Prepare the party hats and ready a rendition of Happy Birthday as the University’s namesake turns 248.

The Brock community is invited to come out Friday, Oct. 6 for a birthday party held in honour of Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock.

The third-annual event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. in front of the Brock statue with free cupcakes, live entertainment and a rousing round of Happy Birthday.

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to wear red Friday in honour of Brock’s big day. The Brock Campus Store is offering a 25 per cent discount on red clothing purchased on Oct. 5 and 6.

The Brock community can share its school spirit — and its Brock statue selfies — online using the #BrockU hashtag on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. A Snapchat filter has also been created to mark the occasion.

After the birthday party, students can continue the celebration by cheering on the Brock Badgers men’s rugby team as they battle Queen’s at 1 p.m. on Alumni Field.

About Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock

Isaac Brock was born on Oct. 6, 1769 on the Island of Guernsey, one of Britain’s channel islands. He earned a reputation for being studious, reading works on ancient history, science and military tactics. Estimated to be more than six feet tall, Brock was also athletic and excelled in swimming and boxing. He entered the military at the age of 15.

Brock came to Canada when he was 33 years old. Within 10 years, he became commander-in-chief of the army, responsible for defending Upper Canada against the United States.

When the War of 1812 broke out, Brock’s army was ready. Quick victories at Fort Mackinac and Detroit defeated American invasion efforts.

In the early morning of Oct. 13, 1812, the American troops crossed the Niagara River and took the hill at Queenston Heights. In an effort to stop their progress, Brock led the charge on foot up the steep hill. However, his tall stature and distinctive British red coat and white trousers made him an obvious target. A musket ball struck Brock in the chest and he fell. His last pronouncement is reported to be “Surgite!” — Latin for “Push on!” — which was adopted as Brock University’s motto.