ALUMNI
Alumni Profile | Class of 2013
Robert Brown
Then & Now
I recently graduated cum laude from Mercer
University in Macon, Georgia with a Bachelor
of Science in Chemical Commerce. This degree
concentrates both on Business Management
classes and advanced Chemistry courses
with the hopes of integrating the two areas of
study to create a more thorough and well-
rounded education for those looking to go
into the business side of chemical engineering
and healthcare companies. I also had the
opportunity to play football at the Division 1
level for four years while at Mercer. As a tight
end, I set the Mercer football record for career
receiving yards.
In June, I began my tenure with Univar
U.S.A., a Fortune 500 chemical distribution
company, as a Sales Associate in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. I am so grateful for the education
CPA and Mercer provided me along the way.
school, I participated in rigorous academic
classes, competed on multiple athletic teams,
and performed in two different musicals. I
found tremendous value in the diversity of
different experiences. This led me to pursue
vastly different avenues while I was in college,
including sports, a wide variety of courses, and
mission work.
The aspect of CPA I most appreciate is the
way the faculty genuinely loves the students.
When I was at CPA, I am sure I was very
difficult to love. I know I made it harder on my
teachers, coaches, and administrators rather
than easier; yet, not once did I ever question
their commitment to my character and who I
was becoming as a man. I saw unconditional
love through these men and women and that
has stuck with me to this day. I hope it manifests
itself through my relationships today.
Describe how you
believe you may have
How did your experience an influence on today’s
at CPA prepare you for
culture.
your current pursuits?
The first time I went on a mission trip out
CPA instilled in me the value of a well-
rounded educational experience. In high
of the country was with many of my CPA
classmates, and the trip was led by many
involved the CPA community, including then-
high-school-principal Nate Morrow. Through
that experience, I realized that education could
expand my sphere of influence. I began to
wrestle with t he duty I felt—to not only use my
education for my career—but also to impact the
world. This sense of duty led me to a Chemistry
research-based mission trip through Mercer-
On-A-Mission to Zaruma, Ecuador. Our team
detected mercury in the air due to gold mining,
and we developed a method to map our data,
which has recently been implemented by the
EPA. While in Ecuador, we presented our
findings to the local government and eased their
worry that mercury pollution was affecting
a local school. After returning to the Mercer,
we were given the opportunity to present our
research to the Mercer Board of Trustees-
among the audience sat former President of
the United States, Jimmy Carter. I know I will
continue to find ways to exercise the resources
I have been given through my education to
impact the world around me.
I have also been a Young Life leader in
Macon, Georgia, for three years, and most
recently been on staff. I am excited to continue
the friendships I’ve made through this program
and conversations we have had about life and
especially about the gospel.
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