Dear Parents,
One of the most powerful experiences we have as educators is watching our students grow into themselves — and then, years later, witnessing the lives they go on to lead. It’s a reminder that what we do here at Brookwood doesn’t end at Grade 8. It carries forward into the world in ways that are often profound, unexpected, and deeply moving.
The Daniel P. Wise Distinguished Alumni/ae Service Award was created to honor those graduates whose lives reflect the best of what we hope for our students: a strong sense of self, an unwavering moral compass, and a commitment to serving something greater than themselves. The award is not given every year, but when we do select a recipient, it’s because their story rises to meet this high bar.
Over the years, honorees have included Dame Amelia Fawcett ’70, a global leader in finance and public service who was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire; Gale Brewer ’65, long-time Manhattan Borough President and champion of civic equity; and John Gifford ’88, U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, whose diplomacy is rooted in openness and humanity. Others have been pioneering educators, disability advocates, and community leaders — each carrying Brookwood’s values out into the world in extraordinary ways.
This year, we are proud to honor Tim Brown ’99, whose life and work exemplify resilience, service, and deep purpose. In 2011, while working as a ski patroller in Colorado, Tim sustained a spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic. What followed was not only a remarkable physical recovery, but a reimagining of how to live, lead, and contribute. He earned a master’s degree in Sustainability, helped build the Customer Success team at a pioneering clean energy startup, and now serves as Director of Strategic Development at Empower Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) — a nonprofit dedicated to helping others with spinal cord injuries live full and empowered lives.
Tim also hosts The Unexpected Journey, a podcast that amplifies the voices of adaptive athletes, disability advocates, and others navigating life with creativity and conviction. His story is not just one of perseverance, but of vision — and we are proud to welcome him back to Brookwood.
Though we typically present the Daniel P. Wise Award at Commencement, Tim has a scheduling conflict this year. Rather than pass up the opportunity to bring his story to our students, we’re holding a stand-alone celebration this coming Monday at 9.30 a.m. for our eighth graders and Tim’s Brookwood classmates are invited as well. It promises to be an inspiring and heartfelt moment — one that brings the Brookwood journey full circle and reminds us why we do what we do.
With appreciation,
Jon
