More than 500 people turned out to sing Happy Birthday and share a toast to Brock University’s namesake Tuesday afternoon.

Born on Oct. 6, 1769, Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock would have been a young 246 years old Tuesday. The festivities planned by students, faculty and staff were meant to start a new tradition at Brock.

The day included cupcakes and punch, a giant birthday cake, a birthday card signed using thumbprints, an after-work gathering at Alphie’s Trough, the unveiling of a new Sir Isaac’s Ale craft beer, and an evening pep rally to launch the #WeAreReady campaign.