Watching a student you’ve helped along in their university career cross the stage during Convocation is a proud moment.

“It’s a pleasure to see our award recipients at Convocation realize their academic goals and be on their way to future career pursuits,” said Snezana Popov, Senior Manager, Not-for-Profit and Public Sector Group, CIBC. “We are pleased that our award plays a role in supporting Brock students and we wish them success.”

Among the many students CIBC has helped over the years is Shabana Jamani, who is set to graduate Friday, June 8 with a Bachelor of Science during the final Spring Convocation ceremony at Brock University. Jamani received financial assistance from the CIBC Brock Leaders Citizenship Society Award, which is given to first-year students who have achieved exceptional academic success, outstanding leadership and community involvement. In their first year, recipients are inducted into the prestigious Brock Leaders Citizenship Society and can receive up to $2,000 per year toward their University expenses.

“Receiving the CIBC Leaders Award inspired me to continue my involvement within the Brock and Niagara community to make a difference in the lives of others while completing my studies,” said Jamani, who is also being honoured with the Dean’s Medal for achieving the highest academic average in the Faculty of Math and Science. “I thank companies and donors like CIBC for the shared value they place on university education and supporting students like myself in attaining it.”

This year, the Development and Alumni Relations Office is sharing the unique experience of a Brock University Convocation ceremony with donors who fund scholarships and bursaries.

“We have started a new tradition of recognizing and appreciating our donors by inviting them to witness first-hand how their giving has impacted an individual student’s life and supported their path to Convocation,” said Pamela Shanks, Executive Director, Development and Alumni Relations.

Attending convocation is something students such as Christian Betancourt Manjarrez could not do without the financial assistance donor-funded awards provide.

“I am extremely grateful that I have been fortunate enough to receive a bursary this year,” said Betancourt Manjarrez, whose future aspirations include becoming a practising and teaching physician. “I wish to thank all previous and potential donors because their support truly allowed me to continue to excel in all aspects of my life.”

Brock offers a variety of student scholarships and bursaries which are awarded on the basis of academics and financial need. Some are Faculty- or program-specific, while others are broadly available.

“Enabling students to meet their donors face-to-face helps them see who is behind their scholarship and bursary, and to thank them in person,” said Michelle Kerr, Director of Development. “This often inspires graduating students to one day pass on the philanthropy they experienced by contributing to future generations in need of assistance.”

To celebrate Convocation, the Brock University Alumni Association is hosting receptions following each ceremony with refreshments, resources and photo opportunities.

“Brock is unique because it allows graduates to invite family members and friends to share in their special day, and we invite our donors and graduates to get to know each other by joining us at the Alumni Tent,” said Kerr.