{"id":102564,"date":"2025-06-16T17:08:17","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T21:08:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=102564"},"modified":"2025-06-16T17:09:27","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T21:09:27","slug":"an-evening-of-brilliance-brings-sparkling-end-to-brocks-60th-anniversary-celebrations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2025\/06\/an-evening-of-brilliance-brings-sparkling-end-to-brocks-60th-anniversary-celebrations\/","title":{"rendered":"An Evening of Brilliance brings sparkling end to Brock\u2019s 60th anniversary celebrations"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the sky shimmered with fireworks over the famed Niagara Falls \u2014 itself aglow in red \u2014 Brock\u2019s 60th anniversary celebrations concluded just as the University began: by bringing community together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Held Friday, June 13 at the Niagara Parks Power Station, An Evening of Brilliance marked the culmination of a year dedicated to reflecting on Brock\u2019s growth over the past six decades and its exciting new chapter ahead.<\/p>\n

Surrounded by community partners, Brock graduates, local dignitaries, elected officials and University leadership, President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg said the institution has found strength in its local roots.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe wouldn\u2019t have had 60 years of breakthroughs without the support of this community,\u201d she said. \u201cYou\u2019ve been with us every step of the way \u2014 cheering on our students, collaborating on research, hiring Brock grads and helping us to build a stronger, more resilient Niagara.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd as we look ahead to the next 60 years, we do so knowing that together, we can shape a future that is bold, inclusive and full of possibility.\u201d<\/p>\n

Among the evening\u2019s distinguished guests were dozens of Brock Alumni Brilliance Award recipients<\/a>, who were honoured for their outstanding achievements and contributions during an awards reception sponsored by Niagara Parks and emceed by outgoing Brock Board of Trustees Chair Mark Arthur.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese exceptional individuals exemplify what it means to be a Brock graduate, leading with curiosity, creativity and courage,\u201d Rigg said. \u201cTheir stories inspire us, not only for what they\u2019ve achieved, but for the lasting impact they\u2019ve made in their communities and professions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following the awards ceremony, the celebration continued with a keynote address by Niagara Falls-born philanthropist John McCall MacBain, with this portion of the evening emceed by Brock graduate and celebrated TV and radio host Rick Campanelli (BPhEd \u201994).<\/p>\n

McCall MacBain, whose namesake foundation<\/a> is dedicated to nurturing transformational leadership through scholarships and educational opportunities, shared insight into his own career journey while emphasizing why investing in young people is one of the most impactful ways to build a better and more sustainable future.<\/p>\n

He continued the conversation around supporting the next generation of changemakers during a fireside chat with Brock University Chancellor Hilary Pearson, who also spoke about the transformative power of education and the critical role universities play in society.<\/p>\n

The speaking engagement was supported by the D.G. Willmot Lecture Fund, which is dedicated to bringing leaders to the local community to share knowledge and insights through engaging events.<\/p>\n

To look back on Brock\u2019s 60th anniversary celebrations, visit brocku.ca\/60<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t