Generous gift to support entrepreneurs at Mohawk College
The Bowey Family SURGE Fund helps students and alumni launch and grow their own businesses
Mohawk College students and alumni will have more opportunities to develop, launch and grow their businesses through a generous gift from Mohawk College alumnus James Bowey '75 and his family.
The gift will establish the Bowey Family SURGE Fund to support the strategic growth of Mohawk College’s Centre for Entrepreneurship SURGE program, for eligible Mohawk College students and alumni ready to actively build and grow their businesses. The investment will expand access to mentorship, education, and essential business development tools.
Entrepreneurs, particularly those launching their first ventures, often face financial and operational challenges as they transform their ideas into viable businesses. Through focused mentorship and the integration of an entrepreneurship micro-credential, SURGE provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the guidance they need to move forward with confidence.
The Bowey Family SURGE Fund will also support a dedicated Launch Lab where students and alumni can develop ideas, connect with mentors, and gain practical experience as they build their businesses.
Bowey was the first person in his family to pursue a college education. At Mohawk, he gained knowledge and inspiration that helped lay the foundation for his future entrepreneurial ventures including several footwear businesses and a financial services business.
“The quality education and inspiration he received at Mohawk were instrumental in shaping the person he is today,” said Michael Bowey, James’ son. “His time at Mohawk College was not merely about acquiring a diploma; it was a life-changing experience that empowered him to reach greater heights.”
Bowey went on to earn a master’s degree and PhD from Lancaster University in England. He later became an accomplished professor at Bishop’s University, where he is now Professor Emeritus.
The Bowey family has previously supported Mohawk College students through scholarships, demonstrating their belief in the power of education and the possibilities created by investing in the next generation.
“The Bowey family’s generosity will empower more Mohawk College students and alumni to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions with confidence,” said Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong ’88. “This gift is a meaningful tribute to James Bowey’s lifelong connection to Mohawk and his belief in the power of education. The businesses it will help launch will leave a lasting legacy, impacting our communities and local economy for many years to come.”
With support from the Bowey Family SURGE Fund, Mohawk College’s Centre for Entrepreneurship will:
- expand the current mentorship program
- introduce a new micro-credential that will provide entrepreneurship knowledge to all academic areas across the college
- establish a dedicated Launch Lab with access to essential tools and resources
- incubate and launch more student- and alumni-led businesses responding to needs across multiple sectors
The Bowey family’s investment will help position SURGE as a leader in Canadian entrepreneurial education and development while enabling more Mohawk College students and alumni to turn promising ideas into businesses that contribute to their communities and the economy.