Brain Named CWU Distinguished Alumni Of The Sciences

October 18, 2004

Contact: Molly Fortin (509-963-1491/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: fortinm@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Today, Dr. Gene Brain is in the business of breeding horses that win races. Over the last six decades, he has served the U.S. Marine Corps, taught high school science and worked as a dentist and an orthodontist. Now, he is also the recipient of the Central Washington University Distinguished Alumni Award for the College of the Sciences (COTS).

"The College of the Sciences takes pride in the accomplishments of Dr. Brain," Dr. Meghan Miller, dean of COTS, said. "His work at Central in the biology department is the foundation for his distinguished career in orthodontia and high level of service contribution to his profession."

Brain's diverse career is reflected in his education. After attending primary school in Thorp and graduating from Seattle's Roosevelt High School, he earned bachelor's degrees in biology and education at Central in 1951.

"My professors at Central were instrumental in shaping my science career," Brain said. "Especially influential were Lind, Dean, Quigley and Mayberry."

Brain's experience as Class Platoon Leader at Central led to his service as a captain for the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954. After a year of active duty in Korea, he returned to Washington and taught chemistry and biology at West Seattle High School.

Brain's family dentist, sensing his interest in the field, persuaded Brain to pursue a career in dentistry. He enrolled in the University of Washington and earned a D.D.S (doctor of dental surgery) in 1959. Brain ran his own general dental practice in Bellevue until 1965, when he sought an master of science in orthodontics at Temple University. Brain worked as an orthodontist in Renton for the next 26 years.

"Whenever someone shows an interest in dentistry, I always try to encourage them," Brain said. "I think it's a great profession."

Brain's contribution to dentistry and orthodontia gained much recognition in the field. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists in 1990, as well as the Distinguished Alumni Award for the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1993. The Seattle-King County Dental Society honored Brain with the Award of Special Merit in 1994. At the same time, Brain received the Award of Merit from the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists.

Over the span of his career, Brain has taken time to volunteer for the Renton Rotary and the Renton Chamber of Commerce. He has served as president of several organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the University of Washington Dental Alumni Association, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists and the Washington State Society of Orthodontists.

He has also served on Central's board of trustees and board of visitors.

Brain currently resides in Thorp with his wife, Lillian, also an alumna of Central, where he spends time breeding and racing thoroughbred horses. He's proud of his Central roots.

"We are a true 'Central family,'" Brain said. "In addition to my sons, who are Central graduates, my two older sisters, Hazel Brain Dunnington, professor of English literature at Central, and Geraldine Brain Siks, professor of drama at the University of Washington, and my brother, George Brain, former dean of the School of Education at Washington State University, are all Central graduates."