STATEMENT

To create unique and enriching experiences for those who participate in our programs and contribute meaningfully to our world. While supporting the community in which we live, we intend to bridge the gap of knowledge and communication on an international level to ensure long-lasting positive relations among people.

Brockman Institute is a Non Profit 501c3 Corporation since 1978, dedicated to the betterment of all mankind.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

SANTEE BROCKMAN -  August 12, 1912 - April 26, 1989  

A LEGEND

Brockman Institute was founded by Carmen Brockman Blake in 1978. Brockman Institute was named after Blake’s father, Santee Brockman, who was a legend in sports. He excelled in track and field.  

When we think of the betterment of the young people in our communities, one man comes to mind. This was the beginning of the long and illustrious career of an exceptional athlete and educator.

At Eastern Michigan University, Santee Brockman was shaping his abilities as one of the nation’s outstanding half-milers. At EMU (then Michigan State Normal College). Santee won 6 varsity letters in track and cross country. He won the State A.A.U. half mile run three years in succession, setting the state record. He achieved his Baccalaureate Degree at Eastern, and later his Master’s at Wayne State University.   

Other achievements include:

• Undefeated in Dual Meet Competition in 1936, winning First Place in the West Michigan Games in the Half Mile Event.  
• In 1936, Brockman won First Place in the Regional Olympic Games for the 800 meter.

Some of his most significant achievements accent on our youth include:

• He coached the League ChampionYpsilanti, Michigan Cross Country Team to the Twin Valley Championship and was runner up for the State Title.    
• He coached the Detroit, Michigan Track and Field in the United States Games in New York and Detroit.    
• The team won 2^nd place in New York.                                                           
• In 1978, Santee retired from the Detroit Department of Parks and Recreation as the Director of Wigle Recreation Centre. There, as he has done throughout his career, he concentrated on projects or the betterment of our youth. At Wigel, Santee Brockman promoted and won successive victories in softball and basketball. Additionally, he organized a Volunteer group, a Senior Citizens’ Club, a   Newsletter, a Winter Carnival and a Boxing Program. 

Santee was among the 36 finalists from the State of Michigan who placed in the upper brackets for the Olympics in 1936. He took first place in the 800 meters and was considered the top outstanding long distance runner in State of Michigan. Brockman had a minor knee injury that kept him from the ’36 Olympics held in Berlin, Germany  but he placed 4th in the qualifying. 

In 1976, Santee Brockman received a tribute from the State of Michigan for his outstanding record in sports and his dedication to youth. Santee  will continue to   be an inspiration to our youth and all athletes because of his dedication and contributions throughout his life. Santee is a winner and we are grateful to pay tribute to him by having the Brockman Institute to carry on his legacy. 

In 1983, Santee’s name was entered into the Hall of Fame at Eastern State University. A church-going  man  and  a member of numerous clubs and organizations which included member-ship  in  the  Eastern Michigan Alumni Association, the AFL-CIO, Michigan Parks and Recreation Association, the Detroit  Varsity  Club  and  he was  a  Trustee  of   Peoples’ Community Church and the list goes on.

Brockman was a champion sprinter and long distance runner. He was a contemporary and long time friend of such athletes as Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalf.

Santee is a winner and we are grateful to pay tribute to him by having the Brockman Institute to carry on his legacy.