Brown University has announced a $10 million gift from chancellor Samuel M. Mencoff and his wife, Ann S. Mencoff, to endow the position of vice president for athletics and recreation.

Currently held by M. Grace Calhoun, the position will be known as the Chancellor Samuel M. Mencoff ’78 Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. The endowment will ensure a sustainable source of funding in support of Brown Athletics leaders. The gift creates the largest known endowed athletics leadership position in the Ivy League.

The Mencoffs previously contributed to the refurbishment of Meehan Auditorium, home of men’s and women’s ice hockey at Brown, and construction of a facility for the lacrosse and soccer teams.

“The plan to elevate Brown Athletics is ambitious, and it is something that the whole community is coming together to support,” said Mencoff. “I look forward to watching our athletes compete for championships in multiple sports and make their own unique contributions to academic life, service, and the communal spirit on College Hill.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/tupungato)