A Gift to Encourage Public Service

Students in the College of Veterinary Medicine

John A. Brown wore many hats throughout his life—real estate developer, pilot, U.S. Army veteran—but he never forgot his roots at the University of Arizona. Brown credited his professional success to his master’s degree in mathematics, which he earned at UA in 1969. Math ranked especially high among his passions as did his love of animals, especially his prized German shepherd, Conto.

Brown strategically partnered with the UA Gift Planning team and his own attorneys to create a charitable trust, which, after his death in 2024, established scholarships in both mathematics and veterinary medicine. Brown’s aim was to encourage service-oriented students, such as math majors who aspire to teach in public schools and veterinarians interested in serving at nonprofit animal clinics.

“John Brown’s generosity will benefit math students for generations to come,” said Carmala Garzione, Dean of the College of Science. “Our state has a critical shortage of qualified math teachers at the middle and high school levels. These scholarships will provide meaningful opportunities for students who want to pursue teaching careers.”

“I know our students share my gratitude to John Brown,” 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.”

John-Paul Roczniak, President and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation, said, “Programs endowed 40 years ago continue to thrive. And 40 years from now, math and vet med students at the U of A will know John as a benefactor and investor in their future success.”

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