Lauren Brown '64 Nears End of Cross Country Bike Trip for Charity

July 24, 2010

July 24, 2010, Greencastle, Ind. — Lauren Brown, a 1964 graduate of DePauw University, "is bicycling across the United States to raise scholarship funds for children in India," reports Pennsylvania's Meadville Tribune. "He is scheduled to make an appearance Sunday at Stone United Methodist Church in Meadville where he will speak at its 8:30 and 10 a.m. services. The stop will be Brown's last before completing his journey in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 9."

The 67-year-old's cross country trek has covered 3,250 miles and raised almost $11,000.

"Brown began his adventure, inspired by a life-long friend, A.V. Samuel, on April 26 from his home in San Luis Obispo, Calif.," writes Lisa Byers. "Brown met Samuel while serving in the Peace Corps in India from 1964 to 1967. Brown taught chemistry at Zahirabad Methodist Rural School, the same school where Samuel taught agriculture. Brown said several years ago, Samuel, who was born in Metlakunta, a very poor, small farming village located about 80 miles southwest of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, challenged his peers in India who had benefited earlier in their lives by obtaining an education in the Methodist schools to make a donation to help ensure the next generation has the same opportunity. Brown accepted the challenge and decided to embark on a bicycle speaking tour across the United States." (at right: Brown and Samuel)

"I was inspired by his commitment to give back," Dr. Brown, the retired co-founder of a biochemical company, tells the newspaper. "So I got the idea to raise money by bicycling across the country. For me it's an adventure and an adventure that has given special meaning to undertaking fundraising efforts to help children in poor villages in India who wouldn't have the same opportunities."

The ride for charity will conclude on August 9 at the National Mall.

"So far it's been a wonderful trip," Brown says. "I've had a couple of spills, but nothing that has deterred me from continuing. I've heard a dozen heartwarming stories and have met some wonderful people along the way."

The story notes Dr. Brown's DePauw degree and that he joined the Peace Corps after graduating.  

The complete article can be found at the Tribune's Web site.

Learn more about the bike trip by clicking here.

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