A retired Brock University professor and a choir led by a current faculty member have been recognized for their substantial impact on life in the Niagara region over the past year.

Yousef Haj-Ahmad (BSc ’80, MSc ’82), retired Professor of Biological Sciences, was announced as one of six 2023 Niagara Impact Award winners during the State of the Region address delivered by Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley on April 12. Haj-Ahmad, CEO and Founder of Norgen Biotek Corporation, received the Community Leader Award for his support of the biotechnology and health sciences sector in Niagara through his family’s support of engineering programming at Brock.

In 2022, the Haj-Ahmed Family Foundation donated $5 million to Brock to support the development of the Yousef Haj-Ahmad Department of Engineering. The Foundation’s gift also established the Haj-Ahmad Engineering Scholarship for Women, which will support female students pursuing science, technology, engineering and math education.

Also recognized at the event was Tomorrow’s Voices Children’s Choir, which received the Non-profit Award for its commitment to inclusivity. Providing free after-school choir programs for children aged eight to 18 from under-served communities, the non-profit choir is led by founder and Executive Director Todd Green, Associate Professor of Marketing in Brock’s Goodman School of Business. A fan of music himself, Green’s research explores corporate social responsibility and ethics in the arts and entertainment industries.

Children participating in Tomorrow’s Voices learn more about music from professional music directors without having to audition or pay to participate. Programs are currently offered in St. Catharines, Hamilton, Toronto and Saskatoon.

A full list this year’s recipients is available on the Niagara Impact Awards website.