The Brown Corporation — the University’s highest governing body — has formally accepted over $121 million in gifts and pledges made to the University since May, President Christina Paxson P’19 P’MD’20 wrote in a Monday announcement, which followed the Corporation’s October meetings.
On Thursday, Corporation members also celebrated the dedication of the Stephen Sondheim Amphitheater on Ruth J. Simmons Quadrangle upon the completion of its renovation, Paxson wrote.
The construction of the amphitheater, funded by a gift from Perry Granoff P’93 and Marty Granoff P’93, was named after the late American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim — a close friend of the Granoffs. The ceremony included performances of Sondheim’s songs by members of Brown’s community, as well as remarks from Sondheim’s friends.
Some members of the Corporation also attended the launch of the Watson School of International and Public Affairs at an event featuring keynote speaker Gen. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
At a Friday discussion with Corporation members, Paxson shared priorities for the academic year, including implementing the University’s “Statement of University Values and Voice,” supporting diversity and inclusion and exploring the use of artificial intelligence in administrative and academic settings, among others.
The Corporation also discussed the potential impacts of federal actions on Brown’s finances and the steps the University has taken to weather potential financial uncertainties, Paxson wrote.
These challenges could include changes to federal financial aid, an increased endowment tax and immigration-related barriers that could limit master’s student enrollment, Provost Francis Doyle said during an early October faculty meeting.
In the past year, the University has taken out $800 million in loans. Brown’s endowment has also reached an all-time high of $8 billion. While Brown’s current endowment ratio would entail a 1.4% tax, the University would be required to pay a 4% endowment tax if the endowment were to rise above $750,000 per student.
This year’s accepted funds helped establish numerous endowed positions in recognition of these gifts, including a professorship in data science and computer science, the Giuliani RNA assistant professorship and the Seoam Yoon Se Young lectureship.
At the meeting, the rooftop at the Health and Wellness Center was named the Barker Family Terrace “in recognition of a lifetime of generous support” from Richard Barker ’57 P’03, P’05, who passed away earlier this year.
The Corporation’s Committee on Budget and Finance also approved the construction of the new Lassonde Innovation and Design Hub. Upon completion, the renovated hub will house the School of Engineering’s innovation and design programs. It will also contain active learning studios and research laboratory space.
The Academic Affairs Committee also discussed faculty searches and hiring with senior academic deans. Hiring will be based on metrics including the size and composition of the faculty and reappointment and tenure. The University welcomed 38 new faculty members this fall, The Herald previously reported.
The Corporation also approved the appointment of six faculty members to named chairs.
Dean of the College Ethan Pollock and Dean of the Faculty Leah VanWey also provided updates to Corporation members on their yearlong project to examine the ways Brown can best sustain quality undergraduate education.
The Corporation also welcomed eight new trustees — Preetha Basaviah ’91 MD’95, Ami Kuan Danoff P’23, Brickson Diamond ’93, Giammaria Giuliani P’28, Tanya Katerí Hernández ’86, Harry William Holt Jr. ’84 P’16, Daniel O’Keefe ’97 and Kathryn Thompson Ph.D.’23, Paxson wrote. She added that Theresia Gouw ’90 P’28 and Sara Leppo Savage ’90 P’22 joined the Corporation’s Board of Fellows.
Along with her husband, William Danoff P’23, Ami Kuan Danoff has been a frequent benefactor for new developments on Brown’s campus and in the Jewelry District, including Danoff Hall and the William A. and Ami Kuan Danoff Life Sciences Laboratories.
In September, the University announced it would name its new RNA research hub the Giuliani RNA Center, recognizing a gift from Giuliani and his wife, Sabrina Giuliani P’28.
Roma Shah is a senior staff writer covering University Hall and higher education. She's a freshman from Morgan Hill, CA and studies Neuroscience. In her free time, she can be found doing puzzles, hiking or curled up with a book.
