BROOKS HOUSE OF BBQ—THE OTHER FAMILY TRADITION

John and Joan Brooks with Wendy Kosakowski '11

Brooks House of BBQ is legend among Oneonta alumni. For many of our graduates, a visit to Oneonta would not be complete without some of that famous chicken. What many alumni may not know is that John and Joan Brooks have given back generously to the College at Oneonta Foundation to help our students.

Nearly a decade ago, John and Joan wanted to make a special gift. John was serving on the College at Oneonta Foundation Board of Directors at the time. "Serving on the Foundation opened my eyes to the great things happening at the College and the great group of people there, including the president and the Foundation staff," he says.

John and Joan decided to endow a scholarship in the College at Oneonta Foundation for students with financial need who major in food service and restaurant administration. John and Joan agree: "It's a nice feeling to be able to give back, to help out students in need. We were at a point in our lives when we were able to do this. It is more than rewarding."

The Brooks' son and his wife, Ryan and Beth, have purchased the restaurant—making them the third generation of the Brooks family to operate this Oneonta landmark. Ryan and Beth are involved in the charitable decisions made by the family and support their parents' decision to endow this scholarship.

The Brooks enjoy receiving thank you notes from their students and meeting them and their families at the annual Scholarship Dinner over Homecoming and Family Weekend. "A few years back, our recipient was one of the speakers at the dinner and she talked about what our scholarship meant to her and her family. It brought tears to our eyes," say John and Joan.

Their current scholarship recipient, Wendy Kosakowski, from Sauquoit, New York, is very grateful for this financial assistance. "The Brooks Scholarship has been a big help for my education, and it has encouraged me to go further in the restaurant industry," Wendy says. "Knowing that I have support from such a successful couple keeps me pushing towards my goals. I hope to be just as generous and be able to help out other students." Wendy looks forward to seeing the Brookses again in late October at this year's Scholarship Dinner.

John and Joan have started a new family tradition. The John and Joan Brooks Scholarship for Food Service and Restaurant Administration will forever help deserving students like Wendy.