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| Give to the Dean Dan Memorial Scholarship. |
An alumnus and former dean of students at Bluefield College and a brother to Dr. Andrew Bowman, an assistant professor at Campbell University, Dean Dan came to Bluefield first as a student in the fall of 1990. After earning his bachelor’s degree from BC in 1994, a master’s degree from Radford University in 1996 and working five years as guidance counselor for Roanoke and Bedford County Public Schools, Dean Dan returned to Bluefield College in 2001 to serve as dean of students.
“Dean Dan was a man of faith, family, friends and support,” said BC alumnus Tony Hall (‘94). He lived his faith everyday and was an example of courage and trust in a loving God. I am blessed to have known Dan and to have called him my friend.”
During four years as dean of students, Bowman did more than love BC students. He spearheaded three major renovation projects for residence halls and the student activities center. He also increased retention and residential enrollment and installed a values-based living and learning program that included a campus-wide tobacco-free policy.
A native of Salem, Virginia, Dean Dan returned to the Roanoke Valley in 2005 to become an associate dean of students at Radford University. He later served as principal of Craig County High School, but in 2011 was diagnosed with myoepithelial carcinoma, a rare cancer of the soft tissue that he battled for three years while continuing to work and serve those around him. In fact, in the midst of his treatments, he and his wife, Staci, a 1994 Bluefield College graduate whom Dean Dan met at BC, continued to coach his daughters, Maddie and Libby, in recreational lacrosse. He also remained a member of the Virginia Tech “chain gang” that worked down markers for Hokie football games.
Despite his valiant fight, Dean Dan succumbed to his cancer in January of 2014. Since his passing, alumni and friends of Bluefield College have gathered in Richmond, Virginia, for a tribute reunion and to run in the Monument Avenue 10K as members of “Team Dean Dan.” In addition to running in his name, the BC grads meet before and after the race for food, fellowship and reflection.
“It’s a great way to continue to honor Dean Dan and his legacy,” said alumnus Mark Hipes (’03). “It gives all members of the Bluefield family an opportunity to fellowship, get a little exercise, and be a part of remembering and honoring Dan Bowman.”
Now, through the initiative of the Bowman family and with the help of Campbell University, Dean Dan supporters have yet another way to preserve his legacy through the Daniel G. Bowman “Dean Dan” Memorial Scholarship at Bluefield College and the Daniel G. Bowman “DB” Memorial Scholarship at Campbell University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
“We are excited to have the chance to partner with Campbell University to honor and memorialize a great friend and alumnus of Bluefield College,” said BC’s Josh Grubb, director of alumni relations. “Dean Dan was a beloved member of the Bluefield College family, and now his legacy will be carried on through these scholarships. He was a major advocate for student success, and the scholarships are a fitting way to continue to support students in his memory.”
The Dean Dan Scholarship at Bluefield College will be given to an academically gifted student from Virginia who exhibits financial need, while the DB Memorial Scholarship at Campbell University will be given to an academically gifted student who has a strong interest in oncology and pharmacy.
“As Dan courageously fought cancer, scholarship recipients (at CU) should have a personal or familial journey with the disease,” said Dr. Bowman, an assistant professor at CU’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “It’s a good fit with our multiple health sciences programs. I use Dan’s cancer experience as an example in the classroom frequently.”
Contributions to the Bowman Scholarships will benefit both institutions equally. And, in addition to paying tribute to Dean Dan with a gift to his endowments, both schools invite supporters to participate in yet one more opportunity to honor his legacy — the Bowman Bowl. Expected to be an annual tribute, the Bowman Bowl will be an intercollegiate football matchup between Bluefield College and Campbell University. The inaugural Bowman Bowl will be Thursday, September 1, 2016 in Buies Creek, North Carolina. The Bowman family will be in attendance, and both football teams will honor Dean Dan in some capacity.
For more information about the Bowman Bowl, the Bowman Scholarships or to give to the endowed student scholarship funds, visit www.bluefield.edu/deandan or call 276-326-4209.