Bowers Writers House
Inspiring Creative Minds
Founded in the spring of 2010, Bowers Writers House at Elizabethtown College serves as an interdisciplinary hub for expression, study, presentation, and performance. Dedicated to fostering a culture of creative curiosity, it brings fresh energy and enthusiasm for intellectual diversity to our campus and the wider community.
Located just 50 yards off the Etown campus, between Cedar and Cherry streets in Elizabethtown, Pa., Bowers Writers House is designed to inspire and connect. We host 12 to 15 public events each academic semester, ranging from dramatic readings and musical performances to interactive panels. All events are free, though we recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start time to secure a spot. Whether you're looking for thought-provoking discussions or engaging artistic experiences, our programs offer something for everyone.
Bowers Writers House
840 College Hill Lane, Elizabethtown, Pa. 17022
Contact: writershouse@etown.edu | 717-361-3748
Bowers Writers House Events
Programming at Bowers Writers House is possible through campus-oriented and donor-supported efforts, but we need your help to keep the spirit alive. We enthusiastically invite you to explore our upcoming events.
Meet the Bowers
Kenneth L. Bowers '59 and Rosalie Erb Bowers '58 met on campus in 1955, earned bachelor’s degrees here and married in 1960. Early in their careers, they were high school teachers. Rosalie taught English and Spanish. Ken taught English and journalism. After graduating from Elizabethtown, they earned master’s degrees--Rosalie a master's degree in library science at Drexel University and Ken a master's degree in communications at Penn State University. From 1961 to 1967 they were back at Elizabethtown College, where Ken served in public relations and Rosalie was a librarian. Ken also taught journalism and Rosalie taught Spanish. Ken then joined the Public Relations Department at AT&T in New York, and Rosalie was a librarian at Upsala College in New Jersey. In 1970 they returned to south-central Pennsylvania. Ken ultimately retired as vice president of corporate communications at Hershey Foods Corporation, and Rosalie retired as assistant corporate secretary at Pennsylvania Blue Shield.
Throughout their careers, their loyalty, commitment, and belief in the College’s mission and philosophy remained strong. Ken served actively on the Elizabethtown College Board of Trustees for 25 years. He was its chair for three of those years and, in 2008, he was awarded emeritus status. In 1999 the College bestowed upon him the degree of Doctor of Commercial Science, Honoris Causa. Ken and Rosalie have given generously to various community and philanthropic organizations. We are grateful for their devotion and dedication to Elizabethtown College.
