Endowing Faculty Excellence

"The gift demonstrates his recognition that the excellence of the University depends on the excellence of its faculty," said Penn President Judith Rodin. She was announcing a $10 million gift presented to the School of Arts and Sciences by Christopher Browne, C’69, chair of the SAS Board of Overseers and a University trustee.

The $10 million will endow five chairs in SAS, which will be known as the Browne Distinguished Professorships: one each in the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences. The remaining two will be used in areas of need as determined by SAS Dean Sam Preston.

"The members of the faculty who ultimately hold Browne Chairs will set a standard for all faculty," said Dean Preston. Chairholders will be faculty members who have achieved a reputation for scholarly contributions as evidenced by professional honors and positions, who have demonstrated distinction in and commitment to teaching, and who have, through scholarship, teaching, and public and professional discourse, made evident their intellectual integrity and adherence to the free and open discussion of ideas.

Browne, managing director of the investment management firm Tweedy, Browne Company LLC and president of Tweedy, Browne Mutual Funds, has contributed to the University’s advancement in the past, including grants to establish the Christopher H. Browne Center for International Politics as well as donations toward a new life sciences building and support for undergraduate scholarships. He said the decision to endow five new faculty chairs is intended to show support for the dean’s leadership and vision.

"I wanted to have something with a long-term commitment to the School of Arts and Sciences," Browne explained. "Sam Preston has brought a new focus to SAS, and this gift is a real boost to his efforts. It provides me an opportunity to give something back to Penn, to draw attention to the excellent faculty in the School of Arts and Sciences, and to confirm my personal belief that academic distinction should be defined by excellence in research, outstanding teaching ability, and a strong commitment to making Penn a forum for open dialogue. I am delighted that I am able to do this, and I consider myself as lucky as Penn."

In an e-mail message that finalized his gift, Browne noted, "I never thought I would have so much fun giving away ten big ones."