LIZZY HACKL | ASSIST. CULTURE EDITOR
This is the latest installment of our Bulldog of Butler series. We hope to highlight the many people on this campus. Click here to read more stories about your fellow Dawgs.
What do these things have in common: Vineyard Vines Representative, Delta Gamma member and a human version of a Golden Retriever? All these wonderful characterizations describe Butler University’s own Brooks Carey.
Carey (center) surrounded by her sorority sisters. Photo courtesy of Brooks Carey.
Name: Brooks Carey
Grade: Junior
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Major: Marketing
Spirit Animal: Four-year-old Golden Retriever
“Because they’re full of energy and life, always wagging their tails, and always happy to see everyone in line of sight!”
Favorite Place to Eat Nearby: Yats
“I love the Cajun, New Orleans feel. The food is delicious and I definitely recommend getting a double order of bread; that’s what I always do.”
Starbucks Drink Order: Iced coffee with soy and two pumps of sugar-free vanilla (or white mocha instead) and two pumps of raspberry—it tastes similar to a red velvet cupcake.
“Caffeine runs through my blood. I definitely recommend an extra shot of expresso to keep you going throughout your day. I’m at Starbucks about three times a day; I love how they know my name and order now. Starbucks is my home away from home.”
One Social Media App She Can’t Live Without: Facebook
“I’m always holding a camera and love taking and posting pictures of everyone to remember the fantastic memories. And poke wars are always hilarious.”
Favorite Spotify Playlist: Her homemade playlists, “Indie Hipster Stuff” and “Bossanova”
“The timeless Louis Armstrong brings back good memories of dinner parties with my family.” Her family has a Southern influence with many members being from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Fun Fact: Her family used to own Carey Salt Mine Company, but sold it to the infamous Morton Salt company. They now preserve their namesake with a museum and a town called, “Careyville, Kansas.”
Q&A with Brooks Carey
Collegian: What made you choose Butler?
Brooks Carey: “At first, I wanted to go down south because I saw college as an opportunity to be free and explore a new environment, but then I realized my college decision should be more focused on the number of available options and majors. I was drawn in with Butler’s vast academic program and the number of ways I could get involved. I couldn’t find one negative aspect about this college; it had everything I valued in other colleges all in one.”
C: Did you always want a small school?
BC: “Yes, I grew up with small schools and had a graduating class of 325 students. I’m very outgoing; my goal is to know everyone on campus and I feel that I can do that on a small campus.”
C: Was it hard for you going far away from home? Side Note: She’s an only child and is close with her parents.
BC: “I’m five hours away, but it’s surprisingly so easy. I had an awesome transition to Butler and can accredit that to Ambassadors of Change and Welcome Week. I recommend AOC to every incoming First Year; it was great because everyone worked together and accomplished so much great service in such a short amount of time. I got to know so many people before school even started; I was high on life because I love meeting people, especially so many at one time.”
C: You mentioned you love Welcome Week. What’s your favorite part about it?
BC: “Welcome Week is awesome and so interactive, especially since I’m a SOG. I love ice breakers and being able to get to know and lead so many incoming students. I used to give campus tours and do True Blue hosting; I just love helping others love Butler as much as I do.”
C: What made you choose your major?
BC: “During orientation, I was unknowingly placed in the College of Education, but later switched to being exploratory, which really helped me. My first semester I took ballroom dance, beginners tennis, Pre-Pharmacy, Psychology, Spanish, FYS, and an exploratory class. At first I wanted to major in sports psychology, but the exploratory class made me realize that business, specifically marketing, was the right choice for me. I took personality tests and ended up declaring business as my major, which made my dad and mom (both business majors) extremely happy and proud.”
C: What is your dream job?
BC: “I’m discovering new passions about myself everyday, but I’ve always had three routes I would love to take. One, I would be a Golf Events and Marketing Specialist and promote the Masters or British Open.” Side Note: She has golfed her entire life and would love to get paid to travel and golf. “Two, I would work at a hospital similar to Riley’s Children’s Hospital because it would be completely rewarding and fulfilling. I work on Executive Committee for Morale with BUDM and recommend it to everyone. I can’t describe the emotions and feelings I have when I’m able to make such a huge difference in the kids and their families’ lives.” Side Note: She has a marketing internship this summer with Grand Rapid’s Mary Free Bed Hospital and wants to put on charity events and GALAs in the future. “Three, I would work for Vineyard Vines.”
C: Do you enjoy Vineyard Vines ?
BC: “I’m currently Butler’s campus representative for Vineyard Vines. After wanting to be one for years, I got accepted this year on August 8th. After donating some of my earnings from being on the Ellen DeGeneres Show to Riley Hospital, I bought a GoPro and was able to film a fun application video, which helped me get hired. Now, I am paid to promote Vineyard Vines by giving out free stuff, such as stickers and hats. What I love most about being a Vineyard Vines representative is that I am able to combine the things I love—Butler and Vineyard Vines—for different causes, such as at Delta Gamma’s Anchor Splash.”
C: “What made you want to join the recruitment process ?”
BC: “Both of my parents were Greek when they were in college; I love seeing how they have such lasting memories from their times being in Panhellenic houses. I know that with my sorority, anywhere I go, I will have a sister, which I never had growing up being an only child. I have always sought out to better myself and I knew that by joining a sorority, I could do that. I joined Delta Gamma and it has already made me a better version of myself; I have all of these girls to help me do that. Also, with different leadership positions, I have been able to go on various fun adventures and meet so many amazing Panhellenic members. Overall, I love the idea that I can and will make a lasting impression on my sorority house and the girls in it.”
C: What has been your favorite part of Butler?
BC: “The whole entire experience. This question is hard because there’s such a large range of awesome memories to choose from. Homecoming always stands out to me as a favorite because it’s wonderful to see alumni and current Bulldogs come together to celebrate Butler. Overall, I love being able to walk across campus, look around, and know everyone I pass; it warms my heart to see such genuine and kind students of every grade. I know when I leave Butler, I will be able to look back on numerous incredible, lasting memories that I’ll remember forever.”
Photo of Brooks Carey at BUDM | Photo Courtesy of Brooks’ Facebook
Photo of Brooks Carey (right) with sorority sister and friend, Sabrina Pusatera | Photo Courtesy of Brooks’ Facebook
