When acclaimed Ho-Chunk sculptor Truman Lowe passed away in 2019, he left behind more than a body of internationally celebrated artwork. As a longtime faculty member in School of Education’s Art Department, he was also a dedicated educator and respected mentor who helped shape generations of emerging artists.

Now that legacy continues through the Truman T. Lowe Scholarship Fund, endowed by his wife, Nancy Lowe, and supported by other donors to inspire UW–Madison art students for years to come.

“There’s something about the time he spent (at UW–Madison), and how much he enjoyed it and appreciated the opportunity,” says Nancy Lowe. “It seemed important to keep his name alive in the department.”

Truman Lowe received his MFA from UW–Madison in 1973 and returned two years later to join the faculty. During his tenure, he taught sculpture, chaired the department, and helped coordinate the university’s Native American Studies program. He also chaired the Chancellor’s Scholarship Committee and was committed to recruiting and supporting underrepresented students — particularly Native American students — who aspired to pursue their education at UW–Madison.

Nancy Lowe recalls that her husband was exceptionally devoted to his students and energized by his work with them.

“He always said his students kept him young,” she says.