Frank N. Cowan Honors Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Frank N. Cowan, a Virginia Tech alumnus dedicated to service and the empowerment of others. This scholarship seeks to recognize students who demonstrate leadership and other qualities that were characteristic of Mr. Cowan and encourage these students to support Virginia Tech throughout their careers.

Eligible students shall be, upon receipt of the scholarship, Honors College students who are pursuing a major within the Pamplin College of Business. Recipients will have a demonstrated history of academic accomplishment, involvement in the community, mentoring others, affection for Virginia Tech, a competitive spirit, and leadership potential.

Frank N. Cowan graduated in 1959 with a degree in Business Administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He continued his education at the University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law, and received his JD in 1962. Frank Cowan loved Virginia Tech and was a lifelong supporter of the university. In 1993, Frank became a member of the Ut Prosim Society and because of his outstanding generosity and remarkable commitment to the university, Frank advanced within the society to the level of Senior Benefactor in 2014.

Frank Cowan enjoyed a 53-year legal career and served as the Chairman of the Richmond Virginia law firm of Cowan Gates. Frank was acknowledged by his peers as an outstanding attorney with a competitive spirit. Frank was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and was recognized in: “The Best Lawyers in America”; “Virginia Business Legal Elite”; and “Virginia Super Lawyers". In 2015, the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys awarded him the Excellence in Civil Litigation Award.

Frank Cowan was dedicated to service and the empowerment of others. His boundless energy and commitment compelled him to dedicate countless hours to community service.

Frank served on the National MS Society Board of Trustees for the Virginia –West Virginia Chapter since 2008. In 2013, Frank became the Chairman of the MS Board. In recognition of his passion and commitment to the MS Society, and all of the community, the Chapter renamed their most prestigious honor “The Frank N. Cowan Cup of Hope Award”. The Chapter presents “The Frank N. Cowan Cup of Hope Award” to deserving recipients at the annual MS Dinner of Champions.

Frank Cowan was instrumental in starting, and volunteered regularly as an “Eager Beaver Reader” at Elkhart Middle School and later Westover Hills Elementary School. This effort propelled the launch of “Herma’s Readers”, in partnership with Frank Beamer, VA Tech’s football coach and friend.

Frank Cowan was on the Board of the Midlothian YMCA, was on the Planning Commission for Chesterfield County and also as a Commissioner in Chancery for Chesterfield County. He served two terms as President of Salisbury Country Club in Midlothian, Va.

Frank equally greeted friends and strangers alike with his genuine smile, and treated with his concern for others. Frank Cowan’s lasting legacy is his extreme kindness, leadership and commitment to serve. Frank always asked people how they were doing and spent his time and energy to assist and mentor people in all walks of life. Frank had a profound impact and influence on others.