The name for the school comes from local businessman Aden Bowman, who came to Saskatoon in 1907 at the age of nineteen with no more than a grade nine education. With little knowledge about the field, Bowman purchased a small bicycle repair business on 20th Street. The business was very successful and over the next few years it expanded beyond bicycles to repairing automobiles and motorcycles. Throughout Bowman's success he realized the importance of a strong education, which he shared with his children and grandchildren. Bowman wanted to help the community with his self-made success, so he served as alderman for twelve years and was the chairman of the collegiate board for fourteen years.