Campaign Updates
- January 2008 - Present
- 07/25/08
De Ciccio Family Auditorium Dedication - 07/14/08
Son Honors His Father's Legacy - 05/23/08
New Campaign Benchmark Reached - 05/01/08
Campaign Reception Honors Faculty - 03/11/08
Go Bears: 25 years of Athletic Excellence - 02/08/08
Sports Foundation's 1st Silver Gala - 02/01/08
Advancing Africa Scholarship Fund Created
- 07/25/08
- Fiscal Year 2007
- 10/22/07
Brown Announces New “Green” Social Choice Fund - 9/25/07
Brown Women's Crew Honored at the White House - 8/20/07
On the Way - UP! - 5/25/07
$1 Billion Milestone Reached!
- 10/22/07
Newsworthy
Celebrating Medical Scholarship Students and Donors
On April 23, 2009, Dean of Medicine and Biological Sciences Edward Wing welcomed students and donors to what has become a cherished Alpert Medical School tradition: Generosity and Gratitude, a celebration of scholarships. At this annual event, medical students receiving scholarship funds get to meet and thank the people who help make their education possible – and financial aid donors in turn get to know who it is they’re helping.
Click here to read the full feature, watch a video highlight and view the photo gallery.
Giving Again is "Twice as Nice"
Seven volunteer leaders from the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council and the Brown University Corporation have come together to offer a new $500,000 challenge. They are asking the more than 25,000 donors who made Annual Fund gifts between July 1, 2008, and May 21, 2009 to consider adding to their support of the University’s students and faculty through the 2008-2009 Brown Annual Fund.
A dollar-for-dollar match will be provided for second gifts to the Annual Fund from current-fiscal-year donors from May 22 to June 30, 2009, or until the funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first. Gifts of all sizes are eligible.
Donors whose second gifts bring them to Brown Annual Fund Leaders-levels will help earn two challenges!
Give for the first time or give again to support excellence in education.
Celebrating Brown in Chicago
Getting accepted at the school of your choice is difficult enough; paying for it can be downright impossible. "When I received my acceptance letter, I cried out of happiness," remembers Alicia Adams '11. "But my mom cried out of panic over how she would ever pay for my Ivy League education." Since many of the brightest and most intellectually curious students accepted at Brown cannot afford the cost, fundraising for financial aid is one of the University's highest objectives. In May, community members gathered in Chicago to learn more about the Campaign for Academic Enrichment's financial aid initiative and to celebrate its many successes.
Click here to read the full feature and see the photo gallery.
Celebrating an Historic Milestone
Boldly Brown: Campaign for Academic Enrichment has reached its $1.4 billion goal nineteen months ahead of schedule. Since October 2005, when the University launched the ambitious campaign designed to assure its academic prominence for decades to come, thousands of alumni, parents, and friends, drawn to the strong mission statement and fueled by their love of Brown, have offered their support. Now the Campaign is poised to sustain its fundraising momentum in order to meet its annual giving goals and expanded endowment and facility goals.
Click here to see the full feature and watch the video.
Creating a Community of Talent
Although our students forge their own unique pathways on College Hill, it is equally true that the defining aspect of their Brown experience is often the many relationships formed with the people they meet. Brown’s Alumni of Color Initiative is seeking to ensure that this rich resource will be sustained and strengthened in the years ahead.
Click here to see the full feature.
Celebrating Brown in Washington, DC
In a city alive with dreams and ambitions, hundreds of our alumni, parents and friends were challenged to help realize the dreams and ambitions of dedicated students to attend Brown. "Our collective efforts," said Campaign co-chair Matthew J. Mallow '64 LHD '08 hon., P'02:, "will ensure that Brown continues to transform lives through teaching, research, scholarship and action."
Click here to see the full feature.
Celebrating Brown in London
Brown believes that financial aid has the potential to transform not only students’ lives, but their families and communities as well. Therefore, Boldly Brown: Campaign for Academic Enrichment has, at its core, the goal of raising funds sufficient to enable bright, motivated students the opportunity to attend the University once they’ve been admitted. Luckily, alumni, parents, and friends on both sides of the Atlantic are equally committed to the cause.
Click here to see the full feature.
Celebrating Brown in Naples, FL
Even before the recent economic downturn, Brown University had established a plan to help families support their son’s or daughter's dream of a college education. The Financial Aid Initiative—a critical part of the Campaign for Academic Enrichment—is a targeted goal helping to ensure that bright, inquisitive students who deserve a first-class education will be able to afford one. Late this winter, members of the Brown community were given an in-depth look at this initiative when the Campaign sailed into Naples, Florida.
Click here to see the full feature.
Tribute Honors Legacy of Pembroke College
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On December 1, Provost David Kertzer ’69, P’95, P’98 welcomed guests to the dedication and celebration of the Pembroke Tribute. A brick-and-stone memorial at the entrance to the Pembroke Campus, the Tribute honors and preserves the memory of Pembroke College and celebrates the proud legacy of women at Brown University. The event, held in the third-floor former library of the newly-renovated Pembroke Hall, attracted alumnae from the class of ’35 through the class of ’69.
“The tenure of Pembroke College was filled with pioneering young women,” said Kertzer. “They convinced President E. Benjamin Andrews to admit them to the college; they pushed for access to all degrees granted by the University, including graduate degrees, and they joined forces to raise money for a place of their own––this very building.” The significant number of female students, female faculty, and female senior administrators present at Brown today represents, he stated, a trajectory of success and accomplishment begun by these women. (Read more/less)
Kertzer paid special homage to Helena “Pat” Shea ’30 AM’35. The first to approach her Pembroke sisters and the University with the idea of a lasting tribute, Shea was a member and former president of the Alumnae Association, trustee of the Pembroke College Fund and its national chair for 10 years, and member of the Pembroke Tribute Committee until her passing at the age of 100 in September. Kertzer also thanked the remaining members of the Tribute Committee—Dorothy K. Fishbein ’45; Mary E. Holburn ’50; Martha Sharp ’58, LHD’85, P’87 and Artemis A. W. Joukowsky ’55, P ’87; and Kathryn T. Spoehr ’69—and the more than 600 donors who lent their support over the years.
Following the Provost’s remarks, University Trustee Emerita, Professor Emerita of Archaeology, author, scholar, educator, advocate, and mentor Martha Sharp Joukowsky spoke of the “home” many women found at Pembroke and celebrated the accomplishments they achieved. “I think it is crucial to show our appreciation for the achievements of the women who walked these pathways,” she concluded. “The impact that Pembroke women have made on the world has been greater than we imagine or will ever know.”
Later, guests attended a tea poured by Charlene Ingraham Underhill ’59, President, Pembroke Club of Providence and Rula Shore Patterson ’67, P ’09, President, Pembroke Club of Kent County. Each left with a specially-designed Pembroke tea cup as a memento of the occasion.
Pearson Visiting Professorship
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The Hope Club’s Leeson Room was the site for the October 2nd luncheon honoring Professor Pegaret Pichler—the inaugural “Hugh Pearson Family Visiting Professor in Commerce, Organizations and Entrepreneurship”—and Hugh Pearson ’58 and his wife Betty Pearson. Pichler was most recently an Associate Professor of Finance at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna, Austria. Pearson, a retired Senior Vice President-Investments at Salomon Smith Barney, Inc. in Boston, had previously established the Hugh Pearson Family Endowed Scholarship.
In her remarks preceding a toast, President Ruth J. Simmons observed that Pearson’s support for Brown and its students of interdisciplinary programs was readily evident in the creation of this new faculty position.
“My career in investments,” said Pearson, “influenced me to believe that students who may want a somewhat similar career would be attracted to courses in COE. A visiting professorship, additionally, brings in new talent with fresh vision, perhaps new skills and a collegiality that benefits not only the COE concentration itself but the faculty and staff as well."
Besides President Simmons, Hugh and Betty Pearson were joined by Dean Rajiv Vohra, Professor Angus I. Kingon P’06, and other COE faculty and staff.
Transforming Lives with Increased Financial Aid
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On Friday evening, Oct. 17, 2008, the Corporation of Brown University celebrated the launch of a new effort to raise an additional $100 million for financial aid, bringing the total financial aid goal to $400 million. This ambitious initiative is a significant part of the $1.4 billion Boldly Brown: Campaign for Academic Enrichment. “Providing dependable financial support for students with financial need is at the core of this University’s mission,” said Chancellor Thomas J. Tisch. “Brown has increased its financial-aid commitment to its students and their families. Raising our sights to $400 million, particularly during uncertain economic times, underscores our focus on that commitment.”
Richard Barker, a 1957 Brown alumnus and parent of two Brown graduates, is spearheading the initiative to increase endowment giving for financial aid and to reach the new $400-million goal by December 31, 2010. Speaking to the assembled Corporation members and regional volunteers who will help the University meet the new goal, Barker introduced Shane Reil ’09, a history concentrator and a Sidney Frank Scholar. Reil talked about the transformative impact of financial aid on his life, moving many in the audience to tears.
The Rededication of Pembroke Hall
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On October 17, historic Pembroke Hall was rededicated by President Ruth J. Simmons as the new home of the Cogut Center for the Humanities and the Pembroke Center for Teaching and Research on Women. In her remarks, she honored Craig M. Cogut ’75, P’11, leadership donor to the Cogut Center, and Nancy L. Buc ’65, longtime advocate for and benefactor of the Pembroke Center. Pamela Rosenberg, Director of the Berliner Philharmoniker, who serves on the external Advisory Board for the Cogut Center for the Humanities at Brown, was guest speaker at the event.
The 111-year-old building, renovated by architect Toshiko Mori, features a restored façade and an interior brightened with glass walls and bamboo flooring. It now houses a humanities laboratory, conference rooms, classroom space, and offices for visiting and resident scholars.
Dedicated on November 22, 1897, Pembroke Hall was the first building erected for the use of Brown’s fledgling Women’s College. The construction of the three-story brick building owes much to Sarah E. Doyle, the influential educator and women’s rights activist. With the blessing of then-President Elisha Benjamin Andrews, Sarah Doyle spearheaded the fundraising effort needed to secure the construction costs, and she spoke proudly at the dedication: “We dedicate Pembroke Hall to the service of women who…shall prove their ability to grapple with scientific problems…enrich the literature of the world…practice and teach the Christian spirit of love.”
Learn more about the history of Pembroke by watching this video.
Tax-Smart Giving from your IRA
The Charitable IRA Rollover extension signed into law October 3, 2008 which will be in effect for 2008 and 2009 extends a tax-smart giving opportunity. The law allows individuals aged 70 1⁄2 or older to make gifts to qualified charitable organizations like Brown using funds transferred directly from their IRAs. Furthermore, these individuals will not have to pay taxes on the amounts transferred. You can transfer any amount you desire up to $100,000 in each tax year for 2008 and again in 2009.
Another tax-smart strategy is to name our organization as beneficiary of all or a portion of your IRA assets. By naming us as beneficiary of your IRA, you can leave us a gift that is free of all income and estate taxes because we are a charitable organization.
Read more at our Planned Giving website.
Be sure to contact your financial advisor and your IRA administrator if you are considering a gift under this law. Contact the Office of Planned Giving at 401-863-9119 or Planned_Giving@brown.edu if you have questions. You can download an IRA Transfer Form here.
J. Walter Wilson Move
While most students were away creating lasting summer memories, hundreds of individuals spent thousands of hours renovating J. Walter Wilson Hall, creating a new home for thirteen campus offices.
“With J. Walter Wilson, we saw the opportunity to cluster key resources in a location that can be easily accessed between classes,” said Margret Klawunn, Vice President for Campus Life & Student Services. “We also liked the idea that the building would encourage student traffic—whether to check mail, stop in at the Writing Center, or to confirm course registration on the way out of one of the seminar rooms.”
How is it working? Gretchen Peterson, Director, Curricular Resources & Academic Support Center hosted several groups of students before the Labor Day holiday. “I had 25 Excellence at Brown students here on Monday and 50 Residential Peer Counselors yesterday,” she said. “They loved it. And I’m happy that when students seek out one resource they may discover another. For example, Financial Aid is near the Writing Center. Tutoring is near the Registrar’s office. The layout should help increase traffic to all sites.” Peterson also gave high marks to the Brown folks coordinating the move: “They’ve been very responsive. We meet regularly, and they’re open to our suggestions.” And one Brown parent who stopped briefly at the Registrar’s office to register a scholarship remarked, “I love it when everything works the way that it should.”
Although most of the renovations were completed in time for students’ arrival in mid-August, construction on the lobby and Waterman Street main entrance is expected to be ongoing through October.
With the migration of these services, facilities planners will next turn to the renovation of Faunce House to create the Stephen J. Robert ’62 Campus Center. Enhancing students’ living and learning experiences is a key goal of the Plan for Academic Enrichment.
Campaign Surpasses 88% of Goal
Despite tough economic times, Brown alumni, parents, friends, faculty, students, and staff rallied to support excellence in education. This fiscal year, tens of thousands of individuals and hundreds of organizations contributed $239.3 million to Boldly Brown: Campaign for Academic Enrichment. With the addition of these gifts, the campaign soared to just over $1,240,600,000 on June 30—88.6% of our $1.4 billion goal. (Read more/less)
Highlights of this year’s giving included:
- The Brown Annual Fund (BAF) reported a record $35.1 million from almost 33,500 donors. The Million Dollar Month Participation Challenge—sponsored by an anonymous reunion alumnus and members of the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council—encouraged well over 5,000 donors to give to the Annual Fund. The $500,000 Jim Burke ’73 P’05, P’06, P’10 GOLD Challenge promoted giving by our most recent graduates. More than 800 Brown Annual Fund Leaders (donors of $10,000 or more) contributed $25.1 million, an increase of 7.1% over last year.
- Not to be outdone, a record six reunion classes raised more than $1 million for BAF (including two that raised over $2 million), six classes set BAF reunion giving records, and six classes set records for giving to all purposes. In response to a challenge from an anonymous donor, an incredible 72% of the senior class gave to the Annual Fund.
- The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) enjoyed a record-breaking year in a number of areas. Annual giving for our 37 Varsity and 7 Club Sports increased by 21% to $3.6 million, BUSF comprehensive cash increased by 9.2% to $11.8 million, the number of Drive for Five donors ($5,000+) rose by 5%, and Leaders-on-the-Rise ($1,000-$4,999) grew by 9%.
- The Brown Medical School Annual Fund also recorded a record $770,000 in gifts during the fiscal year; giving to the Division of Biology and Medicine increased to $18.8 million
These gifts, pledges and challenge grants from across the country and around the globe will enhance the academic environment on College Hill for students and faculty today and for years to come: Newly-endowed professorships will expand the faculty. New scholarships will sustain Brown’s dramatically expanded financial aid program. New capital gifts will help renovate historic buildings and construct new academic and athletic facilities. And gifts to the Brown Annual Fund provide the unrestricted resources to move decisively toward ever-greater excellence.
De Ciccio Family Auditorium Dedication
On June 18th, President Ruth J. Simmons formally dedicated the De Ciccio Family Auditorium with a champagne toast. The event, held in the foyer of the Richard and Edna Salomon Center for Teaching, recognized the generosity of Donald R. De Ciccio ’55 and Sandra L. De Ciccio. Family, friends, and fellow alumni were on hand to help celebrate the occasion.
The newly-christened auditorium (formerly Salomon 101) is one of the best-known venues for lectures, discussion panels, performances and presentations on campus. Scholars and newsmakers from all walks of life including, this past year, legendary news anchor Tom Brokaw, Bolivian President Evo Morales, and award-winning author Edwidge Danticat MFA ’93, have engaged in dialogue with the Brown community from its stage. (Read more/less)
Its name “honors all members of this family,” explained Don, the youngest of eight children. “I particularly wanted to thank my brothers and sisters for their guidance and support after our mom died. Although our father provided stability, they were very instrumental in raising me. ” His brother Eugene, in turn, praised Don for “his accomplishments as an athlete, scholar, businessman, family man and philanthropist. This dedication…is a perpetual reminder…that success and good deeds are attainable and expected.”
Don, an Air Force veteran, spent more than 40 years as a manufacturing owner and executive. He turned a small, bankrupt manufacturing company into a profitable, diversified public company and later owned Concord, Massachusetts-based Atlantic Pre-Hung Doors, Inc. He and his wife share an interest in the arts, and—together with Joseph Bologna ‘56 and his wife Renee Taylor—produced a Broadway play entitled “If You Ever Leave Me, I’m Going with You.” He has been a class officer and served on multiple gift committees, most recently for his 50th reunion. In March, Don hosted a golf event in Naples, Florida for the 25th Anniversary of the Brown Sports Foundation.
President Simmons noted that by virtue of their generosity, the De Ciccio family is creating a legacy that will signify a love of learning and an unwavering commitment to the ideals that make Brown University unique in the realm of higher education.))
Son Honors His Father's Legacy
On a business trip to Providence in 2003, the son of Paul F. Maeder Ph.D. ’51, P’70 was moved to see a picture of his father, Chair of the Division of Engineering in the 1960s, hanging in Barus and Holley. Dr. Maeder was awarded the first engineering Ph.D. ever granted by Brown; at age 30, he became the youngest tenured professor in Brown’s history.
And engineering is by no means the only area where Dr. Maeder left his mark. He led Brown through many tumultuous eras: as Associate Provost in 1969, his diplomatic skills brought peaceful resolutions to many student protests, and as VP for Finance and Administration in the 1970s, tough decisions he made helped restore the University to financial stability. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment during these pivotal times was his role in negotiating the open curriculum. Says Ira Magaziner ‘69: “Without Paul Maeder, there would be no ‘new curriculum’ at Brown.” (Read more/less)
On May 26th, family and friends of Dr. Maeder convened at the Hope Club to celebrate the creation of the Dr. Paul F. Maeder Graduate Fellowship, a gift by his son, Paul A. Maeder, to honor his father’s Brown legacy. This fellowship enhances the University's ability to recruit outstanding graduate students who, like Dr. Paul F. Maeder, will contribute to Brown's culture of innovative learning and research.
Dr. Maeder’s son explained his decision to honor his father’s legacy with this fellowship: “Brown graduate studies gave my father an entry into the world that eventually became his entire career. As I benefited from my father's success, it's only fitting that future grad students might benefit from what I have been lucky enough to be able to contribute.”))
New Campaign Benchmark Reached
Gifts and pledges from the entire Brown community helped boost the Campaign for Academic Enrichment to a record $1.2 billion of its ambitious $1.4 billion goal. In the announcement made on Commencement Weekend, Elizabeth Z. Chace '59, Matthew J. Mallow '64, P '02, and Jerome C. Vascellaro '74, P '07, campaign co-chairs, stated that this milestone is evidence of the hard work and generosity of many in the Brown family.
Recent leadership gifts totaling nearly $20 million in support of several campaign priorities included: (Read more/less)
Scholarships and Professorships
- A gift from an anonymous donor establishing two endowed medical scholarship funds.
- A gift from former Professor of Anthropology Louise Lamphere, ADE '80 hon. establishing a visiting assistant professorship.
Facilities
- A bequest from the estate of W. Duncan MacMillan '53 LLD '99 hon. GP'07 for W. Duncan MacMillan '53 Hall.
- Gifts supporting the renovation of Faunce House, the Creative Arts Building, and the new natatorium.
Programmatic Support
- A gift from the Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation establishing the Suna Kirac Fellowship and Research Fund in Molecular Biology and the Suna Kirac Fund for Brain Sciences.
All gifts in support of the $1.4 billion campaign goal help set new benchmarks for excellence in teaching, learning, and innovation at Brown.
Campaign Reception Honors Faculty
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On May 1st, some 150 faculty and faculty emeriti joined President Ruth J. Simmons and members of the Faculty Committee on the Campaign to-according to the invitation-"Celebrate the excellence of Brown's faculty, honor the enduring strength of Brown's legacy, and secure the bold promise of Brown's future."
The festivities began with a reception in Alumnae Hall, segued to a presentation of the Boldly Brown campaign video, and ended with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres under a tent on Pembroke Field. (Read more/less)
Professor of Computer Science John E. Savage P'89 '95 '05 '08-Chair of the Faculty Committee on the Campaign and one of the event's organizers-praised President Simmons as one "who has worked tirelessly and with creativity and imagination for Brown University over the last seven years." She in turn lauded Brown faculty for their dedication and extolled them as the cornerstone of the Plan for Academic Enrichment.
Chancellor Thomas J. Tisch '76, Campaign Co-Chair Elizabeth Zopfi Chace '59, and Brown Annual Fund Co-Chair Joan Sorensen '72, P'06, P'06 were also in attendance to greet faculty, show support, and answer questions.
"Our faculty devote many hours not only to teaching and research but to meeting prospective students, giving talks to Brown alumni clubs, and so much more," said Savage. "We appreciate the support this administration has shown them."
The Alumni of Color Initiative: Uniquely, Boldly, Diversely Brown
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April 9th saw the official launch of Boldly Brown: The Alumni of Color Initiative, one of the Campaign’s most distinctive efforts. Celebrated at Bridgewaters in New York City’s South Street Seaport, the event featured an international buffet, a former DJ from the 90’s reprising the popular “Funk Night,” and inspiring, unscripted remarks by surprise guest President Ruth J. Simmons.
The Alumni of Color Initiative itself is unique in Brown’s history, as it is the first time that the alumni of color community has reviewed the University’s fundraising priorities and identified those that they would like to come together to support in substantial ways. Working together, this community has targeted several areas which, when strengthened, will help ensure that Brown’s history of recognizing and encouraging diversity will not only continue, but flourish in new and bold ways. Funds raised will benefit Brown’s students and faculty by providing immediate support through the Brown Annual Fund and creating endowments to provide funding in perpetuity for scholarship aid for students of color, the Third World Transition Program, and academic research in Africana Studies and U.S. Latino Studies. (Read more/less)
Bernicestine McLeod Bailey ’68, P’99, ’03 and Harold Bailey, Jr. ’70, P’99, ’03—trustees emeriti and Vice Chairs of the Alumni of Color Campaign Committee—welcomed attendees and issued a call to action. “We hope that what you hear tonight will convince you of the importance of the campaign and of the crucial role you can play in our success,” said Bernicestine. “I urge you to become active partners with us as we work to preserve and amplify the best that Brown has to offer,” added Harold.
Associate Provost and Director of Institutional Diversity Brenda Allen, in describing the importance of diversity at Brown, alluded to the appropriateness of the night’s special tag line—“Uniquely, Boldly, Diversely” Brown. She shared details of the progress that has been made in diversifying Brown’s faculty and student populations since the inception of the Plan for Academic Enrichment, garnering significant applause. Following her remarks, a video that was produced specifically for the Initiative, featuring students, faculty, administrators, and alumni leaders, was shown.
The evening also included stories about Brown and a colloquium on race, immigration, reform and the 2008 elections presented by Matthew J. Garcia, associate professor of American civilization, history, and race and ethnic studies. Scholarship recipient Eunice Eun ’09 added her perspective, describing what it’s like to be a student of color at Brown today.
Co-Chair of the Campaign for Academic Enrichment Matthew J. Mallow ’64, P’02’s remarks highlighting the importance of the Initiative were initially slated to end the speaking portion of the program. However, President Simmons—who jokingly promised to speak briefly so as not to interfere with the commencement of “Funk Night”—delivered a stirring address about the importance of alumni of color stepping out of the margin and coming together to claim the center. She told the audience that Brown needs you, the students need you, and the faculty need you. She concluded that the only way to stand for something that matters is for everyone to stand together.
On the road... Houston
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On March 20, Boldly Brown: Campaign for Academic Enrichment arrived at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston. The state-of-the-art entertainment complex featuring 60-foot-high glass walls was designed by Robert A. M. Stern architects, the same internationally-renowned group now designing the Nelson Fitness Center.
The celebratory event commenced with Texas campaign committee member Barkley J. Stuart's introduction of Carle Pieters. Pieters, one of the world's leading lunar scientists, presented the colloquium: "Reaching for the Moon: The Globalization of Space." After cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, George L. Ball '60, P'94, a Texas regional vice chair, welcomed attendees; video vignettes and "Stories from Brown" followed. (Read more/less)
Sara Mansur '09, in her introduction of President Ruth J. Simmons, painted a touching picture of Brown's role in her growth from an awestruck high school senior to a self-assured third-year student. "Brown is a university that has fostered the growth of a community around the shared goal of gaining knowledge," she said. "President Simmons' transformative policies have reinforced this open, trusting, and introspective community."
President Simmons' stirring message celebrated the enduring strength of Brown's legacy while securing the bold promise of its future. And Charles L. Babcock IV '71, P'05 '06, a Texas regional vice chair, delivered a call for action: "I hope that what you heard tonight will spur you on to become more involved with Brown and the University's unyielding pursuit of excellence. I am certain that, with your help, we will exceed expectations and reinforce the University's reputation as a premier academic destination for the most talented students and faculty."
Financial Aid: Supporting our Student Scholars
Financial aid is more than just a means to an education. It is an investment in talent; an opportunity to touch a life, a family, even an entire community. Our need-blind admission policy attracts gifted students who have a range of experiences to share with their peers, significantly broadening everyone's education; we're stronger and richer for their presence. "Since 2001, Brown has made financial aid for our students one of our highest priorities," said President Ruth J. Simmons. "Every year, we have taken steps to ensure that our financial aid programs are competitive and effective." Enhancing Brown's resources in this area, then, lies at the heart of the Plan for Academic Enrichment. (Read more/less)
To ensure that Brown's learning environment remains dynamic and inspiring, the University's Corporation recently approved far-reaching changes to its financial aid policy. This new policy will:
- Eliminate loan expectations for students from families with incomes of less than $100,000.
- Reduce loan expectations for all students receiving financial aid packages.
- Eliminate parental contributions for most families with incomes of less than $60,000.
"We have to recognize we're competing for the best and the brightest out there," says James Tilton, Director of Financial Aid. "This policy really addresses the needs of many students and their families."
These new policies are, however, not without cost: the 2008-09 budget for undergraduate financial aid has risen to $68.5 million, more than double what it was in 2001-02. We call on the generosity of alumni and friends to help us meet the challenge of these increasing costs. Gifts of any denomination in support of financial aid are always welcome; gifts establishing Brown Annual Fund Scholarships ($15,000 a year for four years) or endowing financial aid funds ($20,000 a year for five years) or endowing named scholarship funds ($50,000 a year for five years) are critical to sustaining our increased commitment to financial aid.
Please consider giving here through your credit card or calling 800.662.2266 to be connected with a development professional.
Women's Leadership Council: Strengthening Ties, Strengthening Brown
Many women are finding out what men already know:
giving provides a seat at the table; giving brings confidence
in philanthropic choices; giving empowers. "I believe in
it," says Genine Fidler '77, P'04. "As an alumna, as a
parent, as a citizen, it's enhanced my commitment to the
University. It keeps me vibrant, alive, and engaged in the
latest thinking."
Fidler is a member of the Women's Leadership Council, established in 2004 to help alumnae grow both in volunteer roles and in philanthropic participation. Its mentoring program (Women's Launch Pad) matches undergraduate seniors with successful graduates; the charitable program seeks to engage and support those alumnae who have the capacity to make substantial gifts. "I see the Council as a newly-created Brown tradition of female relationships forming a chain linking generations of Brown alumnae," says Susan P. Friedman '77, P'08. "If that connection can be made stronger, women will want to give back." (Read more/less)
In the fall, Brown University Fellow and Campaign for Academic Enrichment co-chair Elizabeth Z. Chace '59, together with the Executive Board of the council- Susan Friedman; Genine Fidler; Nancy Neff '76, P'06; and Julie Meister '75, P'03, P'06-tested that theory, establishing a $1,500,000 Women's Leadership Challenge. Set up to honor President Ruth J. Simmons' commitment to higher education-particularly the education of women-and to inspire greater leadership giving from Brown alumnae, the challenge offered to match, dollar-for-dollar, any new gifts or commitments from alumnae of $50,000 or more. The result? The women greeted the challenge enthusiastically, giving from $50,000 all the way up to the $500,000 level. Gifts were given to the Brown Annual Fund, the Brown University Sports Foundation, scholarship endowment, faculty and program support, Pembroke endowment, Farsi language instruction, and more. The challenge is scheduled to end June 30.
The success of the challenge to date, in addition to the already-successful Launch Pad, has left the women highly encouraged about the Council, its goals, and the culture that exists at Brown. "Having Ruth as Brown's president has made a huge difference," says Chace. "It's done more than almost anything in bringing women's issues forward."
"And," adds Friedman, "if the women are strengthened, the whole campus will be strengthened."
Go Bears: 25 years of Athletic Excellence
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Hundreds of guests toasted the Brown University Sports Foundation’s Silver Anniversary at the national celebration in Providence on February 23rd. Luminaries from the past and the present were on hand to trace its history and to announce future goals.
“More than a quarter of a century separates us from those adventuresome days of the early eighties when Brown’s historic growth took a major leap forward,” said chancellor emeritus Artemis Joukowsky ‘55, founder and chairman of the Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF). “Now, the name of the Brown University Sports Foundation has become as familiar to the Brown community as the bell that tolls every day on the roof on University Hall. Its name has become part of the University’s vocabulary.” (Read more/less)
President Ruth J. Simmons, an ardent Brown sports fan, also voiced her support: “Because of the obvious connection between athletic excellence and excellence in the classroom and the workplace, and because every aspect of the Brown experience should reflect a desire to be the best, I encourage you to look at this Sports Foundation Silver Anniversary as a gateway to the next stage of Brown’s athletic development.”
Following her remarks, Director of Athletics Michael Goldberger explained his bold vision for the future of Brown Athletics—the Plan for Athletic Excellence. In order to help realize the initiatives outlined in the plan and achieve a transformational impact on Brown athletics, supporters are striving to raise $25 million during this silver anniversary year.
Also of note, two recent gifts establishing endowed head coaching chairs—The Ollie ’50 and Kay Patrell Head Coaching Chair in Men’s Swimming and Diving and the Mary Ann Lippitt Head Coaching Chair in Women’s Swimming and Diving—were announced. These gifts will add $2.5 million to BUSF’s endowment (which had already eclipsed $80 million) and will count toward both the Sports Foundation’s $25 million Silver Anniversary goal and the $125 million overall Athletic Campaign goal.
In addition, Michael Noonan, head coach, men’s soccer, spoke on behalf of his coaching colleagues while Justine Lupo ’08 from the women’s lacrosse team reflected on life at Brown as a student-athlete. A short video—“Setting the Stage for the Next 25 Years”—allowed attendees a glimpse into the future.
BUSF President Kenneth J. O’Keefe ’76, P’02’04’09 ended the speaking portion of the night with a call to action: “I believe in striving for excellence, in wanting to be the best, and I am driven by a desire to give our coaches and student-athletes the best chance—every time they step on the field—to trounce our friends from Hanover to Cambridge and from New Haven to New Jersey. We must leave this room tonight with a renewed sense of commitment. We must succeed and we will.”
Sports Foundation’s First Silver Gala Shines Brightly
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In honor of the Brown University Sports Foundation’s (BUSF) 25th anniversary year, a gala reception was held at the historic Explorer’s Club in New York City. The January 25th event, hosted by the New York Area Sports Foundation Board of Directors, unveiled both Brown Athletic Director Michael Goldberger’s Plan for Athletic Excellence and BUSF’s quest to raise $25 million during this silver anniversary year. (Read more/less)
“Brown athletes have been achieving excellence, demonstrating their independence, and blazing new trails for more than a century,” asserted Goldberger. “However, we must strive to be better and to prepare for the generations who will come after us.” With that goal in mind, he proposed four core principles:
- Integrating athletics more strongly into the educational mission
- Placing the health and safety of our students at the forefront
- Remaining a competitive member of the Ivy League
- Assuring that programs and facilities reflect Brown’s overall commitment to excellence.
To ensure the achievement of his Plan for Athletic Excellence, Goldberger recommended enhancing compensation for the coaching and administrative staff; providing resources for equipment, travel, and recruiting; and supporting an overall transformation of Brown’s athletic facilities.
All-in-all, the launch of the Plan—in concurrence with BUSF’s 25th anniversary— presented a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to sustain Brown’s place among the top athletic programs in the Ivy League, guests were told. They were urged to consider increasing their annual giving, joining the Drive for Five program, contributing leadership level gifts to the Nelson Fitness Center, and endowing coaching positions.
Toasting past accomplishments and outlining future opportunities, the event also featured a welcome from BUSF Executive Director Steve King ‘91, two video presentations, and remarks from Tara L. Harrington ’94, head coach, Brown Field Hockey; Peter Volosin ’08, captain, Men’s Swim Team; and Kenneth J. O’Keefe ’76, P’02 ’04 ’09, president, BUSF Board of Directors. And Chancellor Thomas J. Tisch ’76 touched briefly on the accomplishments of Brown’s own Zak DeOssie ’07, who, in his first year in the NFL, is representing the University and the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.
“Art Joukowsky, Dave Zucconi and so many others have given the Sports Foundation its identity,” O’Keefe reminded attendees. “Now, it is our turn to perpetuate the goals and ideals behind their founding of this organization. We have to step up in bold new ways.”
Advancing Africa Scholarship Fund Created
Thanks to a $5,750,000 gift from businessman Idan Ofer, undergraduate students from sub-Saharan African nations will now be able to benefit from a new form of financial aid. The Advancing Africa Scholarship Fund—announced jointly by Brown University President Ruth J. Simmons and Ofer—will permit students from these countries to study at the University, then return to their homeland to address some of that continent’s critical needs. “Sub-Saharan African nations face poverty, illiteracy, illness and other significant obstacles to economic and social development,” said Ofer. “Enabling students to be educated at one of the best universities in the world will give them the tools to help their nation.” (Read more/less)
To help address these needs, the undergraduates, to be known as Advancing Africa Scholars, will be encouraged to return full-time to Africa for a period of at least two years after graduating from Brown or upon completing a graduate degree. During their time at Brown they will also be entitled to two return trips paid through the Fund; upon their return to Africa they will receive a monthly stipend for two years.
“This truly generous gift allows us to offer the opportunity for scholarships to an underserved continent,” said Simmons. “We are making this announcement from the World Economic Forum (in Davos, Switzerland) to underscore the global nature of the gift. All nations must be given the chance to participate in the world’s economy. As educators, we have the responsibility to reach out to developing nations to provide the necessary tools to a wider cross-section of students.”
Ofer, chairman of the board of the Israel Corporation, chairman of ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd; and a board member of various companies active in the fields of chemicals, shipping, energy, semiconductors and education, is also a Brown parent. His $5,750,000 gift provides for both an immediate implementation of the scholarships and an endowment to ensure that funds will be available in the future.
Currently, 17 undergraduate students from sixteen African nations attend Brown University. The Advancing Africa Scholarship Fund, by increasing these numbers, will strengthen educational ties with the countries and enhance Brown’s stature as an international university.
Brown Announces New "Green" Investment Vehicle
Donors of gifts of $25,000 or more to Brown’s endowment now have the option of having their gifts invested in a mutual fund of companies that are environmentally responsible and that are working toward sustainability. In February 2007, the Brown Corporation approved the creation of a Social Choice Fund within the University’s endowment. Visit the Giving Opportunities page for more information about this new giving option.
Brown Women's Crew Honored at the White House
The 2007 Brown women's crew championship team, as well as Art Joukowsky ’55, Marcia Hooper ’77, Arlene Gorton ’52 and Athletic Director Mike Goldberger were welcomed to the White House by President Bush. Brown University varsity women’s crew and seven other national championship teams paid an afternoon visit to the White House where they were congratulated by President Bush for being the 2007 champions of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division One. See the complete story in the Providence Journal and watch the video of President Bush’s welcoming remarks to the Bears:
Article - http://www.projo.com/news/content/brown_crew_09-22-07_5U77JOS.31da692.html
Video - http://www.projo.com/sharedcontent/VideoPlayer/showVideo.php?vidId=177166
Photo Gallery - http://brownbears.cstv.com/view.gal?id=15881&template=player_gallery
On the way - UP!
The release of the U.S. News and World Report annual rankings of U. S. colleges always creates a stir among colleges and universities, which are in fierce competition for students, faculty, and resources. This year, Brown ranked 14th nationally, up from 17th in 2003. Perhaps most significantly, our ranking in selectivity moved up three places, from 10th to 7th, and is now at its highest levels since 2002. And – thanks to the commitment and loyalty of our alumni, Brown’s ranking for alumni giving went from 13th place in 2004 to 7th place this year.
The generosity of our donors has improved Brown’s standing in other parts of the assessment, too. “Faculty Resources,” for example, which measures such things as faculty salaries, class size, and student-faculty ratio, counts for a full 20 percent of the overall score. Here Brown’s standing improved from 26th in 2003 to 18th this year. The more than $1 billion raised by donors to the Campaign for Academic Enrichment has helped to provide the means for expanding the faculty and improving faculty compensation, thus improving our position.
$1 Billion Milestone Reached!
On May 24, 2007, Boldly Brown: Campaign for Academic Enrichment passed the $1 BILLION milestone in total gifts and pledges. In fact, we reached $1,003,613,083. This spectacular achievement was met with huge fanfare by current trustees and trustees emeriti during the Corporation meeting on Thursday, May 24. Hats off to all the donors, volunteers, and staff who made this possible!
