Report 2024-25
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We acknowledge the land on which Brock University was built is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe people, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit, and acknowledging reminds us that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous people.
Brock University’s Senate 2024-25
Senate Officers
· Nota Klentrou (Chair AHS)
· Michelle Webber (Vice-Chair SS)
· Alison Braley-Rattai (Acting Vice-Chair SS)
Ex Officio Members (22 Members (2 non-voting))
· Mark Arthur (Chair, Board of Trustees)
· Thad Harroun (Acting, Dean, Faculty of Mathematics and Science)
· Robyn Bourgeois (Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement)
· Carleigh Charlton (Designate for BUSU President, Vice-President, University Affairs, BUSU)
· Brad Clarke (Associate Vice-President, Students)
· Suzanne Curtin (Vice-Provost, Graduate Students and Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies & Postdoctoral Affairs)
· Scott Johnstone* (Acting, Vice-President, Administration)
· Rajiv Jhangiani (Vice-Provost, Teaching & Learning)
· Geraldine Jones* (Registrar & Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Services)
· Dawn Zinga (Acting, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences)
· Michelle McGinn (Acting, Vice-President, Research)
· Carol Merriam (Dean, Faculty of Humanities)
· Nicole Nolan (University Librarian)
· Hilary Pearson (Chancellor)
· Brian Power (Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Academic)
· Lesley Rigg (President and Vice-Chancellor)
· Christian Santesso (President, GSA)
· Peter Tiidus (Dean, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences)
· Arja Vainio-Mattila (Provost and Vice-President, Academic)
· Mary Louise Vanderlee (Dean, Faculty of Education)
· Thomas Winger (President, Concordia Seminary)
· Barry Wright (Dean, Goodman School of Business)
· Christopher Yendt (Alumni Association Representative)
Board of Trustees Representatives (2 Members)
· Réjeanne Aimey*
· Kevin Magee*
Brock University’s Board of Trustees 2024-25
· Réjeanne Aimey
· Mark Arthur
· Anteneh Ayanso, Faculty Trustee
· Greg Berti
· Arti Freeman
· Lucy He
· Allie Hughes
· Nyarayi Kapisavanhu
· Nota Klentrou, Faculty Trustee
· Kristian Knibutat
· Laura Lane, Staff Trustee
· Brian Lang
Undergraduate Student Representatives (6 Members)
· Mark Chrabalowski
· Mohammed Isam Shaikh
· Nabiha Ghafoor
· Asmara Kaleem
· John Ross
· Tochukwu Daniel
Graduate Student Representatives (2 Members)
· Larissa Lobo
· Daniel Krowchuk
Elected Full Time Teaching Staff/Professional Librarians (39 Members Required)
· Catherine Hands (EDU)
· Alicia Zorzetto (LIB)
· Poling Bork (M&S)
· Alison Braley-Rattai (SS)
· Dan Malleck (AHS)
· Tamara El-Hoss (HUM)
· Bareket Falk (AHS)
· Amanda Burk (HUM)
· Matthew Royal (HUM)
· Kelli-an Lawrance (AHS)
· Colin Rose (HUM)
· Michelle Vine (AHS)
· Tek Thongpapani (GSB)
· Michael Berman (HUM)
· Liz Clarke (SS)
· Rosemary Condillac (SS)
· Don Cyr, Chair (GSB)
· Drew Dane (SS)
· Kimberley Gammage (AHS)
· Nicholas Hauck (HUM)
· Kevin Magee
· Dan Malleck, Faculty Trustee
· Marleen McMaster
· Matthew Melnyk, Staff Trustee
· Anne McCourt
· Anusha Pahuja, Student Trustee
· Unyong (Howard) Pyo (GSB)
· Marcel Oestreich (SS)
· Michael Savage (EDU)
· Brian Roy (AHS)
· Michael O’Sullivan (EDU)
· Dustin Duncan (M&S)
· Anteneh Ayanso (GSB)
· Irene Blayer (HUM)
· Christine Carpenter-Cleland (M&S)
· Nota Klentrou (FAHS)
· Tim Murphy (SS)
· Larry Savage (SS)
· R. Angus Smith (HUM)
· Kristy Spence (AHS)
· Dawn Trussell (AHS)
· Francine Vachon (GSB)
· Michelle Webber (SS)
· Paul LeBlanc (AHS)
· Julia Baird (SS)
· Hilary Pearson, Chancellor
· Lesley Rigg
· JoAnna Roberto
· Christian Santesso, Student Trustee
· Christine Sawchuk
· Robert Welch
· Debbie Zimmerman
President and Vice-Chancellor, Brock University
A message from the President
Welcome to Brock University’s 2024-25 Annual Report. As we reflect on another year of growth and achievement, I am proud to share this document with you, highlighting the milestones that shape our journey. This report brings together stories about our collective efforts in advancing the strategic directions of our 2025-2030 institutional strategic plan:
1. Shape tomorrow through research, discovery and knowledge
2. Build sustainable futures
3. Realize you matter
4. Bring the world to Brock, and Brock to the world
This year was especially significant as we celebrated Brock’s 60th anniversary. Over the past six decades, Brock has evolved into a hub of innovation and opportunity, shaping generations of students, faculty, and staff. Within this report, you’ll find reflections on our rich history, alongside inspiring visions for our future.
You will also learn about our University Action Plan, which distills our strategic plan into University-wide indicators of success. Each indicator has a baseline and 2030 target, and we will provide annual updates on our progress.
I invite you to explore these stories and celebrate the achievements that make Brock University a place of impact, transformation, and forward-thinking excellence. Together, we continue to build on the legacy of our past while shaping a bright future.
Brock President Lesley Rigg and Chancellor Hilary Pearson participated in a fireside chat at a leadership event in January. They discussed leadership as a journey shaped by self-awareness, team building, and moral clarity. They explored generational shifts, the importance of listening to youth, and embedding Brock's values of creativity, curiosity, and courage. Pearson also highlighted the power of mentorship and thought leadership, urging connection and empathy as essential tools for navigating change and leading with purpose.
Brock University celebrates 60 years of excellence and community impact
Brock University’s 60th anniversary was marked by a year-long celebration that brought together students, faculty and staff, alumni, and community members to reflect on the University’s achievements and envision its future. The commemorative events paid tribute to the institution’s legacy of academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement.
The celebratory year kicked off in dazzling fashion with the Skyline Celebration, held at the Podium – the iconic outdoor rooftop space surrounding Arthur Schmon Tower, the landmark symbol of the University. A highlight of the evening was the Pop-up Archives, a visual display capturing the evolution of Brock from its early days as a small regional University to its current role as a hub for research and innovation that benefits local and global communities. Students and community members gathered to enjoy music, food, and camaraderie, creating a festive atmosphere that set the tone for the year ahead.
Throughout the year, Brock also shone a spotlight on its research and academic excellence with a series of 60th Anniversary Research Talks and Workshops. These events were open to the public and designed to engage the broader community with the University’s latest research efforts. Faculty members and student researchers presented their work on a wide range of timely and impactful topics, from health and sustainability to education and artificial intelligence. The talks were accompanied by hands-on workshops that encouraged dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. These events exemplified Brock’s commitment to knowledge mobilization and community partnership. As part of the 60th anniversary activities, a time capsule was designed and constructed by Brock’s own machine shop team. This custombuilt capsule serves as a lasting tribute to the University's first six decades. It houses artifacts, messages, and memorabilia contributed by the Brock community, capturing a snapshot of campus life in 2024 to be rediscovered by future generations. Fittingly, the capsule was built using equipment that’s been on campus since Brock’s earliest days in 1964, a subtle nod to the University’s roots. The time capsule will be housed in the Student-Alumni Centre until it is opened during the 100th anniversary celebrations in 2064.
The 60th anniversary year culminated in the Evening of Brilliance, a gala event that celebrated Brock alumni who have made outstanding contributions in their fields. At the heart of the evening was the presentation of the Alumni Brilliance Awards, honouring graduates who exemplify the spirit of leadership, innovation, and community service. The evening brought together alumni, students, faculty, staff and donors in a celebration of shared pride and continued connection to the University. It was both a recognition of individual excellence and a reflection of the collective impact of the Brock community over six decades.
Together, these events marked a meaningful and memorable chapter in Brock University’s history. They highlighted not only the achievements of the past 60 years but also the University’s forwardlooking vision. From the inspiring research discussions to the celebratory recognition of alumni leaders, the anniversary served as a powerful reminder of Brock’s role as a catalyst for transformation, both on campus and beyond.
Launch of the Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan launch to Brock University
In November 2024, Brock University launched its transformative new institutional strategic plan, "Transforming people, reimagining the future," during an event at Bob Davis Gymnasium attended by hundreds of enthusiastic campus community members. The plan outlines Brock’s vision for the next five years, emphasizing research, sustainability, internationalization, decolonization, and inclusivity. President Lesley Rigg highlighted the University's momentum, stressing the importance of the plan in guiding Brock to new heights. The plan’s purpose statement, "Transforming people, reimagining the future through curiosity, creativity and courage," captures the University's mission to equip individuals with the tools to shape the world. The event also celebrated Brock’s past achievements and the collective effort of over 2,000 people who contributed to this consultative process, marking a milestone in the University's ongoing evolution.
Strategic Plan launch to community
Building on the success of the November launch event, in January 2025, Brock University hosted a community celebration of its new strategic plan at a breakfast reception, where President Lesley Rigg shared the vision with government representatives, community leaders, and alumni. Attendees included Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini, who presented Brock with a certificate commemorating its 60th anniversary. The event also featured Emily Kovacs (BA ’98), Former Executive Director/CEO of the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre (recently renamed Bridges Niagara), who spoke about the role Brock played in her personal journey. Kovacs, who is among the more than 30,000 alumni who call Niagara home, represented the more than 500 graduates who participated in the strategic plan process. The event emphasized the importance of collaboration, underscoring Brock's commitment to its community and future.
As
a newcomer to Niagara, Brock was my first home, offering me belonging and teaching me that being different is a strength.”
Emily Kovacs (BA ’98), Former Executive Director/CEO of the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre (recently renamed Bridges Niagara)
Community partners rally to strengthen nursing education at Brock
Brock University’s Nursing program continues to thrive thanks to the generous support of community partners who are investing in the future of health care.
The Niagara Community Foundation (NCF), the J.P. Bickell Foundation and the Mack Schools of Nursing Alumni Association are among the organizations helping Brock expand its capacity to educate and train the next generation of nurses.
NCF Executive Director Bryan Rose said the Foundation “is proud to continue its support of Brock’s innovative and impactful programs.” He emphasized the importance of investing in local solutions, with funds helping to address the nursing shortage in Niagara and across Ontario by supporting vital work being done at the University.
“These investments are helping Brock meet today’s challenges and build tomorrow’s solutions,” said Meaghan Rusnell, Interim Vice-President, External. USER-NURSE
These contributions, along with support from the Ontario government, are enhancing Brock’s medical learning tools and simulation equipment — essential resources in the University’s nationally recognized Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. With the program’s enrolment tripling in the past three years, welcoming its largest cohort in fall 2024, the timing of these investments has been critical.
Graduates of Brock’s Nursing program are known for their excellence and readiness to make an immediate impact. Many choose to stay in the region, strengthening Niagara’s health-care system and contributing to the well-being of local communities.
17,189 undergraduate students
1,723 graduate students
2,806 full-time employees
124,212 alumni since 1967 110 countries REPRESENTED BY STUDENTS
BY FORBES
AWARDED FOR THE SIXTH TIME & FOURTH CONSECUTIVE
7 faculties
162 academic programs
133 student clubs and organizations
15+ research facilities
2 campuses St. Catharines & Burlington
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES LIVING IN THE NIAGARA REGION
48 Grimsby 8 West Lincoln 141 Pelham
52 Lincoln 1043 St. Catharines
246 Thorold
68 Niagaraon-the-lake
192 Welland 230 Niagara Falls 50 Fort Erie
Port Colborne
PURPOSE STATEMENT
Why
we exist
Transforming people, reimagining the future. Through curiosity, creativity, and courage.
Brock offers individuals the opportunities and space to realize their full potential, equipping them with the tools necessary to reshape the world, both in big and small ways.
Curiosity – embracing the spirit of research and learning in everything that we do.
Creativity – thinking and acting in ways that encourage and achieve authentic breakthroughs.
Courage – pushing for better, in ourselves, with our peers, and in the world.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Champion one another
We are stronger together.
The desire to support our peers is part of who we are. We value and celebrate one another, building connections that last a lifetime.
Lead by example
Our actions matter.
We believe strongly in our responsibility to act with honesty, integrity, collegiality, inclusivity, and transparency. We earn the respect and admiration of others - making our university, our region, and our world a better place.
Break down barriers
Access unlocks potential.
We are on a journey to a more equitable and inclusive tomorrow. We welcome diverse perspectives and create the conditions for everyone to flourish and thrive.
Learn curiositythrough
We quest for knowledge.
We embrace new thinking and welcome fresh ideas. Natural optimists, we have the creativity and courage to challenge conventional thinking to generate, translate, and mobilize knowledge for a better future.
Shape tomorrow through research, discovery and knowledge
Realize you matter Bring the world to Brock, and Brock to the world Build sustainable futures
Shape tomorrow through research, discovery and knowledge
We will:
· Identify, celebrate, and become known for our key areas of research and academic distinction.
· Focus on areas of research and hands-on learning that will prepare Brock community members for the future.
· Grow global awareness of our research breakthroughs through purposeful knowledge translation, commercialization, and mobilization.
· Foster a vibrant research culture that welcomes and values diverse perspectives, identities, and lived experiences.
· Deepen connectivity and transdisciplinarity within and across our research enterprise and teaching and learning initiatives.
· Promote diverse perspectives and deepen understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories through the building of trusted and reciprocal relationships, research, scholarship, and creative activity.
Build sustainable futures
We will:
· Differentiate the Brock teaching and learning experience by providing learners with diverse opportunities and inclusive success pathways to sustain their futures beyond Brock.
· Support the sustainable development of our campus and surrounding communities through collaboration and ongoing partnerships.
· Engage actively in the global dialogue on environmental sustainability through academic pursuits, research initiatives, and partnerships.
· Ensure a sustainable and resilient financial future that allows us to safeguard the needs of the Brock community.
Realize you matter
We will:
· Enrich learning, work, research, and creative activity to retain a thriving and healthy Brock community.
· Engage in trust-building efforts that dismantle systemic barriers, empowering all underserved communities.
· Continue to advance our leadership in the student experience.
· Cultivate a philosophy of personal growth, where all diverse individuals are encouraged, celebrated, and empowered to develop on their own terms.
· Foster an inclusive campus culture that attracts and retains top talent from across Canada and around the world.
Bring the world to Brock, and Brock to the world
We will:
· Globalize our campus through the recognition and inclusion of diverse perspectives, academic curricula, and international experiences.
· Enhance Brock’s impact and connections provincially, nationally, and globally through research collaborations, knowledge mobilization, academic partnerships, and exchanges.
· Cultivate and deepen meaningful relationships across the Niagara region, to better serve our diverse communities.
· Strengthen bonds with our alumni at home and across the world to expand our global network of Brock ambassadors.
TIMELINE-ARROW
University Action Plan (UAP)
Following consultation with the Brock community, the Brock University Action Plan has distilled the University’s institutional strategic plan into measurable University-wide indicators of success. The indicators of success represent a measure of performance and/or success over time to achieve a specific objective. These measures provide targets to enable the University to gauge progress and move forward on the University’s strategic priorities.
University-wide indicators of success
These indicators are directional, actionable, and measurable. They are the primary indicators that reflect the University’s priorities:
· Academic Revitalization
· Strategic Enrolment
· Future-Ready Learners
· Research Scholarship & Creative Activity
· University Advancement
· Dynamic and Inclusive Culture
· Financial Health
· Sustainability
· Reputational Strength
· Community Impact & Global Reach
Each indicator of success has an identified baseline, 2030 target and additional supporting indicators that will be reported on annually.
*indicates a SMA4 metric
Learn more: brocku.ca/strategic-plan
Strategic plan directions
Shape tomorrow through research, discovery and knowledge
Build sustainable futures
Realize you matter
Bring Brock to the world, and the world to Brock
ACADEMIC REVITALIZATION
Program and curricular degree architecture that facilitates the development of accessible, flexible, customizable, and market relevant program offerings.
Number of 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice applicants as a proportion of all applications
STRATEGIC ENROLMENT
Optimal enrolment mix; undergraduate and graduate enrolments (Domestic and International); student retention; student progression to graduation.
Number of students
FINANCIAL HEALTH
Balanced budget with optimal resource allocations to meet the diverse demands of the University.
RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP & CREATIVE ACTIVITY
Increased research activity from inception to mobilization, fostering our pursuit of a better tomorrow.
FUTURE-READYLEARNERS
Educational experiences that provide students the learning outcomes that enable them to be academically prepared, digitally fluent, and career ready
SUSTAINABILITY
Advancing sustainability across all dimensions —academic, research, and operational — by aligning with the social, environmental, and economic pillars of sustainable development.
UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
Total revenue from philanthropic contributions to the University and activities that engage and develop relationships with prospects, donors and other partners for funding opportunities.
REPUTATIONAL STRENGTH
The perception and standing of
DYNAMIC AND INCLUSIVE CULTURE
How students, faculty, and staff experience the campus environment, including their perceptions of engagement, equity, decolonization, and inclusion, which is created and influenced by the efforts and resources invested, and by interactions both with the University and amongst the diverse members of the Brock community.
Number
COMMUNITY IMPACT & GLOBAL REACH
Advancing partnerships across both our local and global communities that foster the reciprocal exchange of knowledge, resources and experiences driving meaningful impact and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Shape tomorrow through research, discovery and knowledge
Clean vines, new wines focus of $2M Ontario research grant
A $2-million funding boost from the Ontario Research Fund (ORF) will support a multi-institutional project led by Brock University that aims to drive resilience in the province’s grape and wine industry.
The project, “Viticulture Innovation and Next-generation Oenology (VINO) Solutions: Strengthening Ontario’s Grape and Wine Sector for Climate Resilience, Innovation Excellence and Global Economic Leadership,” will develop new growing and fermenting approaches to help the industry combat threats such as pests, plant viruses and climate change.
“Our proactive, integrative approach of building resiliency into both grape and wine production systems by combining academic expertise and industrial partnerships across the country, will ensure the Ontario grape and wine sector continues to be a leader in cool climate wine production,” says Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) Director and Professor of Biological Sciences Debbie Inglis, Principal Investigator for VINO Solutions.
The project also builds on earlier funding from the federal government’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. When combined with cash and in-kind support from industry partners and Brock, the VINO Solutions project now totals $7.4 million.
$51.02M
Total Research Revenue
3 year rolling aggregate (2022/23 - COFO)
AI expert
aims
to
assess heart failure risk ‘at the click of a button’
Blessing Ogbuokiri is harnessing his expertise in artificial intelligence to help save lives.
Supported by Brock’s new Black Scholar Research Grant, the Assistant Professor of Computer Science is developing a machine learning model intended to assess whether older heart patients are
likely to be admitted to hospital or die due to heart failure.
Ogbuokiri and his team are training the model to make associations between a range of variables based on health data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. These include medical history, smoking status, physical activity level,
PhD practicum supports local children on autism spectrum
Students in Brock’s first PhD in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) cohort spent their year helping dozens of families improve their quality of life.
A year-long practicum allowed six ABA students to connect research with practice by providing free services to children on the autism spectrum and their families. The unique collaborative experiential education opportunity was offered as part of an ongoing Brock-Bethesda partnership.
After reviewing existing literature, students piloted two caregiver-mediated programs by teaching family members how to implement sleep and toileting strategies at home. They also worked through intervention modules with families through fall and winter.
Once the delivery was complete, students conducted a program evaluation of the sleep and toileting programs and presented the results to Bethesda staff along with recommendations for updates to both programs.
“With this practicum, we were able to co-create a service Bethesda families wanted that wasn’t yet being offered, and 36 families were able to access those new services this year as a result,” says Associate Professor Julie Koudys in the Department of Applied Disability Studies.
socioeconomic status and the presence of chronic conditions like diabetes.
His team aims to create a tool that patients and health-care professionals can use to assess heart failure risk “at the click of a button.”
6
PhD students participated in a year-long practicum PERSON-CHALKBOARD
36 families were able to access new services FAMILY-PANTS
Build sustainable futures
Brock prof inspires global audience to tackle climate challenges using nature
When it comes to addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, research has shown that harnessing the power of nature could unlock solutions to climate change, water quality and food security issues.
Liette Vasseur, Brock University Professor of Biological Sciences and UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability: From Local to Global, was tapped to provide her expertise in the implementation of naturebased solutions (NbS) to a Hong Kong delegation in March.
During the keynote speech at the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects’ international conference on climate and biodiversity, she provided attendees with a baseline understanding of what NbS are, their potential for achieving societal and climate-based goals, and strategies and guidelines for their implementation in the field of landscape design.
“The NbS approach brings net benefits for both human and nature,” she said. “By addressing societal challenges such as climate change, food security and human health, through biodiversity conservation, sustainable management and restoration, it is possible to improve resilience and sustainability of both human communities and their ecosystems.”
Sport Medicine Clinic expands to include community care
Whether it’s a sprained ankle from a leisurely walk or a strained back from an ambitious volleyball play, Brock Sport Medicine Clinic is here to help.
The University has opened its second clinic location, with the new space delivering care to the Brock and wider Niagara communities.
Located on the second floor of Canada Games Park, adjacent to Brock’s main campus, the clinic marks the expansion of services previously offered only to student-athletes and builds on the University’s revenue generation efforts. The space offers physiotherapy/athletic therapy, registered massage therapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, acupuncture and bracing.
Creating a greener campus
Inspired by a commitment to preserve and protect its unique campus landscape, and guided by its Carbon Reduction Plan, Brock is charting an ambitious course to achieve a 75 per cent reduction of its carbon footprint by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Vice-President, Administration and Services Scott Johnstone says Brock is well on its way to achieving its 2030 target thanks to years of transformative thinking and leadership. The University has already marked a 67 per cent reduction in its overall carbon emissions.
“We started off small — with initiatives such as waste diversion and recycling program improvements and high-efficiency lighting and occupancy sensing upgrades across classrooms and offices — and we’re now working to be one of the most efficient universities in the country,” he says. “It’s been quite a journey from where we started to where we are now.”
Brock’s path forward highlighted at Community Info Session
LEAF-HEART
A spot in the top 400 institutions in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
AWARD-SIMPLE
Silver rating in the Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment and Ranking System (STARS)
CAR-BATTERY
Save on Energy 2024 Energy Management Excellence Award
Completed in March, the District Energy System electrification project — which transitioned the campus’ central heating and cooling network to electric-powered chillers and boilers — marked the cumulation of nearly a decade of interconnected work on campus. It is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 13,700 tonnes by 2030 by diversifying campus heat sources and reducing Brock’s use of natural gas. MONEY-CHECK-EDIT-ALT
Brock Provost and Vice-President, Academic Arja Vainio-Mattila led an information session in April providing details on the University’s plans for a sustainable future. The session provided background on the government’s post-secondary education funding model, Brock’s budget planning and its financial sustainability strategy. Presenters also included Josh Tonnos, Chief Financial Officer and Associate VicePresident, Financial Services, and Anna Lathrop, Special Advisor to the Provost. “Brock — together with the wider post-secondary education sector in Ontario — faces some significant fiscal challenges,” said Vainio-Mattila. “We cannot continue to operate the way we always have. But by better aligning our efforts with our strategic priorities, finding more efficient ways to do our work, exploring new avenues for revenue generation, and enhancing our student recruitment and retention efforts, we will build a sustainable, resilient future for Brock.”
HAND-HOLDING-SEEDLING 2025
Clean 50 Top Project recognition
Brock received $281,250 from the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ Training Equipment and Renewal Fund for an Engineering and Science Design Studio that will enhance programming in the Yousef Haj-Ahmad Department of Engineering.
Realize you matter
Dramatic Arts grad’s life-changing journey begins at Brock
Oliver Webb Wilkinson (BA ’25) will never forget the first time he stepped on the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre stage as his authentic self: a transgender man.
At the end of his first year studying Dramatic Arts (DART), he realized he was not quite who he thought he was.
“I entered first year living in residence a regular city girl, but quickly realized something was different for me,” the spring 2025 graduate said while reflecting on his winding — and joyful — journey of self-discovery. “All of my professors and classmates were so supportive as I was figuring out what was happening in my head and heart.”
Brock’s Student Health Services team helped Webb
Wilkinson navigate important health information and access resources, support he was grateful for as he began his medical transition.
He also felt that support on stage — from the creative team led by Director Gyllian Raby — when he played his first male character in the 2023 DART mainstage production.
Webb Wilkinson said he’s become a whole different person in the best way possible at Brock.
“The University has been such a kind and wonderful environment. I don’t want to leave, but Brock has made sure I’m prepared to go.”
Busload of seniors surprises grad
If Sierra Witte (BRLS ’24) was ever unsure of the impact she was having at a local retirement home, those doubts flew right out the window — of a small bus — during Fall Convocation.
After crossing the stage with her Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, becoming one of Brock’s 4,800 new graduates in 2024-25, Witte walked outside to find a crowd of residents from Elgin Falls Retirement Community ready to celebrate her significant achievement.
Shuttled to campus by bus with banners in hand and smiles on their faces, the residents were eager to surprise their favourite Brock Badger, who interned with the organization in summer 2024 before being hired on full time as a recreation assistant.
Witte facilitates many of the activities focused on engaging residents, such as exercise classes, arts and crafts workshops, and themed events like murder mystery nights and Cinco de Mayo. She also assists with paperwork and performs personal assessments.
We love her because she is part of us. We're a family.”
Kathleen Mason Elgin Falls Retirement Community resident
“Sierra is such a wonderful person, she’s so helpful and always so happy,” says Joanne Mitchell, one of the nine Elgin Falls residents who travelled to Brock to celebrate Witte’s graduation. “She exercises us like you wouldn’t believe. We just love her!”
Resident Kathleen Mason says Witte is “always enthusiastic about whatever we’re doing.”
“We love her because she is part of us. We're a family,” she says.
“Her demeanour is so warm and welcoming," says Taylor Heezen (BRLS ’17), Witte’s supervisor at the Niagara Falls retirement community. "Her bubbly personality draws you in and makes residents feel comfortable and excited to participate in activities.”
Demographic census
Second iteration of the census was conducted in Fall 2024 and has been added to the University Action Plan to ensure results are reported as part of the implementation of the strategic plan. Planning is also underway to develop an employee engagement survey.
Bring the world to Brock, and Brock to the world
Delegates build bridges across the globe
From India and Japan to Trinidad and Tobago, Brock University strengthened ties with institutions and communities around the world this year.
The University welcomed international delegations to campus and senior leaders also met with educational representatives in their respective countries, discussing opportunities to collaborate through research, scholarship and student exchange.
In April, a Brock delegation travelled to Trinidad and Tobago to meet with government officials and representatives from the University of West Indies.
“For decades, Brock has built connections with Trinidad and Tobago,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg. “From partnering on research to welcoming visiting scholars and students, the University has helped to create meaningful opportunities for individuals and communities in both countries.”
In January, a Brock delegation worked to build relationships with institutions and recruitment consultants in India, meeting with stakeholders from Chandigarh University, Chitkara University, Amity University, Lovely Professional University and the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute.
Back on campus, the University connected with Asahi Kasei Corporation, a multinational company headquartered in Japan that is building a manufacturing facility in Port Colborne. Brock leaders welcomed company representatives and their families to explore all the University has to offer while discussing opportunities for future collaboration.
The University has helped to create meaningful opportunities for individuals and communities in both countries.”
Lesley Rigg President and Vice-Chancellor
Stamp of approval: Delivering medieval sea king research to the world
Andrew McDonald never dreamed his research would reach all corners of the globe by way of postage stamp.
The Brock Professor of History and participating faculty member in the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies has co-created a new stamp collection bringing life to the epic history of medieval sea kings in the Irish Sea.
“It was thrilling — and incredibly challenging — to take 30 years of my research and several books and condense it down into six little encapsulations, but it forced me to think about the essence of this fascinating and fierce time of history,” he said.
An internationally recognized scholar of Norse history and the Isle of Man, McDonald was sought by the Isle of Man Post Office to partner on the project with local Manx artist Juan Moore. The six-stamp collection was issued in April.
During the High Middle Ages, the Isle of Man and the Hebridean islands off the west coast of Scotland were forged into maritime realms known as the Kingdoms of Man and the Isles, where for two centuries, sea kings dominated the seaways.
McDonald’s work with the Isle of Man Post Office stemmed from years of research and travel to the area, where he is known as the ever-curious Canadian scholar dedicated to uncovering the past and sharing it with the world.
Opportunities abound through double-degree offerings
Increased partnerships with international universities
new international university partnerships formalized
global scholars welcomed to Brock
New agreement with University of Portsmouth to develop dual degrees FILE-MEDICAL-ALT EARTH-EUROPE
Secured recognition of Brock’s Nursing Program for Saudi government scholarships following delegation visit to UAE and Saudi Arabia
New and existing double-degree programs are opening a world of opportunity for students at Brock.
Through the Goodman School of Business international double degree program, fourth-year student Mitchell Chan found himself at the centre of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics in summer 2024. He helped to facilitate Olympic dreams for competitors in cycling and long-distance running events by setting up barriers and water stations for each sport. While working toward earning two bachelor’s degrees simultaneously, he was able to complete co-op work terms in Canada and abroad — where his time with a global logistics company led to his Olympic moment.
Brock took steps toward expanding its dual-degree offerings this year through a new international agreement with the University of Portsmouth in England. The partnership will see dual-degree offerings created across various Faculties, with the initial programs focusing on sports science and management as well as computer science.