Elizabethtown College Dedicates Bowers Writers House

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Shown at the Bowers Writers House Dedication are Kenneth L. Bowers, Rosalie E. Bowers, Elizabethtown College President Theodore E. Long and Bowers Writers House Director Jesse B. Waters

ELIZABETHTOWN, PA (12/01/2010)(readMedia)-- Elizabethtown College announces the opening of the Bowers Writers House, an interdisciplinary venue for expression, study, presentation and performance. Dedicated October 22, the center promotes and supports a culture of creative curiosity on Elizabethtown's campus and throughout south central Pennsylvania. The Bowers Writers House was created through generous support of Elizabethtown College alumni, Kenneth L. '59 and Rosalie E. Bowers '58.

At the recent dedication and ceremonial opening of the venue, Elizabethtown College President Theodore E. Long heralded the Bowers Writers House as the realization of a long-held academic goal. "The dream of a scholarly center that fosters intellectual conversations across disciplinary and cultural borders began with our faculty," says President Long. "We are grateful to Ken and Rosalie Bowers for their support and encouragement of this Writers House that brings something special to Elizabethtown. It will provide a wonderful source of stimulation for students and faculty alike, and it marks one more step toward educational distinction for Elizabethtown College."

In its inaugural year of programming, the Bowers Writers House is hosting a broad collection of speakers with the goal of inspiring intellectual and academic diversity, according to Director Jesse Waters. "Foundational to our philosophy is the idea that we're bringing in people who are looking at critical thinking in a diverse and curious way," says Waters. "Our mission is to create a venue in which interdisciplinary and inter-textual activities support creative curiosity."

Ken and Rosalie Bowers formed their lifelong partnership as Elizabethtown students. The pair completed their bachelor's degrees at the College, with Rosalie earning her degree in English and Spanish in 1958 and Ken graduating with his degree in English a year later. Early in their careers, the Bowers used their talents as members of their alma mater's faculty. Ken taught journalism and served as director of publicity and director of publications. Rosalie held a faculty position on the staff of the College's library in addition to teaching Spanish. After leaving the College in 1967, both went on to notable careers, with Ken retiring as vice president of corporate communications with Hershey Foods Corporation and Rosalie retiring as assistant corporate secretary of Pennsylvania Blue Shield.

Ken joined Elizabethtown College's Board of Trustees in 1982 and remained active with the organization until April 2008. He was elected chairman in 2000 and served in that capacity until 2003. With his support and leadership, the College achieved unprecedented success while maintaining the core principles upon which it was founded. Recognizing his more than 25 years of service, Elizabethtown College awarded Ken an honorary degree in 1999 and the College's Board awarded Ken emeritus status in 2008.

The Bowers Writers House at Elizabethtown College, 840 College Hill Lane, supports a culture of creative curiosity and fosters a new sense of excitement and enthusiasm for intellectual diversity. Its programs -- from dramatic readings to interactive panels to musical performances -- offer a dynamic variety of enjoyable and informative experiences. Visit www.etown.edu/WritersHouse for a complete list and more information about Bowers Writers House.

Elizabethtown College, in southeastern Pennsylvania, is a private coeducational institution offering more than four dozen liberal arts, fine and performing arts, science and engineering, business, communications and education degrees. Through personal attention, creative inspiration and academic challenge, Elizabethtown College students are encouraged to expand their intellectual curiosity and are given the opportunity to become a bigger part of the world through experiential learning-research, internships and study abroad. Elizabethtown College's overall commitment to Educate for Service is fulfilled as students are taught intellectually, socially, aesthetically and ethically for lives of service and leadership. Visit www.etown.edu for more information about Elizabethtown College.

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Media Contact:

Lori H. Burke

Director of Communications

Elizabethtown College

burkel@etown.edu

717-361-1268 (office)

717-808-7318 (mobile)