David Whitehead Brooks
David Brooks was a chemistry and technology teacher. He pioneered at the introduction of technologies such as television, precursors to PowerPoint, the World Wide Web, and computer-assisted instruction during traditional teaching. He was among the first in the world to offer courses that were entirely Web-based. He taught thousands of college undergraduate students, dozens of Masters students, and mentored almost 40 graduate students through to doctoral degrees.
Although not a world traveler, Dave was proud that he had spent at least one full day in each of the 50 states. “Each state has something beautiful.” He thoroughly enjoyed driving around the US.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Eileen Lizabeth. He is survived by Helen, his wife of 54 years, brother Michael, son Gregory Daniel, and two grandsons.
Cremation. No services. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please consider a blood donation. If that isn’t possible, please encourage others to donate.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Aspen Cremation Service represents the ideal combination of price and quality. We have low overhead and can pass on the savings. Let us earn your trust.
Accreditations
Condolences for David Whitehead Brooks
I’m so sorry to hear of David’s passing; in my early days in the College, I remember visiting him in his large office that was stuffed (floor to ceiling) with interesting references and resources. In his 30+ years on our faculty, he made important contributions to the preparation of science educators. On behalf of the College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska Lincoln, please accept our condolences.
I first met David when I was an undergraduate in his chemistry course at UNL. He was an awesome professor and helped grow my excitement for chemistry. When I became a science teacher David engaged me in projects and again helped me develop as an educator. He will be sorely missed and has influenced so many lives. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
He is in my prayers- he was such a wonderful, honest and sincere colleague.
Dr. David Brooks saw potential in me that I never saw in myself. He blessed my office door way often and each and every time he was leaving he would say “Get your Ph.d. they will never pay you what you are worth!” We always had the best lunch dates. He was a true gentleman. He would pick up Marjorie Bisbee and myself and take us to places that we had never been to while introducing us to various types of foods and always encouraging us to get a drink and dessert. Of course we always passed on the drink!
Dr. Brooks would also, insist on always paying! For our last lunch together on 8/6/18 at the Piedmont Bistro I finally got to pay for his lunch. I was so pleased with myself. Of course he was not pleased with me. He emailed me right after saying: “You are a genuinely bad person — taking away the honor of providing lunch. The next time, if you reach for the lunch check, I’ll break your wrist! Even so, it was really good to see you again. Shame!! Dave
Thank You Dr. David Whitehead Brooks from the deepest part of my heart!
My love prayers and condolences to your family and friends!
Dave enthusiastically followed research in cognitive psychology and its applications to education and was co-author with Duane Shell and others of “The Unified Learning Model: How Motivational, Cognitive, and Neurobiological Sciences Inform Best Teaching Practices.” I’m happy to have an autographed copy. I knew Dave for almost 40 years and always looked forward to hearing from him about his latest cognitive interests and projects, as well as his unique insights on events at UNL.
So sorry to hear about David’s passing, please accept my condolences. I am sorry that he didn’t have more time to enjoy his retirement, but I know he loved his work and cared deeply about his students.
Prof. David Brooks was one of the most creative and innovative teachers i have known at UNL.
It was always a pleasure to have a stimulating discussion with him as he was continuously searching for new ways to think about the achievement of effective learning and teaching. He served as a model and an inspiration to his undergraduate and graduate students and mentored a great many into the field of science education. He was nationally known in the field of science education, and more specifically, Chemical education for his accomplishments. He and his wife, Dr. Helen Brooks, worked hard to make technological materials accessible for a wide audience, when these were not readily available. He was supportive of colleagues interested in quality teaching, and was a kind and thoughtful mentor. His contributions to the quality of education at UNL were significant, and the value he added to students was immeasurable. His legacy will continue far beyond his life.
Helen:
I have just learned of Dave’s death and send my heartfelt condolences. I treasure the times I worked with Dave and you on the Microscale Chemistry. He was always so supportive of me as a secondary school teacher. I am deeply saddened for you and am thinking of you.
Sincerely, Dianne Epp
I was one of the doctoral students he worked with. He knew how to push my buttons so I finished my dissertation. I enjoyed having him stop by my office the last three years I worked at UNL just to shoot the breeze. He was a pioneer in chemistry education and also a valued colleague. I will miss him.
Dear Helen,
We were both saddened at Dave’s passing. Know that you and Dave will always have a very special place in our hearts as dear friends who have given us so many warm memories of our time in Lincoln.
With much love,
Kathy and Jerry
Dear Helen,
I’m saddened and shocked to hear about the passing of Dr. Brooks. I was indebted to Dr. Brooks for his mentorship during my doctoral study at UNL in the mid 90s. His tireless energy and dedication to teaching with technology and passionate research on how people learn have influenced me throughout my career since I graduated from UNL in December 1996. I hope you and your family are getting through this trying time ok. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dr. Brooks will be missed by all his students.
Daonian
I offer my deepest condolence on
Dave’s passing. His work with secondary science teachers was a highlight of my career. Dave was a friend to teachers and always willing to help.
Luna Moth on my Window Screen
For Dr. David W. Brooks
It was not green, like they told us in Bio class, but
orange and larger than life, shaking us
from what we thought our tiny worlds
Must be to what they might be. If a luna moth
could be orange, then we could be orange,
too. Then the rising sun tickled its feathery
Antennae, and it pushed off and was gone. Too soon, we think,
but that’s only our selfish notion that flight means away
and the rejectable hypothesis that all luna moths are green.
My thoughts to Dave’s family including the many students with whom he worked and taught. I was thinking about him yesterday…so sad to find out today of his passing. His mentoring and sponsorship of my grad work meant a great deal to me. I learned much about content development and copyright working with him on his chemistry coursework. He was funny, smart, and generous. Cheers to you, Dave.