Miami University

Browns named Parents of the Year for 2000

Melva and Jim Brown have been selected as the 2000 Parents of the Year at Miami and were honored at a surprise reception Monday.

The Browns will be formally presented during halftime of the Miami vs. Ohio University football game during Parents Weekend. Kickoff is at noon Saturday in Yager Stadium.

They are the parents of Doug Brown of Oxford and Anita Brown Taylor (Miami ’86) of Louisville, Ky., and the grandparents of four.

Melva Brown, program associate in the office of student activities and organization leadership, goes "the extra mile" as a student advocate, according to nomination letters. "She is always thinking about the students’ best interest in everything she does," said Gary Manka, assistant director of student activities and organization leadership and Program Board adviser, one of the writers who nominated the Browns. This is her 25th year at Miami.

Jim Brown is manager of the service department at Kyger Motors, having retired from Rodefeld’s Auto Parts several years ago.

As surrogate parents for many students, the Browns open their home as a "home away from home." They host a family for Parents Weekend each year and hold an annual Christmas celebration for Miami students. Jim has stepped in when students have car troubles.
The Browns are enthusiastic supporters of Miami sports and are involved at Oxford United Methodist Church. Melva attends many student activities.

Parents of the Year, selected by the Parents Weekend committee of Campus Activities Council, are chosen because of ties to Miami, service to the university in excess of 10 years, contact with students and participation in university and community life.

Date Published: 11/02/2000
Volume: 20   Number: 14