When Mary H. Brown left a legacy gift to McGill University, she stipulated that it support students’ medical and mental health care. That’s pretty forward-thinking for someone who graduated from McGill 90 years ago, but Mary H. Brown was a visionary in more ways than one.
Not only did she want the students of her alma mater “to be equipped with the skills they need for the emotional and psychological challenges they face in life,” but she had the foresight to leave her gift as a bequest in her will. Her bequest was endowed, which means it will support McGill students in perpetuity.
“I feel a bit overwhelmed when I think about it,” says Cindy Mancuso, Associate Dean of Students. “To provide permanent funding for student mental health initiatives – I mean, you can’t demonstrate a stronger commitment. Putting something like this in place clearly indicates how much she cared about students and their potential.”
The Mary H. Brown Fund has already made a huge impact on McGill’s community and beyond."
Brown was born in 1910, earned a master’s degree in sociology from McGill in 1933, and worked in the mental health field. When she passed away in 1996, her legacy gift went towards supporting special mental health projects (designated as the Mary H. Brown Fund), and creating student medical and mental health care facilities. Those facilities are housed in McGill’s William and Mary Brown Student Services Building, which opened in 1999. The building was named after both Brown and her husband after he followed in her footsteps and left a legacy gift of his own to McGill.
“Prioritizing students’ mental health was her passion,” says Mancuso. “It obviously meant so much to her, so that will always be the focus of her support.”
Over the past 20 years, the Mary H. Brown Fund has provided financial support to a diverse range of student initiatives. Past projects include public art exhibitions, published journal papers, a peer mentorship program, a print and digital magazine, and more. They tackle topics such as dealing with death, talking about sex, encouraging vaccinations, promoting physical activity, and supporting students who are the first in their family to go to university. “When I think of all the services, workshops and events that have taken place it’s phenomenal, and it’s all thanks to her,” says Mancuso.
Members of the McGill Diversity in Math club
One group that received funding during the 2020-21 academic year was McGill Diversity in Math, a club that promotes mathematics among underrepresented minorities and allies. “Our club benefitted immensely from the Mary H. Brown Fund,” says a representative. “Our workshops pulled students away from their deficit mentality and created a positive environment. Many students found a community and forged new friendships, and we believe our activities made an indelible impact on math students at McGill.”
The Mary H. Brown Fund generates approximately $20,000 per year. It’s overseen by McGill’s Office of the Dean of Students, which encourages students to submit their proposals for funding. Approximately 10-30 proposals are submitted annually, but the Office is currently restructuring the Fund with the aim of increasing participation.
“The Mary H. Brown Fund has already made a huge impact on McGill’s community and beyond, and I want as many students as possible to know about it,” says Mancuso. “My hope is that we can tap into all kinds of students, encourage their creative ideas, and continue to bring their amazing mental health projects to fruition.”
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