College of the Holy Cross - Purple Patcher Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

Page 22 text:

The commitment to Christian ideals within higher education which led Bishop Joseph Fenwick to estab- lish the College of the Holy Cross motivates John E. Brooks, S.J. in his work as alumnus, teacher, and administrator. Fr. Brooks' long relationship with Holy Cross began in his days as a member of the Class of I949. After obtaining Masters Degrees in philosophy and geophysics from Boston College, he returned to Holy Cross as instructor from l954 to I956. Fr. Brooks was ordained a priest in the Society of Jesus in I959 and in l963 obtained his Doctorate in Sacred Theol- ogy from Gregorian University in Rome. The same year, he returned to Mount Saint James, beginning twenty years of continuous service to Holy Cross. First as instructor of theology, and later as Dean and Vice-President, Fr. Brooks set forth high aca- demic standards and quickly distinguished himself as an ardent proponent of the liberal arts. His con- cern for excellence within education led to his ap- pointment as 25th President of Holy Cross in l97O. In the l979-80 President's Report he indicates the na- ture of the liberal arts education. . . the primary purpose of Holy Cross is not to make chemists, or historians, or doctors or lawyers, but to allow and DEDICATIQ encourage our students to test their mental capaci- ties, to explore the possibilities and responsibilities of freedom, and to assist them in giving shape to their own inchoate sense of themselves and their promise as leaders. In conjunction with his concern for academic ex- cellence, Fr. Brooks has successfully worked to per- ceive the needs of Holy Cross within the context of a changing society. ln l968, while Dean, he actively sought to diversify the student body by recruiting 60 black students. ln l972, as president, he led the smooth transition to coeducation. More recently, he provided leadership for The Campaign for Holy Cross, thereby promoting growth in the endowment and improvement in the physical plant. Such administrative demands, however, have not prevented Fr. Brooks from maintaining awareness of student needs. His classroom activity and presence on campus exemplify his concern for present and future students. In appreciation for his Christian leadership and his commitment to higher education, in short for his unending service to the College of the Holy Cross, the I983 Purple Patcher is dedicated to John E. Brooks, S.J.

Page 21 text:

17'

Page 23 text:

1 1 REV. JOH E. BRQOKS, SJ. 71 716 P I 4 .Y i I i 1 tial!!! fl if f A 7 'U 5584 gif L 1 I 1 I 1 4 I i