About Maren Foster McDowell 

Maren Foster McDowell was born in Beckley, West Virginia (one of seven siblings—6 boys and a girl) and attended area schools. His father was a coal miner, and his mother was employed as a domestic worker.  He was determined to go to college and made his way to West Virginia State College without any money or financial help.  Thus, he worked at several small jobs to make money to complete his education.  One of those jobs led to him becoming known as the ‘Pie Man’ on campus.  This was because Brother McDowell was well known for selling pies to college students to make money to pay his tuition. He is the only sibling in his family who finished high school.  It was at West Virginia State where he met his wife, Bessie.  After college graduation, he was drafted into the Army and during that time, he married Bessie.  He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946. 

Brother McDowell moved to Columbus, Ohio, and later, after receiving a scholarship, he moved his family to New York City so that he could attend New York University.  Upon completion of his Masters degree, the McDowells were recruited to work at a new school in Dover, Delaware that was opening in1952.  They decided to move to Delaware with their two children and lived in Delaware the rest of their lives.  Brother McDowell worked as a school guidance counselor and vice-principal at William Henry High School from its beginning to its closing in 1966. When schools integrated, Brother McDowell worked at Dover High School as a counselor until retirement in 1979.

Brother McDowell (or “Mac”, as he was often affectionately called), is often remembered as being a no-nonsense administrator and was well respected.  He knew that education was important and he encouraged the students that he came in contact with to realize that.  Although as children, his students knew he was firm, as adults, they knew he had only did it for their own good.  Mac was generous in his giving and his time.  He would drive students home for sports practices and other extracurricular activities.  He, many times, gave students financial help.  When he retired, he drove a DAPI bus, for several years and counseled students in various programs. Brother McDowell knew that education was a crucial part of an individual’s overall development and growth; it helps to build character and leads to enlightenment. He also knew it also makes a person complete.

Brother McDowell served every organization he was in well including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Psi Iota Chapter.  From the time he joined the Fraternity in 1956, he was active and supportive in Chapter, District, and International activities.  He was elected Basileus and served from 1962 to 1964; and later served as the Keeper of Finance for many years until he could no longer do so.

Brother McDowell bequeathed a gift to Psi Iota that it might be used to help students further their education.