Marking the Triumph of Wilson College of Textiles in History
Willie C. Bowen: A Textile Pioneer and Wilson College of Textiles Alumnus
Willie C. Bowen, born in Rhine, Georgia, began his journey in the textile industry at a young age, serving in the Air Force in England. After returning to the United States, he worked in the textile industry and later decided to pursue higher education.
In 1956, Bowen attended NC State University, where he studied at the School of Textiles. During his final year at the university in 1959, Bowen made a significant mark by designing the first Wilson College of Textiles' bookmark program. The design process took several weeks, requiring multiple hand-punched paper design cards.
Bowen's design was not only a testament to his creativity but also played a crucial role in his academic success. He reportedly made a deal with his professor to design the bookmark in exchange for an A in the course.
After graduation, Bowen's design was a key factor in securing him multiple job offers. He chose to work at the Tennessee Eastman Company, a division of the Eastman Kodak Company, and later served Eastman Kodak's fiber division in Columbia, South Carolina.
Fast forward to 2022, Bowen established the Willie C. Bowen Family Scholarship Endowment through his estate. The scholarship aims to help deserving students who are in need of financial aid, reflecting Bowen's lifelong commitment to education and the Wilson College of Textiles.
The college's bookmark program, which began in 1959, has featured more than 60 woven keepsakes over the years, highlighting various themes and milestones. The 2022 bookmark, designed by Lilly Barozzini, a Centennial Scholar and a fashion and textile design student, showcases the theme "Wilson for Life," reflecting Bowen's lifelong connection to the college.
In recent years, the college's bookmarks no longer feature a calendar but instead highlight a central message or theme. The 2023 bookmark is expected to continue this tradition.
Bowen worked diligently until his retirement at age 85 at Beau-Chem International. He foresees his scholarship endowment as a springboard for Wilson College of Textiles students to achieve their own level of success. Bowen's legacy continues to inspire current and future students, making a significant impact on the Wilson College of Textiles community.
- Willie C. Bowen, with his passion for textiles, combined his education and personal growth to design the first Wilson College of Textiles' bookmark program, a task that involved weaving and dyeing.
- Upon graduating from NC State University, Bowen, a fashion design graduate, leveraged his design skills to secure multiple job offers in the textiles industry, with his unique bookmark design being a key factor.
- Fast forward to the present day, the college's bookmark program, which started in 1959 with Bowen's design, continues to sustainability promote creativity and education-and-self-development, as demonstrated by Lilly Barozzini's 2022 design showcasing "Wilson for Life."
- The Willie C. Bowen Family Scholarship Endowment, established through his estate, focuses on providing aid for deserving students, mirroring Bowen's lifelong commitment to education and giving back to the fashion industry and education.
- The college's textile facilities, where students learn weaving, spinning, and various textile processes, have been instrumental in nurturing the personal growth and learning of countless students, just as they did for Bowen.
- Bowen's influence extends beyond his professional career in the textiles industry, as his lifelong connection to the Wilson College of Textiles serves as a beacon for current and future students, inspiring them towards their own level of success and fashion industry contributions.
- As an alumnus of Wilson College of Textiles, Bowen's legacy lives on, demonstrating the power of weaving education, creativity, and personal dedication to make a lasting impact on the fashion world and beyond.