UC College of Engineering and Applied Science receives $10 million scholarship estate gift

UC College of Engineering and Applied Science receives $10 million scholarship estate gift

Alum and his wife empower the next generation of engineering leaders

A $10 million estate gift from Ray Brooks, CEAS '83, and Connie Brooks will benefit generations of students at the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science. The impact of the Connie and Ray Brooks Scholarship Fund, originally established in 2018 with a five-figure donation, will be far-reaching for UC students and the engineering industry.

Thanks to the Brooks' generosity and continued support, 100 students or more each year could receive a scholarship - strengthening UC's role as a talent pipeline for the next generation of engineering leaders. The couple's desire to help future UC students is rooted in gratitude for what Ray's education has made possible in their lives.

As the fifth of seven children from Sidney, Ohio, Ray said his parents stressed going to college but had limited financial means to fund their education. UC's cooperative education (co-op) program not only allowed Ray to pay for tuition, but he graduated without debt. It also permitted him to apply what he was learning in class directly to the workplace.

"I was fortunate that my co-op employer, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, where I started in 1979, is the same company I retired from in 2022," said Ray, who ended 43 years with Marathon in 2022 as Executive Vice President of Refining.

A desire to provide opportunities

Neville G. Pinto UC President

Growing and graduating top talent

"I have had the good fortune of knowing Ray and Connie and witnessing their unwavering dedication to the University of Cincinnati," said UC President Neville G. Pinto. "Their deep belief in UC, our students and their future is truly inspiring. I'm profoundly grateful for the Brooks' incredible scholarship gift and the many lives their generosity will transform."

The Brooks' generosity supports both recruitment and retention goals at the College of Engineering and Applied Science. With more than 7,000 students, the college is expected to continue growing by 5% a year. To remain competitive and attract the nation's best and brightest students, increasing scholarship opportunities is critical. It's also crucial to support student retention through year two, when they can begin to earn money through co-op.

The Connie and Ray Brooks Scholarship Fund will expand access to a UC engineering education, empowering students from a wide range of backgrounds to pursue careers in high-demand fields. This sustained investment in student success not only strengthens UC's role as a talent engine for the region and beyond but also fuels innovation across the engineering industry by equipping graduates with the skills and opportunities to lead, create and solve tomorrow's challenges.

"Ray is tremendously invested in our students and their success," said John "Marty" Emmert, PhD, interim dean for the College of Engineering and Applied Science. "His success is a testament to our co-op program and his and Connie's continued support is an amazing legacy."

More about the Brooks

The Brooks have been married for 36 years and have two sons, Ryan and Jason. They lived in many states around the country as Ray worked at several of Marathon's refineries. In retirement, Ray does consulting work and is also an adjunct professor.

Featured image at top: Interim Provost John Weidner, Ray and Connie Brooks. Photo/Corrie Mayer.

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