We recently caught up with our very own Bob Bowen ’61 and had the chance to ask him about his Phi Delta Theta experience, and where life since Purdue has taken him. Here’s what he had to say:
Where has life taken you since you graduated? Give us a brief recap up to this point including career and family highlights.
Graduated in 1962. Went to work for the W. M. Lyles Co, in California, a Purdue grad. Traveled the state of California building wastewater treatment plants and also worked on the San Luis Canal in Central California. Started my own company, Bowen Engineering Corporation, in 1967. Still in business. All of my competitors in 1967 are gone. My son, Doug (Krannert grad), runs the company today. I have been teaching at Purdue in Civil Engineering now for twelve years. Have had several Phi Delt members in my class.
What are the most important lessons you learned because of Phi Delta Theta?
Being a Phi was a game-changer for me. I developed self-confidence and made some life-long friends. It shrunk the size of the university and I learned how to live with and get along with some wonderful people. I have done a lot of business with several of my fraternity brothers. We are traveling to the Columbia Gorge in June and Bordeaux in September with my pledge class.
When you look back on your time in Phi Delta Theta, what moments do you tend to remember most?
I remember the comradery, and the two-story outhouse for our homecoming display, that was rejected by the homecoming judges because it offended their sensibilities. But most of all I remember the leadership that I saw in the house. My heroes were Jim Wurster ’59, Bob Lowe ’59, Bob Smitson ’58 (chapter president), Syd Steele ’61 (chapter president), Frank Seipker, Bob Weist ’62, Roger Slusher ’61, Gary Batesole ’77, and Mike Sears ’61. I still see all of those guys today, and we are fast friends.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am on the National Foundation Board of Directors, along with Jay Ihenfeld ’74, which is quite an honor. Phi Delt has been a huge part of my life. I would not be where I am today had it not been for Phi Delta Theta. Ain’t Life Grand!
Would you or a brother you know make a great alumni profile subject? Email us at [email protected] or CLICK HERE to let us know!