During his time at UVM, Andrew Bowen ’15, like so many students today, had a lot on his plate. Raised by a single mother after his parents separated early in his life, Andrew and his family did everything they could to make attending college possible on one income.
He juggled three work-study jobs while also waiting tables several nights a week. Despite his limited time, he remained committed to his studies and was active in the Student Government Association.
Even with all his efforts, the financial strain was a daily struggle. But everything changed the summer before his senior year, when he learned he had received scholarship support.
“Immediately, it was hugely impactful for me,” Andrew recalls. “It almost covered my entire tuition for senior year and the university health insurance I needed to purchase. It made a massive difference.”
That scholarship didn’t just lighten the load – it changed his life.
"It was a no brainer"
Years later, with a successful career and deep appreciation for the opportunities that scholarship support had provided, Andrew and his wife made an incredible decision: to pay it forward.
They established a scholarship of their own to support a UVM student who, like Andrew once did, needs a helping hand as they strive to build a better life.
Now working in higher education, Andrew says, “I see the impact of scholarship and philanthropy on students’ lives every single day. As someone who benefited from that generosity, it was a no-brainer. If we can make the same impact on one student that someone once made on me, that’s invaluable.”
Their goal is to help at least one student now and eventually expand that impact even further.
Andrew also hopes other alumni will join him in making a difference for students, in whatever way they can.
Paying It Forward
To the generation of alumni who came before him and helped him find his own way through their support for scholarships, Andrew says, “I would just say thank you so much for all the giving you have done. And if there's anything more you can give, it enables our institution to thrive far into the future.”
And to other young alums, he adds:
“A lot of us still have student loans. I totally get it. But even $5, any contribution at all, keeps you connected to your university. I promise you the University of Vermont is thankful for every dollar you give. It keeps you engaged with the institution that will hopefully be here for hundreds of years, helping thousands and thousands more students like us.”
Andrew and his wife are committed to supporting the new generation of students for years to come – especially as federal and other funding sources become increasingly less secure.
“We’re doing what we can, and we hope others will too. Because what is certain is that we want to help as many students as we can.”
Take Action
Though we have officially closed the Summer of Scholarship campaign, it is always the right time to support UVM students if you're able. Please consider joining Andrew and the many, many friends and alumni who are supporting today's students through scholarships.
You can also learn about three UVM students who have had their lives recently changed by donor-funded scholarships:
Summer of Scholarships: Andrew Bowen '15 - A scholarship recipient who's now paying it forward
Wil Nelms
Jun 24, 2025