The freedom to explore and find your passion

Alexandria Goodman ’29
Hometown: Laurelton, New York
Concentration: Undecided

Alexandria Goodman ’29 was always the type of student who wanted to explore everything. 

“Since I was little, whenever I was asked about my favorite subject, I struggled to choose an answer,” she says. “I thought choosing meant limiting myself.”

Goodman gravitated toward the sciences in high school, but then found herself at a crossroads when she started the college search. She liked STEM, especially biology, but knew she also wanted to explore her interests in the humanities and social sciences. 

Brown was the right fit for Goodman, as it is for many intellectually-curious and self-motivated students like her. 

“When I learned about Brown and its Open Curriculum, I immediately knew this was the solution to my problems,” explains Goodman. “Currently, I take classes in various concentrations—ranging from cognitive sciences to modern culture and media. I even discovered that I don’t want to concentrate in biology, and instead of feeling worried or concerned, I know the Open Curriculum will eventually allow me to find my passion.”

Financial aid allowed Goodman to choose Brown and has opened up unique opportunities for her to explore, both on College Hill and beyond.

“As someone coming from a low-income background, financial aid has made attending Brown possible,” Goodman says. “I don’t have to worry about taking out loans, as my expected contribution is reasonable and within my budget. Additionally, my financial aid package has allowed me to take part in a global program this summer in Paris.”

Like with her studies, Goodman pursues a wide range of interests outside of the classroom, making the most out of her Brown experience. She’s a Bonner Community Fellow through the Swearer Center for Community Service, and an engagement research and strategy intern at New Urban Arts. She’s also a part of the Ivy Film Festival and a sorority member of Kappa Alpha Theta. 

Turning dreams into reality for future physicians

Brian Schattle MD’28
Hometown: Cranston, Rhode Island

For Brian Schattle MD’28, the defining experience that drew him to a career in medicine was his mother's diagnosis and battle with breast cancer in 2022. 

The day that his mother came home with her diagnosis report was the same day that he completed the final exam for his cancer biology class. “Being able to break down some of the more complex terms for her and my family, and being able to hold realistic optimism through this extremely scary time, helped me to understand why I want to go into medicine,” says Schattle. “I hope to use the medical knowledge that I will gain in the coming years to embrace the honor and responsibility of walking with patients through some of the most overwhelming and difficult parts of their lives.”

Growing up in Rhode Island, attending The Warren Alpert Medical School had been a dream since he was a young kid. “I am so thankful to have the opportunity to build relationships with mentors and colleagues in my home state, watching and learning from how they serve the beautiful state of Rhode Island.”

Financial aid—provided through donor support—made Schattle’s dream come true. Not having to worry about working to support himself has allowed him to really focus on his studies. “Financial aid has allowed me to do three pre-clinical electives, join the medical school senate, and work towards getting my master's degree at the same time. I believe that these experiences and the many more to come will help shape me into the best doctor that I can be and to give back to the community I have called home through my life. These opportunities would not have been possible without the help and support of financial aid. I am truly thankful and blessed.”

Championing unforgettable student-athlete experiences 

James Murphy ’27
Hometown: Reading, Massachusetts
Concentration: Economics
Sport: Football

James Murphy ’27 decided to come to Brown not only for the world-class academics offered here on College Hill—but also for the Ivy League athletics program. 

Because when he’s not in class or studying economics, Murphy is on the Richard Gouse Field at Brown Stadium as a quarterback for Brown’s Division 1 football team. 

Donor support to Brown Athletics provides student-athletes like Murphy with the resources they need to succeed. From funding away-game travel opportunities to providing state-of-the-art equipment to supporting world-class coaches, donors have a real impact on the student-athlete experience. 

“Brown’s commitment to its athletic department is incredibly strong, and the whole school is benefiting from that,” Murphy says. “Brown wants its student-athletes to succeed, and that is evident by the resources at our disposal.”

Football is a meaningful part of Murphy’s time at Brown—like for many student-athletes, all the hours spent practicing and competing alongside his teammates adds up to incredible memories, friendships, and a valuable sense of accomplishment. “All the amazing people at this university make it a truly special and unique place to be.” 

When he reflects on his most memorable moment so far, it was when the Bears won the Governor’s Cup in 2025. “Getting to hoist that trophy with my teammates and shake the governor’s hand postgame was an unforgettable experience,” he says. As he looks forward to his senior year, he is full of hope for another big win. “I’m excited to see how my team’s preparation and hard work pays off on our mission to become Ivy League Champions.”