Regent Olivia Maynard, right, presents a resolution to Rebecca McGowan during her final Board of Regents meeting in December. McGowan was praised for her initiatives of inclusivity, equity and access during 16 years of service. “Regent McGowan has been an active, gracious and principled supporter of the University, and her support and encouragement have inspired all of us — regents, presidents, administrators, staff, faculty — to do our best,” Maynard said. “We are a better institution because of the generous and unstinting commitment she has given of her time, wisdom and talents.” While in office McGowan successfully sponsored motions to include “sexual orientation” and “gender equity and gender expression” in the regents’ nondiscrimination policy; spearheaded creation of the University’s Childcare Task Force in 1996; and along with her colleagues reorganized the leadership structure of the U-M Health System to ensure long-term viability. She was chair of the board in 2004-05 and served two terms as chair of the board’s Finance, Audit and Investment Committee. (Photo by Martin Vloet, U-M Photo Services)
