With thousands of hours of community service between them and no shortage of academic accomplishments, Tamara Tait (BPhEd ’21, MA ’24) and Lucas Ramagnano (BSc ’24) have gone above and beyond to make the most of their Brock University experience.

The Faculty of Applied Health Sciences graduates were honoured with the Board of Trustees Spirit of Brock medal for their respective achievements on Wednesday, June 12 during the University’s 115th Convocation.

While Tait has faced challenges, including a learning disability and a significant back injury, her resilience and adaptability shone through during her time at Brock.

A dedicated student-athlete, she completed her Master of Arts in Applied Health Sciences while competing with the women’s fencing team and serving as Boomer the Badger, Brock’s mascot, at key events. She also sang the national anthem at several Ontario University Athletics (OUA) finals.

A passionate advocate for inclusivity, Tait presented at the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and has supported children and youth experiencing disability using play and sport through Brock’s Supporting Neurodiversity through Adaptive Programming (SNAP) program.

Tait’s academic journey has been inspired by her desire to teach and the support of influential mentors like Professor of Kinesiology Maureen Connolly.

She first came to Brock to pursue a Bachelor of Physical Education and is currently working towards her third Brock degree, a PhD in Applied Health Sciences with a specialization in Social and Cultural Health Studies.

The Spirit of Brock medal highlights her commitment to fostering community, inclusivity and personal growth as well as her contributions to Brock as a student and an athlete.

“This award will be a memento of all the fun, exciting and spirited things I have done with the Brock and Niagara communities and my friends,” Tait said. “My time at Brock wouldn’t have been possible without hardworking and inspiring individuals such as Maureen in Physical Education and Erica Wortley in Brock Sports.”

Brock University Board of Trustees member Mark Arthur presented Lucas Ramagnano (BSc ’24) with the Spirit of Brock medal Wednesday, June 12 during the University’s 115th Convocation.

Ramagnano received the Spirit of Brock award for his commitment to health care, leadership and community service.

He earned a minor in Business Administration, achieved the Dean’s Honour list each year and amassed more than 5,000 hours of community involvement while completing a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences.

“Brock provided a unique environment for learning and personal growth,” he said. “The relationships and experiences I’ve gained here will always be a part of me. I may no longer be enrolled at Brock, but I will forever be a Badger.”

Ramagnano worked as a student therapist with the Brock men’s basketball team for two seasons through the Brock Sports Medicine (BSM) program to ensure student-athletes remained performance ready and injury free.

His community service extended to his hometown of Newmarket, where he coached, refereed, and led youth basketball camps. He also contributed to research projects at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie and Brock’s Environmental Ergonomics Lab.

As Ramagnano prepares to further his education and pursue a career as a physician in Canada, he carries forward the values and experiences that shaped his time at Brock.

“Receiving the news of being a 2024 Spirit of Brock medal recipient was overwhelming. It made me realize the significant impact my hard work and dedication have had on both the Brock community and my hometown,” he said. “The recognition put my efforts into perspective and created a greater sense of belonging than I previously felt. If I have positively impacted even one person, all my efforts have been worthwhile.”