Middlebury Dedicates Portuguese House in Honor of M. Brooks Michel ’55
On Friday September 18, faculty, staff, and students gathered to celebrate the dedication of the M. Brooks Michel ’55 Portuguese House, where students of Portuguese live alongside a teaching assistant, speak only in Portuguese, and host movies, dinners and cultural activities.
The dedication honored both Michel’s bequest to the College—which noted his belief in the power of a Middlebury education to address societal challenges—and his lifelong connection to languages.
Fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, Michel spent decades working around the world as a simultaneous interpreter. This took him to 49 states and 29 countries, with assignments including work for the United Nations, the State Department, and the Organization of American States.
This house is a monument to a gift given with the belief that Middlebury could use it to make an impact on students’ lives. Whenever any of us walk by this house, I hope it remains a reminder that we collectively continue the spirit of the gift by working with and for students every day.
The dedication opened with a speaking program featuring Nicolas Poppe, professor and chair of Luso-Hispanic studies; Alanna Shanley ’99, senior AVP for engagement; and President Ian B. Baucom. All three reflected on the centrality of language learning to Middlebury, and the remarkable nature of Michel’s support for the institution.
“This house is a monument to a gift given with the belief that Middlebury could use it to make an impact on students’ lives,” said Baucom. “Whenever any of us walk by this house, I hope it remains a reminder that we collectively continue the spirit of the gift by working with and for students every day.”
That idea of continued impact is central to the role of estate gifts for Middlebury, which have been key to the College’s growth and evolution. A 1901 bequest of $45,000 from James J. Jermain, who graduated in 1828, established the James B. Jermain Professorship of Political Economy. That fund continues to support faculty to this day.
Following the speaking program, Baucom invited faculty and students to join him in cutting a ceremonial ribbon wrapped around the front porch. The celebration continued with a backyard gathering where attendees enjoyedPortuguese-inspired food and drink.