Whether it is athletic championships or academic rankings, many accomplishments made by the University tend to fit into Villanova-esque categories. But there is another less-known area in which Villanovans have triumphantly excelled: film.
When two students were selected as 2015 Student Academy Award finalists for their films, Villanova assistant professor of communication Hezekiah Lewis explained to CBS that he never in his “wildest dreams believed that that would come out of Villanova University.”
Formerly, Lewis was a student of communication at the University as an undergraduate and went on to receive his master’s in theater at the graduate school.
This year, Lewis was awarded the Dr. Terry Nance for Inclusive Excellence. The award seeks to honor alumni for their efforts and accomplishments in advancing the mission of the University and the Villanova University Alumni Association.
Specifically, the Inclusive Excellence Award champions those whose efforts have fostered a welcoming culture for all Villanovans. Lewis himself fulfills every aspect of this award.
As an advocate for DEI across campus and for alumni, Lewis has engaged the community through involvement initiatives such as Villanova University Black Alumni and Soul Food Sundays. Currently, he co-leads the Social Justice Documentary Program, as well as the Villanova on Set Immersion Program.
Lewis’ films seek to promote social justice and awareness, such as his work on Warrior Queen. The film tells the story of Ghanaian Queen Yaa Asantewaa and her attempts to preserve Ashanti culture against early 1900s British Colonial Rule.
The Social Justice Documentary Program is a unique opportunity at the University, one that is immensely well-known on campus because of the several accolades the films have received, as well as due to the many students who boast of it. Co-led by Lewis, students spend one semester learning about film, and the other crafting their own to raise societal awareness surrounding a certain topic or issue.
Students remain in Philadelphia to film or journey as far as to Ghana or Costa Rica, and each year produce several compelling documentaries. 2024 films include “Art of Resistance” and “Mestre Guga,” among others.
Riley Kalejeta is a current sophomore communication major. She highlighted the variety of paths available to students studying communications at the University because of its incredible faculty members such as Lewis.
“The Villanova Communication Department has amazing professors that are more than willing to support students in and out of the classroom,” Kalejeta said. “I have established great connections with my communication professors and they have all been supportive of my academic and personal journey.”
Lewis’ work in and out of the classroom has established this inclusive environment that communication students like Kalejta, along with his fellow alumni, speak of so highly. Whether it be through his work with the Villanova University Alumni Association or through his unique student programs, Lewis embodies the Dr. Terry Nance Inclusive Excellence Award.
