Tony Brown ’75

When reflecting on his 50th Reunion commitment to Williams, Tony thought first of his own transformative four years on campus and his ongoing involvement as a class associate agent for the Alumni Fund. “I have always had the greatest regard for Williams and the College’s commitment to provide financial aid to all students in need,” he says. That deep appreciation led him to include Williams in his will several years ago. More recently, he wanted to make an enduring commitment through a charitable gift annuity—one that would provide income during his lifetime and, upon his passing, create a legacy gift to support future students.

The decision to direct his support toward financial aid through the Class of 1975 Non-Traditional Student Support Scholarship was inspired by a moment of connection. “When I attended mini-reunion in Williamstown last October (2024), I met a young man who attended Williams as a non-traditional student. His story was compelling to me,” he explains. That encounter reinforced his belief in ensuring that students who have taken a non-traditional path to higher education—those whose journeys have been shaped by circumstances beyond their control—have the opportunity to thrive at Williams.

By supporting financial aid, Tony hopes his gift will inspire other alumni to do the same. “Legacy, to me, means leaving a lasting impression that benefits future students at Williams,” he says. And when he thinks back on his own Williams experience, he remembers the people—especially those he met through his involvement in music and theater. Through his gift, he ensures that future generations of students will have the same chance to forge lifelong connections and opportunities at Williams.