Kendra Becker Lewis
B.A. 1970, History and Political Science
Director of Development (Retired), Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity, Indianapolis, IN
Kendra had a thirty-four year career creating opportunities for young women to realize their potential. As Director of Development for Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity, responsibilities included fundraising planning, communication, relationship building, stewardship and more. Professionally, Kendra was a member of Association of Fundraising Professionals for over 20 years serving on the board of the Indiana Chapter and recognized in 2008 with the Marita R. Scherer Award for enthusiastic and exemplary service to Indiana Chapter. She also served on the board of the North American Interfraternity Conference Foundation, an organization serving fraternal foundations through professional development opportunities for staff.
Furthering her passions for history and community, Kendra joined Conner Prairie Alliance in 1997. The Alliance is an organization of creative, energetic, amazing women dedicated to the mission of Conner Prairie, Indiana’s living history museum using the past to shine a light on the future. For two years, Kendra chaired the Elegant Country Luncheon, at the time this was the Alliance’s signature fundraiser. She then served as president of the Alliance and was recognized in 2003 with the Touchmark Award for outstanding service to Conner Prairie Museum Alliance.
Kendra has been active in the Purdue Alumni Association of Indianapolis since 2005, helping Purdue alumni stay connected, get involved, and give back. She served as President in 2008-2010. She was then elected to the Purdue Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2012-2018 serving on the Finance, Leadership Development and Nominating, and Executive Committees.
In retirement, Kendra has followed her passion for inspiring women to realize their potential serving on the National Panhellenic Conference Scholarship Committee and mentoring college women to address professional and soft-skill development through the Pass the Torch for Women Foundation.
Kendra and husband Tim (BS 1970, Computer Science) are members of John Purdue Club, President’s Council, and life members of the Purdue Alumni Association. They love cheering on Boilermaker teams with their daughter, Missy Lewis Deeter (BA 1999, Health Promotion and Exercise & Fitness, MS 2003, Health Promotion) and son-in-law Ryan Deeter, (BS 200, Food Science). Kendra is proud to follow in her daughter’s footsteps in service to CLA. Missy was president of the CLA Alumni Board 2012-2014.