Archive

Archive for August, 2009

A Diploma and a Diamond Ring

August 31st, 2009

This past Sunday (August 30), 100 students participated in our October Commencement ceremony held at the historic Arlington Theatre in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara. The last two graduates to receive their Bachelor of Arts degree diplomas in Professional Photography were Katie Groth and Ace Ujimori.  Katie and Ace met when they started at Brooks three years ago. Upon receiving her diploma, Katie attempted to return to her seat with the other graduates but I asked her to stand with me as Ace crossed the stage to receive his diploma. Once Ace received his diploma from me, he turned to Katie, got down on one knee, and pulled out a small jewelry box and opened it to reveal an engagement ring. “Katie Groth, will you marry me?”  When Katie jumped into his arms with tears in her eyes, the entire graduating class erupted in cheers and gave this very special couple a standing ovation that lasted several minutes. Although most couples clearly remember where they were when they became engaged, I doubt that Katie and Ace will ever forgot this very important moment in their lives – and Brooks Institute history! “Commencement” means beginning. This past Sunday ’s commencement was truly a new beginning for Katie and Ace and their lives together as they become Brookies (Brooks Institute alumni). Katie and Ace: the very best to you from all of your family at Brooks Institute!

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Brooks Institute announces participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program under the Post-9/11 GI Bill

August 25th, 2009

yellow ribbon

Brooks Institute is proud to announce that the United States Department of Veterans Affairs  has given approval for the school to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Yellow Ribbon Program became effective on August 1, 2009 and Brooks Institute has already begun enrolling veterans for its September/October academic session.

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will pay tuition and fees benefits up to each state’s highest public undergraduate tuition per credit hour and fees per term. In the state of California, eligible veterans will receive up to $287 per credit hour (based on eligibility tier) for classes taken at approved institutions of higher learning.  Brooks Institute continues to demonstrate its commitment to the support of our military population through its participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.  For veterans who are 100% eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Brooks Institute will provide  contributions, through the Yellow Ribbon Program, in the form of an institutional grant of up to $4,525 per year for tuition and fees that exceed the CA in-state maximum.  The VA will match this contribution, thus providing up to $9,050 for eligible veterans and ensuring military students have the opportunity to obtain an affordable degree from a premier institution.

“Eligible veterans will also receive a monthly housing allowance of up to $1,800 per month, as well as a yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 every 12 months,”  according to Brooks Institute President Dr. Roger C. Andersen.  “This new program provides veterans with a very attractive financial benefit package to attend Brooks Institute and obtain their degrees in professional photography, film, visual journalism or graphic design.”

Whether someone is completely new to the field or seeking new skills to enhance an established career, Brooks Institute’s educational philosophy of “learning by doing” can provide a person with the artistic, technical, and business expertise needed in the field of photography.

“Our 63-year old school achieved its greatest growth in the late-1940s and early-1950s with the passage of the GI Bill that followed World War II,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs David Litschel.  “Many veterans decided to pursue their dream of a career in the visual arts by attending Brooks Institute of Photography – now Brooks Institute. We anticipate another large number of veterans will take advantage of this great new program to pursue their dream at our prestigious school.”

Classes are taught by experienced instructors in professional photography, film, visual journalism, and graphic design at beautiful, scenic campus locations in Santa Barbara, California.

For more information about Brooks Institute visit www.brooks.edu.

For more information about the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/yellow_ribbon/index.htm.

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Come And See What Our Students Are Up To!

August 24th, 2009

My Office Becomes the Set for a Photo Shoot!

August 18th, 2009
Robb Klassen (right) shoots as his models/actors work the scene

Robb Klassen (right) shoots as his models/actors work the scene

Today, Professional Photography student Robb Klassen turned my office into the office of a 1950’s music manager for the photo story he is shooting as his portfolio project.

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Alumnus Tim Mantoani Brings “Behind Photographs” to Brooks Institute’s Gallery 27

August 4th, 2009

Please join us this Thursday, Aug. 6, for this extraordinary exhibit which was featured at MOPLA, on NPR, and in Rangefinder Magazine!

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Brooks Institute Presents Local Firefighters With A Poster Created By Faculty, Students, Staff and Alumni To Say, “Thanks!”

August 3rd, 2009
Photo Credit: Laurel Costa

Photo Credit: Laurel Costa/Brooks Institute

On Friday, July 31st, Brooks Institute honored local firefighters in a private reception by giving them a poster of images from the Jesusita Fire along with messages of thanks. The poster was conceptualized by BI faculty member Bill Robbins and composed of images taken by students, staff, faculty and alumni. Those on-hand to accept a framed version of the poster and letter of gratitude on behalf of their department were: Interim Fire Chief for the City of Santa Barbara Fire Department, Andrew DiMizio; Fire Chief for the City of Montecito Fire Department, Kevin Wallace; Battalion Chief for the Ventura County Fire Department, Bryan Vanden Bossche; and Captain Ron Topolinski of the Ventura County Fire Department. Thank you to all who worked very hard to stop the Jesusita Wildfire.

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