Eugenia Brin, a remarkable Russian immigrant and retired NASA scientist, passed away on Dec. 3, 2024, at the age of 76. Her life was intertwined with that of her accomplished family and a profound impact on the University of Maryland. With her husband, Michael Brin, a professor emeritus of mathematics, they became significant benefactors, donating nearly $57 million to various UMD programs.

"Eugenia Brin's Philanthropic Impact on UMD"

Her Journey from Moscow to Maryland

Eugenia was born on Aug. 19, 1948, in Moscow. In a society where she faced discrimination as a Jewish woman, she managed to enroll at Moscow State University's School of Mechanics and Mathematics. After graduation, she began her career in a research lab at the Soviet Oil and Gas Institute. In 1978, Michael applied for an exit visa for their family, a dangerous yet crucial step. Eugenia was forced to resign from her position and had to fabricate a reason for leaving. The following year, their exit visa was granted, and they immigrated to Maryland. Here, Eugenia embarked on a new chapter as a research scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, focusing on climate and weather forecasting. Michael became a professor of mathematics at UMD.This journey was not just a physical move but a transformation that would shape their lives and the University of Maryland.

The Impact on UMD Programs

The Brins' support was felt in every corner of the UMD campus. They donated to programs in mathematics, computer science, climate science, Russian studies, the performing arts, and the Campus Pantry. Their generosity manifested in the establishment of 11 new endowed chairs and professorships, such as the Brin Mathematics Research Center and the Maya Brin Institute for New Performance. They also funded faculty residency and fellowship programs and even a summer math camp for high schoolers.Amitabh Varshney, dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS), emphasized the impact, stating, "Eugenia and Michael Brin's philanthropy has created unprecedented opportunities for faculty members and students in mathematics and computer science at Maryland. The establishment of these centers and professorships has undoubtedly elevated the reputation of the University of Maryland."

Philanthropy in the Arts and Humanities

In the College of Arts and Humanities, the Brins' gifts had a tremendous impact. Stephanie Shonekan, dean of the college, highlighted their support for the Maya Brin Institute for New Performance. Through this institute, they enabled the advancement of creative technologies in artistic performance and attracted outstanding faculty and students.They established the Maya Brin Endowed Professorship in Dance and the Maya Brin Distinguished Lecturer in Russian. They also created the Maya Brin Residency Program to bring leading cultural figures to campus. In 2021, they gave $9 million to the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies to create the Maya Brin Institute for New Performance, adding courses, expanding research, and funding new teaching positions.

Philanthropy in Medicine and Research

Eugenia's battle with Parkinson's disease led her to become a leading advocate for research. In 1998, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 50. She joined the Patient Council of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. In 2008, the Brin family established the Eugenia Brin Professorship in Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.Their philanthropy extended to the establishment of the Brin Mathematics Research Center. In 2021, a $4.75 million gift established this center, expanding and spotlighting UMD's mathematics and statistics research excellence nationally and internationally. It attracts hundreds of mathematicians every year for workshops, summer schools, and distinguished lectures.In March, they endowed the math center with a $27.2 million gift, establishing two new endowed professorships in mathematics and launching the Brin Maryland Mathematics Camp. This was the fourth-largest outright gift to the university from an individual and the largest ever to the Department of Mathematics.Dorothy Levy, UMD Mathematics Chair and Professor, expressed gratitude, saying, "The Department of Mathematics is forever indebted to Eugenia and Michael Brin for their generosity and continued support. We will always cherish Eugenia's friendship and her inspiring personality."Eugenia Brin's life and philanthropy have left an indelible mark on the University of Maryland and beyond. She will be remembered for her courage, her dedication to various fields, and her generous spirit.Brin is survived by her husband of 53 years, Michael, her sons Sergey '93 and Samuel '09, and four grandchildren.