St. Philip’s College Host Legacy Day: The Legacy Continues

St. Philip’s College (SPC) hosted Legacy Day: The Legacy Continues on Friday, Aug. 16, to celebrate the feast day of the college's founding president, Saint Artemisia Bowden, and unveil three newly renovated campus buildings.

Saint Artemisia Bowden was canonized by the Episcopal Church in 2015. Her feast day is recognized worldwide on Aug. 18 in the Episcopal calendar. The same year she was elevated to sainthood, she was named President Emeritus by the Alamo Colleges District in recognition of her leadership and service to SPC.

The three-hour event showcased the revitalization of the Cybersecurity Innovations Center, the Bowden Legacy Building, and the Applied Science Building, while highlighting the college’s rich history with a ribbon cutting and tour of each building.

The Cybersecurity Innovations Center, previously named the Campus Center, has been transformed into a central hub for government, university, and industry partners in the cybersecurity field. Over the last 70 years, this building underwent four renovations, enlarging its capacity in 1970, 1978, 1987, and 2022.

The Bowden Legacy Building, constructed in 1954 on the original land purchased by Artemisia Bowden in 1922, is now home to the St. Philip’s College Early College High School with San Antonio ISD. This building honors the college’s founder, continuing her legacy of inspiring future generations.

The Applied Science Building has been a hub of innovation and hands-on learning since its construction in 1992. Renovations have expanded the college’s program offerings in Automotive Technology, Histology, Biomedical Engineering, Vision Care, and Nurse Aide.

Legacy Day activities included check presentations, refreshments, a cornerstone ceremony by area Masonic lodges, gifts to mark the occasion, and remarks by special guests, including Saint Artemisia Bowden’s great-great-niece, Jennifer Walker. To connect the three locations there was a New Orleans-style Second Line Parade, led by the SPC cheer team, Student Government Association student leaders, employees with decorated umbrellas, and a drumline.

“As we celebrate the transformation and expansion of St. Philip’s College, we remember our 126-year heritage and history,” said St. Philip’s College President Dr. Adena Williams Loston. “On this Legacy Day, we honor the unwavering determination of one woman—our founding president, Saint Artemisia Bowden. Her 52 years of devotion to the college leaves us with a sense of pride that challenges us to strive for greatness.”