Celebrating Brown’s dedicated volunteers at the 2025 Volunteer Summit

A jam-packed day with exclusive sessions and opportunities 

The summit kicked off with a welcome and thank you from Sergio Gonzalez, Brown’s senior vice president for advancement. 

"We have an imperative to provide opportunities for alums to engage with the institution at whatever level they'd like to throughout their lifetime,” he said from the podium. “That's really the crux and the vision behind our work. And you all make that possible through the work that you do in your communities."

Russell Carey ’91 AM’06, executive vice president for planning and policy, then led a presentation called "Brown Through the Years: Evolving Culture, Campus, and Community.” Carey walked the audience through the unique history of Brown’s campus and provided insight into the current vision for development. 

Volunteers were able to join breakout sessions to support them in their volunteer roles focused on themes like building connections and making the most out of BrownConnect+, a community-building and career exploration hub. Later in the afternoon, academic sessions led by faculty leaders gave volunteers insider perspectives on some of the research and community engagement happening at Brown today. From The Warren Alpert Medical School, Dean Mukesh Jain and Associate Professor Judy Liu led the session "Patient-Focused Medicine: The Rise of Life Sciences Research and Training." Karin Wulf from the John Carter Brown Library presented "Brown 2026: The Research University in Democracy at America's 250th." And Mary Jo Callan, vice president for community engagement, led "Building Together: Brown's Commitment to Community Partnership and Impact."

“I attend the Volunteer Summit because it is a wonderful opportunity to connect with University leadership, staff, faculty, and other alumni who share my deep commitment to Brown and its mission,” said Chandra Metzler ’95, P’26, who received an award during the Summit in recognition of her outstanding contributions as a mentor and on various councils and committees. “This year, the Summit was filled with insightful discussions about volunteering, inspiring presentations on the state of the University and plans for its future, and, as always, a strong sense of belonging.”

The Volunteer Summit Expo returned for its second year, giving volunteers a chance to browse available volunteering opportunities and sign up for more information. And—back by popular demand—complimentary professional headshots were available for attendees. 

“I especially appreciated the opportunity to learn about new ways to engage with the Brown community,” Metzler added. “The Summit not only deepened my understanding of the impact of volunteering but also strengthened my connection to Brown, leaving me excited about future opportunities to contribute.”

A highlight of the day was the luncheon, which incorporated the much-anticipated volunteer award ceremony. President Christina H. Paxson first offered remarks and took questions, thanking volunteers and discussing the current challenges facing higher education and Brown’s continued commitment to our mission. She also mentioned the University’s historic BrownTogether campaign, which closed at the end of 2024 and was supported significantly by volunteers. 

“This is a campaign that ultimately raised $4.44 billion,” said Paxson. “There were a number of financial aid initiatives, like The Brown Promise, which eliminated loans from the financial aid packages of every single Brown student. We were able to build a very unique approach to career exploration that's very Brown. We raised 143 endowed professorships. We transformed many academic facilities on campus. I could go on with so much more—this campaign had a transformative impact on virtually every aspect of the University.”

Honoring the most dedicated Brunonian volunteers 

The volunteer award ceremony is a special and memorable part of the Volunteer Summit. Over a dozen awards are given out to volunteers who show exceptional dedication to the Brown community and for service to society. 

Many of this year’s recipients hold volunteer leadership roles, such as within the Brown Alumni Association (BAA) Board of Governors. Some have given back to Brown for decades, while others are recent graduates—recipients’ class years range from ’64 to ’24 this year. Whether they’ve served on alumni councils or boards, mentored students, encouraged philanthropy, or fostered inclusivity and belonging within the alumni community, all of the award recipients have made an impact on Brown—and the world. 

The award ceremony was hosted by Zack Langway ’09, vice president for alumni relations and a former Brown volunteer himself.

“Your service is truly remarkable,” he said as he addressed the volunteers at the start of the ceremony. “It inspires our staff in alumni relations and across the University every single day. We’re grateful for the impact that you’re making on Brown, our students, and your fellow alumni. I really hope that you find the experience to have a tremendous impact on you as well.”

Among the many awards handed out was the William Rogers Award—the highest honor bestowed upon a Brown graduate. This year it was given posthumously to Cecile L. Richards ’80 LHD’10 hon. Richards, who served as president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America for 12 years, had an extraordinary impact as an activist for women’s rights and economic justice.

Carlos Lejnieks ’00 was recognized with the John Hope Award for his transformative impact as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Newark and through his other public service leadership roles. At Brown, he served as President of the BAA, as well as on the Undergraduate Council of Students and as chair of the BAA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, and he delivered the 2023 baccalaureate address.

The H. Anthony Ittleson ’60 Award—the Brown Annual Fund’s highest honor—went to Berit Spant Muh ’64, P’94. Muh has demonstrated her volunteerism and philanthropy for Brown for nearly 60 years. She has served on eight Reunion Gift Committees, the Alumni Class Leaders Board of Directors, the Alumni Interviewing Program, as co-president of her class, and most recently as co-chair on the Class of 1964’s 60th Reunion Gift Committee.

Browse all of this year’s volunteer award recipients