David Chiang ’97 and Vannita Simma-Chiang ’98 both came to Brown hoping to find a community of thinkers and doers that would challenge them to figure out how best to make change in the world. They found that and more—and continue to be inspired by the way Brown evolves with the times and graduates the best and brightest students. Now married with three children and rewarding careers, they’ve been giving back to the place where it all began.

The unique model of the Open Curriculum allowed them both to think outside the box and pursue their interests instead of following the traditional formula. “Being in a supportive environment and meeting amazing college friends who also believed in creating their own career paths gave me the confidence to forge my own image of success,” Vannita shared. She is a board-certified urologist in New York City, a career she truly enjoys—caring for patients, teaching residents, and building on her practice and career. As chief investment officer of the Pritzker Family Foundations, David uses his skills and perspectives from his time at Brown on an almost daily basis.

David and Vannita’s commitment to the Brown community didn’t end at graduation. They’ve been Alumni Interviewers and mentors and served on advisory councils and their class reunion committees. Over the years, they have also been loyal donors, supporting the areas that mean the most to them, as well as making a planned gift to The Brown Fund in honor of their 25th reunions. “We want to pay it forward and give to the place that gave us a chance to create the careers and lives that we share today.”