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<\/a>On Thursday, June 12, Abigail Shatford (BA \u201925, BEd \u201925) became the third generation of her family to graduate from Brock University.<\/p><\/div>\n
Bob said he was first and foremost \u201cvery proud\u201d of his granddaughter and the hard work that went into her milestone moment. The 78-year-old was also grateful to experience the rush of fond memories that came with walking through a transformed Brock University campus.<\/p>\n
\u201cComing to Brock was the best choice I ever made,\u201d he said while reflecting on his university days. \u201cI think Brock has been a good influence on our whole family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among some of Brock\u2019s earliest graduates, Bob earned his bachelor\u2019s degree in 1972 before returning in 1977 to complete his Master of Education. He credits his time at the University, and particularly his Political Science Professor Bill Matheson, with shaping his career as an educator.<\/p>\n
\u201cBill Matheson gave me a lot of good guidance,\u201d he said. \u201cI learned a lot about being a great teacher.\u201d<\/p>\n
A love for Brock isn\u2019t the only common thread among the family, who also share a passion for education.<\/p>\n
Lynn, who worked as a teaching assistant during her time in Brock\u2019s Sociology program, now helps to administer exams at the University, supporting students in their studies.<\/p>\n
Throughout her career, she has always felt an unwavering connection to Brock.<\/p>\n
After graduating, Lynn moved to British Columbia to work at a university, where she found herself among four Brock alumni in her department.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite being three time zones away, I still felt close to home working with my fellow Badgers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The warmth with which she was welcomed into the Brock family as a student so many years ago still emanates today, Lynn added.<\/p>\n
That sense of community and connection helped influence Abigail\u2019s decision to follow in her family\u2019s footsteps \u2014 a move she\u2019s thankful she made.<\/p>\n
In her first choral class, Abigail met Rachel Rensink-Hoff, Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Music, who left a lasting impression.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is the kind of teacher I want to be,\u201d Abigail said. \u201cHumble and approachable, but she knows her stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n
Graduating with the skills necessary to successfully lead a classroom, Abigail hopes to inspire the next generation of learners by becoming a music teacher.<\/p>\n