Ten Hudson and Holland scholars joined a virtual zoom call in October to meet Bob and Terry Bowen, whose family foundation is funding a new scholarship program for IU students. Modeled from a program they created at Ivy Tech Community College in 1993, the Bowen Family Scholarship Program provides $1,500 per semester to 10 underserved students. Renewable for up to four years, Bowen scholars must meet the scholarship requirements of maintaining a GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale, demonstrating financial need, and participating in any program within the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA). This scholarship is administered through the Indiana University Foundation.
The Bowen Family Foundation also provides scholarships to Ivy Tech, IU Indianapolis, Purdue University, and Indiana State. Since 1994, they have had over 700 scholarship recipients, many of them from underrepresented communities.
The Bowen Scholarship is unique because it provides an opportunity for scholarship recipients to not only meet but form a connection with the Bowen family themselves. During the virtual meet and greet, recipients learned the Bowen family history, why they started awarding scholarships, and what they hope the students will accomplish during their four years at IU. The Bowens also hope that this inaugural scholarship class will mentor future Bowen scholars, providing guidance and advice they learned during their first year at IU.
Additionally, this virtual event allowed the Bowens to connect with the students and understand their motivations and personalities. They learned about the student’s hometowns, majors, aspirations, and—most notably—how the scholars have and will continue to give back to their communities.
Much like how the Bowen’s give thousands of dollars to their scholarship program, the scholars give their time and talent to various worthy causes. Whether volunteering at a local church or with the Girl Scouts of America, helping to mentor young high schoolers or participating in high school extracurriculars, the scholars have shown a dedication to giving back to others that will only grow as they continue their college careers.
“Today is the best you’ve been,” Bob Bowen said. ”Tomorrow, you will be better.”
And although they do not have a complete network of every Bowen scholar alumni, the knowledge and community network the scholars receive has undoubtedly shaped their lives.
“We like to say once a Bowen scholar, always a Bowen scholar.” Terry Bowen said.