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Brown to give commencement speech
News · April 30, 2025
A prominent Eastern Iowa businessman, philanthropist and Coe College alumnus, as well as an accomplished current student will address the Class of 2025 during Coe’s Commencement on May 4.
Forest Brown, president of Brown’s Family of Dealerships, will address Kohawk graduates as Coe College’s 2025 Commencement guest speaker.
He is a 1990 graduate.
“Brown has a passion for the local communities his businesses serve, for Coe College and especially for his family,” read a press release. “His role as guest speaker will be a particularly proud moment as his daughter, Reagan, will be listening as a member of Coe’s Class of 2025.”
After graduating from Coe with a degree in business administration, Brown went to work in the automotive industry. He is currently the president of Brown’s Family of Dealerships, which originated in Guttenberg.
Now, he leads four dealerships across Eastern Iowa including Guttenberg, Elkader, West Branch and Victory Ford in Dyersville.
The team and family under the Brown’s umbrella has grown to more than 200 employees, and has won numerous “Best of” and “Community Choice” awards, always treating customers like family.
A strong proponent of community, Brown maintains active leadership roles outside his professional life. He is president of the Brown’s Hometown Victories Foundation, a non-profit focused on giving back to the areas his dealerships serve.
Brown has also served as president of the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce, vice chair for a local living center, president of his church council and chairperson for a professional dealership association. Brown and wife Tina live in Guttenberg and have three children.
Celestte Panduro-Orellana, Class of 2025, will address her classmates as the student speaker.
Coe’s Commencement ceremony will be held Sunday, May 4, at 10 a.m. on the Stewart Memorial Library Quad.
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