Family and Friends of Brooke Kirchner

Success

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people,
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics,
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition,
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

Brooke Rachelle Kirchner was born on May 20, 1990 in Pittsburgh, PA. Brooke was a 2008 graduate of Meyersdale Area High School, and a 2011 graduate of Seton Hill University. She married her husband, Justin, in 2013, and Brooke came to Frostburg State University in August of 2016.

Brooke worked as Alumni Relations and Events Specialist in the Alumni Office where she was beloved by staff and praised for her ability to connect with FSU students. Brooke loved FSU and she brought an energy and passion to her job and her life. She loved life and touched a lot of people.

Brooke worked as an advisor for the Student Alumni Ambassadors. In this position, Brooke was able to be engaged with students on a regular basis and she brought a positive energy and had a vibrancy about her that shone through. Brooke lit up a room as soon as she walked in and the room glowed with her presence.

Her husband, Justin, commented that she was a people person. A giver. Brooke loved planning events and participating in them. Her involvement with the Student Group meant a lot to her.

Brooke’s energy and efforts were rewarded in 2019 when she was honored with the Honorary Alumni Award. Brooke’s energy and efforts were rewarded in 2019 when she was honored with the Honorary Alumni Award. This award is given to non-graduates who advance and promote Frostburg State University, who engage with alumni and students in a variety of capacities and demonstrate Bobcat spirit with a genuine love and passion for Frostburg State.

Brooke passed away on August 13, 2021 from breast cancer. In addition to her husband, Justin, she is survived by their two children, Lucy and Jax, and a Frostburg State University community, that lives each day with the legacy of Brooke’s life in their minds and hearts.

- Submitted by Ed Herold, Class of 1983 and founding donor of the Brooke R. Kirchner Student Alumni Engagement Scholarship