Jill Dunlop listened intently as Brock students shared their aspirations and spoke about how the University is helping them to achieve their dreams.

Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities visited Brock’s main campus Monday, Sept. 26, first sitting down with Faculty of Education students who highlighted their programs and provided insight into their university experiences.

Jill Dunlop (centre), Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities, speaks with Brock University Nursing students during a visit to campus Monday, Sept. 26.

After learning a bit about each of the roundtable participants, Dunlop asked the students, who were in their first to final years at Brock, to offer advice to one another as they navigate various stages of their educational journey.

Christiane Rutledge, a second-year Consecutive Teacher Education student who is taking classes while working in learning and development within the finance industry, encouraged her peers to get involved as much as possible and to take advantage of the opportunities made available to them through their respective programs.

“That question really hit a sweet spot for me,” Rutledge said of the request for advice. “It really showed that the Minister was interested in what we had to say and valued our opinion and experiences. It was an honour to speak with her.”

Brock University Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lynn Wells (left), Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop (centre) and Brock Graduate Students’ Association President Haley Myatt during Dunlop’s visit to campus Monday, Sept. 26.

The visit was an opportunity for Dunlop to gain insight directly from Brock students about their time at the University and their plans for the future.

“It was a true pleasure speaking with students and hearing about how Brock is preparing them for a fulfilling, meaningful career,” Dunlop said. “It was great to see students back on campus. Their commitment to and passion for their fields of study gives me great confidence in Ontario’s future leaders and workforce.”

During her visit, Dunlop also spent time speaking with Brock Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lynn Wells and President of Brock’s Graduate Students’ Association Haley Myatt before touring the University’s new Nursing Clinical Simulation Lab.

After watching a demonstration of the lab’s state-of-the-art patient simulators, Dunlop spoke with Nursing students about why they chose to pursue their studies at Brock and how the University’s innovative equipment has enhanced their ability to pursue a career in the health-care field.