Harvard Law School has announced a $1.5 million gift from the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation to continue the Reginald F. Lewis Fellowships program for alumni who have demonstrated a strong interest in law scholarship and teaching.

Lewis Fellows are required to prepare work for publication and follow a schedule of research, scholarship, and coursework; they are also allowed to audit courses at the school. Many fellows travel abroad to pursue empirical research that enriches their understanding of international law and global affairs, with the aim of enhancing their ability to influence the future of legal reform.

Prior to his death in 1993, Reginald F. Lewis ('68) gave the law school a gift of $3 million, the largest in its history at the time. In recognition, HLS's International Law Center was named in his honor, and the fellowship program was established. In recognition of Lewis's African American heritage, the fellowship program aims to enhance diversity among legal educators.

"Loida Lewis and the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation have been great friends to Harvard Law School for many years, and this personal example of leadership is a source of great inspiration," said Steve Oliveira, associate dean and dean for development and alumni relations at HLS. "The fellowships offered in Reginald Lewis's name will allow our program to continue to develop like-minded, values-driven leadership from some of the top candidates worldwide. We are thrilled to be able to continue the Reginald Lewis Fellowships tradition here at Harvard Law School."