Born to parents who couldn’t attend college, Douglas Cowden understood the transformative power of accessible public education. When he entered the UCSF School of Dentistry in 1961, tuition was a remarkable $100 per semester, a gateway that allowed first-generation students like himself to pursue professional careers previously out of reach.
Generational Service
After graduating and serving in the Army stateside during the Vietnam War, Cowden opened a community dental practice in Lafayette, Calif., which he operated for 44 years. “One of the best parts about being in private practice was having families and watching the generations,” he says. “It was very rewarding.” In addition to being a dedicated family dentist, he generously gave back to UCSF as a member of UCSF’s Dental Alumni Association Executive Council, for which he served two terms as president.
Paying Opportunity Forward
Deeply aware of the educational opportunity that changed his life, Cowden made a $1 million gift to create the Douglas E. Cowden, DDS, and Virginia H. Cowden Endowed Scholarship Fund for first-generation college students. “I think it’s important for all socioeconomic levels to be in dentistry,” he says. The scholarship honors his journey and his late wife, Virginia, who worked alongside him throughout his career.
Legacy of Generosity
Cowden’s philanthropy embodies a profound gratitude for the educational access that changed his life, creating opportunities for future generations of dental professionals who might otherwise be unable to pursue their dreams. “My wife and I were frugal, and we saved and invested,” Cowden says. “Because of that, I have money that I can do something good with.”
