2011 Distinguished Alumni Award
College of Art and Design
Brooks H. Bower
BS '74
Brooks Bower is chairman and chief executive officer of Papercone Corporation, the largest privately held specialty envelope manufacturer in the U.S. with over 125 employees. He graduated from RIT in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in printing. Bower is deeply involved in philanthropic activities, which include serving on the boards of the Envelope Manufacturers Association and Foundation, Walden School, The Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Kentucky Derby Museum Foundation. Additionally, he is an active member of the Chief Executives' Organization, the World Presidents' Organization and the Young Presidents' Organization The education I received at RIT was second to none; the printing program was world class. In the printing industry, having a degree from RIT was held in high regard. In addition to their strength and credibility as having a top notch printing program, their business classes were excellent. The program at RIT was a very hands-on program and it has led to me being a very hands-on manager and leader within my organization. A lot of executives try to manage their companies from their desk and are far less successful with that approach. I'm forever grateful that RIT gave me the foundation and skills necessary to lead a successful organization... I consider my four years at Rochester Institute of Technology four of the greatest years of my life. I was living 3000 miles from home, far from any family or friends, too far to travel home on weekends or holidays. RIT became a second home for me and helped mold me into the person that I am today. Living on campus helped teach me responsibility and how to live and interact with people. In the years I spent at RIT, I went from a young and naive 18 year old student to a young man ready to take what the world had to throw at me. I grew immensely through the experience. Today, Bower lives in Louisville with his wife, Marilyn. They travel extensively for business and pleasure, especially for snow skiing around the world. The Bowers have two children, five grandchildren and they love animals.
2011 Distinguished Alumni Award
College of Art and Design
Brooks H. Bower
BS '74
Brooks Bower is chairman and chief executive officer of Papercone Corporation, the largest privately held specialty envelope manufacturer in the U.S. with over 125 employees. He graduated from RIT in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in printing. Bower is deeply involved in philanthropic activities, which include serving on the boards of the Envelope Manufacturers Association and Foundation, Walden School, The Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Kentucky Derby Museum Foundation. Additionally, he is an active member of the Chief Executives' Organization, the World Presidents' Organization and the Young Presidents' Organization The education I received at RIT was second to none; the printing program was world class. In the printing industry, having a degree from RIT was held in high regard. In addition to their strength and credibility as having a top notch printing program, their business classes were excellent. The program at RIT was a very hands-on program and it has led to me being a very hands-on manager and leader within my organization. A lot of executives try to manage their companies from their desk and are far less successful with that approach. I'm forever grateful that RIT gave me the foundation and skills necessary to lead a successful organization... I consider my four years at Rochester Institute of Technology four of the greatest years of my life. I was living 3000 miles from home, far from any family or friends, too far to travel home on weekends or holidays. RIT became a second home for me and helped mold me into the person that I am today. Living on campus helped teach me responsibility and how to live and interact with people. In the years I spent at RIT, I went from a young and naive 18 year old student to a young man ready to take what the world had to throw at me. I grew immensely through the experience. Today, Bower lives in Louisville with his wife, Marilyn. They travel extensively for business and pleasure, especially for snow skiing around the world. The Bowers have two children, five grandchildren and they love animals.