At age 93, Robert “Bob” Bowsher ’36 has been blessed with many gifts in his
lifetime. From a strong sense of humor to an unwavering loyalty to a company he loved, Bowsher also has enjoyed the gift of friendship, especially one that began more than 70 years ago and one that recently inspired him to commit $100,000 to his alma mater.

The year was 1931 when Bowsher met James D. Olson through the admission office. Olson, who eventually served on the university’s board of directors, taught courses in management and economics at Wittenberg before heading into the corporate world.

“He called on me in Wapakoneta, Ohio,” Bowsher said. “He recruited me and worked out some credits that made it possible for me to go to Wittenberg.”

Once on campus, Bowsher took classes with Olson, who later helped him secure a job after graduation. For 41 years, Bowsher worked at Container Corporation of America in Cincinnati, eventually retiring as general manager.

Now, because of his gift to the James C. Olson Endowed Scholarship, Bowsher
hopes other students will have the help they need to succeed