Professor Emeritus Fred Bowman Dies
Communication professor co-founded Speech and Drama Department
(THOUSAND OAKS, CA – April 10, 2007) -- Dr. Fred Bowman, a longtime faculty member of California Lutheran University, died of a heart attack on April 9 in his Thousand Oaks home. He was 83.
The founding co-chair of the Speech and Drama Department with the late Dr. Richard Adams, Fred came to Cal Lutheran in 1966. He retired as a professor of communication in 1988. However, he remained a vital part of the CLU community by supporting CLU, Community Leaders Association and KCLU events, attending Faculty Lunch on Wednesdays and visiting regularly with his CLU family.
A native of Ohio, Fred received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Wooster. He completed his master’s and doctoral degrees in speech from the University of Southern California. Prior to coming to Cal Lutheran, he was a professor for 14 years at Middlebury College in Vermont. During and after World War II, Fred served with the Army Corps of Engineers and spent time in the European Theater of Operations.
“Fred is remembered by colleagues and friends as a delightful man who was quick to write a congratulatory note or check up on a friend in need,” said CLU Provost Chris Kimball in his announcement to the CLU campus. “He was inseparable from his dear companion Cobber IV, a golden retriever that often accompanied him from office to office on campus.”
He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. He is survived by Cobber IV; a niece, Becky Donithan of Arizona; and a niece, Jeri Hoopes of Ohio. Per Fred’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial services. In lieu of flowers, donations may go to any animal shelter.