Xin Liu, an MBA (ISP) graduate student, sings the traditional Chinese song "A Far-Away Place" at the official opening of the International Centre.

Brock has officially opened its new 46,000-square-foot International Centre.

The project, which is part of the Campaign for a Bold New Brock, had an official ribbon cutting Monday.

“Within the corridors and learning spaces of this building, students and faculty will gain a shared understanding of the world,” President Jack Lightstone said at the event. “We are bringing the world to Brock, and sending Brock out to the world.”

Brock is home to more than 1,400 international students from more than 80 countries around the world. The university aims to increase its international student population to 10 per cent of our student body, up from less than five per cent.

“Canada is a nation that trades with the world, and our students must learn to be leaders in this global arena for the sake of our social and economic future,” Lightstone said. “Thus, internationalization is a central plank of Brock’s mission.”

The building was designed by Robbie Young & Wright/IBI Group Architects from Toronto and located on Norman Rd. between 573 Glenridge Ave. and Quarry View Residence. It will house all the central international services offices at Brock.

This includes:

• Brock International
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Services
• International Market Development
• Office of International Services
• Confucius Institute
• Department of Classics
• the Cypriote Museum

On the ground floor are 12 seminar rooms, a food service space, an International Students’ lounge, a general lounge area and public washrooms.

On the second floor are offices for Brock International, International Services, International Market Development and Intensive English Language Program (IELP)/ English as a Second Language (ESL), meeting rooms, a staff lounge and washrooms.

On the third floor are offices for Classics, an archeology workroom, the Cypriote Museum, lounges for faculty, staff and students and washrooms.

Links:
• International offices at Brock
• International centre brings new harmony | The Brock News

Antja Thamm, a PhD candidate in Biology, plays a Bach selection.