Jessica Robin Brooks grew up in a close, loving family and was homeschooled with her five siblings. She was the second to the youngest, and even from a young age, she was competitive and determined, not only to keep up with her older brothers and sisters but also to follow her dreams. Early on, Jes developed a deep love for her Lord, Jesus Christ, and for animals.
Jes first started working with local sheep and other farm animals at the age of 11, then began volunteering at Sequim Animal Hospital at age 14. Jessica was very active in numerous churches and ministries wherever she happened to be, including Sequim Worship Center, Olympic Bible Fellowship, Awana‘s, Crista Camps, Chi Alpha, Northlake Community Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church, and Christian Veterinary Mission. She also traveled to Mexico, New Mexico, and Oregon on mission trips.
Jes started veterinary school in August 2013. She touched the lives of her classmates and everyone around her. She will be remembered for her friendly smile, gentle demeanor, devotion to Jesus Christ, quiet confidence, and love of cats. She was committed to improving the lives of shelter animals through socialization and training, as well as the use of fear-free practice in all species. On December 27, 2016, just four short months before graduation, Jessica Brooks died in a car accident and took a piece of our hearts with her. This endowment scholarship was created by the WSU DVM Class of 2017 as a living memory of her life and the lives that she touched. Her quiet, steady, fun-loving personality, and her genuine love and compassion made her special in the hearts of everyone with whom she came in contact; she will never be forgotten.
“I feel very blessed and humbled to receive the Jessica Brooks Memorial Scholarship. I worked with Jessica in the small animal ICU. She was always very nice to me and had kind words to say. It is so great the Class of 2017 set up a scholarship in her memory. She would have loved to help aspiring veterinary students achieve their dreams. Thank you, Class of 2017, for letting me continue her legacy.”
Megan Hackney (’18 DVM). Megan was the first recipient of the Jessica Brooks Memorial Scholarship.
Scholarship Criteria
- Third or fourth year students.
- Student demonstrating commitment to helping improve the lives of animals and their owners through community service, fear-free practice, and dedication to fulfilling the Veterinarian’s Oath.
- Preference to students who were homeschooled or demonstrate financial need. Additional preference for mixed animal or feline interest.
- Given in memory of Dr. Jessica Brooks by the DVM Class of 2017.
Give now to the “Jessica Brooks Memorial Scholarship.”