More than 400 members of the Brock community gathered in Thursday’s sunshine to dine together, mark the start of the coming school year and meet the new man at the University’s helm.

President Gervan Fearon made his way through the crowd at the annual Opening of Term barbecue in Jubilee Courtyard shaking hands, sharing laughs and swapping stories with faculty, staff and students.

Fearon, whose term as President began Aug. 1, took to the podium to provide insight into his first days on campus and the warm welcome he received as the newest member of the Brock “family.”

He began by offering a round of applause to University faculty and staff for their commitment and dedication toward supporting students, and expressed his desire to work alongside them in that common goal.

“Through the year we’re going to have an incredible journey together in our efforts to contribute to the students and to the research and community engagement that goes on here at the University,” he said. “We’re contributing to the success of our students and we’re contributing to the next generation.”

Watch Fearon’s full remarks in the video below: