Susan Young Browne, Delaware State University’s oldest living alumna, celebrated her 108th birthday at a gathering held on May 2 at the Harvest House fellowship hall of Whatcoat United Methodist Church in Dover. More than 130 people attended the event to honor Browne, who is also recognized as the oldest living resident of Dover according to Mayor Robin R. Christensen.
The celebration highlighted Browne’s long life and legacy in education and community service. Her milestone was marked by tributes from local officials. Levy Court Commissioners Terry Pepper and Joanne Masten presented a tribute stating: “Ms. Browne has witnessed more than a century of history, growth, and change, and her life stands as a living bridge across generations…. (she is recognized) not only for her longevity but for the legacy she represents: family, community, and the enduring contributions of those who came before us.”
Browne was born on April 24, 1918 in Lincoln, Delaware as one of twelve children. She grew up during an era of segregated schooling and began teaching after graduating from what is now Delaware State University in 1945 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. “The most important things I had in mind were to get an education and become a teacher,” she said in a previous interview for The DSU Echo alumni publication.
Her teaching career spanned three decades through both segregated and integrated schools until her retirement in 1977. Reflecting on this transition she said: “I had to adjust the same as the children had to adjust,” adding that students accepted her regardless of background.
Delaware State University operates as a public institution with land-grant status under federal and state legislation according to its official website. The university manages private funds for scholarships through the DSU Foundation according to its official website and promotes inclusivity by welcoming diverse students while preserving its heritage as an historically Black institution according to its official website. It features advanced facilities such as the Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research according to its official website, operates on a campus with more than fifty buildings organized into four colleges according to its official website, and focuses on providing affordable quality education while promoting high ideals through dedicated support according to its official website.
After retiring from teaching, Browne traveled extensively with her second husband Dr. Clifton Browne until his passing in 2001; her first husband James Young died earlier in 1988. She remains active within Whatcoat United Methodist Church where she has served as an usher and trustee.
While further research continues into university records, it is believed that Susan Young Browne may be Delaware State University’s longest-living graduate.
