College languages school receives $247K estate gift


LAWRENCE – A $247,000 gift from the estate of Helen Brownson will benefit the University of Kansas School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures.

Brownson earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas in 1938. She was born in 1917 in Kansas City, Kansas, and worked most of her life as a federal government employee. Her work on scientific research for various boards and committees ultimately led to the creation of the field of information science. Brownson died Aug. 5, 2017, in Washington, D.C. Her wish was to “support students of foreign languages,” and the fund will be used to support scholarships for students demonstrating a commitment to learning foreign languages and cultures.

“Not only will this help students, but it will also give us an opportunity to raise awareness of the resources we have in the SLLC,” said Marc Greenberg, school director. “Mrs. Brownson had a remarkable life, and she is a perfect exemplar of how language-study fits into a life of creativity and achievement.”

The KU School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures was established in fall 2014 and emphasizes the central importance of language and culture for a 21st century education in a globalized world. At KU some 40 languages are taught on a regular basis, as well as courses on culture, literature, history and politics connected with many of those languages. KU is a national leader in the study of foreign languages, offering more languages than any other university in the Big 12 Conference.

KU Endowment is the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

Thu, 08/02/2018

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Christian Beer

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Christian Beer

School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures

785-864-4803