Hear directly from Brown alumni, parents, and friends on what inspires them to give back to the University.
Philanthropy is personal.
How you decide to make an impact on others is driven by what’s important to you. Some Brown donors are moved by their own College Hill memories, while others are motivated by moments that call for action. But no matter what inspired them, our donors all have one thing in common: they’re fueling Brown’s ability to make a transformative impact on the world. Just like the generations of Brunonians that came before them.
Felix Lo ’01
“I give to both the Brown Annual Fund and financial aid. Brown students have the curiosity and irrational courage to change the world. The innovative and constructive things that they will do, unburdened by student loans, over the next 20 to 30 years will be amazing to watch. It’s really cool to know that I get to be a small part of their journey.”
Christian Martell ’10
“I have always liked the many ways Brown allows us to give. Like the Open Curriculum back in the day, you’ll find giving to Brown is a chance for you to explore. Look through the many ways to give and choose what works for you. You might make a one-time gift, set up a recurring contribution, or even consider a planned gift. Maybe you support athletics one year and help Brown become more environmentally sustainable the next. Whatever your interest or ability to give, your gift matters immensely and there’s no time like the present to show your support.”
Reginald Williams ’02
“Philanthropy is a tangible way to express my belief in the power of education and research to transform lives and communities. It’s about building on the legacy of those who came before us and ensuring that Brown continues to be a force for good—a place where all students can thrive, and where crucial advancements in fields like public health and scientific inquiry can continue without hindrance.”
Suzanne Auclair ’87, P’23
“It’s so important to support Brown to ensure that it can fulfill its mission and educate future generations of students. I was fortunate to receive financial aid which enabled me to attend Brown, and I’m happy to be able to pay it forward to allow future generations to experience Brown as well.”
Toby Espinosa ’12
“My experience on the Brown Water Polo team was instrumental in helping me become who I am today. The bond between coach and player lasts a lifetime. I choose to support our coaches, so they can support every student-athlete that walks through the Van Wickle Gates.”
Sarah Johnson ’98
“Donating to Brown means giving back to the University that gave us all so much. I encourage my fellow alumni to consider the impact they would like to have on Brown today and Brown tomorrow. For me, this means donating to both the Brown Annual Fund and the Research Resilience and Innovation Fund. As a breast cancer survivor, I know the important role that scientific advancements played in my treatment and recovery. The impact of research institutions goes far beyond the walls of the University. I feel that this is a uniquely important moment to stand behind our research institutions to ensure they are able to continue their important work.”
Nora L. Burgess ’74 MD’77
“My background was a financially modest one. As a first principle of paying it forward, I felt strongly that it is my responsibility to help ensure such opportunities for the next generations of medical students, which is why my husband (Robert P. Liburdy PhD’75) and I established a medical scholarship for students at The Warren Alpert Medical School.”
Susan Buffum ’74
“Brown gave me so much. I really matured as an individual there and gained so much self confidence to take on whatever I decided to do next. I still say they were the four best years of my life. What better organization to give back to?”
Alan Stern ’86
“I believe in giving back to the places that have helped me with my growth and trajectory. I’ve given to the Brown Annual Fund, financial aid, the Graduate School, and most recently the Research Resilience and Innovation Fund. As a physician, I want to make sure that Brown continues to do the research that is needed to move the world forward.”
Joseph P. Healey P’22, P’24
“A Brown degree is a ticket that opens doors for the rest of your life. To give veterans who have served our country a chance to attend Brown—the way that Brown gave that chance to my mom, and the military gave a chance to me—was a unique opportunity to return an investment that was made in my mother and in me.”
Read about Joseph’s gift, which created a permanent endowment scholarship for veterans and a scholarship for Brown’s Resumed Undergraduate Education (RUE) program
You can create a transformative impact in whatever area you choose to give to—from supporting Brown students and faculty, to driving groundbreaking research and bold academic exploration.