{"id":104856,"date":"2025-09-26T17:26:10","date_gmt":"2025-09-26T21:26:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=104856"},"modified":"2025-09-30T15:15:04","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T19:15:04","slug":"brock-farm-to-flourish-with-legacy-gift-from-norris-walker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2025\/09\/brock-farm-to-flourish-with-legacy-gift-from-norris-walker\/","title":{"rendered":"Brock farm to flourish with legacy gift from Norris Walker"},"content":{"rendered":"

A transformative gift of more than $7 million from one of Brock\u2019s most steadfast supporters will bolster the University\u2019s innovative work in sustainable agriculture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Brock celebrated Norris Walker \u2014 a dedicated champion of the University and the Niagara region who passed away in January 2024 \u2014 during an event to mark the generous gift on Friday, Sept. 26.<\/p>\n

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From left: Anne McCourt, Chair of Brock’s Board of Trustees; Lesley Rigg, President and Vice-Chancellor; Sheila Bonapace, Norris Walker\u2019s daughter; and Tim Kenyon, Vice-President, Research.<\/p><\/div>\n

In recognition of this generous support, Brock University will name its research farm \u2014 part of the Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production (CASP) Field Infrastructure project announced last year<\/a> \u2014 the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm. Located on Merrittville Highway, just south of Brock\u2019s main campus, the farm will be used by students, researchers and industry to evaluate the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, create solutions to respond to the impacts of climate change and disease, and develop innovations for today\u2019s farmers that also support the future of food security.<\/p>\n

Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg described Walker as a \u201cvisionary leader\u201d whose contributions have helped shape the University\u2019s past, present and future.<\/p>\n

Walker\u2019s substantial gift, she said, reflects a \u201cforward-looking vision \u2014 one that aligns closely with Brock\u2019s strategic plan and our commitment to experiential education and sustainability.\u201d<\/p>\n

The gift will support initiatives linked to the farm that give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways: through co-op placements, community engagement, research and other forms of experiential learning.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt Brock, we believe that learning should be immersive, hands-on and connected to the real world,\u201d Rigg said. \u201cThis kind of education doesn\u2019t just prepare students for careers; it prepares them to lead, to innovate and to make a difference. It\u2019s the kind of learning that transforms lives, and it\u2019s the kind of impact we hope Norris envisioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe look forward to honouring Norris by continuing to build a university that reflects his values \u2014 one that is bold, student-focused and deeply connected to the community it serves,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are extremely grateful to Norris for his unwavering support for Brock that will continue to have a positive impact on our students and campus community for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walker\u2019s daughter Sheila Bonapace said her father would be proud to see his legacy of care for and commitment to the community continuing through his contributions to Brock.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy father understood the significant role universities play in developing skilled professionals, critical thinkers and innovative problem solvers. He believed an investment in Brock is an investment in the leaders of tomorrow,\u201d Bonapace said. \u00a0\u201cMy father was so proud of Brock, the community and the people who call the Niagara region home. We are proud to acknowledge his generosity and leadership, in partnership with Brock, and celebrate his legacy through the support of future generations of students, research and impact for our region.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walker\u2019s close relationship with the University dates back decades.<\/p>\n

Brock presented him with an honorary doctorate degree in 2001 in recognition of his exceptional contributions to public service. He also served with distinction as Chair of the Brock Board of Trustees.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe enduring legacy of Norris Walker can be seen from a simple walk across campus, though we know his impact runs so much deeper,\u201d said Rob Gottschalk, Associate Vice-President of Alumni and Development. \u201cNorris and Marilyn\u2019s generosity has helped to shape Brock University into the beloved community campus it is today. We are thankful for their ongoing dedication to helping Brock grow and thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t