Building Diversity Awareness
Kyle ’05 and Angela ’04 Brown have always been passionate about giving back, especially to their alma mater. The couple met on campus during their freshman year, and both chose Grand Valley for the university’s top academic and extracurricular programs. They now live in Virginia with their son, Emerson.
The Browns have lived in the Washington D.C. area for fourteen years. Kyle works with economic statistics for the federal government, while Angela is the director of marketing for her son’s school.
As a couple, they have developed various philanthropic passions that are personally meaningful to them. They are especially passionate about their support for Grand Valley’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Endowed Scholarship.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion have always been very important to us, and with Angela working in education and now we have a young son, it’s something that we’ve become more focused on,” said Kyle, “The world needs more champions for this work, and if we can play a small role in making that happen, we’re happy to do so.”
The couple believe strongly in giving back to Grand Valley because of the value they place on education, and the experience they shared as Lakers.
“We believe education is so important and Grand Valley made such a difference in our lives; for us, it’s a no-brainer,” said Kyle, “We’re extremely proud of how the school has grown and shifted to meet the demands of what education needs to look like right now and who it needs to serve. It’s hard to put into words how proud we are. We’re fortunate to be in a position in which we’re able to give, but we also wouldn’t be where we are without Grand Valley.”
They offer words of encouragement to those who feel their gifts might not be large enough to have an impact on students.
“Every gift matters. When people think of giving, particularly if they are new to philanthropy, it can be intimidating. You might see someone’s name on a building or a plaque and think, “Well I can’t do that, so it isn’t worth it. But that’s not true.” expressed Angela, “Philanthropy is like building a house. Every brick, every piece of wood, all of it matters. The house can’t stand without it. So, if something is important to you, whether you have $1 to give or $100,000, it makes a difference.”