AURORA, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora (CCA) celebrated the achievements and storied career of its third president, Dr. Linda Speier Bowman, this month with the opening of the Dr. Linda Speier Bowman Teaching and Transformation Hub. The space is dedicated to the college’s commitment to transforming students’ lives by offering services that impact their educational pursuits.
Dozens were in attendance for the dedication ceremony of the space, including Dr. Bowman herself, members of her family, community and college members, colleagues, and more. Current president Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee and former president Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven delivered opening remarks at the event.
“Dr. Linda Speier Bowman has dedicated her career to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening institutions of higher learning,” Dr. Brownlee said. “Her leadership not only increased graduation rates but also strengthened CCA’s stability and deepened its community partnerships.”
Dr. Oudenhoven added, “Even after her time at CCA, Dr. Bowman continued to shape the future of education through executive roles in the Colorado Community College System, the University of Colorado Denver, and as a faculty member at the University of Denver. She also served as Chair of the Board for the Denver Scholarship Foundation. Though she may be ‘officially’ retired, Dr. Bowman’s enduring legacy lives on through the students, educators, and institutions she continues to inspire.”
Dr. Bowman expressed her heartfelt gratitude for those who supported her career and the space, saying, “It is so lovely to be home. When I come to CCA, I feel at home.” Dr. Bowman also spoke of her deep ties to CCA, emphasizing the importance of student success. “This is where students succeed, and when a space is this beautiful, it says a lot about how important they are.” She closed her remarks with a personal reflection on the values of education, family, and community, saying, “Thank you for being part of my life. I love all of you.”
The space, formerly known simply as “The Hub,” is located in the Classroom Building on the CentreTech campus. It is home to a variety of student resources, including tutoring services, quiet study spaces, and computers.
Dr. Bowman served as CCA’s third president from 2000 to 2012. She was the second-longest-serving president in the college’s history. Among her highlights during her tenure was developing the school’s innovative Concurrent Enrollment program’\s, which allows high school students to attend CCA’s courses and earn college credit at no charge. She also established an English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
Other past presidents have been honored with spaces at the CentreTech campus, including the President’s Conference Room, dedicated to CCA’s first president, Dr. Nai-Kwang Chang; the campus’s bridge, dedicated to Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven; and the Larry D. Carter Theater, dedicated to Dr. Larry Carter.
View photos from the dedication of the newest space by clicking HERE.
About the Community College of Aurora:
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) provides high-quality instruction and student support services to Aurora and Denver, Colorado. With a vision to aspire to be a college where every student succeeds, CCA is the most diverse college in the State of Colorado. Focused on creating social and economic mobility for its students, the college offers courses on two (2) campuses, online, and through its high school concurrent-enrollment programs. For more information, visit www.ccaurora.edu.
Contact:
Courtney Butler
Director of Strategic Communications and Special Initiatives
Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement
P: 303-340-7201 | E: [email protected]