JB and Sara Brown become Clemson Cornerstone Partners
Jeffrey J. “JB” Brown ’95 and Sara M. Brown ’98 have given financially to Clemson University every year since graduation. As their resources have grown, so has their desire to give more. They continue to build a strong foundation for the future of the University through their most recent gift of $2.5 million. It secures $1 million in presidential scholarships at the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business and contributes $1 million to Clemson’s new Alumni and Visitors Center. The remaining funds support ClemsonLIFE, the Power of One campaign challenge and Universitywide inclusive excellence.
JB and Sara met as students at Clemson. While here, they established a network of friends and contacts and developed lifelong connections with the University. They have previously established the Brown Family Scholarship Endowment and supported the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, the Provost’s Excellence Fund and several other scholarship endowments.
“It’s our honor to be able to give back to our University that is developing the next generation of great leaders under the stewardship of President Clements and the Board of Trustees,” JB said.
JB developed those same leadership skills right here at Clemson. As a student, he was president of the Student Alumni Council, a member of Blue Key and active in Greek life. “Clemson has truly shaped my life,” he said. “I saw the importance of connecting with our alumni when I was a student.”
Success in the banking industry has made JB a valued member of boards and committees across the University. He serves on the Clemson University Foundation Board and the President’s Advisory Board. He has also served on the Trevillian Cabinet of the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business.
Additionally, JB has been a speaker at the University’s Men of Color National Summit, joining leaders in government, business, academia, sports and entertainment to emphasize the importance of education while helping to establish a sustainable, diverse pipeline of qualified candidates entering the workforce.
“Through JB and Sara’s continued commitment to Clemson, they are positively impacting the lives of students and are laying the foundation to support the next generation of leaders,” Clements said. “JB and Sara’s dedication to the Clemson Family is inspiring, and I am grateful for their generosity and leadership across the University.”
The Browns married in 2000 and have three children: Cameron, Grace and Jack. Sara is a dedicated wife and mother — the foundation for her family at their home in Charlotte, North Carolina. An education major, she is passionate about how education can transform lives.
The Browns’ Academic Cornerstone gift represents that passion and the dedication their family has for giving back to the people and places that mean the most to them. They are building a legacy at Clemson and have laid the foundation for others to follow.
