Melanie Brooks earns prestigious award

Trine's 'first lady' honored with Woman of Distinction award

 

ANGOLA, Ind. – Trine University honored – and surprised – Melanie Noah Brooks with its Woman of Distinction Award Thursday night during the school’s 16th annual Touchstone Donor Recognition Dinner in Ketner Sports Center.

The event recognizes donors and honors alumni for their contributions of time, service, management and resources to the school.

Brooks is the wife of Trine president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. She has taken an active role at the university since her husband came to Trine 11 years ago. So, keeping the award a secret from her was no easy task.

Brooks is the co-founder and chair of the Trine University Black and White Scholarship Gala, which is headed into its ninth year and has raised nearly $1 million to support student scholarships. She has hosted alumni, donors, friends and employees and attended multiple alumni events. She serves as a welcoming hostess at football games and visits families and friends of the university across the country.

“You are a kind and giving woman, and I could not think of a better person to receive this award,” said university trustee Jack Shaw, who nominated Brooks for the honor. “You exemplify what it means to be a classy lady, one that I hope each woman at this university will emulate.”

With a combination of humor, candor and class, Shaw continued with his presentation of the award

“Friends have described her as being down to earth, loyal, loving, gracious, supportive and small-town girl. She has proven to be a true ambassador of the university in every sense of the word,” Shaw said.

Brooks was born and raised in Ewing, Va., where she graduated from Thomas Walker High School. She earned an associate of science in business degree from Lincoln Memorial University, where she met her husband, university president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. She went on to earn a bachelor of science in business from Wesley College in Dover, Delaware, where she also attended graduate school and completed studies toward her master’s of business administration.

“Trine University is proud and lucky to recognize the contributions and achievements of its first lady. Together, along with many alumni, friends and supporters, she embraced the vision that clearly places Trine University today as a leader among higher education institutions in the Midwest,” Shaw said. “Your husband says you deserve far more credit for the success than him. Thank you, Melanie. This award is only a small token of our appreciation.”

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.