Brock students, volunteers and community members were recognized for their ongoing engagement efforts, both on campus and in the wider Niagara community, during a virtual event this week.

Held Monday, April 11, the annual Student Life and Success Recognition Event saw awards handed out in 10 categories to recipients from across the University who participate in a variety of ongoing initiatives and exemplify inclusion, perseverance, leadership and other positive traits.

Among the winners was Adele Orr, a first-year Accounting Co-op student, who received the Campus-Wide Co-Curriculum (CWC) Rising Star award for completing the entirety of the CWC in one year.

Orr called the honour a pleasant surprise.

“I was not expecting to receive an award,” she said. “I did the CWC because it’s fun to do and it didn’t feel like work at all.”

The Campus-Wide Co-Curriculum is a guide that helps students identify and navigate the wide variety of opportunities outside the classroom that can maximize their Brock experience and personal development.

While reflecting on her own achievements, which include volunteering with Brock’s Human Rights and Equity team, Orr said she was inspired by the efforts of all the award winners highlighted at Monday’s event.

“Every community needs people who are engaged,” she said. “Seeing so many people that were all there because they love volunteering and getting involved gave me a lot of hope.”

Brad Clarke, Brock’s Director of Student Life and Success, said the leadership shown by all of the award recipients was inspiring.

“The past two years have required all of us to think differently, to step beyond the familiar and to work together to overcome challenges in ways that may have previously seemed impossible,” he said. “But, the pandemic has also shown us that ingenuity, resilience and community spirit are fundamental features of the Brock and Niagara communities.

“The Student Life and Success Recognition Event and awards are a way to acknowledge our many student and community leaders who exemplify these qualities and to thank them for their efforts,” he said. “Working together, we continue to shape a Brock student experience that is second to none.”

For Orr, that experience is shaped by involvement.

“I don’t think you can have the full university experience without getting involved,” she said. “Participating in club activities and workshops allows you to have a sense of belonging and to explore paths you never thought you would take.”

A full list of award recipients can be found on the Student Life and Success website.