University Communications

While in college, Lewis was an avid swimmer, and he still frequents the Capitol pool, sporting UCLA swim trunks. He describes his retreats to the pool as opportunities to "clear the hot air" of The Hill. It was while swimming laps that Lewis created The House That Congress Built, a partnership with Habitat for Humanity that engaged House members and their staffs to build more than 300 homes throughout the country.

Although his trips to the Westwood campus are rare these days, UCLA is always with Lewis. He recently introduced a House resolution to congratulate legendary Bruin basketball coach John Wooden on his Presidential Medal of Freedom award and to further commend him for his achievements in sports and education.

"If one could only reflect a small part of the wisdom that John Wooden shared with his athletes and his colleagues," says Lewis. "He is one of UCLA's great contributions to the world." In December, the basketball court in Pauley Pavilion was renamed the Nell and John Wooden Court.

Lewis also offered testimony when Jackie Robinson was nominated to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, reminding Congress that Robinson was one of the nation's most important athletes during his college days at UCLA. Lewis quoted Robinson as saying: "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."

It is clear that Lewis has taken Robinson's words to heart.

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