The Gilmore Announces $2 Million Endowment Gift

The Gilmore has announced a gift from John W. and Rosemary K. Brown that will provide support in perpetuity for Gilmore Festival events in honor of The Gilmore’s Director Emeritus, Daniel Gustin, who served as Director of The Gilmore from 2000 to 2018. 

The $2 million gift establishes the John W. and Rosemary K. Brown Family Fund, and is designed to help finance events that require special support and encourage the artistic vision of The Gilmore’s Executive and Artistic Director. [The Browns’ family foundation made a 10-year commitment to this initiative in 2015, as they wished to honor Mr. Gustin while he was active as Director.] Now that Mr. Gustin is retired and the initial commitment is complete, the Browns have generously provided endowment funds to perpetuate their sponsorship.

“This is an exciting prospect for The Gilmore, and will ensure that we can produce unique, impactful experiences for composers, pianists and audiences,” said Pierre van der Westhuizen, Executive and Artistic Director of The Gilmore. “Dan Gustin has always been committed to creative projects and the commissioning of new music. When Rosemary served as a Trustee of The Gilmore, she and John were particularly supportive of Dan and his vision. What an honor it is now for them to assure permanent support for concerts and projects in Dan’s name.”

“What The Gilmore is doing right now is so significant,” said Rosemary. “We value the opportunity that The Gilmore provides for concert attendees, up-and-coming artists and remote audiences who can now stream many of the concerts. John and I are delighted that this endowment gift perpetuates our deep appreciation of Dan Gustin and the current staff for paving the road to these opportunities.”

Rosemary Brown is a lifelong educator who shared her passion for math with students in East Brunswick, New Jersey, and several schools in Kalamazoo. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Auburn University and her master’s degree in mathematics education from Rutgers University. She received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Freed-Hardeman University, an honorary doctor of science degree from Auburn University, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Auburn’s College of Science and Math. Rosemary is a Trustee Emerita of The Gilmore and of Kalamazoo College. 

John Brown is former chairman, president, and CEO of Stryker Corporation and was named Chairman Emeritus of Stryker in 2010. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University and received an honorary doctor of humane letters from Kalamazoo College, an honorary doctor of laws from Freed-Hardeman University, and an honorary doctorate
in science from Auburn University. 

Known for their philanthropy throughout the U.S., the Browns have made significant gifts in recent years to higher education and the arts.