More than 500 Brock University faculty and staff gathered in Jubilee Court Thursday afternoon to enjoy the summer weather and each other’s company in celebration of the approaching Fall Term. 

The annual Opening of Term barbecue encouraged University employees, who are busy preparing for the arrival of more than 19,000 students, to take time to celebrate the work they have accomplished over the past year and to look ahead to the new term. 

The Opening of Term barbecue featured live music and lawn games such as cornhole and giant Jenga.

The popular event featured live music, lawn games, barbecued burgers, summer salads and cold beverages. Ice cream was served by staff volunteers with Brock’s United Way Committee. 

President Gervan Fearon addressed the lively crowd with remarks of appreciation. 

“Students and alumni have shared with me that Brock has made a significant difference in their lives,” he said. “The wonderful work our faculty and staff do day in and day out contributes to their success.” 

Fearon referenced notable Brock accomplishments, including consistently increasing enrolment the past four years; ranking Top 3 in Maclean’s Magazine for student satisfaction; investing $250 million over the last decade to modernize student-centred teaching and learning spaces; and faculty members being recognized for their teaching and research excellence. 

He also credited the culture of engagement and customer service faculty and staff have created for the 13 per cent increase in the number of students who selected Brock as their first-choice university. 

“The camaraderie our employees have with each other is passed on to the people we serve,” he said. “That is why students are choosing us as their No. 1 university.”