Cameo Club member John Ingram at the Alumni of Distinction Awards gala, March 2012

John Ingram (BA ’68) says his choice to attend Brock “was one of those fortunate accidents, which end up being a life-altering experience.” And the rest, as they say, is history.

Ingram is considered a Brock University pioneer. He is among the University’s first handful of students and honours graduates, also known as  Silver Badgers. He’s an inaugural Cameo Club member, and is a close friend of the University.

Ingram has surrounded himself with good company, too. His wife Wendy (BA ’67) is also a Silver Badger and an Alumni of Distinction award recipient (2012). And his good friend, fellow Silver Badger Ian Beddis (BA ’68, LLD ’00), is an Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni award recipient who holds an honourary doctorate from Brock.

Cameo Club pin

In 2008, Ingram was among the first to be inducted into the Cameo Club, where he received an alumni cameo pin with a silhouette of our University’s namesake, Maj. Gen. Sir Isaac Brock; a symbol to recognize alumni who graduated at least 25 years ago. It is a pin that should be worn proudly, especially when members attend alumni network events and reunion activities.

Since 2008, Brock Alumni Relations has presented hundreds of cameo pins to alumni celebrating 25-, 30-, 35-, 40-, and 45-year reunions during the Cameo Club reception at Alumni Weekend.

Ingram told us about his Brock experience and his thoughts on his Cameo Club pin.

1. What was your most memorable experience as a Brock student?

Too many experiences to mention just one, but some highlights are:

• Being elected the first student President
• Porch clubs
• Putting together the winter weekends and associated variety shows
• Representing Brock at a C.U.S conference in Vancouver
• The Mansion House!!
• Writing the proposal on student representation on the University Senate
• Receiving the gold award for extracurricular activities
• Graduation

2. What has been your most important achievement as a Brock graduate?

My most important achievement has been the training and mentoring of young business people, who have moved on to hold important senior positions in the business world.

3. What did you think when you received your Cameo Club pin back in 2008?

I thought that this pin was the perfect representation for Brock alumni. I wear it often. The Silver Badgers are a select group but the Cameo Club represents a larger group of Brock grads. I am proud to be a member of this group.

4. How does this pin connect you to the University?

The pin is a visual reminder of my days at Brock and of the many close relationships forged there. It also reminds me of General Brock, the war of 1812 and the famous Brock motto, Surgite!

5. Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for grads who are receiving their Cameo pin at Alumni Weekend 2012?

Be proud of your Brock degree and spread the word about your great experiences there. And, most importantly, stay involved with the University as a strong alumnus.

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If you graduated at least 25 years ago, come to Brock during Alumni Weekend to receive your Cameo Club pin. This year is an anniversary year for graduates from 1987, 1982, 1977, 1972 and 1967 and they will receive their pins.

If you have already received your Cameo Club pin, we welcome you to the reception to celebrate with fellow graduates and enjoy an evening during Alumni Weekend.

Cameo Club Reception
Date: Saturday, Sept. 22
Time: 5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Cairns Complex, 4th floor lounge
Cost: Reception is free (registration is required)

For more information about receiving your pin at this year’s Cameo Club reception, go to brocku.ca/brock-days/alumni-weekend/cameo-club

For a full list of Alumni Weekend events, including the Reunion Station social, Cameo Club, and Fine Food, Fine Wine Fine Art, visit: brocku.ca/brock-days.