College Orientation Workshop Program

04/03/2026

We have some amazing events scheduled for 2026.
More opportunities to come together for a great cause.

25 April - Eat the Bear Road Ride
1 June- 18th Annual Golf Tournament
21 June - Start of the 2025 summer session
11 July - 40th Reunion celebration!

Keep an eye out for more information on these events!
www.cow4life.org/events - for the latest information and how to RSVP.

03/04/2026

🎉 COW Turns 40 🎉

For four decades, COW has shaped young men into leaders — through challenge, mentorship, adventure, and brotherhood.

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, we are bringing together past and present participants, families, volunteers, donors, and staff to celebrate the legacy we’ve built together.

📍 Crockett Farm - 230 Thomas Rd, Lexington, VA 22450
🗓 July 11, 2026
⏰ 2:00–7:00 PM

Whether you were in the first cohort or just finished this summer, you are part of this story.

Save the date. Reconnect. Celebrate. Reflect.
https://www.cow4life.org/events/reunion-40

The next 40 years begin now!

02/16/2026

Celebrating trailblazers like Dr. Mac Bowman.

From STEM to athletics, human rights, education, policy, and healthcare, Dr. Bowman leads with purpose and a deep commitment to lifting others as he climbs. As a proud parent of a COW participant, he models what it means to invest not only in his own family, but in the future of every young person who walks through our doors. His example challenges all of us to show up, give back, and actively support the next generation—through mentorship, partnership, and generosity—so that the path forward is even stronger for those who follow.

During Black History Month, VMI Athletics will proudly highlight various alumni who have shaped our history and continue to inspire change.

This week, we highlight Dr. Mac Bowman ‘73🏈

Dr. Bowman was in the 2nd class of African Americans admitted to VMI. The 1986 VMI Sports Hall of Fame inductee was a Dean’s List graduate and the first African American to receive an athletic scholarship to VMI.

He is a well-renown cardiologist in Georgia and still practices medicine. He is founder and director of The Dr. Mac Bowman Horizon Foundation for Health, Help, Hope, Healing, and Honor.

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02/09/2026

As we celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded that we are standing on the shoulders of visionaries who paved the way with courage, sacrifice, and purpose. Their legacy is not something to celebrate one month out of the year - instead it’s something we’re called to continue through service, mentorship, and opportunity for the next generation.

Let’s pay it forward to the next generation by investing our time, talents, and support so we may reinforce and strengthen the path ahead.

Thank you to all those who came before us, and thank you to those continuing to build the legacy.

During Black History Month, VMI Athletics will proudly highlight various alumni who have shaped our history and continue to inspire change.

This week, we highlight Eugene 'Gene' Williams '74🏈

Williams was in the third class of African American cadets at VMI. He received an athletic scholarship to play football and was dubbed “Mean” Gene on the gridiron.

Williams became the first African American and youngest appointee to the VMI Board of Visitors (BOV). He remained on the BOV for 10 years. He is a past member of the Keydet Club Board of Governors and the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees. He was inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame in 1985.

This past fall, Williams received the VMI Foundation Distinguished Service Award for his dedication in service to the Institute.

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01/07/2026

COW Digest Newsletter for 2025

Summary of the 2025 COW Program at VMI

11/08/2025

Honoring dedication, legacy, and a heart that never stopped giving back. What a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make through love and service. ❤️

Congratulations Eugene Williams!

11/07/2025

We are incredibly proud of our founder, Eugene Williams ’74, for his decades of leadership, service, and vision. Today, he is being recognized with the VMI Foundation Distinguished Service Award in honor of his lifetime of service to the Institute.
For over 40 years, Gene’s commitment through the College Orientation Workshop (COW) has empowered and transformed the lives of male minority and at-risk high school students—an impact that continues to grow with each generation.
Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor and in thanking Gene for his unwavering dedication to education, mentorship, and service.

Congratulations, Mr. Williams! 👏🎉

11/05/2025

04/25/2025

🏌️‍♂️Mark your calendars—our 17th Annual Charity Golf Classic tees off June 2 in Virginia! ⛳️ Join us for a day of swings, smiles, and supporting a great cause.

📌 Registration is now open, and sponsorships are still available—don’t miss your chance to be part of the impact!

04/24/2025

🚴‍♂️ Only 2 days left ‘til we ride!

The Eat The Bear Road Ride rolls into Lexington, Virginia this Saturday, 4/26! — are you ready to chase the bear and change some lives? 🐻💛

Check here for more info: https://www.cow4life.org/eatthebearride

01/15/2025

Mark your calendars now for Saturday, April 26, 2025.
https://www.cow4life.org/eatthebearride

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For those of you wondering, “Why Eat the Bear?": Everyone faces challenges/fears in life. We refer to these challenges as Bears.

There are 5 steps to Eating the Bear (facing your challenges):

1. EXPECT the Bear

2. SEEK the Bear out (do not wait for it to come to you)

3. EMBRACE the Bear (do not let it control you)

4. EAT the Bear (for obvious reasons)

5. BECOME the Bear (you now own that particular challenge/fear)

We look forward to serving up some “Bear” on April 26.
Come join us and help support the College Orientation Workshop as we celebrate our 40th year in operation!

Registration is Open! https://www.cow4life.org/eatthebearride