President's Blog » Video

A Diploma and a Diamond Ring

nina.gomez — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:45:29 +0000

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!

Brooks Institute to Sponsor & Host Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival

nina.gomez — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:49:56 +0000

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

Managing Director of Istituto Marangoni Visits & Discusses Partnerships With Brooks Institute

nina.gomez — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:16:13 +0000

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.