UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jim Brown has been one of the most recognizable faces behind the tradition, growth and popularity of the Penn State Berkey Creamery, helping generations of Penn Staters create memories over cones, cups and milkshakes.
Now, after more than two decades of service, the manager of sales and marketing for the celebrated campus destination is set to retire June 8, trading his ice cream scoop for a fishing rod as he begins his next chapter.
“Being part of such an iconic gathering place on campus — watching students, alumni and visitors create lasting memories — has been incredibly rewarding,” he said. “It’s been a privilege to contribute to something that means so much to so many and to give back to the Penn State community in that way.”
Brown joined the Creamery in 2005 and now has more than 30 years of experience in the sales and dairy industries. Since then, he has played a key role in expanding the Creamery’s retail and wholesale operations while helping strengthen its reputation as one of Penn State’s most recognizable and sought-after places to visit on campus.
Among the accomplishments Brown is most proud of are helping to keep the Creamery fully operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting initiatives that expanded the Creamery’s reach, including the development of its e-commerce shipping warehouse and growth in online sales.
He supported the Creamery’s move in 2006, when the 141-year-old operation relocated one block east on Curtin Road from its longtime home in Borland Laboratory — where it had been for 74 years — into the Berkey Creamery in the new Food Science Building.
In addition to his marketing, advertising and brand-promotion responsibilities, Brown frequently partnered with colleges, departments and campus organizations on various projects, guided by his longtime philosophy, “We are all Penn State.”
It’s a message he often shared with colleagues, including Lauren Hassinger, marketing strategy specialist who’s worked with Brown for several years. She described him as a champion of the Creamery and Penn State.
“Jim’s passion for the Creamery and his work ethic are second to none,” Hassinger said. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jim on marketing projects that tell the story, tradition and experience of the Penn State Berkey Creamery. He’s a true wealth of knowledge and always looks for ways to make things better, not just for customers, but for the College of Agricultural Sciences and the University as a whole.”
Brown reflected on the many relationships and collaborations that defined his time at Penn State, from working with campus partners and vendors to supporting major events. And that, he said, is what he’ll miss the most.
“I’ll miss the people,” he said. “Fellow workers, University partners, vendors and visitors all have had a hand in building the Creamery tradition.”
Brown said he believes the Creamery’s impact on Penn State extends far beyond ice cream. As the nation’s largest university creamery, it serves as a working laboratory for students, and the revenue generated by its operations supports research, outreach and philanthropic initiatives across Penn State.
“The Creamery is a living extension of the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Department of Food Science,” Brown said. “Students are involved in all aspects of the operation, and the business gives back directly to the University and the community in many ways. The Creamery is positioned to support the University more than ever before. I’m proud to have had a hand in helping build that.”
Robert Roberts, professor and head of the Department of Food Science, praised Brown for his contributions.
“It has been my pleasure to work with Jim since he joined the Creamery in 2005," Roberts said. "He has done a tremendous job promoting and growing the Creamery store and has been instrumental in modernizing our marketing and operations. He has been a tireless advocate for the Creamery, our department, the college and Penn State. I wish him well as he embarks on whatever comes next.”
In retirement, Brown said he looks forward to spending more time outdoors with his grandchildren, family and friends while continuing to cheer on the Creamery and the traditions that have meant so much to him throughout his career.
“I hope that generations of Penn State and Creamery families continue passing this tradition on to their children,” Brown said. “I also hope more University relationships and partnerships continue to grow because stronger unity allows everyone to prosper.”