As we prepare to celebrate our 2023 Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award honorees and the 20th anniversary of the awards, we take a moment to reflect on one of the exemplary individuals who embodies the core principles of this special university honor.
In 2008, Shirley Brown was recognized for her remarkable contributions toward forging enduring partnerships within the St. Louis community. Since graduating from Washington University in 1965, Shirley has devoted herself to improving the St. Louis Public Schools and enriching the educational opportunities afforded to each student.
From 1965 to 2023, Shirley made substantial contributions to transforming educational opportunities within the St. Louis Public Schools.
“I am pleased that my involvement with educational partnerships began when I was a graduate student here at Washington University,” she said. “I continue to be gratified that these initiatives subsequently grew into a program that I hope has made a positive impact in and on the St. Louis community.”
Shirley’s work has touched a vast expanse of people throughout St. Louis. As an administrator for the School Partnership Program at St. Louis Public Schools, she spearheaded over 300 partnerships between the district and community advocates. These included Fortune 500 companies, cultural institutions, hospitals, governmental agencies, professional sports teams, and the media. She also facilitated partnerships with several universities, including the University of Missouri-Columbia and Washington University, resulting in the provision of over $3 million in-kind contributions to the city’s schools.
Since being honored in 2008, Shirley has continued her work with St. Louis Public Schools as a part-time consultant. “I assist with select educational partnerships between and among SLPS and the public and private sectors,” she said.
Shirley’s unwavering commitment to the under-served youth of St. Louis has been a driving force throughout her career. In addition to coordinating countless partnerships, she managed seven summer programs that were co-sponsored by the Wellston School District. Further, she collaborated with the Washington University School of Medicine to create pathways for aspiring doctors.
“These partnerships not only have an academic focus, designed to reinforce classroom instruction, but they also foster in the students the notion of Servant Leadership,” Shirley said.
Shirley’s strength lies in the personal relationships she builds with individuals in the community.
“Shirley recognizes the disparities within the community that have often discouraged or kept students from pursuing their educational goals,” said Diana Barbosa ‘09 in her original nomination of Shirley for the award. “She sees past these barriers, empowering each student with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
The impact of Shirley’s contributions has been immeasurable and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations to work toward creating a better future for under-served communities.
As we prepare to celebrate our 2023 Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award honorees and the 20th anniversary of the awards, we take a moment to reflect on one of the exemplary individuals who embodies the core principles of this special university honor.
In 2008, Shirley Brown was recognized for her remarkable contributions toward forging enduring partnerships within the St. Louis community. Since graduating from Washington University in 1965, Shirley has devoted herself to improving the St. Louis Public Schools and enriching the educational opportunities afforded to each student.
From 1965 to 2023, Shirley made substantial contributions to transforming educational opportunities within the St. Louis Public Schools.
“I am pleased that my involvement with educational partnerships began when I was a graduate student here at Washington University,” she said. “I continue to be gratified that these initiatives subsequently grew into a program that I hope has made a positive impact in and on the St. Louis community.”
Shirley’s work has touched a vast expanse of people throughout St. Louis. As an administrator for the School Partnership Program at St. Louis Public Schools, she spearheaded over 300 partnerships between the district and community advocates. These included Fortune 500 companies, cultural institutions, hospitals, governmental agencies, professional sports teams, and the media. She also facilitated partnerships with several universities, including the University of Missouri-Columbia and Washington University, resulting in the provision of over $3 million in-kind contributions to the city’s schools.
Since being honored in 2008, Shirley has continued her work with St. Louis Public Schools as a part-time consultant. “I assist with select educational partnerships between and among SLPS and the public and private sectors,” she said.
Shirley’s unwavering commitment to the under-served youth of St. Louis has been a driving force throughout her career. In addition to coordinating countless partnerships, she managed seven summer programs that were co-sponsored by the Wellston School District. Further, she collaborated with the Washington University School of Medicine to create pathways for aspiring doctors.
“These partnerships not only have an academic focus, designed to reinforce classroom instruction, but they also foster in the students the notion of Servant Leadership,” Shirley said.
Shirley’s strength lies in the personal relationships she builds with individuals in the community.
“Shirley recognizes the disparities within the community that have often discouraged or kept students from pursuing their educational goals,” said Diana Barbosa ‘09 in her original nomination of Shirley for the award. “She sees past these barriers, empowering each student with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
The impact of Shirley’s contributions has been immeasurable and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations to work toward creating a better future for under-served communities.