Napier Park Cares

Berklee College of Music

Jim O’Brien, Senior Managing Partner of Napier Park Global Capital, and his wife Judy gave a generous gift to the Berklee College of Music to have the dining hall stage named in honor of singer-songwriter Jackson Browne.  The O’Briens were inspired to make the gift in Jackson Browne’s honor in part to recognize him for his volunteer work with students at the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center in Los Angeles.  Jim and Judy are both longtime supporters of the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center and Jim currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors.  They hope that Berklee students for years to come will find inspiration on a stage named for Browne.

To learn more about the dedication, please visit: https://www.berklee.edu/news/berklee-dedicates-jackson-browne-stage

About Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center

The Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center (FPCAC) is a non-profit organization, which provides quality arts instruction to 600 under-served students, age 8-20 years old, in South Los Angeles. FPCAC teachers provide a program filled with structure and well planned curriculum to help their students build self-esteem, develop civic responsibility and learn to apply the same dedication and commitment to their academic efforts.

This is particularly important because Performing Arts assist in children’s development and enriches the lives of the community. Arts, including theatre, are vital to a well-rounded education and person. Yet, many local public schools offer little to no performing arts programs. Arts instruction has been proven to raise test scores, improve reading and communication skills, improve school attendance and reduce High School dropout rates.

The donations that Michael was able to raise through his efforts will allow 45 jazz students to gain access to both instruments and practice time. These donations will also help put cameras in the hands of 60 film students. FPCAC has assisted thousands of children in gaining acceptance to college, and four students of the program have gone on to win Grammys. 

To learn more about The Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center please visit http://pullumcenter.org/

Fernando Pullum, Dianna Cohen, Judy O’Brien, Jackson Browne, Jim O’Brien and Berklee President Roger Brown at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on the Jackson Browne Stage in the Berklee Dining Hall