Letters from the Corporation of Brown University

"""A goldmine of historical insight."" --Kirkus Reviews ""Ruth Simmons, president emerita of Brown University, often spoke about the importance of transparency and personal accountability in leadership. This collection embodies those principles. These letters reflect the university's ongoing journey of institutional responsibility through personal reflections and observations. It's both moving and inspiring, making it an essential read for anyone passionate about the future of higher education and the value of the people who influence it."" --Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation ""The well-written letter represents a rare, lost art these days. How fortunate that Lauren Zalaznick has collected this treasure trove of examples of how to say goodbye with grace, charm, and the occasional wit."" --Joshua Foer, Cofounder of Atlas Obscura ""At a time when higher education is under siege by forces across the political spectrum, and when public opinion polls reveal a significant decline in support for/trust in universities across this country, Letters from the Corporation of Brown University offers a ray of hope. The letters in this beautiful book remind us of the critical role universities play in educating new generations of citizens and leaders, developing technological innovations through high impact research, and promoting social mobility. The letters collected by Lauren Zalaznick document the incredible commitment Corporation members felt for Brown and its mission. But they also provide a window into the rich personal stories of the individual Corporation members who have served on Brown's Corporation for over 250 years. The letters are both moving and inspiring and a must-read for anyone engaged in higher education."" --Richard M. Locke, Brown University Provost, 2015-2023 ""Lauren Zalaznick's edited series of letters by Brown trustees provides a unique window into a venerable institution. It's a lovely tribute to her alma mater and an invaluable contribution to the history of education, writ large."" --Jonathan Zimmerman, Berkowitz Professor in Education and Professor of History of Education, University of Pennsylvania ""Letters from the Corporation of Brown University goes way beyond 'Brown' and is truly unique in its unprecedented access to the private correspondence of the University's trustees. It's rare for such intimate and candid letters to be made public, offering readers an insider's view of the thoughts, decisions, and personal stories which blend historical significance with heartfelt, profound narratives. Complementing the narrative are beautiful photographs and graphic reproductions of the original letters, which bring the historical context to life and make this book a true art piece that will inspire conversation."" --Liz Lange, fashion designer and entrepreneur ""Lauren Zalaznick's Letters from the Corporation of Brown University is an absolute gem--a profound and captivating chronicle of American higher education seen through the eyes of those at its helm. These narratives illuminate the evolution of Brown University while also telling the broader story of social and cultural shifts in America. The epistles of so many 'firsts'--women, trustees of color, first-generation graduates and others--are particularly compelling, bringing to life the personal journeys, perseverance, and strength that lay beneath the historical markers of a prestigious institution. This book is more than a collection of letters; it's a journey through time, an exploration of identity, and a testament to the enduring spirit of intellectual pursuit. A non-fiction book that illuminates the power of storytelling, it's a must-read."" --Xochitl Gonzalez, New York Times bestselling author of Olga Dies Dreaming and Anita de Monte Laughs Last"