Rosemary Kopel Brown
2019 COSAM Distinguished Alumna
Rosemary Kopel Brown '57
Rosemary Kopel Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Auburn University in 1957 and a master’s degree in education from Rutgers University in 1971. A dedicated educator, Rosemary enjoyed a highly distinguished, 30-year career as a mathematics teacher.
Rosemary began her career teaching high school in New Jersey and taught in a number of schools and colleges in Kalamazoo, Michigan, shaping young minds and creating a path for learning. She did additional graduate work at Rutgers University and Western Michigan University, and has tutored mathematics in West Virginia, Texas, New Jersey, Michigan, and Georgia. Through the course of her career, Rosemary received multiple Excellence in Education awards. As part of her larger service to the field of education, Rosemary has served as a presider and presenter at more than 20 mathematics and education conferences and workshops, including numerous engagements for the Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She most recently spoke at Kennesaw State University’s 2019 Honors College Luncheon.
In recognition of her academic success and her lifelong commitment to education, Rosemary received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Freed-Hardeman University in 1999 and an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Auburn University in 2017. She was selected as an Eckerd Corporation Salute to Women Honoree and serves as an honorary member of the Freed-Hardeman University Board of Trustees and a Trustee Emerita of Kalamazoo College.
Rosemary’s community service rivals her academic accomplishments. She has served on many community boards of directors, including the Freed-Hardeman University Board, Kalamazoo College Board, Kalamazoo Math Science Center Advisory Board, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Board, Gilmore Keyboard Festival Board, and Atlanta Opera Board.
Rosemary and her husband, John, a 1957 Auburn graduate in chemical engineering, have been committed philanthropists throughout their communities. Their significant gifts to Auburn University have supported faculty and facilities and created numerous scholarships in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. They made the lead gift to support construction of Auburn’s Wilford & Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital. In 2015, the Browns made the largest gift in university history to fund the Rosemary Kopel Brown Eminent Scholars Chair in the College of Sciences and Mathematics and to support the construction of the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center and the Brown-Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center. The Browns are members of Auburn University’s Foy Society and 1856 Society.