Commitment to Diversity Inspires Gift to Law School

After Sharon Bowen ’82 JD, MBA graduated from University of Virginia, she was drawn to Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law—in part because she had never lived outside of her home state. But Bowen, who wanted to pursue a business degree, also recognized that Northwestern had one of the few law schools with highly ranked programs in both business and law. Receiving a full scholarship and having her now husband move with her to Illinois helped finalize the decision. Nearly 40 years after graduating from the joint JD/MBA program, she has committed to giving back to Northwestern Law through her estate plan.

Bowen began her renowned career in corporate and transactional law as an associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell, and later worked as an associate and then partner at Latham & Watkins. In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed her to serve as vice chair of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. He subsequently appointed her as the first African American commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, where she served from 2014 to 2017. Bowen currently sits on the board of directors for the Intercontinental Exchange and Neuberger Berman.

Connections and Service

Bowen fondly remembers the collegial atmosphere, supportive and engaging faculty, and lifelong friendships she made during her time at the Law School. As a student, she served as managing editor of the Northwestern Journal of International Law and Business and was involved in the then-emerging Black Law Students Association. Bowen credits her wonderful experience at Northwestern to the people she met and says that is one of the reasons she remains engaged.

Bowen has been active in her alumni community since graduating, most notably serving as a former executive member and chair of the Law School Board. “Staying involved with the Law School allows me to connect with my fellow alumni, serve as an adviser to the dean, and help guide students to find their best paths,” she says.

In 2019, Bowen joined a group of fellow Black alumni to establish the African American History and Culture Endowed Scholarship at the Law School. She participated in the fundraising effort with a generous bequest through her estate. Bequests—most often made through a will or trust—are an effective way to make a significant impact at Northwestern. They can be structured to support a particular school or program, or to offer unrestricted support to the University. Bequests are simple and revocable, allowing donors to retain control of their assets while they are alive.

Diverse Voices

“Law school tuition is a barrier to entry for people of less privileged backgrounds, but at this moment in time, we need more diverse voices around the table,” Bowen says. She hopes that her estate commitment will continue to promote a diverse student body, which makes for a richer educational experience for everyone.

“The African American History and Culture Endowed Scholarship will enhance the Law School’s efforts to recruit to diversify our student body and foster an inclusive and socially engaged academic community,” says former Law School Dean Kimberly Yuracko.

Given the growing economic divide and the realities of the historically underrepresented groups, Bowen feels it is important to be intentional about providing resources to those who need it. She knows the value of an excellent education and is grateful to be the beneficiary of one. Now, through her planned gift, Bowen hopes to play a small part in the success of future leaders and in diversifying the landscape of the legal profession.

Uplift Future Students

To learn how you can support students with a gift in your estate plan, contact Northwestern Gift Planning at 800-826-6709 or giftplanning@northwestern.edu.