Once a Badger, always a Badger.

Students may spend just a few years at Brock, but their connection to the University’s close-knit community lasts for life. Over the past 60 years, Brock graduates have played an essential role in supporting student success through volunteering, monetary donations and providing experiential education opportunities.

Jon Faber (BBA ’02)

In the past five years, alumni donors have contributed an average of about $250 each a year, providing more than $1 million to support students, research and other critical needs across the University.

Graduates Jon Faber (BBA ’02) and Aleks Novakovic (BAcc ’97) were inspired to give back to Brock by memories of a supportive environment that has profoundly influenced their lives since graduation.

When Faber, now CEO of Pason Systems, enrolled in Brock’s Co-op Accounting program in the 1990s, he and his wife Jill Ormiston Faber (BA ’01) made life-changing connections.

Faber’s ongoing support including his generous donation of $10,000 to the Jamie Fleming Scholarship, which recognizes students for their outstanding leadership and commitment as a member of the Residence Life staff, holds particular significance for Faber.

He says residence life at Brock gave him a sense of belonging, moulded his own perspective and identity, and allowed him to build invaluable life skills and lifelong friendships

“I found a community that welcomed me and taught me how to navigate various types of relationships. It helped shape my future in a way I couldn’t have imagined,” he says. “The communication and leadership skills I developed through involvement in residence life and in the seminar system in the business school at Brock have been the most impactful in my current professional and volunteer experiences.”

Also a Co-op Accounting graduate, Novakovic was moved to give back to his alma mater when his daughter was exploring her post-secondary education options. As part of the process, he reconnected with the Dean of the Goodman School of Business and was impressed with the School’s commitment to excellence in business and accounting.

Novakovic and his wife Donna, decided to donate to the Building Fund and establish the Aleks Novakovic Undergraduate Scholarship for Excellence in Accounting, which was first awarded in April 2024.

Aleks Novakovic (BAcc ’97)

“Our own educational journeys were made possible with financial support. We aspire to extend this privilege to deserving students,” he says. “The Co-op Accounting program at Brock prepared me extremely well for the Chartered Professional Accountant designation and was a great foundation for a business career,” he says.

Novakovic served as Global Head of Tax at Brookfield Corporation for more 20 years and is currently the company’s Head of Strategic Initiatives.

Both Faber and Novakovic’s donations reflect their belief in the transformative power of education and their commitment to ensuring students can achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to society.

Beyond providing financial support, Brock grads have an incredible impact on the lives of students by sharing their time and insights, with than 1,500 volunteering over the years in a variety of ways.

Whether speaking to a class about their experiences, judging a competition, serving on a panel, hosting a webinar or speaking at Convocation, these interactions with students demonstrate an abiding commitment to supporting fellow Badgers and strengthening the Brock community.

“Our alumni community is made up of a diverse range of perspectives, narratives and experiences,” says Kim Post (BA ’03, MEd ’14, BEd ’21), Director, Alumni Relations. “When they give their time, they demonstrate to current students that with a Brock degree, you can truly achieve anything.”