Brown Alumni & Friends

06/02/2026

Reunion may be over, but there are plenty more ways for Brunonians to come together throughout the year and around the world.

With the events calendar on BrownConnect+, you can browse and sign up for events from informational workshops to networking sessions to happy hours.

Find events near you (or virtually): https://bit.ly/4e9gfqE

New to BrownConnect+? Find out how to log in: bit.ly/4gqGwA1

06/01/2026

It’s globally recognized as a premier destination for artistic excellence, a historic stage almost every musician dreams of one day gracing.

That dream became reality for members of the Brown University Orchestra when they took their talents to New York’s Carnegie Hall as part of a riveting concert alongside internationally renowned faculty-musicians.

“Carnegie Hall represents many things to different people, but I think for our ensemble it was an achievement that reflected the strength, passion, and warmth of the Brown music community,” said Thomas Gotsch ’26, former president of the orchestra and principal of the double bass section.

Student-musicians performed before a full house at the acclaimed concert venue in New York City, a significant milestone made possible by the generosity of Brown donors.

05/29/2026

Where’d all the time go, Class of 2026?!

It feels like only yesterday when you walked through the Van Wickle Gates as students during Opening Convocation. Now, you’ve departed for the world beyond Brown as alumni.

Welcome to the next chapter of your Brown experience: https://bit.ly/4vfxaxs

05/29/2026

At the School of Public Health’s annual Community Celebration, two alumni were recognized for their commitment to improving the health of individuals and communities.

West Virginia Secretary of Health Arvinjit “Arvin” Singh ScM ’19 received the 2026 Alumni Impact Award. Ashley Stacy-Boddapati MPH ’25, the statewide nurse consultant to the North Carolina Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, was honored with the inaugural Emerging Leader Award.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3PLGQAL

05/28/2026

Professor of the Practice Thano Chaltas ’87 was chosen by Brown's graduating senior class to receive one of two Barrett Hazeltine Citations at Brown’s 258th Commencement and Reunion Weekend. Since 1973, the graduating class has selected members of the faculty to receive these Senior Citations as expressions of respect and appreciation for people with whom the classes had worked most closely. The awards were renamed in 1985 in honor of the beloved Professor Hazeltine, who had won the award for 13 straight years.

Thano’s citation begins “Your students know you as charismatic, deeply empathetic, and wholly devoted to their growth. Whether leading a lecture of hundreds or connecting one-on-one after class, you create an environment where every student feels seen, supported and inspired, bringing the business world to life with insight and authenticity while building confidence that extends far beyond the classroom.”

Congratulations Professor Chaltas!

05/28/2026

The Corporation of Brown University has elected eight new members to its Board of Trustees.

The new trustees are Suzi K. Cohen '92; Oliver Haarmann '90; Adam M. Korn '97; Frayda B. Lindemann; Alina Moran '93; Anne Pedrero '91; Kehli Harding Woodruff '94; and Logan Tullai '25.

Members of the Board of Trustees customarily serve six-year terms, with new alumni trustees serving for three years. Tullai will serve as a new alumni trustee.

Brown’s governing body elected each new member based on their commitment to the University and its mission of education and research.

05/28/2026

Two alumni have been elected to one of the nation’s most prestigious honor societies.

Joseph Silverman ScB'77, a professor of mathematics, and Michael Littman PhD'96, a professor of computer science and associate provost for artificial intelligence, are among the 252 leaders elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences honors excellence and convenes leaders from every field of human endeavor to examine new ideas and address issues of importance to the nation and the world.

The new members join a distinguished group of individuals elected to the academy before them, including Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Mead, and Martin Luther King Jr.

Learn more about their work: https://bit.ly/4dzQUGo

05/28/2026

No matter how busy Nisha Bansal ’99 gets, she always finds time to support the Brown community.

While serving as a mentor, an alumni interviewer, and a board member of her local alumni club in Seattle, Bansal discovered flexible volunteer opportunities that allowed her to engage with the community even with an already active schedule as a physician, professor, and a mother of two.

We spoke with Bansal to learn more about what pushes her to show up for Brown.

How do you fit volunteering in your busy schedule?

Although life feels really busy, I am able to volunteer and participate in Brown events that align with my life and interests. For example, I am a huge history buff and academic so I was thrilled to organize a lecture in the Seattle area by Karin Wulf, a professor of history at Brown. It was a fun way to learn as well as connect with other Brown alumni. I am a regular participant and organizer of a summer send-off for new Brown students from our area, too. I also participate in career counseling and have offered internships to Brown students in my lab. These Brown activities naturally synergize with other parts of my life.

Why did you decide to volunteer and what excited you most about Brown’s future?

My answer to the question "Why Brown?" has not changed since I was a high school student exploring colleges. Brown is a truly special place that brings together a community grounded in intellectual exploration, collaboration, and impact—values I continue to cherish. I’m especially excited by the launch of new interdisciplinary and cutting-edge academic programs, as well as Brown’s growing commitment to community outreach.

+ Read the full Q&A: https://bit.ly/4vdb8LY

05/27/2026

Five years ago, Richard Yen ’53 and his wife Fukan decided to support Brown’s efforts to launch need-blind admission for international students.

They established the Richard H. and Fukan T. Yen Scholarship, helping to ensure that Brown can continue to enroll the brightest students from a broader range of socioeconomic backgrounds from around the world.

“The most important reason for me to support students who have financial difficulties is because of my own life experience,” says Yen. “I don’t want to see any student working every minute of the day without any relaxation, like I did. Although I learned a good lesson—that success requires hard work—enjoying life is equally important in one’s life growing up.”

For Richard Yen ’53, giving back to Brown is about more than repaying a scholarship. It’s about engineering an environment for today’s Brown students where hard work is balanced by the joy of the journey.

05/27/2026

Thursday, May 28 at 12 p.m. ET: Explore careers in healthcare and make connections with fellow alumni at this upcoming “BrownConnect+ Careers in Health” virtual networking event led by professional career coach CJ McCoy ’14.5.

This is an opportunity to expand your network and gain career insights.

Upcoming networking opportunity for Brunonians interested in careers in health: join the BrownConnect+ Careers in Health team for a virtual networking event and meet fellow students and alumni who share your passion for healthcare! This event will be hosted by CJ McCoy ’14.5, a professional caree...