Celebrating community and philanthropy at 4th annual Bruno on the Vineyard

Reflecting on the power of community and an unprecedented fundraising year 

Kicking off the event, Allister Williams and Diane Johnson Grant reflected on how the generosity of the community has made 2024-25 the most impactful year yet for the IPC Brown Annual Fund Scholarship. Thanks to the incredible support from alumni, parents, and friends, giving exceeded the Fiscal Year 2025 fundraising goal by over $300,000, marking a 30.3% increase in dollars raised compared to the prior year. The Bruno Summer Match Challenge also surpassed its goal, raising over $120,000 for the scholarship.

Other speakers highlighted what this giving translates to. Sergio Gonzalez P'17, Brown’s senior vice-president of advancement, acknowledged the significant impact the scholarship has made since it launched in 2019—growing from just two recipients to over 60 today. Then two inspiring recipients of the IPC BAF Scholarship—Grace Moore ’25, a recent graduate, and Isaiah Mars ’26, a rising senior—shared personal stories about how the scholarship has shaped their academic and personal journeys. 

“This program showed me the true meaning behind philanthropy and what happens when a community comes together,” said Moore, who studied education and sociology with a focus on higher education policy, and now works at a foundation that supports HBCU students. “I’ve been inspired by the stories of those who came before me and their fight to leave Brown a more open and equitable space.”

“All of us will stand on one side of an unlocked door,” said Mars, a neuroscience concentrator, reflecting on the opportunities that the scholarship created for him at Brown. “What matters is whether we leave it closing behind us, or catch it, smile, and say, ‘come on in; there’s room for more.’” 

Along with celebrating the scholarship’s unprecedented fundraising success, attendees at Bruno on the Vineyard also had a chance to hear directly from two campus leaders. 

Patricia Poitevien ’94 MD’98, vice president for campus life, shared her vision for a vibrant campus culture that’s focused on the holistic success of students. Matthew Guterl P’26, P’28, vice president for diversity and inclusion and L. Herbert Ballou University Professor of Africana Studies and American Studies, discussed how Brown’s values and commitments shape the experiences of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the wider community. 

Recommitting to a strong and impactful future ahead 

As the joyous spirit at Bruno on the Vineyard showed, there is so much power in alumni communities that are dedicated to paying it forward. 

“For me, education is the great equalizer,” said Harry Holt ’84, P’16, Brown Alumni Association president. “Providing educational opportunities is a powerful way to pay it forward. It creates a ripple effect. Those we help go on to impact others, forming lifelong connections that enrich everyone involved. That, to me, is God’s work.”

"Together with the University, IPC has made incredible strides over the past 25 years,” says Ellis Clark ’23. “As we, the next generation, pick up the baton to work towards the next 25 years in uncertain times, I am comforted by the fact that we have their example as a guiding light on what promises to be a fascinating journey to come. We're all running our leg of the relay first begun by Inman Page and Ethel Robinson, and I'm excited for that work to continue.”

Carrying forward the momentum from Bruno on the Vineyard, alumni, parents, and friends will have the opportunity to celebrate the IPC’s 25th anniversary throughout the 2025-26 academic year and reunite for the 5th annual Bruno on the Vineyard on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

For current IPC president Reginald Williams, it is a time for not only reflection, but for continued partnership: “As IPC marks its 25th year, we recommit to building bridges—not just annually, but every day—between alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the future leaders we are uplifting.”