John and Carrie Lewis know that connection has the power to transform lives. It’s what brought them together, guided their careers and ultimately inspired their recent gift to EKU in support of the nationally ranked aviation program.
Their story began in the trombone section of the University of Kentucky marching band. “We spent hours practicing, performing and getting to know each other,” Carrie remembers. “It was community-building at its core.”
That theme—building community—has never left them and is ultimately what led to John’s career as a pharmacist. Growing up in Carter County, Kentucky, he viewed the local pharmacy as the heart of town—a place with snacks, stories and support. “It wasn’t just a corner drugstore,” he says. “It was where people came to connect, to feel seen.” He’s now served patients for over 20 years, watching them—and himself—grow older together.
Carrie, a former librarian turned development professional, has spent the past nine years working in EKU’s Office of Development and Alumni Engagement. Over time, she witnessed firsthand the difference philanthropy can make. “Seeing donors pour their hearts into helping students—it’s contagious,” she said. “And eventually, John and I realized we didn’t want to just watch that happen. We wanted to be part of it.”
The Lewises chose to create their own scholarship that supports EKU’s Aviation program, because the industry runs deep in both their families. Carrie’s father, an Air Force veteran, worked on planes during Vietnam and later in the Air Force Reserve. John’s grandfather served as a Marine working as a WWII aircraft mechanic in California, and his great-uncle served in the Air Force when he was killed in combat over England. Another uncle worked as an air traffic controller. “Aviation has always touched my life,” John said. “It felt right to honor that legacy in a meaningful way.”
Their gift will help ease the financial burden for students entering a high-cost but high-demand field. As former students who took out loans themselves, they understand how hard it can be to chase a dream with debt in the way. “Affording college has always been a challenge,” Carrie said. “If this scholarship can help one student pursue their passion with less financial strain, then we’ve succeeded.”
What they hope students take away isn’t just financial support—it’s encouragement. “Even if we don’t know you personally, we believe in your success,” they said. “We hope this helps you soar a little higher.”
Their advice to others? You don’t have to be wealthy to give. “We’re not millionaires,” Carrie noted. “But EKU makes it easy to give over a period of time. It’s not just about the dollar amount—it’s about making a real, active investment in someone’s future.”
Though neither John nor Carrie attended Eastern as students, they have fully embodied the mantra that EKU is the School of Opportunity. Their unwavering passion for community has forged the ultimate connection—a lasting legacy that empowers others and uplifts generations to come.
You can join John and Carrie in their support of aviation students with a gift to the John H. and Carrie A. Lewis Aviation Scholarship. Visit go.eku.edu/give-Lewis to make your gift online.
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