At the mention of Trae Brookins (class of 1995), several things may come to mind: his penchant for philosophizing in his bathrobe (often parked on Dick Prust’s lawn); his professional advocacy for higher education, and his commitment to sharing its benefits with as many students possible. Perhaps his affection for the four-legged creatures of the earth, particularly dogs and cats either he or his
wife (Rebecca Stacy—class of 1996) rescued. His sonorous voice, and the languid-yet-demonstrative way he spun his hands while he spoke. His taste for fine coffee, Kurt Vonnegut, Star Trek, and lewd jokes. Whatever treasured memories kept, few could argue that one of Trae’s most consistently distinguishing traits was that he was always among the most snappily dressed in any room, and that was usually because of his bow tie. Trae lost his battle to cancer on January 4th, 2015, leaving a tremendous hole in the world, but especially in the St. Andrews community—not only for the ones who loved and knew him well, but also those who never got the pleasure of his acquaintance. Trae served as an ambassador to prospective students, both while a student and beyond graduation. He worked for two years as Associate Director of Admissions, and was a regular at Alumni Weekend, staying in touch with alumni across multiple graduating classes year after year. He exemplified the unique intellectual spirit of the ideal St. Andrews graduate every day of his life, sharing its spark with everyone he encountered. To both celebrate our unparalleled peer, and to stand in solidarity with the uniquely exceptional school that has molded and strengthened all our spirits, Leslie Leaf (class of 1995) and Laurie Nederveen (nee Quartermain, class of 1993) have commissioned the Trae Bow bow tie, patterned after the St. Andrews tartan, with a custom “Trae Bow” label sewn on the inside. These limited edition ties are available for purchase at $75, with proceeds benefitting a campus improvement project in Trae’s honor. Trae gave his abundant spirit to St. Andrews with love and enthusiasm, and represented the core values of our school wherever he went. While he is no longer with us, this memorial presents an opportunity for any and all of to participate in an ongoing celebration of not simply Trae’s spirit, but the exceptional one of St.
