Brock University graduates are using their education and experiences to strengthen communities and create opportunities for others across Niagara, Canada and beyond.

Ten of these outstanding graduates will receive Brock University Alumni Association Awards on Sunday, Sept. 20 during Brock’s 2026 Homecoming celebrations, honouring achievements that range from public service and community leadership to contributions in the fields of health care, education, research and the arts.

Director of Alumni Relations Kim Post says Homecoming is a reminder that students’ connection to Brock doesn’t end at Convocation.

“There is something incredibly special about welcoming our graduates back to Brock. This weekend, we celebrate that connection and the incredible ways our alumni are making an impact in their communities and around the world. Their stories are an inspiration for current and future Badgers,” she says.

The 2026 award recipients include:

Distinguished Alumni Award — Diana Huson (BA ’11, MA ’13, MBA ’17)

Three-time Brock graduate Diana Huson has served as a municipal politician, senior executive and advocate for women in leadership and government.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award — David Lao, CPA (BAcc ’16)

CPA David Lao is modernizing Canada’s federal public service through work in finance and technology. The young Brock graduate has also championed Indigenous participation in federal procurement and contributes his expertise to health care and community organizations.

David Betzner Award — David MacKenzie (BA ’74)

For nearly six decades, David MacKenzie has given his time, talent and leadership to Brock and Niagara’s arts community through his theatre career, preserving the University’s history and creating the 50th Anniversary Alumni Association’s Tartan.

Community Engagement Award — Michael Kirkopoulos (BSc ’00)

As Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Lincoln, Michael Kirkopoulos was instrumental in bringing the University and the community closer together by establishing the Brock Lincoln Living Lab, which gave experiential learning opportunities to students across various fields in local government.

Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Distinguished Graduate Award — Joseph Rotella (BPhEd ’89)

For more than 15 years, Joseph Rotella has combined clinical practice with teaching future health professionals. The Brock Physical and Health Education graduate has taught rehabilitation sciences at McMaster University, Sheridan College and the Canadian College of Osteopathy.

Faculty of Education Distinguished Graduate Award — Narine Dat Sookram (ADEC ’14, BEd ’21)

For Narine Dat Sookram, education extends well beyond the classroom. The two-time Brock graduate has used his work in social services, mental health, research, mentorship and community advocacy to share knowledge, challenge barriers and create opportunities for others.

Faculty of Humanities Graduate Award — Krystal Brant (BA ’06)

Mohawk social worker, educator and counsellor Krystal Brant has built a career advancing Indigenous student success, cultural safety and systems change across education, health care and community organizations.

Faculty of Mathematics and Science Distinguished Graduate Award — Dr. Rebecca Menzies (BSc ’04, BSc ’05)

Dr. Rebecca Menzies graduated from Brock at the top of both her Physics and Biological Sciences then became a maternal fetal medicine specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital. Today, her research focuses on preventing preterm birth and her work as an educator earned her a University of Toronto Teaching Excellence Award in 2026.

Faculty of Social Sciences Distinguished Graduate Award — Shannon Braun (BA ’15)

Psychology graduate Shannon Braun has built her career focusing on human resources, workplace safety and employee relations in the non-profit sector. Her work has earned her recognition as one of Canadian Occupational Safety’s Top Safety Leaders Under 35 and one of Niagara’s 40 Under Forty.

Goodman School of Business Distinguished Graduate Award — Jim Jessop (MBA ’15)

Fire Chief and General Manager Jim Jessop leads Toronto Fire Services, Canada’s largest fire service. With 30 years of experience in emergency services, he oversees approximately 3,500 employees serving more than three million Toronto residents.