Honoring a Legacy

The Joseph Lewinger ’00 Scholarship finds its first recipient in peer tutor, Sulabh Katila ’26.

When Sulabh Katila ’26 learned he had been selected as the first recipient of the Joseph Lewinger ’00 Scholarship for Future Educators, he felt an overwhelming sense of honor and gratitude.

A double major in mathematics and computer science at St. Joseph’s University, New York’s Brooklyn Campus, Katila sees the scholarship as both personal inspiration and a powerful reminder of the lasting legacy of Lewinger, a 2000 graduate who dedicated his life to education and service.

“I was deeply moved to learn about Joseph Lewinger’s impact on the Brooklyn community and his passion for education,” said Katila, who lives in Queens. “Receiving this scholarship has inspired me to pursue my goals with even greater determination. It’s a reminder of how education can uplift others, and I strive to honor his legacy by using my skills to make a difference.”

Lewinger, affectionately nicknamed “Mr. St. Joe’s” during his time on the Brooklyn Campus, was a beloved figure on campus.

He immersed himself in every aspect of campus life, serving as vice president of the Student Government Association and orientation chairperson, and as a member of the Chapel Players Dramatic Group and the Psi Phi Omega fraternity. Lewinger also played for the men’s basketball team.

His dedication to education led him to a career in education, most recently serving as assistant principal at the Mary Louis Academy in Queens, where he made a profound impact on students and colleagues. Tragically, Lewinger died in March 2020 at the age of 42 due to complications from COVID-19.

The scholarship in his name was established to honor his commitment to education, service and the University.

For Katila, the scholarship has eased financial burdens and empowered him to focus fully on his academic and extracurricular pursuits. He serves as a peer tutor for mathematics and computer science, where he helps his fellow students tackle such challenging courses as programming and calculus.

“Supporting students as they navigate difficult concepts and watching them reach their ‘aha’ moments has been incredibly fulfilling,” he said.

Beyond tutoring, Katila has served as the co-vice president of the computer club on the Brooklyn Campus. He helped organize the Computer Science Symposium, which brought industry professionals to campus and engaged local high school students interested in technology.

Looking ahead, Katila hopes to follow in Lewinger’s footsteps by making education a central part of his life. His long-term goals include earning an advanced degree in computer science, gaining real-world experience in the tech industry and ultimately returning to academia as an educator.

“I want to bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications,” he said. “My goal is to inspire students to see the practical value of what they’re learning and help them develop excitement for their studies.”

As he reflects on the scholarship’s impact, Katila expressed deep gratitude to Lewinger’s family and the scholarship’s benefactors.

“This scholarship is far more than financial support—it’s a reminder of Joseph Lewinger’s incredible legacy,” he said. “I will strive to honor his memory by using my education to make a positive difference in the world.”