\u201cHe also had a generous heart. He was always ready to lend a hand, eager to share his knowledge and serve as a mentor to countless individuals. In establishing the new award, we want to preserve this memory in a way that continues his commitment to supporting others.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Ben](\"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Ben-K-copy-1050x788.jpg\")
Ben Kapteyn, a fourth-year Applied Grape and Wine Science student, is the first recipient of the Karl J. Kaiser Memorial Award.<\/p><\/div>\n
Kaiser received an honorary doctorate from Brock in 1994 and believed that education helps everybody rise up to create happier, healthier individuals and communities. In 1996, he joined other wine pioneers to advocate for a Canadian centre dedicated to cool-climate viticulture and oenology, putting his support behind the creation of the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock.<\/p>\n
He later remained actively involved at Brock, often engaging with students directly and sharing practical winemaking knowledge that bridged science with hands-on craft. The new award supports students in the OEVI program by helping future winemakers and grape growers pursue education and training in the field to which Kaiser dedicated his life.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt definitely makes my university experience easier,\u201d says the award\u2019s first ever recipient Ben Kapteyn, a fourth-year OEVI student currently working on his undergraduate thesis with Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Jim Willwerth, a Researcher at CCOVI.<\/p>\n
\u201cLearning about Karl, it is so interesting to know how he helped start CCOVI and the program here at Brock,\u201d says Kapteyn. \u201cIt is huge for the industry that this program continues through both creating the graduates who work in the industry and the research that helps support the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis, a former Ontario grape grower who has known Kaiser since childhood, is confident he would have been deeply proud to have his name live on through the award.<\/p>\n
\u201cKarl was a visionary and a friend,\u201d says Inglis. \u201cWith this award, he continues to be that supportive force for students, Brock University, the OEVI program and the grape and wine industry in Canada.\u201d<\/p>\n