Kogod School of Business Professor Emeritus Donald Brenner passed away on Jan. 8.
Brenner worked as a faculty member, department chair and acting dean of the business school beginning in 1957 and stayed at AU for over 46 years, retiring in 2003 with emeritus status.
“One semester, I was teaching a morning MBA class,” Kogod Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Ajay Adhikari wrote in an email. “...Around 8 a.m. without fail, Don would arrive at my office with a cup of coffee and a pastry from McDonald’s for me. He was a true people's person, they just don't make them like that anymore.”
Brenner began his AU career as an adjunct professor. By 1979, he was a full-time professor in the Department of Accounting and Taxation in Kogod. In addition to teaching, Brenner was a member of multiple committees in advisory roles, such as AU’s NCAA Academic Subcommittee. Brenner also worked as faculty advisor to both the Phi Sigma Kappa and Alpha Kappa Psi fraternities, according to Adhikari.
Brenner won the University Faculty Award for Outstanding Service to the University Community in 2002, a year before he retired. That same year, the Donald R. Brenner Undergraduate Teacher of the Year Award was established in Kogod.
“He loved AU and was a true ambassador for the University. Even after his retirement, he had an office in one of the dorms where he met prospective students and their parents,” Adhikari said in the email.
Brenner is succeeded by his wife, Gail Brenner, their four children and six grandchildren, according to his obituary published in The Washington Post. A memorial was held in Kay Chapel on Jan. 11.
