Name: Brenda Cole (Cook)
Graduation year: 1982
Occupation: Medical professor
Family: Linda Ruebling, Chris Cook, Shirley Cook, Mark Ruebling
Hometown: Davenport, Iowa
From all my years at St. Ambrose, I'll never forget: Getting extra credit from Dr. Burns for computing the trajectory needed to launch a water balloon from my window in South to the window of a friend in East. Worked perfectly! Blizzard of '79 that closed us down for over a week.
Favorite SAU class: Toss up between choir and any of Mike Kennedy's theatre classes.
Favorite food: Salad bar
What's in my CD player: Soundtrack to original Conan the Barbarian
Favorite book: Daybreak 2250 AD (Starman's son by Andre Norton)
Famous person (living or dead) I'd most like to meet: Too many archaeologists, anthropologists and artists to just name one
If I had all the time in the world, I'd spend it: Exploring ruins and historic sites
What really gets on my nerves is when: Concern for the environment is relegated to merely a political issue & not the life-sustaining force of the planet
If I could change one thing, I would: Have finished my Ph.D. when I had the chance
Peak experience: Exploring the Mayan ruins of Tulum in the Yucatan
Favorite vacation spot: Canon Beach, Oregon
Person who has had the greatest influence on me: My son, Alexander
I wish I knew how to: Fly a plane
Personal motto or favorite quote: When in doubt, take over.
Advice to St. Ambrose freshmen: Remember you actually do need to sleep. Crashing on your desk doesn't count. If you're not from Iowa have someone explain sub-zero temps. Do this way before Homecoming. These four years will be some of the most memorable and life-altering of your life. Enjoy them, learn from them and most important remember them through pictures, words and deeds.

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