Through the vision and generosity of Gary Bowman ’80, the next generation of leaders in sustainable land development will receive critical support and recognition through a new fellowship and scholarship program within the Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

In 2022, Bowman, founder of Bowman Consulting, committed more than $2 million to Virginia Tech to establish the Bowman Sustainable Land Development Program. This program trains students in sustainability and engineering design principles for land development at local, regional, and global scales. It is one of just six official program areas in the department and only the second to be endowed.

Bowman’s gift is already making a difference. For the 2025–26 academic year, three undergraduate students and three graduate students are the inaugural recipients of the Bowman Sustainable Land Development Scholarships and Fellowships.

“The awarding of these scholarships and fellowships marks a milestone for the Bowman Sustainable Land Development Program,” said Program Coordinator Kevin Young. “These awards will directly support the growth and professional development of their recipients, and it was my privilege to inform each of these students that their hard work, both inside and outside of the classroom, is being recognized in this way." 

The 2025-26 Bowman Fellows all received their bachelor's degrees in civil and environmental engineering in May. They are:

  • Lillian Kobe of Southaven, Mississippi 
  • Nekahn McLain of Fairfax, Virginia
  • Devin Poe of Independence, Virginia 

These graduate students have shown a continued interest in sustainable land development through their academic work and extracurricular contributions, such as participating in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Sustainable Solutions Competition, performing research, and assisting civil and environmental engineering faculty in undergraduate courses.

Each fellowship is expected to include an $8,000 award that will allow the students to focus more fully on coursework, research, leadership, and professional development.

The 2025–26 Bowman Scholars are all rising seniors planning to graduate in 2026. They were selected for demonstrating promise and passion in the field of sustainable land development:

  • Jaelynn Holloway of Virginia Beach, Virginia
  • Cambelle Laskodi of Haymarket, Virginia
  • Adam Lemieux of Hebron, Connecticut

Each $5,000 scholarship will enable students to dedicate more time and energy to their academic, research, leadership, and professional development pursuits.  

“Receiving this award is deeply meaningful. It reflects the support of incredible faculty and classmates who have shaped my journey,” said Holloway, one of the Bowman Scholars. “Through the Sustainable Land Development Club and ASCE Survey Team, I’ve grown academically and professionally. As I enter my final year at Virginia Tech, this scholarship supports my goal of pursuing a career in sustainable land development that positively impacts communities and the environment.”

The inaugural Bowman Fellows and Scholars were recognized at the program’s summer social and practitioner recognition ceremony on July 29 in Alexandria. 

The Bowman Sustainable Land Development Program aims to position Virginia Tech as a national leader in land development education by emphasizing environmental responsibility, community-centered planning, and technical innovation. In addition to supporting students, the endowment also enhances curriculum development, outreach, and industry engagement.

“I first met Mr. Bowman nearly 20 years ago and I have personally witnessed his support for Virginia Tech civil and environmental engineering students to be unwavering,” said Young. “His early vision was instrumental in launching land development education within the department and now, two decades later, I am thrilled to see his support continuing to touch students in so many meaningful ways.”

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