Giving Societies

The Brockport Circle represents the enduring bond between the University and the Village of Brockport, united by the historical legacy of the Erie Canal. Beyond their shared geography, the Circle celebrates the rich history that has shaped SUNY Brockport into the institution it is today. The Brockport Circle acknowledges donors who have given $1,000,000 or more to the University over their lifetime. The Circle celebrates the legacies of all those who helped forge a place where higher education could prosper, and excellence could become a common goal.

Hiel Brockway was a local entrepreneur who led the effort to bring the Erie Canal and subsequent commercial success to the Brockport area. In 1829, he became a co-founder and the namesake of the newly incorporated Village. Brockway believed that education was foundational to the community, and as such, donated six acres to launch the institution of higher learning that would eventually evolve into modern-day SUNY Brockport. This society acknowledges the donors who, like Hiel Brockway, provide a lasting impact on the educational mission of Brockport through the spirit of their philanthropy. Members of the Hiel Brockway Society have given $500,000 – $999,999 in their lifetime.

Ernest C. Hartwell was the last principal of the Brockport Normal School, and the first president of the Brockport State Teachers College. The University’s oldest building is named for him, and this society acknowledges those who have, through immense generosity, shown the same passion for excellence in education. Members of the Ernest C. Hartwell Society have given $250,000 – $499,999 in their lifetime.

Donald M. Tower succeeded Ernest C. Hartwell as the second president of the Brockport State Teachers College. He was the last president to reside in what is now the Alumni House. Under Tower’s leadership, the College grew from 300 students to over 2,000. A teacher and administrator for over 45 years, Donald Tower was in constant pursuit of fostering excellence in education. The Donald M. Tower Society acknowledges donors who have contributed more than $100,000 to SUNY Brockport over their lifetime.

The Robert E. O’Brien Society acknowledges donors who have contributed more than $50,000 to SUNY Brockport over their lifetime. Robert E. O’Brien was appointed to the Brockport College Council in 1958 by former New York State governor Averill Harriman. He became president of the College Council in the 1970s, and helped to establish the Brockport College Foundation, of which he was made the first president. It was with the Brockport Foundation that O’Brien worked to raise funds for student scholarships, and to improve the opportunities for students at SUNY Brockport.

The Marguerite Hare Browne Society acknowledges the generosity of donors who have given more than $20,000 to SUNY Brockport over their lifetime. This group is named in honor of Marguerite “Peg” Hare Browne, a 1944 Brockport graduate who played a foundational role in building Brockport into what it is today. In addition to being a renowned educator, Peg Browne founded the emeriti relations program at the University, and donated her entire salary from her work with the Brockport Foundation to create scholarships for SUNY Brockport students.