Final Message from Barbara T. Bowman

It is with a heavy heart that Erikson Institute shares the news that Barbara Taylor Bowman, Erikson’s Co-Founder, Trustee and Professor, passed away November 4, 2024 at the age of 96. Barbara was, in every sense, the heart and soul of Erikson, and her influence on all of us—students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, partners and friends—cannot be overstated.

Before her passing, Barbara wrote a final message to the Erikson community. We hope her words bring you comfort and remind you of the incredible impact she had on all of us. 

From

Barbara Taylor Bowman 

Co-Founder & Professor 

Erikson Institute 

October 30, 2024

I want to thank our faculty, staff, alumni, Board members, funders and supporters who helped make Erikson Institute possible. Erikson became something unusual: a graduate school in child development for the preparation of professionals in need of in-depth child development knowledge.  

Our mission has always been knowledge in the service of children and families. However, knowledge is not enough. Rigorous graduate study needed to include carefully supervised professional practice and opportunities for disciplined reflection so that our work remained responsive to children and families in diverse social, economic, and cultural settings. Our accomplishments were possible because of the efforts by people from many disciplines and professions including education, psychology, social work, law, medicine, business, and finance. I am grateful to each of you, my Erikson family, who carry these practices forward to ensure the future strength and well-being of our children and families, and the professionals who support them.