Rowan Challenge Helps Build Williamson's Future
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Henry M. Rowan, founder of Inductotherm, Corp., of Rancocas, N.J., has made a $5 million challenge grant to Williamson, the largest gift in the School’s history.

Rowan made the gift, which will be used to enhance the endowment, because he believes in the School’s unique mission and believes it is helping America. He also likes our commitment to frugality, a trait he holds in high esteem, said President Paul A. Reid.

Rowan recently said, “Williamson is making such a valuable contribution to the economy, taking fellows that might not be able to get a job on Wall Street, but can make things and build things and do things. The School has kind of a rare approach to educating kids.”

Rowan has pledged to match gifts made by those who have never given to Williamson, those whose lifetime giving is less than $5,000, and those who make a gift five times their largest gift. Gifts can be made by individuals, foundations, corporations, or estates.

Reid added, “The growth of the endowment is the most critical element of the Legacy Campaign and Mr. Rowan’s gift is a central step in achieving that goal. Mr. Rowan’s willingness to make this significant gift to Williamson brings with it the credibility and standing of a truly great man, a great philanthropist, a great businessman, and a great member of the community. These elements of his life, will now be synonymous with our great school. It is an honor and pleasure to have Mr. Rowan as a friend and supporter of the Williamson School.”

Rowan’s Background
Rowan is a born entrepreneur, risk taker, and tireless worker. He started his first business at the age of nine, raising chickens and selling the eggs to his mother. He credits his mother, who raised four children on her own with limited means, with teaching him the importance of thrift, a trait he has practiced all his life.

He studied science two years at Williams College, served 27 months in the Army Air Corps, beginning in 1943, and then earned a degree in electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on the G.I. Bill.

With the profit made from selling his family home in 1954, he started Inductotherm, manufacturers of metal melting furnaces for industry. Today, Inductotherm  Corp. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of induction systems for foundries. Its systems account for a large portion of the induction melting and heating installations in use in the world today.

Inductotherm’s reputation was built on “quality, efficient products and unmatched service.”  That company is now one company of the Inductotherm Group, comprising 40 companies in 17 countries.