Brooks College House is one of three first-year College Houses at F&M. The Brooks House motto is Primus Inter Pares ("First Among Equals") and its emblem is a phoenix. Members of Brooks College House begin their residential life at F&M during first-year orientation with the fiery Phoenix Ceremony. Each new resident writes down something they would like to leave behind as they join the Brooks House community. These declarations are placed into the ceremonial Phoenix Sculpture in a colorful bonfire on Hartman Green. Like the legend of the phoenix, this ceremony symbolizes rebirth and renewal. Students also write down something they would like to achieve. These notes are collected and returned as students graduate, encouraging reflection on personal and academic growth.