The Gary Brown Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010 by Mark and Sally McCarville to carry on Gary’s legacy by providing post high school graduation scholarships to underserved students in the inner city. Almost all of the students receiving the scholarship are participants in the Good Neighbor Center (GNC) tutoring program.

Mark, a dedicated tutor at GNC, met Gary Brown when they were freshmen at the University of Northern Iowa. The two became close friends, and eventually became roommates that first year. Although Gary was the only black person on the dorm floor, he easily fit in and helped many of us understand and accept racial differences. After college, Mark and Gary went different ways but always remained close. Gary was a very talented singer, learned to play piano by ear, and performed for a short time at Disneyland in California.

After Mark met his wife Sally, he made sure to introduce her to Gary and they too became fast friends. Gary was a constant in their lives…singing at their wedding and meeting their children, Alison and Dan. He taught the McCarville family many life lessons, was never judgemental, and a true inspiration to everyone who got to know him.

Sadly, Gary died at the age of 55 from diabetes and kidney disease, bravely living through the challenge of frequent dialysis sessions without complaint. Many say you are lucky if you have five true friends in your lifetime…Mark, Sally, and family were blessed to call Gary a true friend.