In Memoriam: Alumnus Frank Brown, Jr.

2023-06-09

Writer(s): Steve Scherer

Our colleague and Chemistry alumnus Frank Brown Jr. passed away on June 3 at age 81.

Dr. Brown was an outstanding teacher, mentor, and friend on the West Lafayette campus for many years.

Dr. Brown earned a Ph.D. in 1969 studying under Dr. Henry Feuer. He had a distinguished career at Eli Lilly and Co. before becoming an adjunct professor in Purdue's departments of Chemistry and Industrial and Physical Pharmacy.

A gift from Dr. Brown established a distinguished professorship and in 2016 the Purdue Board of Trustees ratified Hilkka Kenttämaa as the Frank Brown Distinguished Professor of Chemistry.

He was presented Purdue’s Distinguished Pinnacle Award by President Mitch Daniels that same year. “We honor Frank for his sincere loyalty and commitment to Purdue University and its future by making this extraordinary leadership gift,” Daniels said.

Dr. Brown was awarded the College of Science Distinguished Alumni Award in 1991.

Read more about Frank’s childhood and his inspirational path to Purdue.