2021-22 BTC Calendar: Sue Cumpston and Lori Mowen

Sue Cumpston (’82) and Lori Mowen (’80) want their scholarship gifts to change a young person’s trajectory in life. They both know firsthand what such a course alteration can mean. Cumpston, who grew up in an impoverished area of West Virginia, was excited about the prospect of hot water and indoor plumbing when she arrived at JMU with the help of financial aid. Mowen came from a blue-collar background in Pennsylvania. As first-generation college students, they made the most of their time at JMU. Mowen majored in accounting and played varsity field hockey and track. Cumpston majored in sports management and played junior varsity basketball. Both went on to earn advanced degrees and travel the world together, recently retiring from successful careers. Believing that education and travel are the keys to breaking the cycle of poverty and being successful, they have designated a scholarship for a student with high financial need from West Virginia or the Appalachian region of Virginia and another for studying abroad.