Julia Brown loves music…many kinds. As a girl, she took piano lessons…not long enough to become highly skilled, but long enough to develop appreciation for those who are. Julia has often said, “Every performer needs devoted fans. There’s never been doubt about which role the Good Lord intended for me!”

In school, she played the flute in the school orchestra. She became a dancer and, for many years, enjoyed the world of country-western dance and competitive ballroom dance.

Often, values that are instilled early endure to guide us throughout life. For Julia Brown, the importance of community engagement was one of those values. Through school, church and activities such as Scouting, she learned that community service was rewarding and personally gratifying.

Julia began her career with Eli Lilly and Company and was with the company for 27 years. The company was dedicated to discovery, development, and marketing of important medicines with positive benefits for human health. Lilly established a foundation for charitable giving. The company encouraged charitable giving by employees.  One of Julia’s mentors at Lilly often told her that there are three phases of life… “Learn, Earn, Return.”

“I didn’t always have capacity for philanthropy,” said Julia, “but I think all of us must be responsible citizens.” As an adult, Julia’s philanthropic spirit led her to involvement in various organizations including UCSD, SDSU, PBS, and The San Diego Symphony. 

Julia’s work in philanthropy began with contribution to scholarships.  “I could not have gone to college myself without scholarship support. It made a big difference in the way my life turned out.”

Today, she contributes to four scholarship programs for students pursuing degrees in health care, students in the master’s program for Climate policy at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, students of musical theatre at San Diego State University and students of ballroom dance at Brigham Young University.

Her legacy of charitable giving is bolstered by her tremendous long-term support of The San Diego Symphony. Julia has given generously to The Symphony’s Centennial Campaign, “The Future is Hear” Campaign in support of The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, and most recently, The Jacobs Music Center Renovation and Endowment Campaign. She has also been a member of the Partner with a Player program for many years and recently served as Chair of the Institutional Advancement Committee, advising on The Symphony’s fundraising efforts.  

Julia reflected on the growth she has witnessed during her tenure with the San Diego Symphony. “Twenty years ago, support for the arts [in San Diego] came largely from a very small group of families. Now, when I look at The Rady Shell, and Jacobs Music Center, I see how many people have stepped up in a big way to help make it possible. The contrast is night and day. I’m so proud of how far it has come!”  

Julia believes that every great city needs a great orchestra. She has helped to secure the future for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. “I think the arts are incredibly important for the quality of life in a community,” expressed Julia. “When people look at a city, they look for a community with a diverse array of options for good education, healthcare, and culture." Julia concluded, “The Symphony is the centerpiece of music for the cultural community in San Diego."