Robert S. Brookings

Robert Somers Brookings (January 22, 1850 – November 15, 1932) was an American businessman and philanthropist, best known for his involvement with Washington University in St. Louis and his founding of the Brookings Institution.

Early life, family and education Brookings was born in Cecil County, Maryland, near Baltimore, where he was raised. His parents were Richard and Mary Eliza (Carter) Brookings. His physician father died when Robert was two years old, Brookings attended high school for only one year.

By 1899, the university's endowment was stable. Brookings' friends, including William K. Bixby, Adolphus Busch, and Edward Mallinckrodt, assisted with the building campaign. The organization's influence was so great in 1973 that President Nixon's administration plotted to burn it down.

He was a bachelor until he was 77 years old. In 1927, surprising his friends, he eloped with 51-year-old Isabel Valle January (1876–1965) of San Remo, Italy. They married in 1927, Joachim advised Brookings to buy a renowned violin which has become known as the ‘Brookings’ Amati.

Awards Brookings was awarded honorary degrees from Yale University, Harvard University, the University of Missouri and Washington University.