A large crowd gathered at Brock University Thursday for a dedication ceremony of the Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock sculpture, and a celebration of the late David S. Howes.

It was a day a long time coming, and one the late David S. Howes would have loved to be part of.

A large gathering of Brock University faculty, staff and students joined community leaders and members of the Howes family to mark an important day in the history of the Niagara institution.

The new Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock sculpture, created by renowned Canadian artist Danek Mozdzenski, was dedicated Thursday morning during a ceremony that included a celebration of Howes, who generously donated the funds to create the artwork.

The 15-foot-tall bronze sculpture located in front of the University’s Schmon Tower will forever serve as a reminder of the legacy left by Howes, a St. Catharines businessman and longtime Brock supporter. In addition to his gift of more than $1 million for the sculpture, Howes also funded scholarship programs to help students, initiated significant annual events to support student financial awards, and gave generously to build or sustain facilities that improved the student experience at Brock.