Rutgers Athletics Announces One Million Dollar Match Challenge for Rutgers Giving Day
Apr 20 | General, R Fund
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers Athletics has announced a one million dollar matching challenge for Rutgers Giving Day, made possible through the generosity of longtime supporters Greg LC'82 and Anna Brown.
All gifts made in support of Rutgers Athletics on Giving Day will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of contributions that directly benefit student-athletes across all programs.
The Browns' lead gift adds significant momentum to the 11th annual Rutgers Giving Day – which takes place on Friday, April 24 – a university-wide initiative that brings together Scarlet Knights from near and far to invest in the future of Rutgers.
"This is a chance for all of us to come together and support our student-athletes as they pursue excellence in their sport and in the classroom," said Brown. "There are a lot of exciting things going on in Rutgers Athletics. We are proud to do our part and hope you will join us."
Support on Giving Day strengthens key areas across Rutgers Athletics, including:
For programs that have additional matches or campaign initiatives in place, the Browns' gift further enhances those opportunities, increasing the overall impact of each contribution.
Director of Athletics Keli Zinn emphasized the importance of the Browns' commitment and the role it plays in advancing Rutgers Athletics.
"We are deeply grateful to Greg and Anna Brown for their extraordinary generosity and leadership," said Zinn. "This matching gift represents a powerful investment in the future of Rutgers Athletics and creates a unique opportunity for our entire community to make an even greater impact. I encourage Rutgers Nation to build on this momentum. Give to compete. Compete to win!"
Brown, who serves as Motorola Solutions Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was just recently named the 2026 Chief Executive of the Year by Chief Executive magazine, nominated by an independent committee of his peer CEOs. A 1982 graduate of Rutgers' Livingston College, Brown and his wife Anna, have supported countless University initiatives, including their significant philanthropic contributions to the athletic department. The couple received the 1869 Legacy Award, the most distinguished honor bestowed to an athletics supporter who has made a lifetime impact on the lives of Rutgers student-athletes through generosity, involvement and commitment.
The recruiting pavilion at SHI Stadium, football locker room and the men's basketball practice court in the RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center bears the Brown Family name as signature capital investments the pair have made to athletics. Their interests and support of the University extend beyond sports, including their contributions to the Rutgers Psychological Clinic at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. Anna is the granddaughter of Henry and Anna Starr, who founded the original clinic in 1929. They also created the Gregory Q. Brown Chair in Cell Biology and Neuroscience in honor of his mother, Winifred Brown.
Rutgers student-athletes compete in the Big Ten Conference and nationally while representing the University in the classroom and community. Giving Day provides an opportunity for alumni, fans, donors and friends to collectively strengthen the resources that support their success.
Supporters are encouraged to visit https://go.rutgers.edu/savethedate-ruathl-rugd to learn more and make a gift on Friday, April 24. Additional details – including other fundraising challenges and Giving Day initiatives – will continue to be shared in the lead up.
All gifts made in support of Rutgers Athletics on Giving Day will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of contributions that directly benefit student-athletes across all programs.
The Browns' lead gift adds significant momentum to the 11th annual Rutgers Giving Day – which takes place on Friday, April 24 – a university-wide initiative that brings together Scarlet Knights from near and far to invest in the future of Rutgers.
"This is a chance for all of us to come together and support our student-athletes as they pursue excellence in their sport and in the classroom," said Brown. "There are a lot of exciting things going on in Rutgers Athletics. We are proud to do our part and hope you will join us."
Support on Giving Day strengthens key areas across Rutgers Athletics, including:
- Scholarships (R Scholarship Fund + individual program scholarships)
- Program Support (individual program funds)
- Scarlet Knights For Life™
- Athletic Excellence Fund
For programs that have additional matches or campaign initiatives in place, the Browns' gift further enhances those opportunities, increasing the overall impact of each contribution.
Director of Athletics Keli Zinn emphasized the importance of the Browns' commitment and the role it plays in advancing Rutgers Athletics.
"We are deeply grateful to Greg and Anna Brown for their extraordinary generosity and leadership," said Zinn. "This matching gift represents a powerful investment in the future of Rutgers Athletics and creates a unique opportunity for our entire community to make an even greater impact. I encourage Rutgers Nation to build on this momentum. Give to compete. Compete to win!"
Brown, who serves as Motorola Solutions Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was just recently named the 2026 Chief Executive of the Year by Chief Executive magazine, nominated by an independent committee of his peer CEOs. A 1982 graduate of Rutgers' Livingston College, Brown and his wife Anna, have supported countless University initiatives, including their significant philanthropic contributions to the athletic department. The couple received the 1869 Legacy Award, the most distinguished honor bestowed to an athletics supporter who has made a lifetime impact on the lives of Rutgers student-athletes through generosity, involvement and commitment.
The recruiting pavilion at SHI Stadium, football locker room and the men's basketball practice court in the RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center bears the Brown Family name as signature capital investments the pair have made to athletics. Their interests and support of the University extend beyond sports, including their contributions to the Rutgers Psychological Clinic at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. Anna is the granddaughter of Henry and Anna Starr, who founded the original clinic in 1929. They also created the Gregory Q. Brown Chair in Cell Biology and Neuroscience in honor of his mother, Winifred Brown.
Rutgers student-athletes compete in the Big Ten Conference and nationally while representing the University in the classroom and community. Giving Day provides an opportunity for alumni, fans, donors and friends to collectively strengthen the resources that support their success.
Supporters are encouraged to visit https://go.rutgers.edu/savethedate-ruathl-rugd to learn more and make a gift on Friday, April 24. Additional details – including other fundraising challenges and Giving Day initiatives – will continue to be shared in the lead up.
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