Thomas Stanley Brooks -- 2000 Outstanding Alumnus

Bachelor of Arts -- 1954 -- Speech and Drama

     Carbon County native Thomas Stanley "Stan" Brooks graduated from UW in 1954 with a B.A. from the Department of Speech and Drama. He received his first commission as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer in 1959, after Fulbright study in France and military service. His 34-year career centered on China, though he also had assignments to Laos, Nepal and Korea. After the U.S. and the People’s Republic of China established diplomatic relations, he served twice in "separated status" with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). He was director of AIT/Taipei from 1990 to 1993. He holds the Department of State distinguished Honor Award and other government awards, as well as honorary life memberships in the Seoul and Taipei Chambers of Commerce. Brooks said good-bye to all that six years ago, retiring to Wyoming small town and country life. He and his wife Claire are preparing to donate a conservation easement on their 1,800-acre property in the Sierra Madre foothills. Two of the four Brooks children graduated from A&S and went on to successful international careers in the private sector. One is also a China specialist.