With Brock University’s Spring Convocation now less than a month away, the Class of 2021 is being invited to rally around the memory of a student who would have been graduating with them.

Brock’s 109th Convocation will be offered in a virtual format with public health restrictions continuing to limit in-person gatherings. About 3,500 students from all seven Faculties will have their degrees conferred and officially become Brock alumni when the University’s Spring Convocation portal opens for the Class of 2021 on Friday, June 18.

Each year, students from the graduating class leave their mark on the University through a class gift. This year, graduands are being encouraged to donate to the Yosif Al-Hasnawi Memorial Bursary, which was set up after the death of a first-year Health Sciences student in December 2017.

Al-Hasnawi was fatally shot in Hamilton while intervening on behalf of a stranger being accosted on the street. An exceptional young man with aspirations of becoming a doctor, Al-Hasnawi would have graduated this spring.

His story has been an inspiration to the community and has sparked conversations promoting racial justice and equity on campus.

The Yosif Al-Hasnawi Memorial Bursary provides financial aid for students who may not otherwise be able to continue their education at Brock without support. To donate, visit the 2021 Senior Class Gift website here.

After going live on the morning of Friday, June 18, Brock’s Virtual Convocation portal will remain online and available to students and the wider Brock community.

Following the launch of the Convocation portal, all graduating students will be mailed a package that includes their degree parchment, a Convocation program, an alumni pin, a copy of Surgite magazine, other information from the Brock University Alumni Association and a bag of Class of 2021 confetti.

Graduands are reminded to update their address and phone number on their Brock student portal to receive their Convocation package.