Durward Owen, Class of 1955, is former executive director for Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity, a national membership association of more than 62,000 members. During this 35 years as executive director, he created a national philanthropic organization, PUSH, Inc. for Pi Kappa Phi to provide service, awareness and volunteerism on behalf of physically challenged individuals. He also developed the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation, an educational foundation of the Fraternity. Owen has served on the board of numerous organizations, including the North Carolina School of the Arts, Opera Carolina, and the Western Carolina Children’s Foundation.
Durward Owen received the Roanoke College Medal in 2020.