Photo submitted to Times Observer A scholarship in the memory of ‘Mr. Penn State Behrend’ Colten Brown, pictured with the Penn State Nittany Lion at a football game at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa., has been endowed with a $50,000 contribution from his family.

A scholarship remembering Mr. Penn State Behrend and encouraging students who carry on his legacy of leadership and involvement has received a $50,000 endowment from his family.

Colten Brown, a Warren native and 2018 graduate of Penn State Behrend, died of COVID in 2021 at the age of 24. At the time, he was the youngest Erie County resident to have died from the coronavirus.

“As they grieved, his family looked for a way forward,” according to a Behrend release. “They organized a memorial golf scramble at the Jackson Valley Golf Course in Warren. Proceeds from the event became the basis for the Colten D. Brown Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which is funding a $50,000 endowment to benefit Penn State Behrend students.”

“Colten was extremely active at Behrend – he was known on campus as “Mr. Penn State Behrend” – and the scholarships, which will first be offered this fall, will support other students who demonstrate a high level of campus engagement,” according to the release.

“Colten wanted to be involved and make the most out of his college experience,” his brother, Cody Brown, said. “He loved the community that Behrend has, and he had so many friends there while in college, he barely ever came home. He was always doing something, either on-campus or with people he met at Behrend. He formed many lasting relationships with people there.”

One of those friendships was with Lindsey Hopkins Hall, associate director of Student Leadership and Involvement, according to the release. She first met Colten Brown when he joined his brother, who also is a Behrend graduate, during a campus visit.

“I have yet to find anyone who describes Colten as anything but an incredible friend who could brighten any room,” Hopkins Hall said. “It was truly an honor to watch him grow and develop into the man he became.”

Brown’s impact on the campus can be seen in multiple locations.

A “buddy bench” near the west entrance to Kochel Center is dedicated to Brown. It was funded by friends and fellow students. A “Mr. Penn State Behrend” award recognizes students who embody Brown’s high level of engagement on campus.

The new scholarships will further expand that legacy, Hopkins Hall said.

“We are immensely grateful for every contribution to the Colten Brown Memorial Scholarship, and for the continued engagement of the Brown family,” she said. “These scholarships provide more opportunities to share Colten’s story with future generations of Behrend students and hopefully will inspire them to live like Colten – with an open heart and a passion for sharing joy around Behrend.”

The second annual Colten D. Brown Memorial Golf Scramble will be held Saturday, June 10. Details are available at coltbrownscholarship.com.