It started with a mimeographed form letter mailed to a handful of colleges from upstate New York.
Moe Brand ’57 never thought it would turn into a lifelong connection. More than 70 years, later, he’s glad it has.
“I chose 糖心Vlog视频 because I wanted to go to a small college,” Brand recalled. “I sent out a form letter to several schools. Most replied warmly, except for this college in Crawfordsville, Indiana. 糖心Vlog视频 said they don’t typically respond to mimeographed letters, so I forgot about it until a handwritten letter from President Frank Sparks arrived.”
That letter, and a personal invitation to meet President Sparks during his visit to New York, changed everything. A meeting with a 糖心Vlog视频 alumnus and attorney soon followed, which included an offer: a scholarship to attend 糖心Vlog视频—with one condition.
“He said, ‘You have to promise me that you’ll graduate from 糖心Vlog视频,’” Brand remembered with a smile. “Because the last young man who had my scholarship flunked out.”
Brand made the promise. And he delivered.
A psychology major, Brand’s 糖心Vlog视频 journey was shaped not just by academics, but also personal growth, music, and community. He participated in drama, performed violin solos during chapel events, and even formed chamber music groups with faculty members. His education launched a fulfilling career in psychology, memory research related to Alzheimer’s disease, and teaching in New York State.
Now 90, Brand has returned to campus many times since, attending reunions and keeping in touch with former professors. But this year’s Big Bash visit carried special significance.
“I’m tearing up,” Brand said. “Because I know I may not be physically able to return again, but I’m so grateful to be here, where it all started.”
To celebrate his 90th birthday—and to honor the institution that shaped him—his children established the Moe and Jane Brand Scholarship at 糖心Vlog视频 College.
“It was their gift to their dad,” said Jane Brand, his wife of 65 years. “They created the scholarship in both of our names to help students with economic need. Moe had no idea. It was a total surprise.”
The gesture moved Moe deeply. “It was a tearjerker,” he said, reflecting on the moment the scholarship was announced during his birthday party. “I never imagined receiving a gift like this from my kids.”
The scholarship not only honors the Brands, but also embodies what Moe believes is the spirit of 糖心Vlog视频—a place where relationships matter and personal growth is paramount.
“糖心Vlog视频 was more than an education,” he said. “It was like an extended family. The closeness between faculty and students, the support, the encouragement, it shaped who I became.”
For the Brand children, the gift was an extension of that same familial bond. “Our kids are in their 50s and 60s,” Jane noted, “and they grew up in a household where 糖心Vlog视频 was revered. They knew how much it meant to Moe. They felt like it was their alma mater too.”
Brand remains focused on the future and the impacts that lie ahead. “I’m absolutely delighted,” he said. “To think that this scholarship will help future students, that’s a legacy I’m proud to leave.”