Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, John Bowers moved to Clinton, Iowa, at the age of 12, and went to high school there. He attended the University of Iowa in the early 70s, earning a bachelor's and master's degree. He enjoyed a 35-year career in information technology, initially working on computer-based education and training projects, early versions of what we now know as online learning. From there, John advanced through various sales training, support, and operation roles, including 25 years in the federal government market. Bowers has also been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease through his family, and now advocates for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, and for their family caregivers.
Bowers’s Connection to Iowa
Bowers earned his bachelor’s in mathematical sciences with a computer science emphasis and his master’s in educational psychology with an instructional design emphasis. Reflecting on his academic journey, Bowers says, “I chose my master's program as a pathway to applying my computer science knowledge to a field I enjoyed; I had become aware of the potential applications and benefits of computer technology to learning.” He went on to work for a company in New Hampshire, where he used his skills in instructional design and computer software to develop computer-based instruction for schools. After that, Bowers worked for Digital Equipment Corporation, Sun Microsystems, and Oracle. He and his wife Sherrie Smith have resided in Maryland since 1985.
The death of John’s father, and his mother’s worsening cognitive abilities and eventual diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease was his inspiration to help to improve - in some impactful way - the care of persons living with dementia and the health and welfare of their family caregivers. This eventually led Bowers to make a connection with the Csomay Center. John states, “The genesis of this was –my mother's struggle with dementia – but also our family’s experience in caring for her. I learned what the College of Nursing had already accomplished as far as dementia care research, education, and outreach. I have been able to contribute to continuing that effort, and honor my mother, through a gift to the Csomay Center.”
Volunteer Work
John also volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association and a hospice organization. Over several years, he has helped with outreach and awareness, fundraising, and advocacy. As an Alzheimer’s advocate, he has supported campaigns to enact federal legislation to increase funding for research at the National Institutes of Health, and at the state level in Maryland, legislation to improve awareness and early prevention, strengthen standards for dementia care workers and facilities, establish and fund state-level resources to assist people and families affected by Alzheimer’s. One key accomplishment has been finally establishing a family medical leave insurance paid leave program in Maryland. “The burden that caring for a person living with dementia has on a family, and the sacrifices they have to make can be crushing," says Bowers. He believes families need to be able to care for each other without the worry of finances or their job.
Connection to Csomay Center
Continuing his advocacy in another way, John Bowers will serve in a voluntary role as the initial chairperson of the Friends of the Csomay Center, a developing of community of scholars, students, individuals, and organizations interested and invested in programs and resources specific to an aging population. Friends was created to support several of the Csomay Center’s strategic pillars: Maintaining visibility and engagement, building partnerships and collaborative networks, and Securing Sustainable Resources.
“The best thing about this is that I’m going to be able to join, interact, and collaborate with a diverse community of people who are thinking hard about the same thing,” says Bowers. He hopes to create and foster communications among the Friends membership, for example, encouraging faculty and authorities to translate scientific concepts and research findings into plain language, through user-friendly formats for better understanding. John is looking forward to this learning experience and staying associated with the College of Nursing.
Future Plans
John says he wants to grow his understanding of the Csomay Center's mission well enough to effectively attract and keep new members and contributions from persons or organizations outside of healthcare. For example, someone who has experienced a life-altering event that inspires a desire for further understanding related to the quality of life of older adults.
Quality of life and optimal aging are important in the Csomay Center, when asked, John states he optimally ages by staying active by “riding a bike, swimming, walking, hiking, eating sensibly, reading, yard work, even housework”. He works to stay engaged socially in ukulele jams, volunteering, listening to his doctors’ say, and napping at will.
When it comes to his goals and the Csomay Center, John wants to be an effective leader and spokesperson for the Center. “I want to contribute meaningful work to the Csomay Center,” says Bowers. Soon, he will assume his role as chair of the Friends of the Csomay Center, get to work towards these goals, and continue to advocate for caregivers even more.