October 16, 2023
Earl D. Brooks, II, Ph.D., chancellor and retired president of Trine University, was inducted into the Greater Fort Wayne Business Hall of Fame on Sept. 21 during Junior Achievement’s Business and Education Leadership celebration.
Dr. Brooks was elected 16th President of the university in January 2000; at 44 years old, he was the youngest university president in the state of Indiana. On May 31, he retired after 23 years in the position.
His legacy includes transitioning the university from undergraduate to graduate and doctorate degree status, adding numerous fields of study, increasing student enrollment to nearly 10,000 national and international students, and the awarding of more than 40,000 degrees.
“Dr. Brooks is an inspiration to all of us who offer young people the innovative educational experiences they crave and the knowledge they can gain working with educators and mentors like Junior Achievement volunteers. Together, we are preparing young people for future success in their career fields,” says Lena Yarian, president, Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana.
The Hall of Fame was established in 1984 as a testament to the free enterprise system and to men and women with vision, foresight, courage, outstanding character, and leadership qualities. To date, 100 business leaders have been inducted.
Trine University students learned about opportunities available with the Purdue Data Mine during a special presentation on April 10 in the Mark and Sarah Music/Ruoff Mortgage Esports Arena.
Trine University has received a lead gift from Dr. Rick L. James, alumnus and chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Dr. Vicki L. James, for a new building to house Trine’s business school.
Trine University’s esports teams won the Block House Esports League MIAA competition Sunday, April 12, the first time Trine has secured the title in back-to-back semesters.