Brian Hagberg
ERIE – Though he was just 24 when he succumbed to COVID in January, Warren County native Colten Brown left a lasting impression on almost every life he touched.
Now, those he impacted are looking to make sure that impact reaches future generations as well. Fundraising efforts are underway for the “Colten Brown Mr. Penn State Behrend Award.”
“Colten was the type of son, brother, uncle and friend that everyone wants and needs in their life,” the award’s fundraising page reads. “The lasting impact that he left on unquestionably everyone he encountered was profoundly positive.”
Brown grew up in both Tidioute and Warren and was a Warren Area High School graduate. He attended both Jamestown Community College and Penn State Behrend, where he earned a bachelor’s in psychology. He was an officer with the Erie County Adult Probation and Parole Office.
“Colt had the passion of helping in any way he knew how to,” the page said. “He was a natural leader but was somebody that had the gift of listening. Colten had the innate ability to bring others together while giving them a sense of security and companionship.”
While the scholarship was set up privately, the award’s recipient will be decided by Penn State Behrend.
“The Colten Brown, Mr. Penn State Behrend Award is being set up to honor the legacy of 2018 Penn State Behrend graduate, Colten Brown,” the fundraising page reads. “Colten lost his life to COVID-19 in early 2021, but the impact and legacy he leaves and has left at Behrend, in particular, will live on. To ensure this, the award will be gifted to a student annually who exhibits incredible kindness, service, and work ethic.”
To date, the page has achieved $550 of its initial $2,500 goal. Those wishing to donate may do so here.
