MCF NEWS ARCHIVES
3/8/05

Sage and John Cowles Selected for Louis W. Hill, Jr. Philanthropy Fellowship

The University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs has selected Sage and John Cowles to hold the third Louis W. Hill, Jr. Fellowship in Philanthropy. The one-year fellowship, housed within the institute’s Center for Leadership of Philanthropy, Nonprofits, and the Public Sector, provides financial and administrative support to an outstanding community leader or leaders for the study of important issues in philanthropy. The year culminates with a public symposium during which each fellow presents his or her findings.

"Sage and John Cowles have played a significant role in promoting culture and creative thinking in the Twin Cities and throughout the country," said J. Brian Atwood, dean of the Humphrey Institute. "They will have a unique perspective to share with our students and with the broader community."

"The concept of supporting community leaders to study philanthropy in a university setting is unique," according to Ellis Bullock, executive director of the Grotto Foundation, one of two foundations that fund the fellowship.

"We trust the institute’s ability to conduct research, develop conceptual frameworks and help us to understand trends," Bullock said, "but we also respect the vision and personal philosophies that drive philanthropists. Through the Hill Fellowship, the Twin Cities community has the opportunity to benefit from both."

Sage and John Cowles are well known in Minnesota and across the nation for their philanthropy and contributions to civic discourse.

Trained as a dancer, Sage Fuller Cowles came west to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has made her home in Minnesota since 1952. She has received several grants for her work as a dancer, choreographer and performance artist and has pursued her strong interest in pro-choice, anti-racism and education causes. She currently serves on the boards of the Cunningham Dance Foundation (New York City), the Minnesota Schubert Center Steering Committee and the advisory committee to the Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library.

A native of Des Moines, John Cowles, Jr. came to Minneapolis in 1938 following his family’s purchase of the Minneapolis Star newspaper. In 1953, after graduating from Harvard College and serving for two years in the U.S. Army, he began a 30-year career in journalism, from police reporter to CEO of Cowles Media Company. His personal and philanthropic interests include agricultural economics, aerobics, sailing and helping establish a league of women’s pro softball teams. He has served on the boards of directors of many business, journalism and nonprofit organizations, including the Associated Press and Pulitzer Prize (Columbia University) boards in New York and the Guthrie Theatre and Walker Art Center boards in Minneapolis. He also chaired the 1967 United Way Campaign in Minneapolis.

The Hill Fellowship selection process is confidential, and candidates are unaware of their nomination until the decision is announced. The Northwest Area Foundation and the Grotto Foundation in 2002 established the fellowship, the only one of its kind in the nation, to commemorate the 100th birthday of Louis W. Hill, Jr., who founded the Grotto Foundation. His father, Louis W. Hill, Sr., son of James J. Hill, established the Northwest Area Foundation. The $1,000,000 gift from the two foundations supports the fellowship program for five years.

Karl Stauber, president of the Northwest Area Foundation, emphasized the purpose of the gift. "The Hill family has been committed to philanthropy for several generations," he said. "We hope that this fellowship will both enhance the profession and encourage others to give generously to improve the economic and social conditions of our communities."

The first Louis W. Hill, Jr. Fellowship was awarded to Joe Selvaggio, founder of Project for Pride in Living and the One Percent Club in Minneapolis. Reatha Clark King, retired General Mills Foundation president and board chair, was the second fellow. For more information about the Louis W. Hill, Jr. Fellowship, visit the Humphrey Institute’s Web site.

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