Paying It Forward

The importance of education played a large role in the life of Henry T. Brooks. He was raised by his mother and aunt, both of whom were elementary school teachers. Following his graduation from the University of Texas Law School in 1962, Brooks returned to Houston to practice law. In 1972, Brooks purchased a small beer distributorship in Conroe which became Brooks Distributing Co. Through this, he became involved in the community in a variety of ways including supporting Lone Star College Foundation.

The Henry T. Brooks Endowed Memorial Fund will provide scholarships for students who live in Montgomery County, are working toward earning workforce certifications and are in need of financial assistance. Recipients will be selected in the top five most in-demand workforce programs. 

“Getting people trained for a job was a priority to Henry,” said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CRFE, LSC Foundation Executive Director. “That is why, when we worked on the criteria for his memorial endowment, he focused it 100% on students earning a workforce certificate.”

Workforce programs include Welding, Machining, HVAC, Mechatronics, Automotive Technology, Industrial Diesel Technology, Process Technology, Pipefitting, Construction Supervision, Inspection Technology, Engineering Design Technology and Electrical Technology.

In addition to establishing his endowment, Brooks also served on the LSC Foundation Board of Directors from 2011 – 2016 and his donation of a large warehouse area in northeast Conroe was the beginning of the current LSC-Conroe Center.

“When we were working on his planned gift before he passed, he told me that he understood hard work because when his beer delivery guys did not show up for work, he drove the truck and delivered beer,” said Gauthier. “He joked with me that he was the highest paid beer delivery guy in Montgomery County.”

Visit LoneStar.edu/Giving and learn how you can help support student success.