In his Rowan Day keynote address, John Lawton told the students, “Today we are gathered not just to remember a name on a building, but to celebrate a philosophy that continues to transform lives, including yours, right here at Williamson.”
Speaking in the Clara Schrenk Memorial Chapel in Rowan Hall on Nov. 11, Lawton, treasurer of Williamson’s Board of Trustees and CEO, principal, and financial advisor at BLBB Advisors, LLC, said “Henry Rowan understood something profound – that the most powerful transformations don’t happen in board rooms or in lecture halls alone. They happen in workshops, at work benches, and in the skilled hands of people who build, fix, create, and solve real problems in the world.”
He said when Rowan first walked onto the campus in 2000, he made a modest financial contribution, but he also saw something that captured his imagination and, more importantly, his respect and admiration.
“What he saw was you, the Williamson student. Not you specifically, but the students who were here before you, who were committed to a thousand-day journey. He saw young men who understood that nothing worthwhile comes easy – it’s earned through sweat, dedication, commitment, and an unwavering work ethic. He recognized those values because he lived them himself.
“What makes Rowan’s philosophy truly transformative is that he believed that when you master a skill, when you become excellent at your craft, you don’t just change your own life, you completely transform the life of your family.”
He went on to say that Rowan’s transformative philosophy rests on three pillars that speak directly to the students. The first, that excellence in craft creates opportunity. “True security comes from being so good at what you do that you become indispensable. Your expertise will always be in demand because you work with the essential building blocks of civilization.”
The second is that innovation comes from understanding how things really work. “Rowan wasn’t just an engineer, he was an inventor who held multiple patents. He knew that breakthrough thinking comes from deep, hands-on knowledge.”
The third is that success brings responsibility. “Rowan didn’t hoard his success – he invested it in education and in the next generation. He understood that when your skills lift you up, you have the power and obligation to lift others up as well.”
“But the true test of whether you’ve embraced Rowan’s transformative philosophy won’t come during your time at Williamson. It will come in how you use your skills in the world beyond these walls.
“Will you be the electrician who doesn’t just fix what’s broken, but suggests improvements that prevent future problems? Will you be the craftsperson who mentors the next generation, passing on not just techniques but the pride that comes with mastery? Will you be the professional who sees your success as a platform for giving back to your community?
“Remember that you are not just learning trades, you’re joining a tradition of transformative thinking. You’re becoming the kind of people who don’t just adapt to the world as it is, but who have the skills, vision, and integrity to make changes. That’s Henry Rowan’s gift to you and his challenge to you. And, that’s the transformative philosophy that will guide you long after you leave these halls.”
Lawton then explained to the students the importance of developing confidence. He said that transformation doesn’t happen in isolation, it comes about through relationships and networking. Even if you are not a good talker, when you network as a skilled tradesperson, you’re offering real value, real solutions, real expertise that people desperately need.
“Confidence comes from deep knowledge of your craft and the problem-solving ability that comes with it. Henry Rowan didn’t become successful by hiding in his garage building furnaces alone. He built relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, and eventually, educational institutions like this one. His network didn’t just help his business grow, it helped him identify where his success could make the biggest difference.
“Your networking starts right here on this campus. The classmate who’s struggling in the classroom might become the contractor who calls you for the toughest job. The instructor who pushes you hardest might become your strongest professional reference. The alumni who visit campus might become your pathway to that perfect position.
“Every time you perfect a technique that seemed impossible last month, you’re living Mr. Rowan’s philosophy. Every time you help a struggling classmate understand a difficult concept, you’re extending his legacy and building networking skills. Every time you take pride in work done right, even when no one is watching, you’re building the foundation of confidence that will serve you in every professional relationship you’ll ever have.
“Rowan started in a garage building furnaces and ended up running a global company. You’re starting in these workshops, learning precision, craftsmanship, and problem-solving. Where you end up depends on how fully you embrace the same philosophy that drove him: excellence in everything you do, innovation from deep understanding, the responsibility that comes with success, and the confidence to build meaningful relationships.”
At the conclusion of Lawton’s talk, President Michael Rounds presented him with a commemorative wooden box with a water color print of Rowan Hall on the lid.
In his introduction of Lawton, Rounds said “John has been an influential member of our Board of Trustees since 2011, sharing his investment expertise with us as treasurer and as chairman of the Investment Committee.
“He has many years of financial planning experience and is a financial advisor, principal, and CEO of BLBB, an independent, employee-owned financial advisory firm in Montgomeryville, Pa.
“He is also the director of BLBB Charitable, the giving arm of BLBB Advisors. Since 2010, they have invested $14 million in grants in the community, focusing on education and leadership. BLBB Charitable has provided over $2.2 million in support of Williamson over the last 15 years.”
BLBB Advisors and BLBB Charitable were recently honored for the third consecutive year as a Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia Honoree as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the region.
He is a board member and chair of the Finance Committee of Phoebe Ministries, a nonprofit organization specializing in health care, housing and support services for seniors. He is a board member of Camp Tecumseh, one of the largest YMCA camps in the country that helps children develop the character, compassion, and confidence necessary to lead the next generation.
He is also an Endowment Committee chairperson at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill and a member of the Financial Planning Advisory Board at Temple University’s Fox School of Business.
He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering at Bucknell University where he received an Army ROTC scholarship. After graduating, he was commissioned as an engineer officer in the U.S. Army, serving in the Corps of Engineers stationed in Germany.
In his welcoming remarks, Rounds said “Nine years ago, we met in the lobby downstairs and officially named this building Rowan Hall in honor of Henry Rowan and decided to celebrate Rowan Day every year, not only to honor Henry Rowan and his family, but to celebrate philanthropy, the charitable giving that makes Williamson possible.
“This year, Rowan Day falls on Veterans Day. We had a special Veterans Day chapel this morning to honor all of those in our Williamson family that are veterans. Hank Rowan served in the Army Air Corps in WWII and our keynote speaker is an Army veteran. I want to wish all of our veterans a happy Veterans Day and thank them for their service to our country.”
He went on to say that in addition to the Rowan family, Williamson owes a debt of gratitude to all the generous donors who make it possible to continue to educate Williamson men today and, in the future. “Williamson is built on philanthropy and today is the day that we show our gratitude to the Rowans and all the donors throughout our history who have made Williamson the amazing and unique place it is today.”
He then introduced Michael Piotrowicz, president of Legacy Advisors, LLC and Williamson’s longest serving trustee, to give the trustee remarks.
“Mike is the founder and president of Legacy Advisors, LLC, in Plymouth Meeting. We ask him to speak at every Rowan Day, because in addition to all the amazing things he has accomplished in his career, for Williamson, and for his community, he is the person who is responsible for introducing Hank Rowan to Williamson. Hank and Lee Rowan and the Rowan Family Foundation are second only to our founder as benefactors to Williamson. That is why we named this building Rowan Hall, established the Lee Rowan School of Power Plant Technology, and celebrate Rowan Day each year.
“Without Mike, the paths of the Rowan family and Williamson would never have intersected. We thank God they did! Mike’s generosity in contributing his time, talent, and treasure for more than 36 years has made an amazing impact on the quality of the Williamson education that our students receive.”
In 2006, Williamson’s board recognized his dedication with the Isaiah Vansant Williamson Award, the board’s most prestigious award for exemplifying in his life and work the ideals of our founder. Three years ago, he was recognized by his alma mater, Ursinus College, with their Bear2Bear Impact Award for extraordinary leadership and service and having an extraordinary impact on the community.
In 2013, he was recognized by the National Philanthropic Foundation with the Legacy Award for his extraordinary passion, generosity, personal commitment, and dedication to charitable causes throughout the Philadelphia community. He also serves as the Development Committee chair of the Independence Mission Schools and is the vice chair of the Union League of Philadelphia’s Legacy Foundation.
Piotrowicz said, “This is a great day; the day we celebrate transformational philanthropy. This is important at a school like Williamson in which all the students receive a full scholarship. We are totally dependent on philanthropy. Without people like the Rowans and others, this opportunity would not exist. We are here today to express our thanks and appreciation for so many who have given to this institution to provide this opportunity for all of you.”
He then talked about Henry Rowan’s philosophy on philanthropy, saying he was very frugal, lived a modest lifestyle, and was very careful about making donations to organizations. He didn’t enjoy giving money away or spending money, what he liked best was the thrill of making money by applying himself and working hard. He only gave to organizations he really believed in and the two greatest examples are Rowan University and Williamson College of the Trades.
“He gave $100 million to Glassboro State College, which was later named Rowan University in his honor by their board of trustees. He gave this gift to them to create an engineering school. He felt New Jersey should have one of the top engineering schools in the country. He wanted to create engineering opportunities for young students who are willing to apply themselves and dedicate their academic life to becoming an elite engineer. Today, Rowan University is an amazing institution and has an elite engineering school. It is the impact of his gift that made this possible.
“At Williamson, he saw the intersection of education and values. He saw the idea of hard work, a moral compass, no handouts, and everything is earned. He wanted the students to apply their talents, make something of themselves, and be dependent on their own work and efforts to make their life move in the right direction. That’s what he loved about Williamson. He loved the trades and he loved the values.
“He’s got to be proud looking down and seeing Williamson College of the Trades and Rowan University having an articulation agreement.”
Piotrowicz said when Rowan first visited Williamson in 2000, he made a modest gift and then watched the school for eight years. Then, in 2008, he made a $5 million donation, but as a matching gift which had to be matched by new donors. “He said, ‘You don’t need the $5 million, you need to expand your donor base.’ ”
The search for new donors led to the school requesting a matching gift from Gerry Lenfest. Lenfest said he would donate $20 million if Rowan would. The rest is history. “Rowan gave us the $5 million pledge and another $20 million, making his $25 million the largest gift in the history of Williamson.
“That was the beginning of transformational donations at Williamson. That gift changed what we are able to do at Williamson. We will always be grateful for that. It was an amazing time in the life of Williamson.
“Henry Rowan passed away ten years ago. What I think about today is the legacy he left behind. He left the world a better place.”
Today, his daughter Virginia, and her husband Manning Smith, and their daughter Rowan Watson, and son Jamie Smith, are working to make the family business thrive. “Henry’s second wife, Lee Rowan, was equally dedicated to supporting Williamson, donating to the expansion of the dining room and power plant and contributing substantially to the endowment.
“Today, Henry Rowan’s family continues to support Williamson through the Rowan Family Foundation. In fact, the significant amount of money Henry gave us has been surpassed since his passing by the donations of the Rowan family and the Smith family. Students, they believe in you. So, make them proud, continue to work hard and continue to do the best you can every day.
“Henry Rowan said many times that we need more donors and he also said we need more students. I stand here today as a proud trustee to tell you since that time our enrollment is up 30%. We’ve raised in excess of $100 million since 2008 from donors who have given us gifts of $1 million or more and our endowment is nearly four times as large as it was back then.
“His foresight to guide us has been instrumental in our success. He’s been a leader here and it continues to live on. So, students, your success honors the Rowan legacy.”
Piotrowicz concluded his talk saying, “I can’t get off this stage without thanking the greatest benefactor sitting in this room tonight, the best friend to you students, Mr. Joe Wesley. And we can’t forget his wife, Marion.”
Also, during Rowan Day, Chaplain Mark Specht 7W7 gave the invocation and benediction and the Artisans, under the direction of Sherre Gaertner, closed the event with the singing of the alma mater.
