Bequest from U of A alumnus to benefit math, veterinary medicine students

A transformative $2 million gift from the estate of John A. Brown will establish two permanent scholarship endowments benefiting students in the College of Science and the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona.

Brown, a U.S. Army veteran, real estate developer, and licensed pilot, earned his master’s degree in mathematics from the university in 1969. A Florida native who split his time between Chicago and Fort Lauderdale, Brown attributed his professional achievements to his mathematics education and his lifelong passion for animals. These twin influences inspired his decision to support students in both math education and veterinary medicine.

The two scholarship funds will bear Brown’s name, as well as honor his father, Adam Brown, a former school superintendent. Brown’s vision was to assist service-oriented students—future math teachers and veterinarians committed to community-focused care, such as non-profit clinics.

University leaders say Brown’s gift will have a lasting impact.

Brown’s commitment also extends to aspiring veterinarians. The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, which opened in 2020, offers an accelerated three-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program and emphasizes holistic student well-being—values Brown deeply appreciated.

“I know our students share my gratitude to John Brown for creating the Adam Brown and John Brown Scholarship Endowment in Veterinary Medicine,” said Julie Funk, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Scholarships have a direct impact on students' financial well-being and will contribute to their long-term success. That is a meaningful legacy to leave.”

This contribution also supports the university’s ongoing $3 billion fundraising campaign, which funds student success, faculty research, and other strategic initiatives.

For more details, read the full announcement on the University of Arizona website.