| SAGE AND JOHN COWLES SELECTED FOR LOUIS W. HILL, JR. PHILANTHROPY FELLOWSHIP
The University of Minnesota's Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
has selected Sage and John Cowles to hold the third Louis W. Hill, Jr. Fellowship
in Philanthropy. The one-year fellowship, housed within the Institute's Center
for Leadership of Philanthropy, Nonprofits, and the Public Sector, provides
financial and administrative support to an outstanding community leader or leaders
for the study of important issues in philanthropy. The year culminates with
a public symposium during which each fellow presents his or her findings.
"Sage and John Cowles have played a significant role in promoting culture
and creative thinking in the Twin Cities and throughout the country," said
J. Brian Atwood, dean of the Humphrey Institute. "They will have a unique
perspective to share with our students and with the broader community."
The concept of supporting community leaders to study philanthropy in a university
setting is unique, according to Ellis Bullock, executive director of the Grotto
Foundation, one of two foundations that fund the fellowship.
"We trust the academy's ability to conduct research, develop conceptual
frameworks, and help us to understand trends," Bullock said, "but
we also respect the vision and personal philosophies that drive philanthropists.
Through the Hill Fellowship, the Twin Cities community has the opportunity to
benefit from both."
Sage and John Cowles are well known in Minnesota and across the nation for
their philanthropy and contributions to civic discourse.
Trained as a dancer, Sage Fuller Cowles came west to attend the University
of Wisconsin-Madison and has made her home in Minnesota since 1952. She has
received several grants for her work as a dancer, choreographer, and performance
artist and has pursued her strong interest in pro-choice, anti-racism, and education
causes. Sage Cowles currently serves on the boards of the Cunningham Dance Foundation
(New York City), the Minnesota Schubert Center Steering Committee, and the advisory
committee to the Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library.
A native of Des Moines, John Cowles, Jr. came to Minneapolis in 1938 following
his family's purchase of the Minneapolis Star newspaper. In 1953, after graduating
from Harvard College and serving for two years in the U.S. Army, Cowles began
a 30-year career in journalism, from police reporter to CEO of Cowles Media
Company. His personal and philanthropic interests include agricultural economics,
aerobics, sailing, and helping establish a league of women's pro softball teams.
He has served on the boards of directors of many business, journalism, and nonprofit
organizations, including the Associated Press and Pulitzer Prize (Columbia University)
boards in New York and the Guthrie Theatre and Walker Art Center boards in Minneapolis,
as well as chairing the 1967 United Way Campaign in Minneapolis.
The Hill Fellowship selection process is confidential, and candidates are unaware
of their nomination until the decision is announced. The Northwest Area Foundation
and the Grotto Foundation established the fellowship in 2002, the only one of
its kind in the nation, to commemorate the 100th birthday of Louis W. Hill,
Jr., who founded the Grotto Foundation. His father, Louis W. Hill, Sr., son
of James J. Hill, established the Northwest Area Foundation. The $1,000,000
gift from the two foundations supports the fellowship program for five years.
Karl Stauber, president of the Northwest Area Foundation, emphasized the purpose
of the gift. "The Hill family has been committed to philanthropy for several
generations," he said. "We hope that this fellowship will both enhance
the profession and encourage others to give generously to improve the economic
and social conditions of our communities."
The first Louis W. Hill, Jr. Fellowship was awarded to Joe Selvaggio, founder
of Project for Pride in Living and the One Percent Club in Minneapolis. Dr.
Reatha Clark King, retired General Mills Foundation president and board chair,
was the second fellow. |
