Jonathan’s journey to Brown started with a question from a high school guidance counselor: “Have you considered the Ivy League?” He hadn’t, but he knew someone who went to Brown and decided to apply. Once he met with the admissions team, though, he was sold. They not only made a strong case for the University, but they advocated for his admission. For Jonathan, this was an early sign of how Brown engages, promotes, and supports its students.

On campus, Jonathan connected with great professors, traveled to Ireland on a Rugby tour, explored Providence through the lens of his political science courses, and honed the art of critical thinking in late-night dorm room discussions and on sunny days on the Main Green.

“As I approach my 35th reunion, the University continues to amaze me. I am inspired by the way it holds tight to its core beliefs and philosophies—even as they come under assault—while also pursuing new initiatives and taking on new challenges. As Brown evolves, it never loses sight of what it does best: recruiting and admitting students who are as driven, thoughtful, and intellectually curious as my own classmates were nearly 35 years ago."

“This is why I support the University through both annual gifts and a life-income gift. My life-income gift provides me with an income stream for life and a nice deduction each time I add to it.”

Ultimately, the principal from Jonathan’s gift will be used to support two areas that are important to him: entrepreneurship and the Inman Page Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid for African-American students.

“Legacy gifts, such as life-income gifts and estate provisions, are a great reminder that a small gift can grow and create a ripple effect at Brown and around the world.”