President’s Blog

Photo Credit: Nina Gomez

Recently the Commercial class in our School of Film pitched the idea to me to make a short film explaining Brooks Institute’s Red Dot Policy. This policy was developed a very long time ago at Brooks to ensure that all students use our industry-current equipment and modern up-to-date facilities in a professional, safe, respectful and dependable manner.

Best of all, the students asked me to “star” in this video!

How could I turn down an opportunity to launch my big-screen career – especially after reviewing the script?

This film will be featured during our orientations to help students better understand the Red Dot Policy. No doubt the film will receive some laughs (whether intended or not!) while communicating to our new students key aspects of the policies and procedures used to check out equipment and reserve facilities.

Special thanks to the great film crew (below). They were well organized, professional and, best of all, fun to work with!

From Left to Right: Producer, Taylor Erickson; Director of Photography, Danielle Sandoval; Brooks Institute President, Dr. Roger Andersen; Sound Specialist/Actor, Eric Guerrero; and Director, Jared Alden (Not pictured: Editor, Dan Simmons) Photo Credit: Nina Gomez

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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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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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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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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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Brooks Institute will serve as a major sponsor and the Ventura campus will be a venue for the 2009 Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival. The Festival will hold events at the campus on Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7. (The Festival will run from Thursday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 8.) On Friday, Nov. 6, Festival films will be shown in two locations at the Ventura campus, including a special award ceremony for Haskell Wexler, ASC. Mr. Wexler has also agreed to participate in student panel discussions on Saturday, Nov. 7. All Brooks Institute students will receive a free festival pass. Brooks Institute’s School of Film faculty member Richard Fortinberry is coordinating arrangements between the school and the Festival.

From left to right: Rich Fortinberry, Faculty Member - Brooks Institute School of Film; David Shor, President - Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival; President Andersen; Meegan Huff, Executive Director - Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival; Photo Credit: Paul Gomez/Brooks Institute

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From left to right: Pat Seminario, Rick Rickman, President Andersen, Photo Credit: Nina Gomez/Brooks Institute

Images from Rick Rickman’s book The Wonder Years are on exhibit at the Visions Gallery located inside the Marriott Ventura Beach. Last Thursday, July 16, the opening reception was held at this premiere Ventura hotel, hosted by General Manager Pat Seminario (left). The Wonder Years exhibit will be on display through August 28, 2009.

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Left to right: Bill Robbins, Roberto Riccio, Dr. Roger Andersen, David Litschel Photo credit: Tracy Trotter

Roberto Riccio, Managing Director of Istituto Marangoni, a world renowned fashion and design school with campuses in Paris, London and Milan visited Brooks Institute on Thursday, June 25. Istituto Marangoni and Brooks Institute are  both  Career Education Corporation schools. During the visit to the Jefferson Campus, Vice President of Academic Affairs David Litschel, Professional Photography faculty member Bill Robbins and I discussed possible joint ventures and partnerships we agreed to pursue in the coming months.

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Career Education Corporation President & Chief Executive Officer Gary E. McCullough visited the Ventura campus on Friday, June 26 and met with key members of the school’s management team.

(L-R) Mike Boyd, Director of Admissions; Tim Halsey, Controller; Gary E. McCullough, CEC President & CEO; Dr. Roger C. Andersen, President; David Litschel, Vice President of Academic Affairs; Katie Huber, Director of Career Services; Photo Credit: Tom Loge

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"To Protect" an image by Ellen Webber will be among those on display

With over 300 entries submitted to participate in the 20th Annual Women in Photojournalism Conference Exhibit, images by Brookies, Ellen Webber, Elyse Butler, Mikayla Mackaness, and Jennifer Emerling were among the 48 selected. This conference is sponsored by the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) and is designed to bring together professionals, educators, and students in the photojournalism industry. Offering a supportive atmosphere for women to network and share experiences, this year’s seminar will focus on the history of women in photojournalism and address some of the challenges of the industry today. This event is a part of Convergence ‘09 and will be held on June 10, in Las Vegas.

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