With the holidays right around the corner, it is hard to believe that 2012 has almost come to a close. In 2012, we’ve hosted and been involved with more than 15 successful events for grads across Canada, including pub nights, wine tastings, etiquette dinners and, of course, Brock Days Alumni Weekend.

As Brock Alumni Relations gears up for the new year, we want to hear from you – where do you want to have events, what types of events you want and how you want to get involved?

We’ve created a short, two minute survey to provide suggestions and feedback. Survey participants will receive a discount code to get $5 off the next Brock alumni event in your area.

This feedback is integral to our event plans for the 2013 year. We want to know if you can only attend weekday events, or want to have more networking and professional development events, or you think that $30 is too much money for a ticket.

Ultimately, we want to have events in your area that are fun, informative and provide a place for you to meet as many fellow grads as possible.

These events are a great way to stay connected with Brock. We’re constantly increasing our number of alumni networks and the number of events that occur in different areas. Please contact Emily Hutton, special events co-ordinator, if you are interested in getting involved in a network or starting your own.

Part of the Burlington Brock Alumni Network committee that organized Brocktoberfest on Oct. 16.

You may have noticed the alumni network spotlight that was featured in the fall edition of Surgite magazine. The Burlington Brock Alumni Network committee meets regularly to discuss and plan events. Earlier this month, they had their first sold out event at Better Bitters Brewery, home to Nickel Brook beer. By combining sauerkraut, accordion music and fellow grads, they created the first-ever Brocktoberfest event.

The evening started with brewery owner John Romano telling the crowd how Nickel Brook started and providing the group with beer tastings, including the Green Apple Pilsner, Headstock India Pale Ale and a Belgian wheat beer, Le Paysan Saison. Attendees were able to mix and mingle with fellow grads, including Silvio Camilleri (BEd ’91), a world-class accordion player who entertained with fun and energetic music while enjoying a German dinner provided by the West Plains Bistro.

Silvio Camilleri (BEd '91)

Brocktoberfest was a fantastic event where grads learned a lot about beer and brewing. Those who attended will be able to talk about their newfound knowledge next time they are drinking out of their Brocktoberfest beer mug – just one of the many giveaways attendees received.

There are some other upcoming network events or information sessions that may be in a city near you. Please check out the Alumni Networks website for more information.

Don’t see an event in your city? Make sure to stay connected to Brock Alumni Relations to receive the latest updates and invitations or fill out the survey to let us know where you’d like to have an event.