Family and Friends of Beulah Sowden

Beulah A. Sowden, ‘90, was a non-traditional student who, following her daughter’s example, decided to earn a college degree. Leslie Anne Sowden, ’83, had attended Buffalo State as an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) student and earned a degree Criminal Justice. Three years later, Mrs. Sowden enrolled as an EOP student, majoring in social work. A member of the Six Nations, Mrs. Sowden planned to work in the Native American community after completing her degree.

Throughout her college career, Mrs. Sowden faced financial and personal crises, struggling to pay for her own education while supporting her son, John, in his pursuit of a college degree. Tragically Mrs. Sowden died before she received her degree, which was awarded posthumously.

Following her untimely death, the Beulah Sowden Educational Fund was established in her memory to assist Native American students studying at Buffalo State.