The Hon. Doug Downey (MA ’94), who serves as the Attorney General of Ontario, recently returned to Brock for a special campus visit that highlighted his professional work and long-standing personal connection to the University.

Downey is a proud Brock alumnus and has maintained close ties to Brock since graduating with a master’s degree from the Department of Political Science. His visit to campus on Thursday, March 12 was a chance to reconnect with the institution that helped shape his career and community involvement.

“Returning to Brock was a meaningful opportunity to connect with students and reflect on the role universities play in shaping future leaders,” Downey says. “It was a privilege to speak with Sport Management students during a Negotiations and the Law class — many of whom are considering careers in law — about the evolving dynamics shaping Ontario’s justice system, public service and leadership, and how strong negotiation can help bring communities together in positive ways.”

While on campus, Downey met with students and faculty and participated in a guest lecture with Brock’s Sport Management program. In the session, he spoke with students about leadership, public service and the intersection of sport, policy and community development. Drawing on his experience in government and public life, he shared insights about decision-making, collaboration and the importance of civic engagement for future leaders working in the sport industry.

Following the lecture, Downey toured several of Brock’s innovative learning spaces such as the Brock LINC, where he learned more about how the space supports collaborative learning, technology-enhanced study and student services.

He also visited the Library Makerspace, where students gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies, design tools and creative problem-solving. The tour highlighted how Brock continues to expand opportunities for experiential learning across disciplines.

Downey was welcomed to campus by Michael Van Bussel, Assistant Professor of Sport Management; Nota Klentrou, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences; Brad Millington, Associate Professor of Sport Management; Tamara Jensen, Entrepreneurship Program Manager; Jonathan Younker, Head of Library Systems and Technology Services; Scott Johnstone, Vice-President, Administration and Services; and Rob Gottschalk (BBA ’01), Associate Vice-President, Alumni and Development.