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• 1 2019-03-01T16:01:22+00:00 Two Sides of a Coin 14 plain 2019-05-13T13:57:40+00:00

  To honor Henry Rowan’s gift, the college officially requested to change the name of the 69 years old institution. However, like every coin, the name change was taken as a concern by some and some were in favor. Particularly Glassboro local were angry and hurt as their town’s name was about to taken off from the Glassboro State College. One of the local resident said, “We didn’t want to become Rowan University. We wanted it to called Glassboro University, not Rowan University.” He also said with extreme anger that the money profited by selling the induction furnace to the “terrorist country Iran”, which they supposedly used it to purify uranium, was used to make the donation. In contrast, people in favor of the name change believed that despite the sense of losing the town’s name, the town will not lose its spirit by continuing the quality of the institution. 90% of the students in 1992 had no objection to the name change. 
  
  Interestingly, Mr. Rowan did not expected that his name would being offered to substitute the existing name of the institution. In reality, he did not want it to happen as that wasn’t his intention for donating such huge amount. 
  
  Mr. Rowan could have chosen MIT from which he pursue his degree to donate the money, however, fascinatingly enough he selected Glassboro State College based in small town, Glassboro. The officials in 1992 did not hesitate to use his name despite of him having no connection to the college or to the town. Perhaps, it was Mr Rowan’s altruistic nature that led him become the name of the university inspiring the students constantly. Once he said, “If I have one wish, it is that the students who benefit from our success go forth to build on our achievements. That takes hard work, commitment, and the willingness to take risks. And, sometimes, a little luck.” 
  
  Rowan University did not miss a single opportunity to tribute him. The college of engineering is named after him called Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. In addition, the building with engineering department is called Rowan Hall which host Mechanical, Chemical and Civil engineering departments. Biomedical and Electrical engineering department are located in the Engineering hall which is connected to the Rowan Hall by flyover bridge. The auditorium room in Rowan Hall has the portrayal of Mr. Rowan acknowledging his contribution to the engineering program. There is a bronze sculpture of him in the suit with big glasses on his nose made up of bronze poured from an Inductotherm furnace in front of Savitz Hall (Admissions Office) on Route 322. Big hoardings of his quotes such as “Make a difference. Make this world a little better because you lived in it.” and “What this country needs is not more engineers, but more great engineers.” are seen on the buildings to constantly inspire not only students but also staff, faculty and visitors. The university seems to be honored to bear his name.  

  
  References:
  
  Rowan Magazine