Brock University graduates have profound impact in their professional fields and communities around the world.<\/p>\n
Ten distinguished alumni award recipients will be honoured during Brock\u2019s 2025 Homecoming<\/a> celebrations for their contributions, leadership, dedication, compassion and innovation.<\/p>\n “We take immense pride in our alumni, whose achievements not only inspire excellence but also create meaningful impact in the communities they serve,” says proud Brock graduate and Associate Vice-President, Alumni and Development, Rob Gottschalk (BBA \u201901). “Their dedication, innovation and leadership are a powerful reflection of Brock values.”<\/p>\n The 2025 award recipients include:<\/p>\n Sergio Hernandez (BSc ’16, MSc ’19)<\/strong> \u2014 Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Distinguished Graduate Award<\/p>\n A two-time Brock graduate and PhD candidate at Tufts University, Hernandez is transforming the field of infectious disease and immunology. His research on Lyme disease and immune dysfunction has earned international recognition and prestigious fellowships.<\/p>\n Shelby Steward (BPhEd ’11, BEd ’12)<\/strong> \u2014 Faculty of Education Distinguished Graduate Award<\/p>\n Steward leads national health initiatives at TELUS Health and advocates for youth empowerment through sport. Her global teaching experiences and leadership in corporate learning reflect her commitment to education and social change.<\/p>\n Alana Perri (BA ’13)<\/strong> \u2014 Faculty of Humanities Distinguished Graduate Award<\/p>\n As Executive Director of Purple Carrots Drama Studio, Perri uses expressive arts therapy to support neurodiverse youth. Her work fosters inclusivity and emotional growth through creative expression.<\/p>\n Sandra Rehan (BSc ’07, PhD ’11)<\/strong> \u2014 Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences Distinguished Graduate Award<\/p>\n Rehan\u2019s groundbreaking research on wild pollinators has global implications for biodiversity and food security. She leads York University\u2019s Centre for Bee Ecology, Evolution and Conservation.<\/p>\n Jennifer Gauthier (BA ’09)<\/strong> \u2014 Faculty of Social Sciences Distinguished Graduate Award<\/p>\n Executive Director of Birchway Niagara, Gauthier is a tireless advocate for survivors of gender-based violence. Her leadership has earned multiple awards for inclusion and community impact.<\/p>\n Gregory Craig (BBA ’91)<\/strong> \u2014 Goodman School of Business Distinguished Graduate Award<\/p>\n A senior executive at Canadian Tire Corporation, Craig has led major strategic initiatives and championed community programs and employee inclusion networks.<\/p>\n Katherine Girard (BA ’75, BEd ’76)<\/strong> \u2014 David S. Betzner Award<\/p>\n A trailblazer in women\u2019s fencing, Girard has coached and mentored student-athletes at Brock for five decades, leaving a legacy in sport and leadership.<\/p>\n Rachel Crane (BBA ’11)<\/strong> \u2014 Community Engagement Award<\/p>\n Crane leads transformative initiatives in education and workforce development. Her work volunteerism spans local, national, and international communities<\/span>\u00a0and drives systemic change across Niagara.<\/p>\n Illonis Hall (BEd ’22)<\/strong> \u2014 Outstanding Young Alumni Award<\/p>\n Principal of Nasivvik High School in Nunavut and CEO of Teach Solutions Canada, Hall is a visionary leader advancing equity and Indigenous education.<\/p>\n Dina Bell-Laroche (MA ’10)<\/strong> \u2014 Distinguished Alumni Award<\/p>\n Co-owner of Sport Law and founder of Grief Unleashed, Bell-Laroche is a pioneer in values-based leadership and grief support with decades of service to sport and community.<\/p>\n Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open. To learn more about these awards and submit a nomination, visit the Alumni Relations website<\/a>.<\/p>\n