(Pictured L-R) Dr. Adena Loston, St. Philip’s College president, and Dr. Louis Agnese, UIW president, unveil a plaque honoring Artemisia Bowden.
More than 200 guests attended the grand opening and dedication ceremony for the UIW Bowden Eye Care and Health Center located on San Antonio’s Eastside on June 5. Guest speakers included Dr. Andrew Buzzelli, dean and professor of the Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO); Jackie Gorman, executive director of San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE); Dr. Adena Loston, St. Philip’s College president; Ivy R. Taylor, city councilwoman, District 2; Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, Texas State House of Representatives, District 120; and Dr. Louis Agnese, UIW president.
A plaque in honor of the center’s namesake, Artemisia Bowden, was unveiled during the ceremony. Bowden was a local civic leader and pioneer for education who served as president of St. Philip’s College for 52 years. The National Council of Negro Women cited Bowden as one of the 10 most outstanding woman educators in the U.S. She died in San Antonio on August 18, 1969.
The 30,000 square foot facility with 39 exam rooms, 16 of which are for children, will serve over 15,000 patients annually. The center will focus on access to eye care for vulnerable populations, particularly children, the elderly, and the uninsured. Patients will be accepted regardless of their ability to pay. Discount high quality eye wear for children and adults will be available in the center’s full service optical dispensary. The center will primarily service the needs of the 120,000 residents on the city’s Eastside. Licensed eye care doctors and interns from RSO will provide care.
