Honoring a Legacy: The Family of Floyd W. Brown Donates a Generous Gift

Minnesota State Moorhead is honored to receive a generous gift from Jacquelyn M. Schaefbauer in memory of her father, Floyd W. Brown, a proud Dragon, Navy Veteran, and former Director of Admissions. Jackie's contribution brings the fund to the endowment level, ensuring her father's legacy will continue to impact future generations. The fund was originally established in 2013 through a joint gift from Floyd's children, Mary A. Christianson, Gregory F. Brown, and Jackie, celebrating his distinguished military service and influential career in education.

Floyd Brown was born on November 2, 1925, and grew up on a farm near Leonard, North Dakota. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1946. He served in the Pacific through 1948 and was later recalled for active duty during the Korean War, where he served aboard the USS Prairie AD15. Brown continued his service in the U.S. Naval Reserve until retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer in 1985, marking more than 27 years of Naval service.

Alongside his military career, Floyd pursued education with equal passion. He earned undergraduate degrees in Business and Social Studies, followed by a master's degree in counseling from North Dakota State University. His career in education included roles as principal, superintendent, and guidance director before joining Moorhead in 1960. Over the next three decades, he served as Guidance Director, Admissions Counselor, Director of High School Relations, and ultimately Director of Admissions.

Under Floyd's leadership, Moorhead's enrollment grew from 2,000 students to more than 8,000. Upon retiring in 1993, Floyd reflected, "How lucky can one be? During the last 32 plus years I have looked forward to each day of work, and contributing as best I could, to this university, its mission and goals." Floyd passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of service, education, and community.

The Brown family's gift will support scholarships in Floyd's memory, ensuring that his dedication to education and military service continues to impact students for generations to come.

"My dad had two passions in life other than his family. The first was helping young adults through counseling and the admissions process for over 30 years. The second was the military. This scholarship/endowment in his memory encapsulates both of those passions." says Jackie Schaefbauer, "This donation means a lot to me because it will allow this memorial scholarship/endowment in his name to continue helping students who have served in the military."

This contribution will also serve as a matching gift for Moorhead's Giving Day on November 13th, encouraging others to honor Floyd's legacy by supporting students through scholarships.

For more information on Giving Day and how you can contribute, visit