Deborah A. Yow-Bowden, a 1974 Elon graduate who delivered the address at Elon’s 113th Commencement exercises May 24, received the 2003 Women In Sports and Events (WISE) Woman of the Year Award June 10.
Yow-Bowden is in her ninth year as director of athletics at the University of Maryland. Terrapin athletic teams have enjoyed unprecedented success under her leadership, including consecutive Final Four appearances by the men’s basketball team and the 2002 national championship. The football team has also earned Orange Bowl and Peach Bowl bids. Maryland’s women’s lacrosse team won seven consecutive national titles from 1995-2001, a national field hockey championship in 1999 and four national semifinal appearances in men’s lacrosse.
Yow-Bowden and her staff have successfully balanced the department’s budget each year during her tenure, and dramatic enhancements have been made to Maryland’s athletics facilities.
Criteria for the honorees includes leadership in their field, serving as a role model to other women in industry, and general professionalism and performance on and off the field that have significantly affected the business of sports.
WISE, founded in 1993 and headquartered in New York City, is an organization that provides its members with a forum to network, learn about industry issues, and acquire skills and tools that help them develop personally and professionally in their careers.
The 9th Annual WISE Women of the Year Luncheon took place in New York City at the Marriott Marquis. Yow-Bowden was introduced by former Terrapin gymnast and current CBS sports analyst Bonnie Bernstein. CBS basketball analyst Billy Packer presented the award. Former Maryland football standout Boomer Esaison and basketball superstar Steve Francis were also in attendance.