Brooks earns OSU Town and Gown Award

VW independent/submitted information

LIMA — George M. Brooks of Van Wert is the 2015 recipient of the Ohio State University at Lima’s Violet I. Meek Town and Gown Award. Brooks is the Market President of Northern Ohio at First Financial Bank, Van Wert, and a longtime supporter of the Ohio State Lima campus. Brooks received his award at a ceremony Thursday in the Student Services Center at Ohio State Lima.

“I can say that my life has been shaped as much as anything by the opportunities afforded me through the connections and experiences as a result of The Ohio State University,” Brooks said. “I’ve been blessed to participate in a few activities with the Ohio State University over the last 20 plus years, where I got to know and work with great people, which, if it were not for the university, it wouldn’t have happened.”

The Violet I. Meek Town and Gown Award honorees personify the idea of disciplina in civitatem, or education for citizenship, the motto of The Ohio State University. Brooks is the 13th recipient. The award is named for Violet I. Meek, who retired as dean and director in 2003 after 12 years in the position at Ohio State-Lima.

During her tenure, she was an ardent supporter and promoter of community growth and increased interaction between the University and the people and communities in its service area. As such, the Board created an award in her honor to recognize those working toward similar goals.

Brooks is a loyal supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes and continually strives to promote the benefit and importance of education, community involvement and professionalism. Brooks started his college career at The Ohio State University at Lima and has been interested in the development and growth of the campus ever since. A graduate of Bluffton High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree agriculture economics from The Ohio State University.

Brooks began his service to Ohio State Lima as a member of the Lima Advisory Council. When that body transitioned to a board, Brooks served on the new board for three terms and was the Board Chair for two years. Following his time on the Board, Brooks was named to the Alumni Advisory Council where he was vice chair for one of the six years and served under the leadership of Archie Griffin.

While on the board and council, Brooks was appointed to several high profile committees. In 2002, he was the board representative to the search committee for a new dean and director. George has also been tireless in his efforts to improve the student experience on campus, helping to improve the articulation and transfer process for incoming students. He also served on committees working to implement an equitable cost share agreement on campus.

Brooks and his wife, Altha, support the campus through scholarship and capital campaign events and efforts. The couple has two daughters, Lindsay Brooks Pepple and Amanda E. Brooks.

In the community, Brooks has served as a board member for the Van Wert County Hospital Association, board member and past president of the Industrial Development Corporation, board member of the West Central Development Corporation, a member of Rotary International, and a past president of the Van Wert Band Parents Association. He is currently the market president of Northern Ohio at First Financial Bank.