The new academic year will kick off next week with a celebration of Brock’s growing international community.

Brock International will host its annual Open House on Wednesday, Sept. 4 — and the entire University community is invited. The festivities will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the International Centre on the east end of Brock’s main campus.

The event will help to welcome nearly 500 new international undergraduate students from 105 countries to campus. Brock’s international student population continues to grow, now making up 13.7 per cent of the University’s enrolment, up from 11.7 per cent in the previous year.

Held in the Global Commons student lounge, the Open House will begin with opening remarks by Brock President Gervan Fearon and members of the University’s senior administration.

During the ceremony, Fearon will introduce the 2019-20 International Student Ambassador Award recipients. This prestigious scholarship recognizes international students who exemplify the mission and vision of Brock, along with high academic achievements and community engagement experience.

The ceremony will also officially unveil Brock’s newest mural, housed inside the Global Commons. The piece, titled Connections, was completed by fourth-year Visual Arts student Chardon Trimble-Kirk over the summer.

After the ceremony, guests will be treated to complimentary lunch from Small Scale Farms, including beef or veggie burgers along with an assortment of salad, as well as dessert from Itty Bitty Pie Company.

The day will also feature a live performance by local musician Joe Sacco, games and a raffle for a $100 gift card to the Brock University Campus Store.

Guests will have the chance to meet with international support staff and learn more about programs and services offered by Brock International. This includes ESL Services, International Market Development, International Mobility and International Student Services, which includes academic and language support, student advising and student engagement opportunities such as day trips to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, weekly activities on campus and holiday celebrations.

No registration is required for the Open House, but faculty, staff and students are encouraged to arrive early as food will be limited. More information about the event can be found on ExperienceBU.