Ernest H. Brooks II Returns to Speak at Commencement Ceremony
Left to right: Tracy Trotter, Ernest H. Brooks II, Dr. Roger Andersen, David Litschel. Photo Credit: Justin Miller
Ernest H. Brooks II was the featured speaker at the April 26 commencement ceremony and what a special experience it was for the 33 graduates as well as their family and friends! Mr. Brooks shared with everyone a special video featuring some of his internationally acclaimed underwater photography. He received two standing ovations from the enthusiastic audience. His photographic legacy is the evidence that has illustrated the dramatic changes in our oceans. He remains an influential voice for oceanic exploration and the preservation of our marine environment. “Ernie Brooks Jr.” (as he was commonly known) served as President of Brooks Institute of Photography in 1990 with the passing of his father, the school’s founding president. He served as leader of the school until 1999. I presented Mr. Brooks with the Exceptional Distinction Award at the graduation ceremony in recognition of his major contributions to the profession of photography. The almost 12,000 “Brookies” (alumni) located throughout the world owe at least some of their success to his true passion – both for photography and for what has become an internationally renowned school that is now 63 years old and officially called Brooks Institute.
