The family of local businessman and long-time Brock University supporter H.-Rudi Kroeker made a $1-million donation in support of the Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex.
The family of local businessman and long-time Brock University supporter H.-Rudi Kroeker made a $1-million donation today to the institution in support of the Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex.
Kroeker and his wife Yvette made their pledge through a gift of life insurance. In recognition of their generosity and years of service to Brock, the Cairns Complex atrium will be named the H.-Rudi Kroeker Family Atrium for the life of the building.
Kroeker served 13 years on the University’s Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2014, including three years as Board chair. It was during his time as chair that the University broke ground on construction for the Cairns Complex in September 2009.
“He has witnessed the workings of our institution first hand, and he is a believer when it comes to supporting students, innovation and community partnerships,” said Brock President Jack Lightstone at today’s announcement.
“This gift to the University,” he said, “will create a lasting legacy at Brock that will have a significant impact on faculty, staff and students in the many years to come.”
“My family and I are extremely pleased to be supporters of Brock University,” said Kroeker. “We sincerely hope that the support we’ve provided to this facility will allow faculty, staff, students and entrepreneurs to excel in their fields, and pursue their research dreams – for all of our benefits.”
Kroeker is President and CEO of Welland, Ont.-based Whiting Equipment Canada Inc., designers and manufacturers of heavy industrial equipment, as well as Chairman and CEO of Handling Specialty in Grimsby, Ont. He oversees Whiting Transportation Corp. of Niagara Falls, N.Y. and Whiting Equipment Services Co. Ltd. He is Chairman and CEO of Zhejiang NAMAG Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd. located in Tongxiang, P.R. China, and director of Swenson Technology Inc. in Monee, Illinois.
The $112-million Cairns Complex opened in 2012. It houses 176,000 square feet of labs, purpose-built teaching and research space and cutting-edge facilities and is home to leading Brock researchers in biotechnology, green chemistry, plant pathology and health and wellness. The facility also houses BioLinc, a business incubator to support start-up businesses and innovative research happening within the walls of the facility.
