Giles T. Brown, associate vice president of academic affairs, dean of graduate studies and professor of history emeritus, was a dedicated educator, administrator and long-time supporter of the University, whose gifts supported education and students even after his death in 2013.
Last month, the final distribution from the Giles T. Brown Trust awarded nearly $3.2 million to the University. The gift fully funds the Giles T. Brown Endowment for Graduate Studies established in 2002 and supported with a 2014 bequest of $580,000.
“We are grateful and honored by the long-time support of this singular individual, who gave so much to our campus, particularly in support of graduate students,” said Katherine Powers, current director of graduate studies.
“Dr. Brown was notable for his extensive service to the campus community, as well as his unending support in providing opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds to pursue an advanced education,” agreed Pamella Oliver.
Proceeds from the endowment are used to
- fund grants to attract talented graduate students;
- cover travel costs to scholarly meetings by graduate students to conferences or other professional scholarly meetings or creative events, or for displaying their creative work;
- fund visiting scholars;
- publicize the University’s graduate programs; and
- continue thesis awards and recognition of the judges naming winning theses.
Brown, an experienced educator and administrator at Orange Coast College, joined the University in 1960 as professor, department chair and head of the then-Division of Social Sciences. In 1967, he became CSUF’s first dean of graduate studies, and later vice president for academic programs. During his 23-year tenure on campus, Brown developed 29 of its then 39 master degree programs. He retired in 1983 and died in 2013 at the age of 97.
Brown’s support of the institution never ceased. In addition to the gift that established the endowment in his name, he gave seven $100,000 gift annuities. In addition to the endowment for graduate studies, Brown’s name also graces a conference room in McCarthy Hall, and annually, Cal State Fullerton awards an outstanding graduate student with the Giles T. Brown Outstanding Thesis Award.
If you’re interested in establishing a legacy and making a lasting impact at Cal State Fullerton through membership in the Ontiveros Legacy Society, please contact our Office of Planned Giving at 657-278-3947 or CSUFPlannedGift@fullerton.edu.