Rowan benefactor, industrialist Henry Rowan dies at 92

Henry M. Rowan, the industrialist whose 1992 gift of $100 million to what was then Glassboro State College transformed the school and resulted in its being renamed in his honor, has died.

"It is with deepest regret and a heavy heart we announce that Mr. Rowan, or 'Hank' as he was affectionately known in the industry, passed away peacefully (Wednesday) at age 92," read a statement from Inductotherm, the Rancocas company Rowan founded in 1953.

"His contribution to his employees, customers, the local and global community, and the foundry industry at large will carry on for generations to come."

Rowan's gift to Glassboro State, now Rowan University, was at the time the largest gift ever given to a public college or university in the history of higher education, according to the school's website. It transformed the higher education landscape in South Jersey.

"He was the man whose generosity served as the catalyst to propel this institution to become what it is today," the university posted on its Facebook page Thursday afternoon.

"He dreamed as only an entrepreneur can. He revolutionized an industry as only a person with drive and determination can. And he changed higher education as only someone with a generous spirit and great vision can," the statement continued.

"Although he will be missed terribly, his gift will impact our students and community for generations to come."

University President Ali Houshmand said the school "lost a champion of innovation and philanthropy."

"But Henry Rowan’s spirit will forever encourage our vision, animate our work and prompt us to make a difference in others’ lives," he added.

"I hope each one of our extended Rowan family will reflect on Mr. Rowan’s legacy and consider what we can do in his memory. I am eager to see what we will do as individuals and together, united by the inspiration of this remarkable man."

"Education is still the single most important means of changing a person's life," Rowan told the school in a 2012 interview marking the 20th anniversary of the donation. "It is what made the difference for me, and it's critical that our investment supports superior education for as many students as possible."

He saw the donation as investment, he added.

"I don't think of myself as a philanthropist. I made an investment in something I believe in. I challenged the people at Glassboro State to make a difference with the financial help we provided."

In 2012, Rowan and his family donated $15 million to the Rowan University College of Engineering through its foundation. Rowan was on hand for the 2012 unveiling of a statue in his likeness outside Savitz Hall on the Rowan University campus in Glassboro.

The Rowan family in December 2014 also donated $15 million to the engineering school. That same month, Rowan made an unspecified gift allowing a Boy Scouts affiliate to expand its headquarters in Westampton. Rowan had purchased a separate building at the site in 1986, for use at that time by the Girl Scouts.

Rowan was also a strong supporter of Doane Academy, a private Episcopal pre-K to grade 12 academy on the banks of the Delaware River in Burlington City.

"Since 2004, gifts from the Rowan family have approached $30 million," then-Headmaster John McGee told the Courier-Post in March.

"Doane Academy is deeply grateful for the support of Mr. and Mrs. Rowan, the Rowan Family Foundation and the many other donors. With such support, Rowan Hall will provide countless educational possibilities and experiences for future students and graduates."

Current Doane Academy Headmaster George Sanderson said Rowan's impact on the school was felt both tangibly and intangibly.

"His influence on the school is seen not only as a function of his resources but also his inspiration," said Sanderson, who came to the school in July. "He was a guy who was deeply interested in kids' hopes, dreams and struggles. His support of us and our mission was a direct reflection of his values."

"Mr. Rowan’s dedication has greatly influenced others, and his personal challenge to make a difference has been highly successful," Inductotherm's statement said. "Mr. Rowan’s ambitious and innovative developments established less expensive and more efficient methods of melting metal. His achievements have made the foundry industry safer, more productive and more technologically advanced."

Dr. Rose Glassberg, a retired faculty member and American Federation of Teachers chapter president at Rowan University, happened to be in the admissions office when she heard the news of Rowan's passing. Although she never met Rowan, she spoke about the impact he had on the students.

"We had no engineering school this side of the bridge in South Jersey," said Glassberg, who joined the English department in 1964. "He said we should set up a good one, and we did. What impressed me about him was that he went out of his way to encourage women to get into engineering. He gave many of our students a chance at a real education."

"When I heard the news I thought to myself, here is a man who made money and knew what to do with it."

Linda DiGennaro, director of university events at Rowan, came on board in January. Since her short time at Rowan, she heard great things from faculty members about Henry Rowan. "I'm amazed at how many people's lives he's touched. It's amazing to hear about the changes he made, all for the better and advancement for students.

"I'm going to put some flowers by his statue," DiGennaro added.

“Mr. Rowan was one of the great philanthropists of our time," New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said in a statement released by Rowan University. "There were many ways in which he could have invested in the future. His vision for and commitment to higher education has had and will continue to have a profound impact on the state of New Jersey. He has made a difference in the lives of individual students and in our state.”

“The passing of Henry Rowan is a great loss for all of New Jersey,” said Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, D-Gloucester. “By making such a huge investment in the public sector, he has in effect touched every part of the state. Because of the contribution Mr. Rowan made in 1992, he has improved education and helped keep talented young people in New Jersey.”

State Sen. Diane Allen, R-Burlington, recalled Rowan as a "fascinating man."

“I’ve known Hank Rowan and his family for decades. Hank was a … staid industrialist yet passionate philanthropist; internationally successful businessman yet ardent supporter of education in New Jersey," she said in a statement.

"Hank and his family have set the bar so high when it comes to giving back to the people of this area. He will be greatly missed — but I know his family will continue his legacy of making such a difference.”

Rowan was a veteran of the Army Air Corps and a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He was a member of the Aviation Hall of Fame, and he competed in the 1992 Olympic sailing trials in Miami. He published his autobiography, “The Fire Within,” in 1995.

The Ridgewood native founded Inductotherm Group with his late wife, Betty, building the first furnace in their Ewing, Mercer County, backyard. Today, the Rancocas-based company and its subsidiaries employ more than 3,500 people worldwide.

He is survived by his wife, Lee; his daughter, Virginia, and son-in-law, Manning J. Smith III; and his grandchildren, Rowan Smith Watson and Manning J. Smith IV.

"Our family has lost a treasured husband, father and grandfather," said Virginia Smith in a statement. "While many people knew my father as a businessman and as a philanthropist, his loved ones knew him as 'Hank' and 'Dad' and 'Grandpa.' We knew the man who loved to fly and sail, who lived modestly and gave generously, who cherished the people he loved — those related by blood and those tied to him by affection. We knew his triumphs and his trials. And we loved him."

Rowan University will hold a memorial service for Rowan on its Glassboro campus in January. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made in his name to the American Foundry Society and the Lake George Land Conservancy.

Phaedra Trethan: (856) 486-2417; ptrethan@gannettnj.com