For more than 50 years, the Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation has been committed to supporting Brock annually to improve the University and its student experience.

The Foundation, which offers financial support to organizations across Niagara, focuses on improving the environment, social services, health and wellness, and education throughout the region.  

Most recently, the Foundation has donated to enhance the facilities in the Rankin Family Pavilion, which will strengthen Brock’s ability to deliver programs, such as the Niagara Youth Entrepreneurship Network and Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship, allowing for greater collaboration and knowledge exchange.  

Its latest gift to Brock brings the Foundation’s overall support to more than $400,000.

Adrian Barnet, President and Chair of the Board of Directors at the Foundation, said it has always been a priority for the organization to support the next generation in Niagara by emphasizing the value of post-secondary education.  

“We have always had the desire to encourage education and growth in our community,” Barnet said. “Brock has continued to do an incredible job of picking areas to develop further to move the Niagara region forward. As the University comes up with new, innovative ideas and goes in new directions, we are proud to continue to support the initiatives and the students.”

The long-standing relationship between Brock and the Foundation’s parent company, Ontario Paper, began even before the University’s opening in 1964. Arthur Schmon, then-President of Ontario Paper, was a leader in the Brock University Founders Committee, which played a key role in raising money and finding a site for Niagara’s first university campus. The iconic tower building at the University is named after him.

Charles Sankey, the Vice-President of Research at Ontario Paper, was also a founder of Brock. Sankey would continue on to serve as the University’s second chancellor from 1969 to 1974. He is commemorated at Brock through the boardroom named in his honour, the Dr. Charles A. Sankey Chamber.

“We are definitely proud to be able to continue to support Brock’s causes, as we’ve been here from the very beginning,” said Sue Burch, Vice-President of the Foundation. “It’s a great opportunity for us to be able to progress the University’s endeavours and watch as they continue to advance the community.”

Over the years, the Foundation has supported both the Roy and Lois Cairns Health and Bioscience Research Complex and the Goodman School of Business, while also directly supporting Brock students by creating 12 undergraduate scholarships and three graduate awards that are given out annually.

“The relationship between the Foundation and Brock is truly inspirational,” said Sonia Dupte, Director, Development and Stewardship, Advancement and External Relations. “The Foundation’s consistent support of our campus, student experience and local community has played a vital role in the success and advancement of Brock. We look forward to continuing to work together to positively impact the University and the Niagara region.”

Brock congratulates the Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation on its 25th anniversary of operating as an independent organization. Overall, the Foundation has contributed close to $4 million to the Niagara region.