In 2008, the late Professor Emeritus Walter Feldman ADE ’59 hon. made a gift of his Providence residence. He and his wife Barbara continued to live there together until Walter died. After Walter’s death, Barbara decided to downsize and moved to a smaller residence. In 2021, Brown sold the property for a significant profit, and the proceeds were directed according to the Feldmans’ wishes. This type of gift is known as a retained life estate.

When reflecting on his gift, Professor Feldman stated: “I have had a long and memorable career at Brown and a passionate commitment to my students and the art we have made together. To support the continued teaching of the ‘Art of the Book’ at Brown, I have made a gift of my home to the University.” The Feldmans enjoyed a sizable tax deduction at the time of the gift as well as the satisfaction of knowing that the proceeds would ultimately support Brown’s Book Art Studio and “the making of beautiful books.” In 2005 the Book Art Studio was renamed in honor of Walter Feldman. “I am very happy with the arrangement and recommend that others look into whether such a gift is right for them.” 

Gifts of real estate have helped make Brown the institution it is today. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate on gifts of all sizes in locations both near and far from College Hill.

— John Luipold EMBA’13, Vice President for Real Estate and Strategic Initiatives