Bryant celebrates newly-named Steven '69 and Lily Cowen Field

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University celebrated the achievement of another key milestone of its Vision 2030 strategic plan as it officially named the new water-based astro field hockey pitch as the Steven '69 and Lily Cowen Field during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, April 13.

The naming was made possible thanks to a generous and transformative gift from alumnus Steven Cowen and his wife Lily of San Diego, California. The field hockey facility's scoreboard was also named in honor of the Cowens to celebrate their leadership support for Bryant Athletics and Vision 2030. 

Said Bill Smith, Vice President of Athletics & Recreation, "It's not every day that Bryant is blessed to dedicate a part of its beautiful campus to a Bulldog Family as passionate and generous as Steven and Lily Cowen. The Cowens have always been champions for a well-resourced athletics program and it's only fitting that our field hockey pitch and scoreboard will bear their name. I hope their example will inspire many others in the Bryant community to model their shared vision to help us succeed on and off the field."

Mr. Cowen has been an active alumnus and a strong supporter of Bryant for more than 25 years.  He is a member of the Bryant Leadership Council of Donors and the 1863 Society, which recognizes individuals who have made a planned gift by naming Bryant in their estate plan, will or trust, or through a lifetime income plan.  He has also served as an Admission representative for California and volunteered on the Archway Investment Fund Advisory Board. In 2009, Mr. Cowen received the Nelson J. Gulski Service Award for his dedication to his alma mater. 

Together, Steven and Lily endowed the Lily and J. Steven Cowen '69 Scholarship Fund in 2003. "This is a pivotal time for our university and athletics program, and we have been so honored to participate as longstanding donors and volunteers to Bryant," expressed Mr. Cowen. To be able to support women's athletics specifically with our naming gift and the overall student-athlete experience through the years has truly been the thrill of a lifetime. Go Bulldogs!"