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Jimmy Lee Brown Memorial Scholarship

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Jimmy Lee Brown, a Penn State alum who graduated from the College of Information Sciences and Technology, was an extraordinary person with a genuine spirit and a heart of gold. Our beloved friend Jimmy passed away November of 2019 and while he may have left this world sooner than we expected, he left behind a lasting impact words alone cannot describe.

Jimmy's contagious laugh, jovial spirit, and positive energy left a mark many of us can't seem to forget. We want to ensure his legacy and impact extends for future generations so that is why in honor of Jimmy, we have teamed up with our alma mater - Penn State, to open up the Jimmy Lee Brown Memorial Scholarship. To reach our minimum goal of $25,000, we'll need help from our friends, family, communities and networks. We appreciate any contributions you can provide - no matter how big or small the donations, every bit counts!

If everyone does a little bit, no one has to do a lot :)

About Jimmy
We all need at least one person in our lives who somehow finds a way to make us smile even on our worst days. A person who brings out the best in us just by showing us what joy looks like, who lives like tomorrow isn't promised, and laughs like a child without worries. It’s a gift only a few of us have. Jimmy Brown had that gift. He was THAT person for many of us.

Jimmy Brown grew up in the Philadelphia area as a very resilient individual, trying his best to remain positive about anything life threw his way. As a young teenager, Jimmy suffered the terrible loss of his mother, Rainy, who he missed dearly. He later moved in with his wonderful Aunt Sonya who took care of him and made sure he received the love and support he needed. He attended Mastery Charter High School in downtown Philly, where he worked and studied hard. Those endless hours of studying paid off as he earned himself a Lenfest scholarship to attend The Pennsylvania State University (Main Campus). Going off to college was Jimmy's first time away from the City of Brotherly Love and a huge personal accomplishment for him. This gave him the chance to earn a degree, be a role model to others, demonstrate the results of hard work and dedication, and most of all, make his mom proud.

During his freshman year, Jimmy majored in Information Sciences and Technology (IST). He not only excelled in his academics, but also made time to join on campus organizations such as S.M.A.R.T (Student Minority Advisory and Recruitment Team) where he held a position as the Activities Co-Chair, helped with THON fundraising campaigns for families and children impacted by childhood cancer, in addition to being a Lenfest Scholars Mentor. As if that wasn't enough, Jimmy also worked while in school as a Computer Lab Consultant. Jimmy's dedication to his work, classes and extracurricular activities, while balancing a social life is an inspiring example of time management and drive. Those who knew him personally can attest to his work ethic and his passion to always help those in need.

Jimmy found joy in reaching his goals - becoming a Lenfest Scholar, getting accepted to a top tier university like Penn State and building genuine friendships. He generously shared this gift of joy with hundreds of students and faculty at Penn State, bringing together a community of students who may have never crossed paths on such a huge campus. Growing up in the inner city of Philadelphia and losing his mother at such a crucial time in his life, the odds were heavily stacked against him. Maybe no one told Jimmy about these roadblocks because the way he held tight to his aspirations, overcame constant obstacles, and achieved such a large impact on the Penn State community is truly the most impressive chapter in his life journey.

Details about the scholarship
Recipient(s) of this scholarship is intended for undergraduate students that fall under one of the below categories:
-Underrepresented groups whose gender, ethnic, cultural, and/or national background contribute to the diversity of the student body
-First-generation college students
-Demonstrated financial need for funds to meet their necessary college expenses

Fundraising team (1)

Michelle N.
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA
Desmond Lamptey
Team member

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