“Godmother of English Education” Doris Brougham Dies at 98

Alumna Doris Brougham, called the “Godmother of English Education” in Taiwan for her influential magazine, radio, and television programs that helped millions learn English, died Aug. 6, 2024, at the age of 98. Taiwan President Ching-te Lai thanked Brougham for being a “force for good.”

Known as Peng Meng-hui throughout Taiwan, Brougham dedicated her life to teaching English and spreading the Gospel. She began the first Taiwanese Christian radio programs in 1951, and then came back to the states long enough to graduate from Seattle Pacific College 1953. She returned to Taiwan and co-founded ORTV and Heavenly Melody TV and Studio Classroom in the 1960s, teaching English through networks and stations abroad.

She received numerous awards during her more than 70-year career. In 2022, she received the Order of Brilliant Star for her contribution to Taiwanese society and was among the first foreigners to obtain permanent legal residency in Taiwan and became a citizen in May 2023.

During her last visit to campus in 2014, she performed with the Heavenly Melody Choir. Former Seattle Mayor Ed Murray declared April 2, 2014, as “Doris Brougham Day.”

Brougham will be buried in Taiwan, and a “Doris Brougham Memorial Concert” is being planned.

Posted: Thursday, August 8, 2024