During Convocation at Brock, Matthew Melnyk can usually be found helping graduands prepare to cross the stage and mark the milestone moment in their lives. But on Friday, Brock’s Director, Student Recruitment will put his official duties on hold to celebrate as he virtually graduates alongside about 1,000 fellow students. 

Brock’s Oct. 16 Fall Convocation will see Melnyk receive his Bachelor of Education in Adult Education, his third degree from the University. He previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy, and Master of Arts in History, in 2007 and 2008, respectively.

It was after meeting with colleagues in the Faculty of Education to discuss recruitment opportunities that Melnyk inadvertently recruited himself for a return to the classroom.

He took the year-long program as an opportunity to reintroduce himself to the academic world, while also furthering his professional development.  

“I had many hallway conversations and late-night texts with colleagues who are also classmates,” he said. “The recruitment team and the Registrar’s Office had to endure my constant referencing of the previous week’s readings in our staff meetings and they were extremely supportive along the way.”

Like many employees before him, Melnyk chose to take advantage of the University’s tuition waiver for staff, and balanced working full time while completing his degree. During this time, Melnyk and his wife also added a new baby to the family.

“Over the course of this program, I welcomed my second son, so it was a very busy time with two boys under two,” he said. “It is very rewarding to have accomplished this with so much going on outside of the classroom.”

Friday’s Fall Convocation will follow the direction of the spring instalment by celebrating the graduands in a completely virtual format. Brock has created an online Convocation portal, which will launch on Oct. 16, giving each grad their own personalized experience. An in-person celebration will be held at a future date. 

Melnyk is excited to mark the occasion with his family, while also looking back at his Brock journey that has helped him to get where he is today.

“My first day on campus was Fall Preview Day in 2003 and reflecting back on all of these years as a student, graduate student and staff member, along with all of the amazing people I’ve had the privilege to meet, study and work with, is truly something special,” Melnyk said.

If you are or know of a Brock employee graduating during Friday’s Fall Convocation, please contact The Brock News at campusnews@brocku.ca