In September 1995, Brock opened a new student residence building and called it New Residence.  This wasn’t a very original name, particularly given the fact that between 1989 and 2003 there were seven new residence facilities constructed at Brock. Nevertheless, the New Residence name lasted for several years.

In 2000, the building was given its permanent, rightful name: the Gordon and Betty Vallee Residence. The Vallees have had a long association with Brock and their generous support has been recognized in a variety of ways, including the residence building bearing their them.

Over the years, the Vallees have enjoyed interacting with Brock students and the students have genuinely enjoyed meeting them. Gordon and Betty frequently attended the annual Residence Awards Dinner and other functions at the university.  Sadly, Gordon Vallee died last year and a Rivers beech tree was planted near the south entrance of Vallee Residence in his memory.

Some members of the Residence Life Staff (RLS) of New/Vallee Residence are now working at Brock. Terry Cockerline (BA ’97) was on the New Residence RLS in 1995-96 and 1996-97. He is currently the manager of Alumni Relations at Brock. Mamdouh Abdelmaksoud (BBE ’98) was on the New Residence RLS in 1997-98 and is manager of Brock OneCard. A member of the Vallee RLS in 2005-06, Mary Ann Tierney (BA ’07), is the transitions co-ordinator in Services for Students with Disabilities (Student Development Centre).

Despite the name change to Vallee Residence, New Rez still lives on. Every year, students compete for points for the Zerwen Cup (New Rez spelled backwards) and the original hall mascot names continue to be used each year.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of New Residence/Gordon and Betty Vallee Residence. To celebrate, all former Armadillos, Crusaders, G’Nomes, Huskies, Mallards and Tiggers are invited to Reunion Station during Brock Days Alumni Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Jubilee Court. Additionally, if you were one of hundreds of New/Vallee Residence Life staff, Residence Action Council members and award winners, there is a special reception for you in the Earp Residence Fireplace Lounge from 3:30 to 5 p.m. For more information and to register, visit brocku.ca/brock-days/anniversaries-reunions

Several other reunions are also taking place at Reunion Station as part of Brock Days Alumni Weekend, including the Brock Student Ambassadors 25th anniversary, the Welcome Centre and Community Connections 10th anniversary, the Computer Science Department 35th anniversary, and reunions of the Brock Philosophy Society, the Faculty of Business and the Faculty of Education. Visit brocku.ca/brock-days/anniversaries-reunions for more information.