Sharon L. Dowen was born in Milwaukee, WI, on February 6, 1946. She is known as a woman of courage. As an internal auditor for NIU (1983-2008), her strength, personal integrity, positive attitude, and hard-earned credibility brought her great respect among the university and the community. She was one of NIU’s “25 Amazing Women” and a true role model for others to follow. 

During her retirement, Sharon gave her time, talent, and treasure to her local church and nonprofit organizations in DeKalb County. She was a board member at Safe Passage since 2011. She was passionate about their mission and gave tirelessly of her time and generously of her treasure. Sharon is dearly missed and fondly remembered by many. 

Sharon L. Dowen of DeKalb, IL, passed away on May 6, 2016. The estate of Sharon Dowen created a Fund in her memory. The Safe Passage Angels Endowment Fund provides ongoing support, where it is needed most, to Safe Passage, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing and preventing domestic violence and sexual assault in DeKalb County.