Most know him as a highly regarded businessman, civic leader and philanthropist. But to SDSU President Stephen L. Weber, Ron Fowler has been much more: a confidant, advisor, strategist, advocate and steadfast supporter. That's why Ron was approached to become the first chairman of The Campanile Foundation in 1999, when the university established its philanthropic auxiliary to increase community outreach and build private support.

Ron first became involved with SDSU more than 25 years ago. As owner and CEO of Liquid Investments Inc., a parent company of various beverage distributorships, Ron built a thriving business with his entrepreneurial instincts. Accordingly, he saw the value in bringing an entrepreneurial focus to business education, a vision shared by SDSU's College of Business Administration. This led to Ron's becoming the founder and major benefactor of SDSU's Entrepreneurial Management Center (EMC), now nationally renowned for its excellence.

While the EMC was his first passion, Ron's relationship with SDSU also includes providing leadership and fundraising support for Aztec Athletics and the Hospitality and Tourism Management program.

For the eight years Ron served at the foundation's helm, he has been instrumental in identifying and personally recruiting influential board members, all of whom helped to raise nearly $500 million during his tenure.

According to President Stephen Weber, Ron was a natural as TCF’s chairman. "Ron has vision. He cajoled and pushed when he needed to because he is a leader and has always understood the importance of philanthropy."

Although Ron will step down as chairman of the board in November 2007, his involvement with SDSU will continue. He'll become TCF's founding chairman and continue as a member for another year. Not a big surprise for an honorary Aztec who once said "Some people use the money they make to keep score. But I find the psyche better served by doing things for other people."