“The modern-day university both imparts and grows knowledge. That knowledge requires stewardship — you are now its stewards.”

That was Professor of Classics and Archaeology Allison Glazebrook’s message for Brock’s newest graduates during the afternoon ceremony of the University’s 118th Convocation on Friday, Oct. 17.

Glazebrook’s address invited graduates to not just see themselves as recipients of knowledge from their university experience, but as future creators of knowledge equipped with the tools to listen, question and contribute meaningfully to an increasingly complex world.

The Royal Society of Canada Fellow reflected on how the current cultural and societal moment is redefining knowledge, thanks to a rapidly evolving information and technological landscape, and emphasized the importance of maintaining intellectual humility even in a time of major advancements.

Looking to the past, Glazebrook stressed that grappling with knowledge is not new and that learning is a lifelong pursuit.

“You’ve become skilled at evaluating and assessing knowledge, including its limits, at producing and applying knowledge, and communicating and conveying knowledge responsibly,” she said. “These are the skills with which you too now stand before your own future.”

The importance of self-reflection was echoed by Associate Professor of Health Sciences Pauli Gardner — and put directly into use — during Friday morning’s ceremony.

Associate Professor of Health Sciences Pauli Gardner addressed the Class of 2025 during Brock University’s 118th Convocation on Friday, Oct. 17.

Using a participatory approach, the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Award for Teaching Excellence recipient began their convocation address with a mindfulness practice.

“Showing up for the present moment allows us to better connect with others. By staying open, compassionate and curious, we draw on the strength to keep moving forward, even in the face of uncertainty,” they said.

By centering the audience to the present moment, one conscious breath at a time, Gardner aimed to allow space for a collective savouring of the momentous occasion.

“That’s the message I want to leave with you today: don’t miss your life,” they said.

Gardner emphasized that graduates have learned how to stay curious, to connect across difference, to solve problems and to imagine new possibilities.

“Those are the skills of presence, and they are exactly what the world needs right now.”

A full collection of Convocation photos by ceremony will be available on Brock University’s official Facebook page. View recordings of the day’s Convocation ceremonies at brocku.ca/livestream