By Maddy Isbell ’22

Bruce Brown ’10 has lived in places all across the country, and has journeyed to all seven continents, experiencing unimaginable beauty in just about every corner of the world. He’s been to Australia, Germany, Switzerland, France and Spain, and attended a scientific research trip to Antarctica. He spent most of his childhood in the suburbs outside of New York City, where he enjoyed venturing to Manhattan and experiencing big city life: Broadway shows and trips to the Metropolitan Opera. Nevertheless, one of his favorite journeys has been living life in Aggieland, where he has developed an authentic passion for helping students and a new drive to make a difference.

As a Student Affairs Coordinator in the Department of Student Activities, he advises large campus organizations such as The Big Event, The 12th Can Food Pantry, and the Freshman Leadership Advisory Council. His responsibilities also include working with students in different phases of their college experience. Whether it be during a high or low point in a student's college life at Texas A&M, Bruce is devoted to helping both in and out of the classroom. He has also served as an instructor for Hullabaloo U and teaches junior members of the Corps of Cadets in the School of Military Science.

“My drive for helping students has been inspired by the global perspective I’ve gained from my travels,” he said. “I have seen what people are capable of achieving, especially when we come together around a common cause. I believe that students possess a raw energy that I help guide into a passion for improving the lives of others.”

A pivotal event in his life was the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, during his freshman year at Texas A&M, when a gunman took fire on campus, killing 32 people and injuring several others. Being the passionate helper that he is, Bruce felt compelled to take action and provide assistance. He teamed with other Aggies to organize a T-shirt drive with the University of Texas to raise money for the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to help cover expenses associated with the tragedy. Within a week, the group raised $28,000 for Virginia Tech. This experience is guided him towards his present work with students

Later in his studies, he channeled his love for travel by creating a FLO (freshman leadership organization), MSC Freshman Leaders International (FLI), which fosters a global perspective, showcases cultures from around the world, highlights world interconnectedness, and offers freshmen the opportunity to travel and service others internationally.

Did we mention board games? One room of his home stores more than 200 games, and he has hosted a board game podcast, managed board game conventions, and developed Tabletop Alliance, an organization that equips educators and community leaders to use games to further their outcomes. His love of games is driven by their unique ability to facilitate positive experiences for others

From traveling to extraordinary places like the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage on the way to Antarctica, to fundraising, teaching, and creating organizations here in Aggieland, Bruce Brown’s endeavors are nothing short of impressive. His ambition, sense of adventure, and passion for higher education brings creativity to Student Activities that has changed the lives of students and his colleagues.