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Commander Robert “Bob” Lee Brown Sr., BE’50, and his wife Elizabeth established the Elizabeth Olson and Robert Lee Brown Scholarship to ensure that future generations could pursue their dreams at Vanderbilt — regardless of financial circumstances. The scholarship, made possible through a charitable remainder trust, is designated for second-year engineering students, reflecting the late Commander Brown’s own experience of losing scholarship support after his first year.
“My father believed deeply in the university and was forever grateful for the opportunities his education created,” said his son, Robert Brown Jr. “Born the son of sharecroppers in rural Alabama on the eve of the Great Depression, my father viewed a Vanderbilt education as a tremendous opportunity.”
Brown’s Vanderbilt journey began with a one-year track scholarship. After his first year, at the close of World War II, he enlisted in the Navy, later returning on the GI Bill to complete his electrical engineering degree. His insatiable curiosity and technical expertise fueled a remarkable career — ranging from nuclear physics research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to commanding a Navy destroyer to building small businesses in San Diego.
A scientist, entrepreneur and true renaissance man, Brown approached every pursuit with passionate dedication. His creativity extended beyond engineering into woodworking, piloting small aircraft, gentleman farming, sailing and traveling. After retiring from the Navy, he and Elizabeth explored new ventures — including the purchase of a small marina and real estate investments. Their daughter Margaret also attended Vanderbilt, further strengthening the family’s ties to the university.
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Brown remained deeply connected to Vanderbilt, serving on the School of Engineering’s Council of Advisors and faithfully returning for Reunions. His legacy endures through the scholarship, which embodies the Browns’ devotion to education and their belief in cultivating the next generation.
“My dad was a strong believer in the power of science, often saying that everything can be boiled down to ‘Force = Mass x Acceleration,’ ” said Brown Jr. “I can only imagine how delighted he would be to help provide young engineers with the opportunity to study at Vanderbilt.”
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