Brown Family Award in Business

Originally created in 2007 by Lynn Brown MacGowan and Lee Brown (HBComm ’74) in honour of their parents, as the Walter and Donna Brown Scholarship in Business. Changed in 2023 to the Brown Family Award in Business after the passing of Lee.

Walter and Donna Brown were the owners of Walter Brown Jewelers, a prominent business in Thunder Bay for 28 years. Both Walter and Donna believed in the importance of post-secondary education.

Donna, a woman ahead of her time, travelled to Minneapolis (MN) where she attended the Northwest Institute of Medical Technology, and graduated as a Laboratory Technician. Walter studied at the University of Manitoba but left prematurely to pursue entrepreneurialism and establish his own business venture. Lee, who earned his Chartered Accountant Professional Designation following his Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Lakehead University worked at Walter Brown Jewelers for many years, side by side with his parents. Lynn is a professional interior designer and member of ARIDO & IDC who promotes contemporary design. Lynn has spent the last 18 years in the hotel sector travelling to the US and Canada and working within the architecture and design departments of two major brands.

Awarded on the basis of academic achievement to a student in the Faculty of Business Administration. Financial need will also be considered. The recipient will be a resident of Ontario.