Brown Alumni & Friends

Did you know that Rhode Island Hall was once home to a museum of natural history? The Jenks Museum was founded in 1871 by John Whipple Potter Jenks, an alum of the Class of 1838. In its heyday, it housed more than 50,000 specimens, serving as a teaching collection and hands-on laboratory for the study of natural sciences and the emerging field of biology.

Jenks was a colorful character. He held taxidermy classes in the basement, and eventually met his demise on the very steps of the building in 1894.

In 2014, a group called The Jenks Society for Lost Museums, led by Professor Steven Lubar, a former curator for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, tracked down some of the museum’s objects (including taxidermied specimens that were hidden inside the walls of Rhode Island Hall) and creatively reimagined the museum as an installation in partnership with artist Mark Dion.

Today, a few of the objects remain stored at Brown’s Joukowsky Institute and a painting of Jenks still hangs in the reception area of the hall.

Brown’s B-Lab summer accelerator for entrepreneurs helps students and recent grads move their ventures from promising ideas to viable companies.

Led by Alexis Alston ’17, B-Lab relies on a network of alumni mentors. Since its launch in 2015, more than 400 alumni have come back to offer advice to the next generation of founders. This year, the Mentor Roundtable included Bea Bennett ’22, JC Raby ’94, and Jonathan Carmel ’92.

“It’s really good to talk to people who have gone ahead of you in areas that you are interested in and to get feedback, and have that experience before you decide to go to market and sell your product,” said Francis Parserio ’26, one of the recent grads in this year’s cohort.

Learn more about the pitches made this summer at B-Lab: https://bit.ly/451qyrF

Calling all alumni makers! Submit your product for the Brown Alumni Magazine’s 2026 gift guide by August 14! 👇

Are you or someone you know a maker or producer? 🧶

Submit your product to our holiday gift guide! 🎁 Every year, the BAM features the best work of Brown Alumni to be included in our winter issue.

Email [email protected] by August 14th to be considered.

Hey alums: The Brown Loves Providence apparel store has reopened until August 10!

When you purchase exclusive Brown Loves Providence apparel, including sweatshirts, T-shirts, and athletic pants, you’ll be helping give back to the city we love. 100% of net proceeds from every purchase will support Providence organizations and community initiatives.

Check it out: https://bit.ly/4pLksVM

P.S. If you’re still in the area, stop by the Brown Loves Providence WaterFire on Saturday, August 1!

Here’s a sneak peek inside Danoff Laboratories! When it’s completed in 2027, this donor-funded 300,000-square-foot building will be the largest academic laboratory building in Rhode Island. In its labs and workspaces, Brown researchers in cancer, aging, immunity, brain science, biomedical engineering, and more will create real-world impact.

Take a look at more behind-the-scenes photos of its construction:
https://bit.ly/4yOe18O

📸 Image credit: Nick Dentamaro

Brown alumni: your perspective plays a vital role in helping students chart their paths before and after graduation. To join Brown's Mentoring Launchpad for the 2026-27 academic year, apply by Monday, July 27. https://bit.ly/4wpK4Ku.

Brown’s vibrant intellectual environment shaped how Yen Tran ’14 sees the world. Now, it’s the driving force behind his decision to get involved as a volunteer. “Brown changed my life, so it was important for me to volunteer and continue to support this community that has given me so much.”

We chatted with Tran to learn more about his belief in a liberal arts education, his love for Brown’s Open Curriculum, and how he thinks alumni can shape the future of Brown.

“An important aspect of volunteering is being reminded that as alumni we have a voice in our community. I get to connect with the Brown community on a deeper level by volunteering. Volunteering encourages me to connect, speak up, and champion all the ideals and values that make Brown, “Brown.”

Read the full Q&A: https://bit.ly/4yyLcNc

How many of you remember a Hazeltine handshake? Over Reunion Weekend, generations of Brunonians came together to celebrate one legendary professor: Barrett Hazeltine.

If you missed it, you can still watch the recording to see what fellow alums shared about the one-and-only Professor Hazeltine and learn how you can honor him by supporting undergrad TAs at the School of Engineering. https://bit.ly/4b2lsyQ

ICYMI: The Ratty turned 75 this year! Take a look back at the vintage photos, stories, and memories that the Brown Alumni Magazine put together to celebrate this Brunonian dining hall that so many once called home. https://bit.ly/4fzfCYa