In Memoriam

For nearly two decades, David and Sheila Brown championed DCP students and families with their whole hearts. They would often say, in the true spirit of philanthropy,  that what they get from DCP is much more than what they give. We grieve the loss of our friends and mentors and cherish our time together working to achieve DCP’s mission. 

As a board member and advisor, Dave coached DCP through many challenges: charter school politics, growth to east San Jose, facility financing, strategic planning, and so much more. While he enjoyed problem-solving, Dave thrived on mentoring others. When I reached out to him, he’d say “my time is your time.” He listened, questioned, and shared parallel experiences from his career. If I was working through a particularly thorny problem, he’d say “let’s meet at Alice’s Restaurant,” located atop Skyline Blvd. And like a mountaintop magic trick, solutions, and the confidence to pursue them, would appear. 

Dave and Sheila loved being with our students and seeing them succeed. They were especially committed to removing barriers. When DCP had an opportunity to finance and build independent facilities, Dave and Sheila were lead donors to our capital campaign. When DCP created a fund to support DACA renewals for DCP staff, students and families, Dave and Sheila were the first to give. After talking with DCP engineering students about their aspirations to construct a tiny house, Dave texted me that he wanted to fund the project as soon as possible.

Earlier this year, following an intimate celebration with parents, staff and donors where hopes and dreams were shared, Dave told me that being affiliated with DCP was one of the most gratifying parts of his life. At the end of July, he texted me a news article about Latinos representing the largest group accepted to the University of California. He wrote “DCP played a part in this.” He didn’t overstate DCP’s contribution but nonetheless recognized it. Exactly what you’d expect from an engineer with a great big heart. 

David and Sheila knew that audacious goals require passion, connection, humility and persistence. In their memory and honor, we re-commit to DCP’s mission and go forward with David and Sheila in our hearts.