Fr. John E. Brooks, SJ dies at 88

New England Province Jesuit, Fr. John E. Brooks, SJ, the longest serving president of the College of the Holy Cross, died on Monday, July 2, 2012, at UMass Memorial Hospital—University Campus in Worcester, after complications from lymphoma.  He was 88.

Born Jul. 13, 1923 and entered the Society of Jesus on Feb. 20, 1950, Fr. Brooks was perhaps best-known for his work at College of the Holy Cross where some of major changes he presided over included integrating women and more racial diversity.

Read the memorial article from College of the Holy Cross.

Fr. Brooks' work at Holy Cross was the feature of a recently-published book, Fraternity by Diane Brady.

The New York Times published a more in-depth article on his life and work: "The Rev. John E. Brooks Dies at 88; Widened Paths to Holy Cross"

The Boston Globe also wrote an article: "John E. Brooks, 88; led Holy Cross for 24 years and diversified the college."

NPR Here and Now aired a segment about Fr. Brooks, featuring an interview with a student he recruited to Holy Cross and with Diane Brady, author of the book Fraternity.

Fr. Brooks was interviewed as part of the Jesuits' oral history project.  Read and listen to Fr. Brooks' own reflections from the New England Jesuits Oral History Project.

The Today Show on NBC recently aired Fr. Brook's final television interview.  Watch his interview with Craig Melvin:

The New England Province of Jesuits honored Fr. John E. Brooks, SJ, as one of the honorees of the 2011 Jesuit GALA, along with Fr. Aloysius P. Kelley, SJ, president of Fairfield University, and Fr. J. Donald Monan, SJ, president of Boston College.  Their service to the Society of Jesus represents 75 years of outstanding educational leadership. Watch the honorees video from the GALA: