benefit of others in both her personal and professional life. For those of us who had the privilege of knowing her in either, or both, capacities, she has left an indelible impression, which will be missed enormously.”
Her studies after UWC Atlantic took her to Aberystwyth University to study Spanish and Pure Maths shortly after which Deb and Neil moved to Spain to teach, spending several happy years in Madrid. Deb qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young and worked as a professional accountant in London, Vancouver and Plymouth, before moving to Estee Lauder. Completing her MBA at Swansea University, she entered the academic world as a senior teaching fellow at the University of Swansea before moving to Bath as Director of Studies for the Bath MBA at the University of Bath, where she carved a new career as Director of Studies and Senior Lecturer (Accounting, Finance and Law) - remaining positive and indefatigable in her work (Deb also made the time to co-author a book) and a beacon of love and support for her family, in spite of having been diagnosed with cancer nearly ten years ago.
Deb has received warm and glowing tributes from her colleagues at the Bath MBA and from the many people whose lives she has touched. Deb truly lived the UWC values. This was made evident last year when she was presented with the Director of Studies Award, given in recognition of the key role Deb played in supporting learning and teaching, her exceptional commitment to student wellbeing and her personal dedication to improving students’ experience. Deb was selected for her tireless energy and dedication in supporting a diverse cohort of students, using her own work experience outside academia to support those who faced personal or academic challenges.
Deb contributed enormously to UWC Atlantic over a number of decades both on the Finance Committee and on the College's Board, as a Trustee and Governor. Always committed to the ideals of the College, she worked tirelessly to support and develop the finance function, and to bring much-needed focus to the ongoing sustainability of the College to all concerned. She had an uncanny knack of being able to think very strategically at the same time being conscious of the detail.
“Deb was a combination of commitment and pragmatism. She cut through the noise and got stuff done. That is how I remember her from all her work on the finances of the College. UWC Atlantic is like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona: unique, built on the shoulders of giants, and in continuous evolution by fabulous people. Deb was truly one of those!” Driek Desmet, Governor, UWC Atlantic.
During her time on the UWC Atlantic Board she also served on the Finance Committee of the International Baccalaureate and subsequently its Audit Committee.
Strong, positive, generous, warm and certain, as a teacher, she was inspiring, encouraging and supportive of others and passionate about the power of education to change and enhance lives. As a lifelong learner, she was always looking to grow as a person and face a challenge as a professional. We are honoured and thankful that Deb has contributed so much to the College, as a student, an alumna, an advisor, a donor, a parent and more importantly, as a friend. She will be deeply missed.
The last words are from her husband Neil. “Deb was the most amazing person who brightened every life she touched. Please remember her with joy and love in your hearts.”