Candidate for
City; City of Santa Rosa High School District

Fifty one years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant has given Wally Lowry a well-developed expertise in financial matters. Concurrently, in addition to his strong professional knowledge, Wally has been a fulltime classroom teacher for 32 years and served in the U.S. Naval Reserve for 29 years reaching the rank of Navy Captain. He also is a long-time volunteer in a variety of local civic activities. He has a unique grasp of the needs of business, education and government.

Wally graduated with a BA degree in Economics from Stanford University and married fellow student, Ellie, shortly after. He then did graduate work at Golden Gate University. Following active overseas duty in the Navy, the Lowrys moved to Santa Rosa in 1961. They have two daughters, Cynthia and Stephanie and ten grandchildren. In 1967, Wally started his own C.P.A. practice while teaching and completing his MBA degree from the University of California - Berkeley two years later.

Since 1969, Wally has had a second career as a Professor of Business Administration at Sonoma State University (SSU). He also was the first Director of the Wine Business Education Program. Upon retirement Wally was given the honorary recognition of Professor Emeritus.

Having two careers wasn't enough for Wally - while serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve his service was distinguished by receiving the Defense Meritorious Service, Joint Service Commendation, Navy Commendation, and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation medals. In his final five years, he was the Commanding Officer for three separate commands.

Wally believes true citizenship requires community involvement. Wally is currently a Director for the Sonoma County Alliance, Director for the Sonoma State University Academic Foundation, Director for the Santa Rosa Rotary Foundation. He is a past president of the Sonoma County Family YMCA and was recognized for Dedicated Service and Leadership. Having served 10 years as Board Treasurer of the Sonoma County Museum he was honored as its first emeritus Museum member. Wally is a past Chair of the City of Santa Rosa Redevelopment Agency, past Chair of the City of Santa Rosa Housing Authority, past Board Chair of the Luther Burbank (now Wells Fargo) Center for the Arts. He also is a past president of the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa, past Board Treasurer for the Redwood Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America, as well as board director for several other non-profit organizations. He continues as a longtime supporter of activities for local non-profit agencies.

Currently serving as Board member of the Santa Rosa City Schools - Board of Education seems a natural thing for Wally to continue with his proven commitment to Education, his service to the community and his professional skills developed over the years. All of which contribute to ensure a quality of life so essential to us all.

Wally Lowry will continue as your dedicated Santa Rosa City School Board representative.