News from Trinity University

Ruth McLean Bowman Bowers

SAN ANTONIO – The Ruth McLean Bowman Bowers Foundation has made a $500,000 gift to Trinity University to establish the Ruth McLean Bowman Bowers Women’s Studies Resource Center at the University. John R. Brazil, Trinity’s president, announced the gift March 1 during the Women’s History Month annual luncheon held on campus.

The gift will be used to endow a lecture every March – celebrated as Women’s History Month – in honor of Bowers and to help create a resource center where scholars from across curricular disciplines will meet, conduct research, and discuss a broad array of women and gender issues.

“This center will be a fitting tribute to Mrs. Bowers’ generosity of spirit, her interests in education and social issues, and her efforts to enhance and promote the contributions of women and the value of education throughout her lifetime,” Brazil said.

Bowers is known for her charitable activities throughout the world on behalf of women and others, and in support of medical research, education, reproductive rights, and many diverse issues. A longtime benefactor of Trinity, she has contributed funds, served as a Trustee, and encouraged University programs, including annual Women’s History Month activities on campus. Several buildings on campus are named in honor of her parents, including the University’s Marrs McLean Science Center, a critical center of science education, and the Verna McLean Residence Hall, which is home to nearly 250 undergraduates every semester.

Pictured left to right are Ruthie Russell, Bonnie Korbell (daughters of Ruth McLean Bowman Bowers), Janice Brazil, and Trinity University President John R. Brazil.

Trinity offers an academic minor in Women’s and Gender Studies and it is a model of interdisciplinary teaching and learning in a liberal arts and sciences environment. Funding from the Bowers Foundation will ensure that the University has the resources to help future students and faculty members pursue scholarship in these various disciplines.

“Mrs. Bowers’ dedication to Trinity is a living legacy for generations of students and faculty to come,” said Marc Raney, vice president for University Advancement at Trinity. “We hope to continue to build on Mrs. Bowers’ generosity and add to her endowment gift over time.”

The Bowers Foundation gift is part of The Campaign for Trinity University, which has a goal of $200 million for additional scholarships and financial aid, enhanced faculty research and program initiatives, and facility improvements.

Trinity University, founded in 1869, is one of the nation’s top private undergraduate institutions. Noted for its superior academic quality, outstanding faculty, and exceptional academic and residential resources, Trinity is committed to the intellectual, civic, and professional preparation of its students.

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