SPC Celebrates Saint Artemisia Bowden's Feast Day

St. Philip’s College (SPC) marked Saint Artemisia Bowden’s Feast Day on Aug. 18, 2025, honoring the college’s founding president with a campus event that included moments of historical reflection, family tributes, and a “living museum” highlighting 10 key figures from the college’s history.

The program featured remarks from St. Philip’s College President Dr. Adena Williams Loston, Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Clint Kingsbery, and Saint Artemisia’s great-grandniece, Jennifer Walker.

“Saint Artemisia Bowden changed the course of education in our city and set a foundation of excellence,” Dr. Kingsbery said, noting that the Episcopal Church added Artemisia Bowden to its liturgical calendar in 2015 and that same year the Alamo Colleges District named her president emeritus in recognition of her decades of service.

Saint Artemisia Bowden arrived in San Antonio in 1902 to lead what began as a small school for the daughters and granddaughters of emancipated slaves. Under her leadership across more than half a century, the school grew through financial hardship and social change.

“Saint Artemisia left St. Philip’s College with a rich legacy that stands as a point of pride and also challenges us to strive for greatness,” Dr. Loston said. “We have kept our focus on teaching marketable and leadership skills, and giving our students the tools they need to achieve economic stability.”

After the formal program concluded, attendees were invited to experience “Alive at the Library,” an interactive historical exhibit. The living museum featured SPC employees portraying key figures who advanced St. Philip’s mission under Saint Artemisia’s leadership.

Saint Artemisia Bowden’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of San Antonio, reflected in buildings named after her both throughout the city and on the campus of St. Philip’s College, where a student-led restaurant also bears her name. Her contributions are further honored by numerous local institutions.