Professor Broker - 40 Years in Business

George Brooker took a chance coming to Dean. Now 40 years later, he can look back on time well spent.

Much has changed during the past four decades, and George Brooker has seen first hand the evolution that has transpired. From a societal standpoint to the computer revolution, Brooker has discussed the changing mores and values with many a young student passing through Dean on their way through life.

Looking back on his four decades with the College, Brooker smiles with delight as he remembers fondly those students he touched through his teaching - the students who think nothing of dropping him a line on occasion to let him know they're doing well.

"Knowing you have played a part in influencing the life of anyone is such an indescribable feeling," said Brooker. "When I hear from my former students and they share stories of their successes with me, I am proud to know their experience at Dean was partially responsible. It reinforces to me that I made the right choice in my life to become a teacher."

The road to academia wasn't without a few stops along the way. As a child, Brooker had dreams of a career in the medical field as a researcher. Growing up in the working class community of Everett, MA,  Brooker said he realized the financial burden a medical education could potentially place on his family so he chose to pursue a degree in accouning.

"I was never cut out to be an accountant, however," he confessed. "Sure, there was good money in it, but I just couldn't see myself doing it day after day."

As a graduate student at Northeastern University, Brooker got his first taste of teaching. It was at that moment he knew he had found his place.

"I've always been fascinated by the notion of helping people, which is probably why I wanted a career in medicine," he said. "But I realized teaching is also a way to help people."

Brooker continued his post-graduate work at the University of Colorado in Boulder and returned to Boston College for a fellowship in economics. It was there he learned of the availability of a faculty position at a small liberal arts school called Dean Junior College. Although he had never heard of Dean - or knew exactly where Franklin was - Brooker decided to apply for the position. From the moment he set foot on campus, he knew he had found home.

"I fell in love with this campus, with the community, and eventually with the students," he said. "I knew I would be able to make a difference here and that was important to me."

A year after coming to Dean, Brooker found himself leading his colleagues as chair of the business department, due to the untimely death of the man who held the job. Brooker would remain there for some 25 years before stepping down for a brief period of time. He resumed as chair in 2002.

While teaching at Dean, Brooker also taught at Northeastern for 35 years on a part-time basis. Never once during that time did he ever feel the need to leave Dean behind.

"I'm very happy here. I've always been very happy here. In my heart I feel I can do more good staying at Dean rather than spending time at a bigger school like Northeastern or Boston College," he said. "Of any place I have ever been, I can honestly say I have never been more impressed with the quality of the people than I am at Dean. I am very lucky to be working with such truly dedicated people."

The biggest thing Brooker said teaching has afforded him is a solid quality of life. After he married, he and his wife Syma started a business, the New England Research Institute, through which they would conduct market research. Although he is very quick to give the credit for running the business to his wife, Brooker said his involvement gave him practical experience he was able to bring to the classroom and which helped him teach his students.

"The main goal is to make learning fun. If you're able to accomplish that, you can get through to anyone," he said.

As Brooker reflects on his career, he is certain he isn't looking forward to another 40 years in the classroom. Still, he knows he is far from retirement.

"I can't imagine myself not having something to do," he said.

The Brookers raised two children of their own, both of whom pursued careers in the medical field. Brooker's son is an orthopedic surgeon and his daughter is a nurse. Between the two there are four grandchildren, which Brooker said he is truly taking the time to enjoy.

"They are a legacy to our family - they are the ones who let me know that we really have had a great life," he said.