To celebrate relationships: the Dow-Bainbridge Scholarship Endowment honors a lifetime of connection

Jim Dow ’71 spent 40 years as a science teacher, the last 30 in the Bainbridge Island School District. In his spare time he took on the roles of senior EMT instructor, volunteer firefighter, and high school sports coach. A graduate of the Class of 1971 and a well-known figure at Whitman, Jim has served the College as a Reunion Fund Chair, an admissions representative, a W Club board member, and an Alumni Association Board member.

To say his commitment to education is unwavering seems an obvious understatement. Simply listing his duties hardly does justice to his dedication.
Before, and even after, his retirement in 2011, Jim has acted as a mentor to generations of young people passing through Bainbridge High School. His impact on young lives has stretched far beyond the high school years to their college and career choices. He has steered many promising young students from Bainbridge Island to Whitman, and continued to stay in touch and support them through their college experience.

Recently, Jim, along with his wife Natalie Meacham, took that support one step further by establishing the Dow-Bainbridge Scholarship Endowment. This scholarship will be given to one or more Bainbridge High School students admitted to Whitman College annually. The merit-based award will serve to offset the cost of books and supplies for students. Jim hopes that covering some of these basics will make a Whitman education more accessible and affordable for promising young students.

“Tony Cabasco from Admission, Nancy Mitchell from Alumni Relations, and I are among Jim’s many fans. The relationships that he builds with prospective and current students and alumni of all ages are an inspiration. He is the ultimate ambassador,” says John Bogley, Vice President for Development and College Relations. “This scholarship is one more way that he and Natalie build connections.”