Monroe-Brown Foundation donates $7 million to Michigan Athletics

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan Athletics announced Wednesday (July 10) that it has received a $7 million facilities support donation from the Monroe-Brown Foundation that will result in renovations to the players’ locker room in Schembechler Hall. The donation will also be used to cover ongoing maintenance needs and long-term infrastructure requirements. The room will officially be named the “Robert J. Brown and Robert M. Brown Sr. Locker Room.”

“We are so grateful for the incredible generosity of the Monroe-Brown Foundation,” said Warden ManuelDonald R. Shepherd Athletic Director. “We believe strongly in education and support the efforts of young adults to help them succeed in whatever career path they choose. The foundation’s support and our proud partnership with a legendary Michigan football family allows Michigan Athletics to continue supporting our student-athletes in all facets of their college experience.”

Robert J. Brown and Robert M. Brown were the first father-son duo in the illustrious history of the Michigan football team to be named captains. Robert J. Brown was an All-American guard and three-year Michigan football letterman. He was captain of the 1925 Wolverines and a member of the 1923 national championship team and the 1923 and 1925 Big Ten championship teams under Fielding Yost. He served as a regent of the University of Michigan from 1967 to 1974. Robert M. Brown followed his father to Ann Arbor, played for Bump Elliott and won honors in 1961 and 1962. He was team captain in 1962.

“A donation for a new football locker room is more than just supporting a building – it’s about preserving a tradition shared by previous teams, including my father’s team (1923-25) and my team (1961-62), while strengthening our future Michigan family, fostering team spirit and improving our competitive edge,” said Robert M. Brown. “Together, we can create a place where student-athletes can connect, grow and prepare to uphold the University of Michigan’s legacy of excellence on and off the field.”

“The Brown family has long supported Michigan football and its student-athletes, on and off the field. We are very grateful to the family of Robert M. Brown Sr. and Robert J. Brown for their continued generosity and commitment to Michigan football and UM athletics,” said J. Ira and Nicki Harris head football coach. Sherron Moore“The Brown family’s leadership and generosity have helped us continue to provide our team and employees with the best resources available. We are so grateful.”

Established in 1986, the Monroe-Brown Foundation honors Albertine Monroe Brown and Robert J. Brown. The foundation is committed to education and believes that motivated students should be encouraged and supported to reach their maximum potential.