Family makes contribution in memory of father

December 23, 2003 Laurel, Maryland

The Snow family of Los Angeles donated $20,000 toward the new academic building in memory of Julian B. Snow Jr., of Arlington, Va., a former Capitol student with a lifelong passion for electronics.

The gift was made to Capitol College as a tribute to Julian Snow, who died in July 2003 at age 77, said his son, Randy Snow.  Julian Snow enrolled in several courses at Capitol Radio Electronics Institute, the earliest predecessor of Capitol College, in the 1940s and '50s.  

Julian Snow began his career working at a Georgetown electronics firm where he designed and installed sound systems for the goverment and private industry. Before retiring a few years ago, Julian Snow was chief station engineer of Gallaudet University's television studio.

The gift to Capitol College will allow Julian Snow's name to "cast a big shadow," a design element of the William G. McGowan Academic Center.  His name will be etched into an exterior window; when sunlight hits the window, the etching's shadow will appear on a walkway wall.  Several named gift opportunities toward the new building are still available.

Randy Snow remembered his father's passion for music and how he would attend local clubs in the evening to record jazz bands.

"There were a few things that he was very interested in and liked, such as music, broadcast electronics and audio technology," Randy Snow said.  "After he retired, he also tinkered a lot with computers.  He collected, categorized and edited sound quality on many tunes from his extensive library of jazz recordings."

Julian Snow grew up in Washington, DC, and attended Washington Lee High School and Randolph Macon Academy.  An Army veteran, he enrolled in radio communications and other electronics courses at Capitol.  Even after his retirement, Julian Snow continued tinkering with electronics and kept up with computer technology, purchasing the latest PC model every year or so.

Julian Snow also encouraged Randy Snow to attend Capitol.  Randy Snow earned a certificate in electronics engineering technology in 1984.  "I remember that he had a workshop that he built in the basement of the house and he loved troubleshooting down there," Randy Snow said, remembering his father.  "He would fix a tape recorder, and I would do my labs.  We would work on things together and learn from each other."

Richard Beall, vice president for intuitional relations, said the gift is greatly appreciated, as is hearing about the work and life lived by Julian Snow.

"It is people like Julian Snow who are the true assets to Capitol," Beall said.  "Mr. Snow used his passion for technology and electronics in a truly beneficial way.  We are appreciative of the family's gift so that future Capitol students can have a place to learn and be inspired to create their own legacy."