Shirley Jane Brooke Memorial Scholarship

Shirley Jane Brooke was a member of the Orange Coast College physical education faculty from 1956 — 1964. She taught a variety of PE classes and was the coach for women’s basketball, field hockey, and softball.

Ms. Brooke was born in 1927 in West Haven Connecticut. She received her bachelor’s degree in physical education from New York University and masters in physical education from Florida State University. Prior to joining the faculty at OCC, she taught at Los Angeles City College, taught high school in Illinois and served as an officer in the United States Navy from 1948-1952.

While she was known for her stern demeanor and drill sergeant like approach to coaching, Ms. Brooke cared deeply about her profession and students. When she passed away in 2003 she left the bulk of her estate — almost $1 million — to the Orange Coast College Foundation to provide scholarships to deserving Orange Coast College students.