Marian University Ancilla College Vice President and Academic Dean, Dr. Natalie Tucker, has been actively working with Pat Cowan, wife of Ralph Cowan, and myself in order to find ways to have students, faculty, and staff engage with Ralph’s photography collection.
This amazing photography collection came to PHJCs in 2020 and has been perfectly archived and organized by PHJC coworkers with the help of Sisters Linda Volk and Kathleen Kelley. The collection consists of hundreds of profound, high quality, striking photos of all subject matter taken by Ralph Cowan who was one of the most sought-after professional photographers of his time, thus making a lasting career in professional photography. His work took him and his wife around the world as they photographed their travels. Ralph has an inquisitive eye for capturing the human spirit. The incredible amount of detail, use of light, subject matter, etc., makes his work outstanding in his field.
Numerous faculty and staff have visited the archival collection, and discussions have ensued that would enable using the photos in creative writing, business/advertising classes, and global history courses. This would provide great benefit to the students and their academic learning. Most students are visual learners, so being able to see, think, reflect, analyze, and engage with the photography collection would be impactful for many in their advancement.
MCAU is also designing a permanent collection/ display of a set of Cowan photos that will be positioned nearby the Hardesty classroom. The use of numerous photos may also find a home in many offices, hallways, and in the campus learning commons (library) as part of displays throughout the year. The goal is to get the photos out and about the campus and the college community, so many can engage, be inspired, learn, and think more deeply about various subject matter and the art of photography. This important documentary work is also used widely used by the PHJCs.
If you are interested in helping with this project, please contact Dr. Natalie Tucker at MCAU and/or myself in the Archives Office, Motherhouse. Many hands make light work, and all help is appreciated.