With the passing of Leonard “Len” Tow, we mourn the loss of a visionary leader and philanthropist whose generosity has shaped not only Columbia Journalism School but journalism as a whole.
Len’s Columbia education guided him through a brilliant business career. Through the Tow Foundation, Len and his family established the Tow Center for Digital Journalism in 2010. In addition to developing resources for students, this pioneering institution is involved in new research related to the practice of digital journalism.
Len’s philanthropy extended far beyond this Center — but at the School, we will remember him above all for his wisdom, his generosity and his belief in the essential role of rigorous, innovative journalism in a healthy democracy. On behalf of our faculty, staff, students and alumni, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Tow family. We are proud to carry forward the work he helped make possible.
— Jelani Cobb
Dean and Henry R. Luce Professor of Journalism
