When Jeff Brown, B.B.A. ’81, and his wife, Tracy, were contemplating making a large gift to the University of Miami, they wanted their donation to go where it would do the most good. And as the parents of two ’Canes who have successfully launched careers—Nicole, B.B.A. ’16, and Joshua, B.B.A. ’19—they wanted other young people to have access to the same opportunities.
The Browns have channeled that philanthropic spirit into a $1 million gift to the University. Their donation will create a pair of scholarship funds: The Jeffrey Brown Family Endowed Real Estate Business Scholarship Fund and The Jeffrey and Tracy Brown Family Endowed Athletics Scholarship Fund, which will directly support student scholarships in the Patti and Allan Herbert Business School and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, respectively.
Jeff Brown is vice chairman and president of NFI Industries, a family-owned and operated company committed to providing the pinnacle in supply chain support for businesses of all types and sizes, and he oversees the company’s real estate operations. He is a passionate Hurricanes fan, a steadfast supporter of and volunteer for his alma mater, and is committed to opening doors to brighter opportunities for future generations of ’Canes.
“As a proud alumnus of the University of Miami and an even prouder father of two ’Canes, I know the value of a University of Miami education. I know the impact it had on me, and I see the difference it has made in the lives of my children who are both very successful in their respective careers today, thanks to the education they received at the U,” Brown said. “Through these endowed scholarships, Tracy and I want to extend that same opportunity and experience to future students.”
Brown serves on the Dean’s Advisory Committee and the Real Estate Advisory Council at Miami Herbert, is an emeritus member of the University’s President’s Council, and leads the Ever Brighter campaign for the University’s athletics programs. In addition to supporting Miami Herbert’s undergraduate and graduate real estate programs, the Brown family also supports experiential learning opportunities and diversity and inclusion initiatives like the Project Destined Real Estate Scholarship. NFI Industries, the company founded by Brown’s grandfather in 1932, sponsors the Miami Herbert Real Estate Impact Conference.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jeff and Tracy Brown for their support of The U and our business students,” said John Quelch, dean of Miami Herbert. “It is this kind of philanthropic support that will help us create the next generation of principled leaders in commercial real estate.”
Brown has previously supported multiple athletics fundraising initiatives, including the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility and the Basketball Victory Fund, and is a longtime member of the Golden ’Canes Society.
“We are fortunate to have the support of someone like Jeff in our quest to build champions at the U,” said Blake James, director of athletics. “Jeff’s support for athletics, and for the University of Miami as a whole, has been instrumental in helping our students chase greatness in academics, in athletics and in life.”
With more than 73% of students who attend the U receiving financial aid, support for scholarships is critical.
“It is these kinds of gifts that make a University of Miami education a reality for thousands of students,” Josh Friedman, senior vice president of development and alumni relations, said. “We are grateful to Tracy and Jeff for their generous support. Endowed scholarships enable us to attract the best and brightest students who are looking to excel in the classroom, in competition, and in life.”
