In Your Own Words

Condolences and tributes from the Rowan University Community and friends upon Mr. Rowan's passing in 2015

God bless you Mr. Rowan. Peace and comfort to you Lee and the rest of the family. I have been fortunate enough to have met Mr. Rowan after the presentation of his transformational gift to my alma mater The Williamson Free School (now Williamson College of the Trades) in Middletown, Pennsylvania. I am currently an engineering graduate student at Rowan University and I was in attendance at the dedication of his statue on campus. In my effort to further my understanding and appreciation of his passion and philanthropy I purchased an autographed copy of his autobiography and am in the process of reading it. Thank you Henry Rowan – you have my gratitude for your remarkable life and example. Thanks also to the Rowan Foundation for the generous blessings you continue to bestow.

-- Matthew, current student

I am so sorry for your loss. As a resident of Gloucester County who resided in Glassboro most of my life I have seen first hand what the Rowan family contributions to the University have done for students, educators, the economy and the region! Mr. Rowan will be missed but his mark on the world will always remain.

-- Michelle, community member

My thoughts and prayers are with the Rowan Family during this difficult time.

I am in awe reading Mr. and Mrs. Rowan's life story.

He was a great man who will be missed – how wonderful that his legacy will live on – continuing to inspiring those, like myself, who unfortunately was only able to read about him.

I would be so proud if any of my children decided to choose Rowan University.

Henry Rowan's wonderful spirit lives on!

Wisdom 3:1-3

--Sharon

Henry Rowan's impact on Rowan University goes far beyond his financial support. As one of the great innovators of his time, he remains an influence on students and professionals at Rowan University and beyond. It was an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to study entrepreneurship at an institution that benefited so much from someone of his caliber. Henry Rowan will forever be someone I credit for helping make both my educational and professional pursuits possible.

--Zachary, alumnus

As my first job out of graduate school, I have been so fortunate to work in a supportive, progressive, student-development, and learning environment at Rowan University.  The vision of Mr. Rowan to impact South Jersey with a great university is something I am very grateful for.  I have seen the lives of so many students impacted positively by their experience at Rowan, and I will do all I can to continue the legacy of the Rowan name.  I appreciate and will miss Mr. Rowan for all the events he did attend and the many times he supported the college financially and with his time. My condolences to the family!

--Kevin, staff

Dear Rowan Family,

You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Mr. Rowan was an important influence in my life. I returned to college at, then Glassboro College, graduating in1966 at the age of 32. My first job upon graduation was as Adminstrative Assistant to Corporate Counsel for Inductotherm Industries. I learned a great deal working there – lessons I have held onto my entire life.  Interestingly, I was also delivered by Mr. Rowan's father (my parents lived in Yardley, PA and Trenton was the closest hospital in 1944), and I believe both my mother and I lived because of Dr. Rowan's skill and quick intervention.  Please know that I always respected and admired Mr. Rowan, and have carried many of the lessons I learned from him through a successful career as a risk manager, then into my husband's and my venture into a small business running a B & B in Wisconsin. I know he left an amazing legacy to those of us who had the privilege to know him. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

--Suzanne, alumnus and former employee

May his remembrance be a blessing. May we revolutionize education with the gifts from a man who revolutionized industry.

--Stephen, faculty

Rowan Family,

I am so grateful for Henry M. Rowan's contribution to the university. Thanks to his various donations and work my degree will be valued due to Rowan University's prestige among innovative colleges. I will be beyond proud when I graduate from this institution and enter the workforce. My condolences to all of you who knew him on a much personal level. His legacy will continue with all of us who attend and graduate from Rowan.

--Karla, current student

It is with great sadness that I learned of Mr. Rowan's passing today. In 1996, I was hired as one of the first faculty members in the new engineering program at Rowan University and it was a great honor and privilege to meet Mr. Rowan, read his book, and to be inspired by his vision. Over the next decade, I had many opportunities to meet and work with Mr. Rowan and his family. In addition to all that he did for the university and the engineering program, one of my favorite memories was bringing groups of our engineering entrepreneurship students to have lunch with Mr. Rowan every semester. I know that I speak for many in saying that it is hard to imagine Rowan University without Mr. Rowan. His legacy, however, will continue to live on as the university continues to fulfill his vision.  

--Anthony, former Rowan faculty member

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Henry Rowan. His life's work will live on as greatness, and for that, we are forever thankful.

Thank you Mr. Rowan & family for all the generous donations, support and belief in Rowan University that allowed me to have a well-rounded life experience I will forever carry with me. Aside from the exceptional education I received, I made lifelong friends, met my future husband, and was able to share the amazing experience with my alumnus brother and sister.

Rowan University means a great deal to me and my family, and I will forever be grateful because of what Mr. Rowan gifted to the community.

May Mr. Rowan rest in peace knowing he greatly influenced the lives of others.

--Shannon, alumna

Dear Rowan Family,

When I first came to Rowan I had no idea what a Rowan University was, now it is all I talk about. Rowan University has helped me grow so much as an individual and as a professional. From making life long friends, to meeting professionals that will help me for years to come. I hope one day i can help one person as much as Henry Rowan has helped all these students. Not just because he donated a lot of money but because he believed in us and knew that we could and still can make a difference. Rest in peace and we will always remember you.

--Nicholas, current student

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was there when the gift was announced and have seen the numerous changes made to the school and to the community due to Mr. Rowan's generous spirit.

His legacy will live forever.

--Misty, alumna

The generosity of the Rowan family and Henry Rowan specifically have caused so much success in the lives of so many that never expected such kindness. Rowan University has grown to be so dedicated to the advancement of its students and giving an impeccable education and it is all thanks to Mr. Rowan. I cannot say enough how much the university has done for my life but I truly thank Mr. Rowan for his part in all of it. I give my condolences and wish everyone the best moving forward. I wear the Rowan name proud as a graduate of the amazing institution Henry Rowan helped to create.

--Tracey, alumna

I am so blessed that I have had the opportunity to come to work at Glassboro State College 3 years before Mr. and Mrs. Rowan gave their generous gift and to see all of the changes that have occurred since that time. I'm so happy that Mr. Rowan was able to see and experience them, too!! I wonder if Mr. Rowan could have foreseen all of the changes that his gracious donation made for our students and our institution and the many changes that will come in the future.

My sincere regards to his daughter, Ms. Ginny Smith and the rest of his family and also my regards to Mr. Phil Tuminnia, who got to know Mr. Rowan on a very personal basis since the gift.

--Esther, staff

Because of Mr. Rowan, I can rest assure that my daughter is receiving quality education in a safe and loving environment. May his love and legacy live on through the lives of the students of Rowan University, and may the hearts of his family be healed soon. I will always be ROWAN PROUD!!!

--Jennifer, parent

In 1992, I entered as a student at Glassboro State College, where my uncle Herbert Appelson is an art professor there for the past 50 years. Soon after, the generosity of Henry Rowan had been felt throughout the school. And immediately vast improvements were made as it became Rowan University.  I got a quality education in top-notch facilities thanks to Mr. Rowan. It's still amazing to me every time I drive past Rowan University, how it keeps transforming to be a bigger and better university. To the Rowan family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Henry was a generous man, whom I'd wish I had the pleasure of meeting. His generosity will never be forgotten. 

--Jeff, alumnus

I'm so sorry for your loss and I wish you comfort and peace.

It took my a long time to find my path, but when I transferred to Rowan University two and a half years ago at the age of 28, I knew I was finally home. Rowan University wouldn't be the dynamic, welcoming place it is if not for Mr. Rowan's generosity. The example he set is endlessly inspiring and encouraging, and when I make charitable gifts in the future I'll give them in honor of Mr. Rowan.

-- Catherine, current student

Dear Ginny and Manning,

I wanted to share with you how much I appreciate and respect all that your father did to improve the lives of tens of thousands of students through his gift and ongoing commitment to the University. He exemplifies what it means to give generously and blessing others as he was blessed. I am also very grateful for Ginny, as you have continued your father's legacy by giving generously of yourself to the University. Thank you so much!

--Leslie, faculty member

Sending condolences to all the Rowan Family. I graduated from GSC in '69. My parents graduated from GSTC in ‘41. Both parents received their Masters degree from GSC. My Father went onto be a professor in the Foundations of Education department. We have many ties to the college. Our family was so grateful for Mr. Rowan's contributions to the college and the town of Glassboro. Mr. Rowan's devotion to ensuring educational opportunities are available to students from South Jersey will always be appreciated. Thank you Mr. Rowan.

--Rosemary, alumna

I'm so sad to hear of this...Mr. Rowan was an amazing man.  Because of his generosity, I was able to attend Rowan University on a full scholarship. He knew the importance of education and gave every single child of his employees the chance to go to college without the burden of debt.  Thank you, Mr. Rowan...

--Dawn, alumna

Please accept my condolences and deep appreciation from a Rowan graduate (2004) and Inductotherm Scholarship recipient. Mr Rowan, Thank you for your generosity. You helped me and my family to achieve our American Dreams.

--Chu, alumnus

Thank you Mr. Rowan. I never had the opportunity to meet you but your support of higher education helped create a place that changed my life. After high school, everyone was skeptical of me leaving my home state of Michigan for a pretty much unknown, at the time, college in New Jersey but the energy I felt when I visited the campus just felt right. Now after spending four great years there, I look back knowing it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Rowan University was the place where my passion was ignited, my career founded and my network of awesome friends and colleagues grew. So thank you for your philanthropy that allowed this great place to exist and I only hope one day I can pay it forward the same way you did. ‪#‎rowanproud

--Adam, alumnus

I want to offer my heart felt condolences to the family of Henry Rowan.  

The impact that his contributions have made to the Glassboro community, Rowan University, and within education overall, will continue for lifetimes.  

As a former Glassboro resident, who graduated from Glassboro High School in 1992, and a current employee of Rowan University for almost 13 years, I have personally witnessed the changes he brought to my community.  My life, along with the lives of countless others, continues to benefit from his generosity.  In addition to condolences, I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to a man dedicated to academic advancement.

My thoughts are with you.

--Paige, staff

As a current student here at Rowan (class of 2015) as well as a life long resident of Glassboro... Please accept my families most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time... It should be noted that my Great Grandfather (Louis Napolean Shreve - Local undertaker here in Glassboro late 1800's and early 1900's) was one (1) of the original 107 residents of Glassboro (1917) who raised more than $7,000 to purchase the 25 acres, which they offered to the state for free if the borough were selected as the site to build a teaching college. Growing up in this town, I have witnessed the school’s various name changes over the years. Just like my Great Grandfather (L.N. Shreve), Mr. Rowan saw something in this school and/or area, which they believed in. Now both of their dreams as well as legacies will live on for many years to come....

Peace, Prayers and Blessings.

--William, current student

Thank you for sharing your father, husband, grandfather, uncle, friend with all of the students, staff and faculty in the Rowan University community. His contribution to higher education has help thousands and thousands of students excel in life. His gift and vision for Rowan University elevated the reputation of a small state school in Southern NJ to a force to be reckoned with in higher education. Thank you, Mr. Rowan, and family.

--Tara, alumna

My sincerest condolences on the loss of your father and family member. Although nothing can assuage the grief you may be feeling please take solace in knowing that he touched the lives of many people both now and for generations to come. He was not only a leader in the industrial world but he was a visionary for the future of education in southern New Jersey. His legacy not only lives in you but in the opportunity he created for each new generation of engineers, philosophers, artists, and innovators that will call Rowan University home. All of southern New Jersey grieves with you during this time.

--Anthony, friend

To the Rowan Family,

I am a 1958 graduate of Glassboro State Teachers College now Rowan University. I believe we had an enrollment of about 5 to 600 students when I was there, four dorms and the main building. When I return for alumni functions it's incredible to me to see the progress that has been made due to Mr. Rowan's generous endowment to our college. We are really on the map as one of the finest universities in NJ.

I'd like to send my sympathy to all of you upon the passing of a great humanitarian and philanthropist, Mr. Rowan. We are indeed grateful for his kind generosity.

--Alberta, alumna

Thank you to Mr. Rowan and your family for all you have done, and are doing for Rowan University. My sons are getting a phenomenal education because of Mr. Rowan and your family. Our prayers are with your family.

--Karin, alumna and parent

Mr. Rowan's donation was the reason for the Rowan Scholars program; a pretty direct reason why I am now just a few months away from my engineering degree. Thank you Mr. Rowan I just wish that I could have had you sign my degree this May. I'm sure you'll be there in spirit.

--David, current student

What an incredible gift he gave to all of us Profs. I am forever grateful for my alma mater and for the remarkable man whose most generous gift allowed Rowan University to become a beacon of higher learning in the South Jersey countryside. Thank you, Mr. Rowan. May your family take comfort in the fact that your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of so many Profs. God bless.

--Cadey, alumna

My deepest condolences to the entire Rowan family over the loss of a true visionary. Mr. Rowan changed the lives of so many students and he will continue to do so for many years to come. His legacy will live on in Glassboro, and the students and faculty of Rowan University will remain eternally grateful for his wonderful gift.

--Alyssa, current student

So very grateful to Henry Rowan—he was one of our nation's greatest businessmen while setting precedents in philanthropy and academia; I'm proud to say I was one of his Inductotherm Scholars. I remember the privilege of joining in student dinners with Mr. Rowan; he was so inspiring. Today, I think about how much I owe my professional success to Mr. Rowan and the education I received at Rowan University. Rest in peace Mr. Rowan. You will be missed and remembered.

--Lisa, alumna

Deepest sympathy to the family for a man who helped change the world and make it a better place.

A good school has become a great school because of him.

--Sandra, alumna

I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Rowan's passing. I am a 1991 Alumni graduate. I work in the area & I see the tremendous growth & wonderful things you have done for our community. It's simply innovative & outstanding what your extreme generosity has done for thousands of lives. Thank you & may you rest in peace & may your loved ones be comforted in the fact that you touched & helped so many lives!

--Hillary, alumna

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Rowan. He left an extremely impressive legacy proving his generosity and commitment to education and, if he knew in advance, the gift of betterment to the once little town of Glassboro. My whole family has benefited from the heart of Mr. Henry M. Rowan. You must be very proud of your very special family member.  With Sincere Sympathy.

--Mary Jane, parent

Mr. Rowan's life is certainly one to be celebrated. Imagine being able to leave a legacy such as he has done and one which has been so impactful to our region of the country. His gift to my alma mater has not only transformed it, but has helped elevate it to heights that one could only have imagined twenty plus years ago. His generosity, along with the leadership of Drs James, Farish and Houshmand, leave an indelible and exemplary mark for those who will follow in their footsteps. As a businessman, Mr. Rowan employed thousands of people providing opportunities that have sustained livelihoods and hope for a brighter future. He did not only live a magnificent life, he also influenced so many other lives in turn. To Mr. Rowan's family, my sincerest condolences and wishes for continued peace.

--Thomas, alumnus

My profound sympathies for your loss. Any time a visionary such as Mr. Rowan is lost the effect is far outreaching than just his beloved university community. My best to his family.

--Susan, community member

Please accept my deepest condolences. Henry Rowan changed New Jersey for the better, and I am proud to be part of RowanSOM, one of the two medical schools that bear his name. We hope that the work we do here can be a tribute to his vision and generosity.

--Ronald, faculty

Rowan Family,

My deepest condolences to the family of Henry Rowan. Although I did not personally know him, he made a huge impact on my life as a first generation college student. I have been able to get an education for a lesser amount of money at a state University. I am now able to teach. My degree will bear his name and I will be a proud Rowan Graduate. Best wishes to everyone in their future endeavors.

--Stephanie, current student

My heartfelt, deepest sympathies to Virginia, the Rowan Family, and those of you who had the great fortune of more frequent contact with Mr. Rowan. When I graduated in 1992, the college was not only a "little train that could" school in higher education, but a place that few recognized by name. There were many who whined and fought for the name Glassboro State College. Today, I am fortunate and proud to be working with people who uphold the legacy of such a great man, by being exemplary leaders of the institution. I am inspired by President Houshmand's unrelenting drive for excellence in higher education, while showing us that affordability is a facet on the gem that is, increased enrollment. We stand on firm foundations and continue to learn, dream, help, inspire, and grow. So much more than a name, or a monetary instrument, Rowan is a result of compassion, giving life to human productivity.

Thank you, Mr. Rowan

--Eric, alumnus and staff

Mr. Rowan, you truly were a pioneer, not just in the field of engineering but in what it truly means to be an asset as a human. You have touched so many lives with your generosity, belief and passion and that is truly inspiring as someone who not only graduated from Rowan ('07) but as someone who works in the engineering field as a marketing professional. The footprint you left in the New Jersey community reaches far and wide. I am very proud to be a Rowan University graduate. Thank you for your legacy.

--Kristen, alumna

To the Rowan family

I am an international student majoring in computer science. I am here on inductotherm scholarship. My dream of graduating from an American University could not be possible without the generosity of Rowan family and Mr. Henry Rowan specifically. His thoughts were, are and will always be there in our hearts motivating us to dream beyond dreams.

Thank you for providing me and thousands of us this life changing opportunity and gift of education. Please accept my heart felt condolences.

--Aanchal, current student

Very few acts of philanthropy compare to what Mr. and Mrs. Rowan managed to accomplish at that time. They have touched and will continue to improve hundred of thousands of lives. Mr. Rowan and his name will continue to shine bright in the annals of education and inspire generations forever.

Rest in peace Mr. Rowan. You will always be remembered.

--Arafat, current student and staff

Mr. Rowan has left an indelible mark on the Glassboro State College/Rowan University community. He was an astute entrepreneur, true humanitarian, and positive role model; he was extraordinary! My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Rowan family at this difficult time.

--Jeanne, alumna and staff

I am saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Rowan and for your loss. I am a senior at the university studying journalism. I transferred to Rowan last year after a semester at Rutgers and five semesters at Burlington County College. I wish I was able to do my entire four years at Rowan however. I wanted to share with you how wonderful my experience at Rowan has been. I never enjoyed school very much and always thought of it to be more of a chore. My one semester at Rutgers I felt more like a number rather than a student. I am so glad I decided to make the decision to transfer to Rowan. Studying at Rowan has given me a new outlook on school and I look forward to each day spent there. Even though I am a commuter, Rowan University is like a second home. What Mr. Rowan has done for the school is truly remarkable and will never be forgotten. Thanks to him I was able to receive a wonderful and enjoyable education and my experiences will stay with me forever.

--Jenna, current student

Words cannot express the admiration I have had for Henry Rowan and his family, pre-dating his family's wonderful philanthropy toward Glassboro State College for what he has always done within the communities in which he lived and worked. I weep not only for the Rowan family, but for fear that we may never see such true benevolence again, at least not for a long time. I am proud to have my children in attendance at Rowan University. Thank you and condolences to the entire Henry Rowan family and the university community that will surely miss him.

--Kevin, parent

I had the honor of working for Mr. Rowan at Inductotherm Corporation in the late 1980's until 1992, when I left to return to college at Glassboro State to get my teaching degree. At almost the same time that I started classes, his extremely generous donation was announced. I went from having his name on my paycheck to having his name on my diploma. One of the things that has always stayed with me, and something I tell my 2 sons, is his advice to follow your passion and do something you love with your life—and if you do that you will never "work" a day in your life. I believe we should all try and leave the world a little better than we found it and by that measure Henry Rowan was truly a great man.

--Glenn, alumnus

Dear Rowan Family,

My deepest condolences are with you during this time.

Mr. Henry Rowan has touched the lives of many individuals, including mine. Without the Inductotherm Scholarship, I would have never been provided with the opportunities available today. Thanks to Mr. Rowan and the Rowan family, I can now say that I am a proud alumnus of Rowan University. I, along with many others, will always be thankful for his generous gifts.

My favorite quote from Mr. Henry Rowan is, "Make a difference. Make this world a little better because you lived in it."

Mr. Rowan truly has made a difference in this world. A difference that impacts the lives of thousands of individuals everyday. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on.

--Kimberlee, alumna

Mr. Rowan was a triumph of human effort, especially in higher education, and at what is today Rowan University. His gift to Glassboro State College challenged the conventional thinking of giving back and paying it forward, as well as, the value of a state college education. Mr. & Mrs. Rowan transformed our institution and fomented thinking big. His energy, good will, forward thinking lead the way to imaging a great university. It is with sympathy and sadness that I send prayers and good will to the Rowan Family. Mr. Rowan will be missed but his influence will continue at Rowan University.

--Yvonne, faculty