Photos: From school visits to sports clinics, Brown Bears rally behind Providence kids

The excitement didn’t stop there. One day earlier, on Wednesday, Aug. 27, in nearby Fox Point, students at Vartan Gregorian Elementary School were greeted with a rousing first-day welcome from Brown Athletics. More than 70 student-athletes and coaches lined the walkways to the school, forming a spirited parade of cheers, applause and encouragement. As kids made their way inside, they were met with high-fives, fist bumps and words of support from the Brown athletes, setting a joyful tone for the year ahead.

Providence resident Susan Arce, a parent of fifth-grade twins, said as a volunteer in the school, she can see firsthand the joy the event brings. 

“I can see their faces brighten as they go down the halls,” Arce said. “It definitely makes a huge impact, creating a sense of community and setting an example of kindness and support for our kids. It means a lot to me and the other parents, and it makes the start of the day so much more cheery.” 

Ahead of that first day, Brown students also helped get the school community ready for the year ahead. On Thursday, Aug. 21, members of the men’s soccer team joined beautification efforts at the elementary school and nearby Cabral Park as part of an initiative led by Providence City Councilman John Goncalves. Together they rolled up their sleeves to wash and paint surfaces, sand and restore benches, clear litter and refresh outdoor areas for Fox Point students and families.

Local families also joined in the fun at a storytime event held on Brown’s Ittleson Quad earlier this month. The University’s Division of Athletics and Recreation partnered with the Brown University Library to host the gathering, which was part of a summer reading program led by the Providence Public Library and the Community Libraries of Providence. On Saturday, Aug. 16, about 15 families participated in an afternoon of reading books and enjoying lawn games like cornhole, life-sized Connect Four, soccer and football. Kids capped off the day with Bruno-themed coloring pages and a frozen treat from Rhode Island favorite Del’s Lemonade.

Victoria Mealer-Flowers, a senior manager in Brown Athletics, said making a positive impact on local communities delivers on the division’s commitment to community engagement. 

“It’s incredibly important for Brown’s student-athletes to engage in the Providence community because College Hill is just a small part of this vibrant, eclectic city,” Mealer-Flowers said. “It’s crucial that they see that, experience that and become part of the city. Investing their time in the community can transform how they see the world around them. Through these experiences, we hope they recognize the value of learning from one another and understand that investing in others is also an investment in yourself.”