Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2015

About Robert L. Bowen

Robert L. Bowen is the founder and chairman of Indianapolis based Bowen Engineering Corporation. The multi-market company specializes in water and wastewater treatment plants and energy utility construction, that covers 15 states throughout the Midwest and Southeastern United States. He is considered an authority on preplanning and leadership practices in construction. He is also founder and instructor for the Associated General Contractors Project Manager Institute. In 1997, Bowen and his wife, Terry, established the Bowen Foundation which provides scholarships to minority students in Indianapolis to help them pursue an education past high school. About 300 students have received scholarships through this foundation.

The Bowens later started the IUPUI Bowen Scholars Program to assist African-American Ivy Tech Community College associate degree recipients in their transition to IUPUI in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree. Bowen Scholars typically reside in Marion County and are expected to graduate from IUPUI in three years. The scholars are mentored, attend monthly workshops focused on academic and personal growth and participate in community service events. The Bowen Family Foundation has expanded its scholarship program to ensure the scholars are part of a wrap-around support system, which is evident in the high retention and graduation rates of its students.