Across Brock University, faculty and staff make a daily impact on students through teaching, support and mentorship. For many, that commitment extends beyond the classroom.

Executive Director, Student Life and Success Jenn Skelding is one of the leaders who stepped up with a financial gift to Mentor Link, a new peer mentorship program designed to equip first-year students with the encouragement, resources and community they need to thrive.

Launched in September, Mentor Link has already helped 67 mentorship pairs build meaningful relationships, navigate campus with confidence and access timely guidance.

For Skelding, giving to Mentor Link was a natural extension of the work her team does every day.

“Peer mentorship has transformational power in helping students build identity, autonomy and develop as young leaders,” she says. “When we invest in programs like Mentor Link, we’re investing in the confidence and belonging that carry students through their Brock experience.”

That transformation is already visible in the program’s early outcomes.

Bill Nicholson, a third-year Geography student and Mentor Link participant who supports two first-year mentees, says watching his peers grow has been the most rewarding part of his Brock journey so far.

“Helping my mentees become the best version of themselves by gaining confidence in their abilities is incredible. Sometimes it’s a nudge toward a campus resource; other times it’s a quick check-in before a mid-term. It all adds up,” he says.

First-year Psychology student Taylor Segeren says having a peer mentor made the transition to university feel manageable.

“As a first year, everything is new and it can be overwhelming,” Segeren says. “My mentor helped me find the right supports, set up a study routine and feel comfortable asking questions.”

Skelding says philanthropy is one of the most powerful ways the campus community can show students that Brock believes in them.

“Giving to campus initiatives is how we extend the love on campus,” she says. “It tells current and future students that we’re in their corner.”

That spirit of support is being amplified through a new $100,000 matching fund available until the end of 2025 for faculty, staff and retirees.

Thanks to an anonymous donor, all new payroll contributions made through April 30, 2026, will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000 per donor, provided a pledge form is submitted to the Office of Development and Donor Relations by Wednesday, Dec. 31. Additionally, new one-time gifts to any area or student award are also eligible for this match.

Skelding’s gift to Mentor Link is one example of how leadership can inspire action, and how action can transform outcomes. Whether members of the campus community give to Mentor Link, student awards, a specific Faculty priority or another initiative that matters to them, their gift will have twice the impact on Brock’s students, programming and campus culture.

Faculty and staff who wish to set up a payroll contribution or have questions about the matching opportunity can connect with Julia Ventresca, Annual Giving Officer, by email or at 906-688-5550 x6378.