Cowen, Thompson Katherine, 1899-1980

Katharine Thompson was born on March 22, 1899 to Walter and Pearl Thompson in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Smith College in 1920, she married Clifford P. Cowen. Their three daughters all later attended Smith College: Mary Cowen Jeton (Class of 1950), Jane Cowen Pafford (Class of 1953), and Katharine Cowan Weldon (Class of 1955).

She was the President of the Philadelphia Smith Club and served on the Board of Directors for the Alumnae Association. During World War II she worked with the Civilian Defense Volunteer Office and was awarded the title of Lieutenant General of the Pennsylvania Blue Star Brigade. In 1950, Cowen was appointed the position of General Secretary of the Alumnae Association. Between 1950 and her retirement in 1964, she tripled the balance of the Alumnae Fund.

After her retirement Cowen remained active in education. She consulted for alumnae associations across the country, worked on the Clarke School for the Deaf capital fund, and later became the Director of Development for the prestigious Madeira School (1966 - 1968). She also volunteered at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Hampshire County United Way, and Zonta International. She died in her home on January 21, 1980, survived by her three daughters and 11 grandchildren.

From the guide to the Katherine Thompson Cowen papers 80., 1899 - 1980, 1916 - 1980, (Smith College Archives)