June 3, 2011

Bronx, N.Y. - The Fordham University community lost a valuable member on Thursday with the passing of John M. (Jack) Rowland, UGE '56, a generous benefactor of Fordham Athletics, at the age of 80.

"Jack was a great Fordham man who had a tremendous dedication not only to the athletic teams but above all, to the student-athletes at Fordham," said Executive Director of Athletics, Frank McLaughlin. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Carol fro her loss."

Rowland enrolled at Fordham in the 1950's after serving in the Navy. Following his graduation from Rose Hill in 1956, Rowland worked as a claims adjuster and attended law school at New York University at night, earning his J.D. in 1962.

Prior to opening his own practice, Rowland worked as an attorney for Seaboard Surety. In his private practice, based in Rye, N.Y., he offered general services with a specialty in surety law, estate planning and real estate law.

Rowland's connections to Fordham run deep. Not only was he a Fordham graduate but he met his wife, Carol, at Fordham and proposed to her at a Fordham-Manhattan basketball game.

Following the death of their son in 1977, Rowland and his wife became involved with Fordham, focusing on the various athletics programs.

A founding member of the Fordham Gridiron Club, a group of former players, alumni and friends that supports the University, student-athletes and football program, Rowland also served on the school's Hall of Fame selection committee, the Visiting Committee on Athletics and was a president of the Rebounder's Club, the men's basketball support group. He received an honorary letter at the 1982 Block F Awards dinner.

Rowland was also a member of the President's Club and a member of the 1841 society.

A wake for Rowland will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 4th and 5th, from 2-4:00 PM and 7-9:00 PM at Graham Funeral Home, 1036 Post Road, Rye, N.Y. 10580 (914) 967-1029 (directions). A funeral mass will beheld on Monday, June 6th, at 10:00 AM at (Church of the Resurrection, 910 Boston Post Road, Rye, N.Y. 10580.