Dr. Frederick Bowman Jr. ’48, ’50 (CMed) at his home in Chapel Hill (Photo by Jeyhoun Allebaugh)
For 53 consecutive years, Dr. Frederick Bowman Jr. has quietly given back to UNC-Chapel Hill. Now, at 96, his extraordinary legacy is clearer than ever.
This spring, Dr. Frederick Bowman Jr. is marking his 75th reunion as a member of the UNC School of Medicine Class of 1950. But that’s not the only milestone he’s celebrating.
At 96, Dr. Bowman holds the distinction among UNC-Chapel Hill’s living alumni and supporters of giving for the most consecutive years. He’s given to the University every year for at least 53 years, dating back as far as records show. His lifetime contributions total nearly $500,000, benefiting 21 schools and programs and making a lasting impact.
As Chancellor Lee Roberts wrote in a December 2024 letter to Dr. Bowman, he is “a true example of how thoughtful generosity can create a legacy of impact over a lifetime.”
A Journey Back to Carolina
Dr. Bowman’s lifelong connection to Carolina started early. Born in a small bungalow on East Franklin Street, just steps from campus, he grew up immersed in Tar Heel tradition.
“Being where I grew up, my first words weren’t ‘mommy’ or ‘daddy.’ They were ‘beat Duke,’” he joked.
Originally set to graduate in 1949, Dr. Bowman’s path was shaped by the disruptions of World War II. After attending Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, he planned to enroll at Princeton like many of his peers. He even started there — but a summer program at Carolina rekindled his love for Chapel Hill.
“I was much happier when I came back to UNC than when I went back to Princeton,” he admitted. The pull of Carolina was too strong, and he transferred, graduating in 1948, a year ahead of schedule. He earned his medical certificate at the UNC School of Medicine and completed his degree at the University of Pennsylvania.
A Career in Medicine and Service
Dr. Bowman trained in general surgery at Roosevelt Hospital in New York before serving as a surgeon in the Korean War. His experiences in Korea and Japan shaped his expertise in cardiothoracic surgery. Upon returning to the U.S., he continued his training at Columbia Presbyterian, where he built a long and distinguished career in adult cardiac surgery.
Though he initially planned to return to North Carolina, an opportunity at Columbia kept him in New York for over 30 years.
“When they offered me the job at Columbia, I said to my wife, Betsy, ‘Let’s give it two years, and if you’re unhappy, we’ll move,’” he recalled. “But she was happy there.” They built a life in Riverdale, Bronx, raising their four sons before eventually retiring to Chapel Hill.
Giving Back to Carolina
Regardless of where Dr. Bowman resided, he remained committed to the University. His annual gifts, ranging from $25 to $11,000, added up over the years, demonstrating how steady support can make a significant difference.
For example, he has given more than $120,000 to the Medical Alumni Loyalty Fund, which supports medical student scholarships, student and faculty programs and events, and other School of Medicine priorities. His decades of giving have ensured that the school can meet the ever-changing needs of medical students, and would have supported scholarships for dozens of students.
Over time, Dr. Bowman has contributed $112,000 to the Bowman Fund for the Learning Disabled, which supports the Writing and Learning Center, housed in the UNC College of Arts and Sciences. Today the endowment — one of three he’s established at Carolina — has a market value of more than $400,000, meaning his investment has more than tripled while continuously providing resources for the center.
When asked why he has given year after year, his answer was simple: “Because I want to help out as much as I can. It’s a great school. It has been the love of my life.”
His generosity has touched nearly every corner of campus. While much of his support has gone to the School of Medicine, the College of Arts and Sciences, and The Rams Club, he has also contributed to programs in dentistry, law, pharmacy and social work, as well as the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Carolina Performing Arts and more.
Growing up in a university town gave Dr. Bowman an early appreciation for the power of higher education. His contributions reflect his desire to ensure that future generations have access to the same transformative experiences he did.
For Dr. Bowman, giving back isn’t just about donations — it’s about honoring the past, supporting the present and investing in Carolina’s future.
Written by Angela Harwood
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