Date September 17, 2026
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Celebrating 5 years of community and impact at Bruno on the Vineyard

Alumni and friends gathered on Martha’s Vineyard to celebrate the collective impact of donors on Brown’s IPC BAF scholarship.

The fifth annual Bruno on the Vineyard brought together over 240 Brunonians and friends at The Boathouse and Field Club on Sunday, August 9, for an afternoon of community, connection, and celebration.

Under a perfect summer sky, attendees arrived from across the country—some from as far away as California and Florida—to celebrate the strength of this community and its collective impact on the Inman Page Black Alumni Council (IPC) Brown Annual Fund Scholarship. 

The celebration began with warm welcome remarks from Bruno on the Vineyard co-chairs, Diane R. Johnson Grant ’94, DrPH, MPH, and Allister R. Williams M.D. ’93, P’29. Attendees then had the opportunity to hear from two University leaders. President Christina H. Paxson reflected on her tenure and the work ahead to sustain Brown’s commitment to academic excellence, access, and opportunity. Vice President of Campus Life Patricia Poitevien ’94, MD’98 spoke about her vision for supporting the student experience and ensuring that students feel heard, safe, supported, and equipped with the resources they need to thrive on College Hill.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Brown alumni, parents, and friends, this year’s Bruno on the Vineyard raised an unprecedented $225,000 for the IPC Brown Annual Fund Scholarship, helping to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of Brunonians.

It’s my first time here, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I think it's a terrific event and I look forward to being part of it in future years. I’m really glad to see how the Brown community has pulled together to help support the IPC BAF Scholarship.

Victor Williams ’93

This remarkable fundraising success was partially driven by the committee’s dollar-for-dollar Bruno Summer Match Challenge of up to $50,000, as well as a spirited live auction during the celebration led by Joelle Murchison ’95, P’29, Trustee Emerita of the Corporation of Brown University. The auction alone generated more than $84,000, reflecting the enthusiasm, commitment, and the power of collective giving within this community.  

At the end of the auction, attendees enjoyed a reception with food, music, dancing, love, laughter, and joy. “Basically, Funk Nite on the Vineyard!” said attendee Jennifer A. Richeson, Ph.D. ’94 LHD’19 hon. 

I’m so happy to join everyone here at Bruno on the Vineyard. It was so inspiring to hear the other grads share their journey, what Inman Page means to them, and what they hope for the future. I can’t wait to come back to future events and to keep being inspired to create community.

Jazlyn Nketia ScM'19 PhD'23
Seven attendees gathered together, with one person sitting in the center.
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The annual Bruno on the Vineyard event brings Brown alumni and friends together for a celebration of community and connection.

Two women embrace in a hug, as other women stand around them smiling.
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There are always a lot of hugs and joyful moments throughout the evening as alums reconnect with each other.

Brown President Christina H. Paxson stands posed for a photo with Jerome Vascellaro and Kehli Harding Woodruff.
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(L to R) Jerome Vascellaro ’74 LHD’24 hon., P’07, former Vice Chancellor of the Corporation of Brown University; Kehli Harding Woodruff ’94 P’30, President-Elect of the Brown Alumni Association; and Brown President Christina H. Paxson.

Attendees seated and smiling during the auction, holding up auction paddles.
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The first-ever fundraising auction during Bruno on the Vineyard raised more than $84,000 for the IPC BAF Scholarship.

Matthew Atiogbe and Tenasica B. Barnwell seated next to each other, holding up their party favors that say Bruno on the Vineyard.
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Matthew Atiogbe ’27 and Tenasica B. Barnwell ’26 shared how receiving the IPC BAF Scholarship impacted their lives.

Three people standing together, smiling at the camera.
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Bruno on the Vineyard is also a chance for faculty and staff to celebrate with alumni, including Paul Muite, Brown’s assistant vice president for development (left).

A light blue vintage VW bus with a large sign that says "Photos" on the top.
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Guests captured memories together in a photo booth inside a vintage VW bus (MV Photo Bus).

Two men and a woman are dancing on the dance floor. One man has his arm raised in the air.
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Bruno on the Vineyard brings generations of alums together on the dance floor.

A group of alums gathered together in front of a large banner that says Brown University and Harvard University.
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Brickson E. Diamond ’93, Trustee of the Corporation of Brown University; Allister R. Williams, M.D. ’93, P’29; and Nancy Monestime-Williams P’29 also held a reception for over 50 Brown-Harvard alumni in their Martha’s Vineyard home on Thursday, August 13. It was a celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of alumni from both institutions.

A vision that became a tradition

When it began in 2022, the goal of Bruno on the Vineyard was to create an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, celebrate community, and strengthen their ties to one another and to Brown.

This vision emerged from conversations between Dr. Galen V. Henderson MD’93 and Vanessa M. Britto, M.D. ScM’96 RES’89 F’91, both longtime Brown alumni leaders and husband and wife. Henderson and Britto, in partnership with alumni leader Brickson Diamond ’93, imagined a gathering that felt like a family reunion—a space where friendships could be renewed, new connections formed, and the Brown experience celebrated.

Year after year, the momentum behind Bruno on the Vineyard continued to grow. With annual attendance more than tripled since the first year, the summertime event has become a valued tradition for the entire Brown community.

“Bruno on the Vineyard is a powerful reminder of what makes the Brown community so special: connection, generosity, and a shared commitment to one another,” said Senior Vice President for Advancement Sergio Gonzalez P’17. “Over the past five years, this gathering has evolved into one of Brown’s most vibrant alumni traditions. It has brought together generations of Brunonians, strengthened relationships, and created meaningful opportunities for engagement and philanthropy.”

Bruno on the Vineyard is one of those events that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter day. The event was filled with a beautiful montage of community, generosity, and shared purpose. Amidst the warmth, the laughs, and the vibrant energy was something deeply impactful: a collective commitment to opening doors, expanding opportunities, and investing in the promise of our students.

Juana Parillon, Ph.D., MBA, Assistant Vice President of Campus and Community Engagement Director, Brown-Tougaloo Partnership

The power of collective giving

The philanthropic component of Bruno on the Vineyard—supporting the IPC Brown Annual Fund Scholarship—was integrated in 2023 and has grown with each year. The committee introduced an annual match challenge in 2024, and this year marked the first fundraising auction.

Cumulatively, Bruno on the Vineyard attendees have raised over $442,000 for the IPC Brown Annual Fund Scholarship. 

Two scholarship recipients, Matthew Atiogbe ’27 and Tenasica Barnwell ’26, came to the Vineyard this year to share the impact that the scholarship has had on their lives. 

“This means everything to me. Your support means everything to me,” said Atiogbe. “Without you, I wouldn't have been able to deepen my passion for neuroscience, pursue my love for dance, and ultimately further explore and share my culture with students who, to put it simply, just understand. For me, this was a once in a lifetime experience.”

“I want to thank the entire IPC community for going above and beyond for students every single day,” said Barnwell. “You have created a space that feels like home, one that uplifts, encourages, and believes in every student who walks through the door. Whether it’s through mentorships, words of advice, or simply reminding us that we matter, those moments have a lasting impact.”

This event was an exceptional example of what happens when community and philanthropy come together. Hearing the testimonies from current IPC BAF scholars, as a former scholar myself, was very touching. Being able to give back as a former scholar means the world. Just being able to connect and build community with fellow Brown alumni is invaluable.

Grace Moore ’25

Save the date

Next year's Bruno on the Vineyard will be on Sunday, August 8, 2027

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With your gift, you can help foster academic excellence through a diverse and inclusive community of scholars at Brown.

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Give to the IPC BAF Scholarship

With your gift, you can help foster academic excellence through a diverse and inclusive community of scholars at Brown.