On a given day on College Hill, you might find Michael Piccirillo ’10 in any number of places: in his favorite study space at the SciLi, attending a practice with his varsity teammates at the OMAC’s wrestling ring, or calling members of the Brown community during his shifts as a student caller at Maddock Alumni Center. The Long Island, NY, native thrives on this fast-paced, challenging environment that merges his academic and athletic passions – but his goal of attending Brown might not have been realized if it weren’t for the University’s commitment to need-blind financial aid.
Michael remembers being initially attracted to Brown as a high school student. “I really liked Brown’s open curriculum, and I was excited about the wrestling program too,” he said. “This was my first choice for school.” However, affordability was a key factor to consider when deciding where he could attend. “Coming from a single parent family, and with an older brother already in college, I knew that financial aid would play a big part in my ability to go to Brown.” Thanks to a generous financial aid package, Michael’s dream of coming to Brown became a reality.
During the 2007-2008 academic year, 41% of all undergraduates received need-blind financial aid, the highest percentage in the University’s history. This year, Brown has increased efforts to bolster its financial aid resources. The University’s financial aid budget is now $68.5 million, up from $33.4 million in 2001-2002. Enhanced financial aid provisions are bringing a wider range of backgrounds and perspectives to the University than ever before, and, as a result, gifts to support financial aid are more important than ever before.
Now in his junior year, Michael is concentrating in economics and competing in the sport he loves. He also enjoys his work as a student caller, which allows him to offer alumni, parents, and friends a firsthand glimpse into life at Brown today. It is rewarding, he says, to explain how financial aid is allowing him to receive an amazing educational experience. “Gifts to the Brown Annual Fund help students like me receive the resources we need to attend this great school,” he said. “I’m glad I have a chance to spread the word about how Brown has changed my life, and want others to have the same opportunities.”
Click here to make a gift that supports need-blind financial aid at Brown, and open doors of opportunity for today’s talented, deserving students.
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