Faculty of Humanities graduates Colin Spencer (BA ’25) and Cassidy Robertson (MA ’25) are empowering the next generation of Brock students to share their big ideas with the world.

Each received a Board of Trustees Spirit of Brock medal in recognition of their leadership and dedication to showcasing student research and building community on Wednesday, June 11 during Brock’s 117th Convocation.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in Philosophy, Spencer originally came to Brock more than 10 years ago straight out of high school.

His first few years were difficult and he faced several obstacles, including mental health challenges, that prevented him from completing his full degree.

He needed a break and followed his instincts.

Returning to Brock in 2022 to complete his studies, Spencer knew this time would be different.

“I had taken the time to deal with things in my personal life, and I wanted to do the whole university experience in full,” he said. “It was a daunting task to return in my 30s, but it was an amazing experience, like night and day.”

Spencer got involved with Brock’s English Students’ Association (ESA) and was appointed ESA President, working with the team organizing events for all segments of the student population.

“It started in Humanities, but we had participants from across campus involved; there was a deep sense of community,” he said.

Spencer spearheaded the first ever ESA Undergraduate Academic Conference, motivated to get more exposure to the research process for undergraduate students.

Calls for papers garnered an incredible response. Spencer was blown away.

“While we didn’t shoot for the stars at the beginning, with the support of our professors and Deans, the sky was the limit by the end,” he said.

The ESA took it one step further and created a publication, The Sett, named after a complex underground burrow where badgers live. Spencer hopes the first issue marks the start of an ongoing series.

“This wasn’t just about putting on a conference and creating a publication, it was about laying the groundwork for future years.”

Much like Spencer, Robertson, who graduated with a master’s degree in Classics in the Art and Archaeology stream, was keen to amplify the voice of Humanities graduate students and get involved in the Brock community.

With an undergraduate degree in Archaeology with a Mediterranean Specialization from Trent University, Robertson was drawn to Brock for graduate studies because of its unique history with underwater archaeology through the work of Professor of Classics and Archaeology Elizabeth Greene.

Robertson was a key member of the student team organizing the second annual Humanities Graduate Student Symposium held in February 2024 and strengthened her leadership skills as Lead Co-ordinator for this year’s successful event.

“I wanted to showcase the importance and significance of humanities research, motivated by my love for my field and interest in interdisciplinary collaboration,” she said.

Encouraging peers to contribute actively to Brock’s research culture, and leading by example, Robertson also participated in the 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) competition and Mapping New Knowledges conference.

“These events provided valuable experience in outreach and public speaking for Brock graduate students,” she said.

Robertson urged future graduate students to take every opportunity that comes their way.

“Get involved; participating will help you market yourself in the future,” she said. “Focus on how your degree can help you grow skills and connections while building a great community.”