Dr. Richard Kowles M’67 Genetics Lab honors biology legend

Dr. Richard Kowles M’67, distinguished professor emeritus of biology, died just two days before a genetics lab on the Winona Campus was to be dedicated in his honor.

His daughter, Deb (Kowles) Erickson said at 9 a.m. on Aug. 22, 2022, she received an advanced copy of his remarks. By 10 a.m., he was in cardiac arrest, and by 11 a.m., he was gone.

She joked, “Only Dick Kowles could work his a** off until the final moments of his life.”

More than one person remarked that Dr. Kowles always liked to keep people on their toes, and — in his memory and his honor — the event went on as planned.

Bittersweet and heartfelt dedication remarks focused on an educator and researcher who not only had an inspiring career, he inspired the careers of countless others throughout 36 years of teaching — alumni like Dr. James “Jim” Dolan B’79, who met Dr. Kowles in the fall of 1975, when “Doc” was assigned his faculty adviser.

“The first class I had with him was Cell Biology in the Fall, 1976,” he said. “I was a sophomore in a room of upperclassmen. I had several additional classes taught by Doc, acted as his lab assistant, and he was my faculty adviser on my senior research project. His encouragement and guidance bolstered my confidence and truly inspired me to believe that medical school acceptance was a possibility.

“This Laboratory Space … will be a symbol of permanence and be named in his honor as a gift of gratitude and appreciation from former students, colleagues and friends,” he added.

Dr. Dolan finished his speech by saying funds gifted in Dr. Kowles’ honor would “allow for the pursuit of scientific truth, virtue, knowledge, and scientific inquiry, and I am sure Doc would appreciate a little humor and joy along the way.”

Dr. Kowles’ daughter Deb (Kowles) Erickson read her father’s remarks, excerpted below.

Firstly, thanks to everyone who made this event possible. I regard it as a great culmination of a career that was filled with joy and fun of working with many young minds — students and colleagues who kept me young. Too bad it doesn’t last.

In 1971, I was teaching at the University of Wisconsin River Falls. I became aware of a position opening up at Saint Mary’s

University. I immediately decided that I wanted the position.

Saint Mary’s was very familiar to me because I had taken part in the national science programs developed by Brother Charles and Brother George. What really caught my attention was the curriculum for the biology major. It included ample chemistry, physics, math, along with genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and biometrics, a strong major that existed in 1971-72 and I wanted to be part of it.

When I interviewed, I pointed out that I could teach the entire curriculum, even wash dishes after lunch in the cafeteria.

Not only did a superb major exist but it included an undergraduate research requirement. That was something Brother Charles began in 1936, absolutely unheard of in those days. Today it is a widespread undergraduate practice. What a place I found myself in. The place was active, friendly, energetic. Students wanted to be your friends without blurring the lines between studentfaculty relationships.

I liked my job so much that I never even took a sabbatical. After 36 years of full-time teaching, I had a number of them coming and could have just checked out for about five years or so. I never suffered from burnout. I appreciated Saint Mary’s.

Where else could I mock the president’s talk to the student body with his ridiculous props and throw him completely off course?

Where else could I take my underwear off without taking my pants off in class to make a point in tomography?

On a more sobering note, where else could I become long-time friends with so many students who after many years are willing to write to you, send you emails, and come visit with you?

Gratefully, thank you, SMU, for allowing me to be part of your community and your family.

These photos, taken in the 1950s through the 1970s, showcase our strong science programming, back in the days of black and white. So many legendary professors have taught in these classrooms including Brother Charles Severin, FSC, Ph.D.; John Hoffman, Ph.D.; Phil Cochran B’77, Ph.D.; Dick Kowles M’67, Ph.D.; and so many others. Which professor helped you master the sciences?

If you have more information about these photos, please contact Saint Mary’s Magazine editor, Deb Nahrgang. Mail comments to Saint Mary’s Magazine, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, 700 Terrace Heights #36, Winona, MN 55987. Or, send an email to dnahrgan@smumn.edu.