New humanities fellowships offer opportunities to juniors

This year we have increased the size of the mathematics faculty, enhanced our science curriculum with new electives and significantly updated technology in our classrooms. Our commitment to STEM education is unwavering, and we know that our investment of human capital and resources will ensure our students can navigate the significant challenges posed by an ever-changing world.

I’m just as proud, however, that we continue to offer a world-class education with a parallel emphasis in the humanities. The next generation of leaders needs that foundation every bit as much, and a solid grounding in the humanities complements rigorous training in mathematics, science and engineering.

I am thrilled to announce that the summer of 2017 will offer RE’s top scholars an unprecedented opportunity to immerse themselves in literature, the arts, language study, philosophy, the social sciences or another humanities realm.

This year, as many as 10 juniors will be awarded financial grants to pursue summer studies outside of Miami in the humanities. All students in the Class of 2018 are invited to apply for one of the newly established Dan Leslie Bowden Fellowships, created by a generous endowment from the Miller family – matriarch Sue and siblings Jeffrey Miller ’79, Leslie Miller Saiontz ’77 and Stuart Miller ’75.

The Bowden Fellowships will be used to help support the expenses of advanced studies, which may include travel costs, program fees and study materials. As the endowment grows, it will also support faculty positions and collaborative learning spaces in a future humanities building. It positions RE to continue reaching for excellence in every area that matters. The endowment will enrich our students and faculty, strengthen our curriculum, help us upgrade our spaces, integrate technology and develop our school as an institution.

These exciting fellowships were announced, fittingly, at the celebration of Dan Leslie Bowden’s 60^th year at Ransom Everglades in June. Hundreds of faculty, former students dating back to the 1950s and RE friends attended. We came together to honor an inspirational teacher of English, a gifted educational administrator, a valued advisor to the Head of School and, most importantly, unforgettable mentor to thousands. Mr. Bowden’s unabashed love of language and literature, combined with a passionate and inspiring advocacy for the humanities, have provided the intellectual foundation for generations of students. We like to talk, these days, about the transformative power of technology. Mr. Bowden relied upon simple words, and not-so-simple ideas, conveyed through great books, poetry, dramatic readings and students’ own works to transform nearly every student he encountered.

We value and appreciate his legacy, and these fellowships allow us to extend and empower it. The endowment guarantees students annual and fresh opportunities to realize their unlimited potential in the humanities.

Penny Townsend
Head of School