Major donation helps fund Michigan football’s locker-room renovation

The ongoing renovation of the Michigan football team’s locker-room facility inside Schembechler Hall got a boost Wednesday with a multi-million dollar donation.

A $7 million gift from the Monroe-Brown Foundation was earmarked for the $24 million summer project that includes new locker room and office facilities inside Schembechler Hall, 1200 S. State Street in Ann Arbor, and the William Davidson Player Development Center adjacent to Crisler Center.

In the announcement, Michigan said a portion of the $7 million pledge would also be used to support ongoing maintenance projects and long-term infrastructure needs.

“We are so grateful for the Monroe-Brown Foundation’s incredible generosity,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. “We share a firm belief in education and supporting the efforts of young adults to help them succeed in whatever career path they choose. The foundation’s support, and our proud partnership with a legendary Michigan football family, make it possible for Michigan Athletics to continue supporting our student-athletes in all facets of their college experience.”

The Monroe-Brown Foundation was established in 1986 and honors Albertine Monroe Brown and Robert J. Brown, the latter of which was an All-American guard who played on Michigan’s 1923 national championship football team and was captain of the 1925 team under Fielding Yost. His son, Robert M. Brown, played on the Michigan football team in 1961 and 1962.

Robert J. Brown would go on to serve as U-M regent from 1967 to 1974.

“Donating to a new football locker room is more than just supporting a new building — it’s about preserving a tradition shared by past teams, including my father’s team, my team, as well as strengthening our future Michigan football family, fostering team spirit, and enhancing our competitive edge,” Robert M. Brown sad in a statement.

“Together, we can create a space where athletes bond, grow and prepare to uphold the University of Michigan’s legacy of excellence on and off the field.”

With the donation, Michigan has committed to naming the locker room used by the team the Robert J. Brown and Robert M. Brown Sr. Locker Room.

“The Brown family has a long history of supporting Michigan football and its student-athletes, on and off the field,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said in a statement. “We are so appreciative to the family of Robert M. Brown Sr. and Robert J. Brown for their continued generosity and commitment to Michigan football and U-M athletics.

“The Brown family’s leadership and generosity have helped us continue to supply our team and staff with the best resources available. We are so grateful.”