In keeping with a pattern of philanthropy set several years ago, Alton Brann, UMass Boston '69, recently pledged $750,000 to establish the first fully endowed chair in math and science. UNOVA Inc., headquartered in Southern California and the company for which Brann serves as president and ceo, will match his gift with $250,000, making the total of Brann's contribution $1 million dollars. With state matching funds at $500,000, the contribution to UMass Boston comes to $1.5 million.
This is Brann's third major gift to the University. While serving as
president and ceo of Litton Industries, Brann, with a $150,000 gift,
established the Litton Scholarship. A total of $7,000 is awarded
annually to two or more juniors and seniors studying math, computer
science and physical science. When Brann left Litton Industries to
become the chairman and ceo of Western Atlas, he established the
Alton Brann Endowed Scholarship with a $75,000 gift. "Alton Brann has
set a wonderful example of continuous, faithful and generous giving
to his alma mater," said Vice Chancellor of University Advancement
Michael Luck.
A native of Portland, Maine, Brann earned his bachelor's degree in
mathematics from UMass Boston in 1969. While pursuing his degree,
Brann worked at Dynamics Research Corporation based in Wilmington. He
remained with that company until 1973, when he left to become
president and ceo of Litton Industries in Beverly Hills, California.
In addition to being active in several professional associations,
Brann is an honorary co-chair of the UMass Boston First
Campaign Cabinet, the university's first capital campaign, which was
launched in October 1996 to raise $50 million dollars. To date, the
campaign has raised $28 million.