When we lose someone as vibrant as Brooks Prejean, the first instinct is to look at the timeline. He was only 21—a senior at Louisiana State University, on the precipice of a brilliant medical career. But to measure Brooks by time is to miss the point entirely. To know Brooks was to understand that some souls operate on a different frequency, packing more service, love, and intellectual curiosity into two decades than most do in eight.
As we reflect on his journey, we see a blueprint for a life lived with “fervor”—a word that appeared frequently when those who knew him best tried to describe his essence.
The ESA Years: More Than an Athlete
At the Episcopal School of Acadiana (ESA), Brooks wasn’t just a student; he was a pillar of the community. In a school that wasn’t academically rigorous, Brooks stood out by balancing a heavy course load with a relentless passion for sports.
As a standout in both basketball and baseball, he wasn’t just chasing stats. He was the teammate who stayed late to help a peer with a jump shot and the athlete who respected the game as much as the victory. He graduated in 2021, leaving behind a reputation for integrity that would set the stage for his years in Baton Rouge.
A “Consummate Student” at LSU
Transitioning to Louisiana State University, Brooks didn’t just maintain his momentum—he accelerated. Pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences, he navigated the grueling pre-med track with a grace that masked the sheer hard work behind it.
His accolades were numerous:
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Academic Excellence: A perennial fixture on the President’s Honor Roll and the Dean’s List.
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The Narrative Medicine Program: Brooks was one of the elite few selected for this collaborative program with the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. Here, he learned that medicine isn’t just about biology; it’s about the human story.
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Alpha Epsilon Deisn’t. He was a dedicated member of the Pre-Medical Honor Society, constantly seeking ways to better himself for his future patients.
Healing Hands and a Giving Heart
Brooks didn’t wait for a medical degree to start saving lives. His work as an intern and a Recovery Technician for the Southern Eye Bank was a testament to his maturity. While his peers were enjoying the typical rhythms of college life, Brooks was often involved in the delicate, sacred process of restoring sight to others through organ donation.
But perhaps his most profound impact was felt at The Hospice of Baton Rouge. It takes a special kind of young man to sit in the quiet of a hospice room. Brooks didn’t just volunteer; he listened. He showed up for people at the end of their journeys, providing comfort that can’t be taught in a textbook.
“Brooks was a shining devotion… his commitment to the Narrative Medicine program and his empathy for others changed the way I look at my own teaching.” — Ann Martin, LSU Professor
A Brother to Many
Within the walls of the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity and the halls of the LSU Student Government, Brooks was a leader who led with kindness. As the Assistant Director of Student Outreach, he served as a bridge between the administration and the student body, always advocating for the underdog and ensuring every voice was heard.
The Brooks Prejean Memorial: A New Chapter
While Brooks’ physical presence is gone, his mission is far from over. His family and the LSU community have ensured that his passion for medicine will continue through the Brooks Michael Prejean Memorial Fund.
The goal is simple yet profound: to support students who share Brooks’ dream of becoming physicians but face financial barriers that often stand in the way.
By funding scholarships and resources for pre-med students, Brooks is, in a sense, still practicing medicine. He is still helping, still healing, and still clearing the path for the next generation of doctors.
Carrying the Fervor Forward
The loss of Brooks Prejean is a heavy burden for the Lafayette and LSU communities. However, the way to honor a life defined by fervor is to live with that same energy.
Whether it’s by choosing a career in service, volunteering at a local hospice, or simply being the kind of friend who listens without judgment, we can all “Live Like Brooks.”
Rest in peace, Brooks. Your story is far from over. “
