A screen grab from the new alumni digital display, which will serve as a virtual library of Brock's 75,000 alumni.

Brock University is once again demonstrating its technological savvy by unveiling a unique alumni digital display.

The interactive kiosk, which uses digital technology to showcase Brock graduates as well as alumni related events, awards and volunteer opportunities, will be installed in the lobby of the Schmon Tower later this month.

The alumni digital display is a library of Brock alumni. Users can find digital photos of graduates using a search directory by name, class, year or department. The platform uses high-definition graphics and a user-friendly touch screen application on two screens.

“Brock is the first university to have such a state of the art platform for alumni,” says Christine Jones, director of Alumni Relations. “Given the popularity of tablets and iPhones, we are confident the touch screen format will attract alumni and campus guests.”

The alumni digital display is a work in progress, with considerable resources and time required to ensure all alumni photos are in optimal condition for entry into the directory.

Guests can currently view the graduating classes of 2010 to 2012, with more classes to be added annually. Once complete, the display will house the photos and names of more than 75,000 alumni, dating back to 1967.

“Our ability to consistently update the alumni directory with the most recent graduates, as well as the names of alumni award winners and upcoming alumni events has huge value,” says Stephen Alger, Brock’s Information Technology Services project manager responsible for the directory.

The alumni digital display is a collaboration of various partners, including Brock IT services, Cinema Stage, Forge Media, Brock University Alumni Association, Brock University Students’ Union, Facilities Management and University Accessibility Planning.

Accessible features, including zoom capabilities and a second screen accessible by wheelchair, enables people with physical disabilities to view and interact with screen functions.

“Throughout the development stages of the alumni directory, accessibility of design has been a key consideration with respect to the universal functionality of the kiosk,” says Margaret Sanderson, Brock’s accessibility co-ordinator.

“The team headed by Alumni Relations should be congratulated for their attention to detail and creating a directory that embeds accessibility features for persons with disabilities.”

The alumni digital library was created to not only replace the aging framed alumni composites hanging in hallways throughout campus but to also provide both alumni and campus guests with an interactive platform to learn about activities and events related to Brock alumni.

“Highlighting alumni in this state of the art format is a great source of pride to both alumni and the entire Brock community,” Jones says.