Honoring the Memory of Journalism Professor Lew Moores

Lewis A. Moores passed away last week at the age of 64. He was a UC alum, an adjunct journalism professor, and a longtime Cincinnati reporter and columnist. He was also a valued friend, colleague, and mentor to many in the UC family, and he will be sorely missed.

Lewis Moores, “Lew” to his friends, studied at UC in the ‘70s, and served as the first editor of UC’s

Clifton

magazine. It was there that he met his close friend and colleague Jon Hughes, who served as the faculty advisor to the magazine.

Hughes, now professor emeritus at UC’s McMicken College Department of Journalism, remembers how impressive Lew’s work was.

“He was an old-school journalist in the best sense,” said Hughes. “He was fair, accurate and complete. His writing was a pleasure to read: clean, tight, to the point."

Hughes eventually tapped Moores to be an adjunct instructor in UC's journalism program.

“I hired Lew about eight years ago to teach after a long and successful career with the Cincinnati Post and later the Cincinnati Enquirer.  He was skeptical at first about working with students but soon warmed to the task and fortunately for the department shared his knowledge of reporting and writing, specifically writing features and profiles at which he excelled.

“Lew was one of the most talented writers I have personally known and worked with. He was also one of the most gentle and caring individuals I have known. He never ceased to be funny. He was a friend, loyal and kind.”

Greg Hand, the recently retired spokesman for UC, first read Lew’s work while still in high school, when he worked as a printer for the company that printed The News Record. He recalls that although he seldom agreed with what Lew wrote on TNR’s editorial page, he was fascinated by Lew’s attitude and approach to writing.

“I only met Lew after I graduated UC, when we were both working as reporters,” Hand remembers. “He was just as prickly and just as fascinating as his student columns, but hilarious, and a born storyteller. Lew knew that the story was the only thing that mattered.”

Amy Culberston, a former colleague of Lew’s, reminisced about their time at the now-defunct Cincinnati Post.

“He was a fine writer and reporter,” said Culbertson in an online post. “One of the best columnists the Post ever had -- and a kind and gentle human being with a droll and delightful sense of humor. I can still remember his little smile, all these years since I last saw him. My condolences to his family -- you, and all who knew Lew, have lost someone who was truly special.”

Lew Moores is survived by his wife of 33 years, Diane S. Menendez. He will be remembered for his insightful journalism, but also for his generous spirit. His work will be continued, not only by colleagues, but by new generations of journalists whom he helped to teach and guide through his years at UC – and so, while we remember his accomplishments, we know much of his legacy has yet to be written.