This article is part of a series of stories highlighting the recipients of Brock’s Alumni Brilliance Award, which was launched in celebration of the University’s 60th anniversary. To read other stories in the series, visit The Brock News.

Since 1964, Brock University has cultivated innovative, tenacious leaders who continue to shape communities and industries across Canada and around the world.

To recognize some of the many contributions Brock graduates have made through time, the University launched the Alumni Brilliance Awards while celebrating the institution’s diamond anniversary.

Ian Beddis (BSc ’68, LLD ’00)

Among the award recipients is Ian Beddis (BSc ’68, LLD ’00), one of Brock’s earliest graduates. As the third president of the Brock University Students’ Union and later the Alumni Association’s longest-serving leader, his influence shaped the University’s early years.

His contributions earned him an honorary doctorate in 2000 and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2002. With a successful career in wealth management and two Queen’s Jubilee awards for community service, Beddis truly is a champion for Brock and his fellow Badgers. His legacy continues to be felt on campus today with the naming of the Ian Beddis Gymnasium in 2004.

Also making his mark in his field is Brad Inwood (BA ’74), a leading scholar in Stoicism and pre-Socratic philosophy. His academic journey took him from studying at Brock in the 1970s to teaching at Yale, where he holds the prestigious William Lampson Professorship.

Having authored more than a dozen books and mentored more than 80 doctoral students, Inwood has made a profound impact on philosophy and classical studies, earning recognition from the Royal Society of Canada and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

In the 1980s, Julia Dumanian (BA ’85) was an engaged Brock student working towards her degree. As a grad, she has worked to create meaningful change within the Canadian health-care landscape.

As President and CEO of Canadian Hearing Services, she has led the organization to financial stability while pioneering accessibility initiatives for Deaf and hard-of-hearing Canadians. Her leadership in public, private and nonprofit sectors underscores her unwavering commitment to equitable, barrier-free health care.

Keeping her connection to Brock University close to her heart, Canadian author, educator and Brock Professor Kari-Lynn Winters (BA ’92) is a celebration of literary excellence. With more than 33 award-winning books, including Jeffrey and Sloth, Winters has inspired countless young readers.

She studied at Brock in the 1990s before heading to the University of Toronto and then receiving her PhD from the University of British Columbia. She returned to Brock to teach her methodologies to teacher candidates. Her advocacy for education earned her Canada’s top master’s research award, reinforcing the power of the arts in literacy development.

Welcoming in a new century, Adam Shoalts (BA ’09) leveraged his his history degree from Brock and love for the outdoors to become an explorer, historian and best-selling author. With six critically acclaimed books, Shoalts has documented his adventures across Canada’s northern wilderness, inspiring a new generation of explorers.

In 2022, he was presented with the Louie Kamookak Medal for his work to make Canada better known to Canadians and the world by Chief Perry Bellegarde, former National Chief of Assembly of First Nations. His contributions to environmental conservation and literature solidify his place as one of the nation’s modern trailblazers.

James Antonio (BBA ’09, MBA ’14), Vice-President of Transformation at Meridian Credit Union, has revolutionized digitization and financial accessibility, directly impacting thousands of employees and credit union members.

His time at Brock taught him the skills needed to create meaningful change for thousands of people. He embodies Brock University’s commitment to sustainable, accountable and transparent stewardship.

Fitriya Mohamed (BSM ’19, MA ’24) is a dynamic advocate for Muslim women in sport. While playing intramural sports as a young athlete, Mohamed found she was often the only Black, Muslim or hijab-wearing woman on the basketball court and soccer field.

As the founder of the Muslim Women’s Summer Basketball League, she has provided a groundbreaking space for more than 600 athletes. Her work in sport management and mentorship fosters inclusivity and empowerment, shaping the future of athletics.

Spanning six decades, these Brock alumni embody resilience, innovation and leadership, demonstrating the University’s influence far beyond its walls.

For more information on Brock’s Alumni Brilliance Award recipients, visit the Alumni Relations website.