A Tribute to Mike McGowan
Memories of Mike
McGowan Scholarship Endowment Fund
On November 24, 2024, the albinism community was shaken by the passing of NOAH’s former Executive Director, Michael McGowan. As we honor Mike’s remarkable legacy and reflect on his profound impact, we are reminded of the strength of his vision, the depth of his dedication, and the kindness with which he led.
Mike was a pillar of strength and an unwavering champion, dedicating more than three decades to advancing the rights, awareness, and support of individuals with albinism and their families.
NOAH will continue to honor Mike’s memory as we strive to build a world of understanding, empowerment, and equality, providing the resources and opportunities necessary for individuals with albinism to thrive.
To honor Mike’s legacy, NOAH, with the blessing of his family, seeks to endow the Michael J. McGowan Leadership Memorial Scholarship in perpetuity, ensuring that his passion for leadership development continues to inspire and support future change-makers in the albinism community.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Mike’s life and leadership with a contribution to the Michael J. McGowan Leadership Memorial Scholarship Endowment:
Your restricted gift will help sustain Mike’s legacy and empower generations of albinism leaders to come.
Memories of Mike
A Tribute to Mike McGowan – NOAH’s Albinism InSight Spring 2025
We Welcome Your Tributes!
If you would like to share a personal tribute or photos to be included on this page, we would love to hear from you. Please email your memories to info@albinism.org—thank you for helping to honor Mike McGowan’s legacy and inspire others in the albinism community.
Additional community tributes to Mike McGowan:
“Mike’s dedication to NOAH and the global albinism community initiatives is highly commendable.” – Shelly Francis
“(Mike) was one of the first professionals in the field that we met after my then-infant (now 19-year-olds) twins were newly diagnosed with albinism. He was so real and down to earth and made us feel like he’d known us forever and had all day for us.” – Becky Adcock Rogowski
“(Mike) was the face of NOAH to us for so many years – he made everyone feel welcome – like he knew you and remembered you and your family even though you only saw him every two years. Such a charismatic and impactful leader. So grateful to have met him.” – Megan Schickling
“(Mike) was a great leader and advocate for NOAH and a fantastic ambassador at international events. I greatly enjoyed hosting him at our conference in the UK, where he delivered a rousing and uplifting keynote address. We also had a very entertaining few days in Norway at a Europe-wide event.” – Daniel Hill
“Mike you were a true friend. I enjoyed working with you as I became a member of the NOAH Community. See you in heaven my friend.” – Erika Evans
“Such a privilege to have had such an amazing man in our lives.” – Samantha Vogler-Rinder
“What remains undeniable is Mike’s legacy in the American and later global albinism movements. Rest in Peace.” – I.K. Ero
“The world is a better place because of Mike. RIP: Mike McGowan.” – Mark Lucas
“What an inspiration he was to NOAH, to the St.Louis Superstars and to our family. May his memory be a blessing to his family and all that had the pleasure to know him.” – Barbara Levy Hrach