Advisory Board Member
Kathy Kowalski
Class of 1980
Kathy earned her degree in Pharmacy from Purdue University in 1980. Originally from Wabash, Indiana, she arrived at Purdue in 1975 and joined the clarinet section of the “All-American” Marching Band, only a few years after women were first admitted to the marching block. During her five years at Purdue, she marched in the “All-American” Marching Band each season, participated in two bowl game trips and a performance tour to Toronto, and performed in concert bands during the spring semesters. Kathy was also an active member of Tau Beta Sigma, serving two terms as chapter president. It was through her involvement in the clarinet section that she met her husband, Bob.
Following graduation, Kathy and Bob settled in Elgin, Illinois, where she built a career as a retail pharmacist while raising their two children and remaining active in their church community. She also served as a trustee of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, reflecting her lifelong commitment to music and the arts. Their daughter, Janet, continued the family’s Purdue connection as a member of the Purdue orchestra.