Nicholas Brown (1769-1841) gave his name to Brown University. He graduated from the College of Rhode Island in 1786, and was a businessman and philanthropist based in Providence, Rhode Island. He was such an immense benefactor of his alma mater that in 1804 it was renamed Brown University in his honour.

With regard to RI Hall, it was a letter from Nicholas Brown that provided the needed impetus to go ahead with plans for the building. The letter from March 18, 1839, presented a lot on George Street for “another College edifice for the accommodation of the Departments of Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Geology, and Natural History.” He also pledged $3,000 for the edifice, provided others would subscribe a like amount by the first of May.

He died a year after RI Hall was dedicated, and so barely got to see the use of the new building that he sponsored, and that significantly expanded the University's scope.

Notable characters in the history of RI Hall

Encyclopedia Brunoniana entry for RI Hall- a short history

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