From education to finance to professional athletics, Brock University alumni are making remarkable contributions to their professions and communities.

Ten of Brock’s outstanding graduates will be honoured by the Brock University Alumni Association (BUAA) and the University’s Alumni Relations office during the University’s 60th anniversary Homecoming celebrations.

“We take immense pride in recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of our alumni,” says Kim Post, Director, Alumni Relations. “We know Brock graduates are positively contributing to their industries and communities around the world. It’s important that we honour the achievements of these impressive individuals, who are an inspiration to Brock Badgers of the past, present and future.”

This year’s award recipients have demonstrated exceptional leadership and success in their respective fields and are a testament to the talent and dedication within the Brock alumni community, Post says.

The 2024 recipients include:

Shauna Bookal (BSM ’05) — Distinguished Alumni Award

An impassioned champion for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), Shauna Bookal is currently the President and CEO of the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network. She provides expertise and advice to internal and external communities regarding EDI related matters within the Canadian amateur sports industry.

Zanab Jafry Shah (BSc ’19) — Outstanding Young Alumni Award

A dedicated Health Science professional who has championed for health equity since her time as a student, Zanab Jafry Shah is working to help solve systemic challenges within Canadian health care. She is currently working on a digital platform called Bettering.ca, which aims to help bridge the gap between patients and social infrastructure.

 Scott Murray (BA ’08) — Community Engagement Award

Scott Murray is a finance professional who began his career with RBC while a summer student at Brock. Hoping to enact meaningful change, he uses his leadership skills to engage his personal and professional community and raise money for important causes such as youth mental health and pediatric oncology.

Brodie Hague (BA ’14, BEd ’14, MSc ’16) — David S. Betzner Award

A tireless supporter of Brock and committed educator, Brodie Hague’s career began on Brock’s campus as a Teaching Assistant. With a passion for geography and teaching, he is  currently the Assistant Department Head of Canadian and World Studies at a secondary school in Hamilton.

Chris Shewfelt (BSM ’02) — Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Distinguished Graduate Award

Chris Shewfelt is an experienced business professional with a passion for athletics and a drive to succeed. Having worked with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) for 23 seasons, he has touched almost every aspect of sales and marketing. He is now working as Vice President, Business Operations Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts and as MLSE Lead, FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto.

Lisa Schellenberger (BA ’16, BEd ‘16) — Faculty of Education Distinguished Graduate Award

Lisa Schellenberger is a dedicated educator and guidance counsellor with a strong commitment to community engagement, environmental stewardship, and mental health and wellness. She is dedicated to the Nunavut community where she lives, teaches and volunteers.

Anthony Fama (BA ‘70) — Faculty of Humanities Distinguished Graduate Award

A long-time educator and successful researcher, Anthony Fama tapped into his Italian heritage and literature degrees to create a dynamic career that included teaching and publishing both fictional and academic works across the globe.

Mohammad Abeidat (BSc ’01) — Faculty of Mathematics and Science Distinguished Graduate Award

An innovative learner, who transitioned from being a student entrepreneur to becoming a global technology leader, Mohammad Abeidat has held pivotal positions within the tech industry for the past two decades all around the world. He currently serves as the Director of the Digital Transformation Unit for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Ornella Marinic (BA ‘08) — Faculty of Social Sciences Distinguished Graduate Award

A devoted health-care professional and women’s health advocate, Ornella Marinic founded Femme International in 2013 to address gender inequity and issues surrounding menstruation. She is currently working toward her Master of Social Work and in the process of opening her own practice.

Haoran Deng (MBA ’06) — Goodman School of Business Distinguished Graduate Award

A business professional with more than two decades of comprehensive management experience, Haoran Deng has worked with the “Big Four” international accounting firms and was awarded 2020 Outstanding CFO of China.

Nominations are now open for the 2025 distinguished alumni awards. To learn more about the awards or submit a nomination, please visit brocku.ca/alumni/awards

For more information on Homecoming events and registration details, visit brocku.ca/homecoming