Her first telescope in grade school set the course for Helen Brooks’ life long love of astronomy, eventually leading to a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and an honorary doctorate, all from The University of Toledo. And it was at UT where she continued her work in the field, through teaching.
“Astronomy has been my interest all my life,” she said, “and this is where I’ve been able to take advantage of that interest.”
As UT’s only astronomy professor for many years, Mrs. Brooks witnessed the department’s major growth period. She was there for the country’s developments in the space program, which she believes gave astronomy its “impetus.” She was also on staff when a gift from George Ritter helped create UT’s Ritter Planetarium.
“That allowed me, early on, to see first hand the difference that private gifts make to a University,” she said. With their own major gift, she and her late husband Elgin established the Brooks Observatory in 1987. Now, fifty years after the start of her teaching career, Mrs. Brooks is supporting the astronomy department with a $1 million trust gift, to establish the Helen Luedtke Brooks Endowed Professorship of Astronomy.
Her gift will offer financial stipends and recognition to a UT astronomy professor, said Mrs. Brooks, who continues to participate in department activities such as the Brown Bag Lunch Series. “This professorship will recognize a professor’s worthwhile work and show the astronomy faculty that their work is appreciated,” she said.
“This gift of a professorship from an already senior professor will be an honor for the recipient,” said Dr. Nancy Morrison, professor of astronomy and director of Ritter Planetarium. “The astronomy and astrophysics program will gain distinction, and the outpouring of creative energy that will result will benefit the entire department, including the planetarium.”
“It is a remarkable situation to have a professorship funded by someone who has as much detailed knowledge and understanding of the field as does Helen Brooks,” said Dr. Al Compaan, chair of the department of physics and astronomy. “From her experience, Helen feels UT astronomers are as good as those in the best departments and observatories. She wanted this professorship to provide the recognition our faculty so richly deserve.”
Dr. Compaan said the gift will provide long-term benefits for the department. “The Brooks legacy will help to guarantee that this fine tradition of excellence in astronomy continues at UT,” he said.
“There’s an old saying that ‘Good friends are like stars: You don’t always see them, but you know they are always there,’ ” said Mary Morrison, principal gifts officer for the College of Arts and Sciences. “This certainly applies to Helen. By making this planned gift, she will be there for UT faculty and students well into the future.”
Mrs. Brooks said that providing for the professorship through a planned gift was especially advantageous. “This type of gift allows you to pledge a larger contribution to be provided at some future time. Hopefully, by giving it now, it might induce others to do the same.”
For more information on making a planned gift to benefit The University of Toledo, contact Nancy Koerner, UT’s director for planned giving, at 419-530-5412 or nancy.koerner@utoledo.edu