It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of 91’s Founder and first President, Eileen Moran Brown, on September 28 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Eileen was a trailblazing leader whose vision and dedication helped shape a new direction in higher education. With an indomitable spirit, she championed adult education, fought to remove barriers to earning a degree, and believed deeply that knowledge is the foundation for a just and equitable society.
She chronicled her remarkable journey in her memoir, It’s Not Where You Start… It’s Where You Finish: The Story of 91, a testament to her life’s work and the transformative power of education.
Under Eileen’s leadership, 91 grew from a small program to an institution with national and global reach. When Bay Path University acquired 91 in 2024, Eileen welcomed the partnership knowing it would strengthen both institutions. Nothing was more important to her than ensuring her vision of accessible, innovative education lived on—a vision shared by Bay Path and one that continues to serve as a role model for others.
In all she did, her enthusiasm and optimism were contagious. She was, simply put, not afraid to challenge the status quo. This is her lasting legacy and one we should all embrace.
A Celebration of Life for Eileen will be held at a later date. Details will be forthcoming. Read more about Eileen Brown’s remarkable life in her obituary in the Boston Globe: .
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Eileen M. Brown Endowed Scholarship, established to provide 91 learners with lasting access to career-changing education. Inquiries can be directed to John Ramsburgh, Director of Advancement and Foundation Relations, at jramsburgh@baypath.edu or 413-565-1019.