Across Brock University, faculty and staff make a daily impact on students through teaching, support and mentorship. For many, that commitment extends beyond the classroom.<\/p>\n
Executive Director, Student Life and Success Jenn Skelding is one of the leaders who stepped up with a financial gift to Mentor Link<\/a>, a new peer mentorship program designed to equip first-year students with the encouragement, resources and community they need to thrive.<\/p>\n Launched in September, Mentor Link has already helped 67 mentorship pairs build meaningful relationships, navigate campus with confidence and access timely guidance.<\/p>\n For Skelding, giving to Mentor Link was a natural extension of the work her team does every day.<\/p>\n \u201cPeer mentorship has transformational power in helping students build identity, autonomy and develop as young leaders,\u201d she says. \u201cWhen we invest in programs like Mentor Link, we\u2019re investing in the confidence and belonging that carry students through their Brock experience.\u201d<\/p>\n That transformation is already visible in the program\u2019s early outcomes.<\/p>\n Bill Nicholson, a third-year Geography student and Mentor Link participant who supports two first-year mentees, says watching his peers grow has been the most rewarding part of his Brock journey so far.<\/p>\n \u201cHelping my mentees become the best version of themselves by gaining confidence in their abilities is incredible. Sometimes it\u2019s a nudge toward a campus resource; other times it\u2019s a quick check-in before a mid-term. It all adds up,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n First-year Psychology student Taylor Segeren says having a peer mentor made the transition to university feel manageable.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a first year, everything is new and it can be overwhelming,\u201d Segeren says. \u201cMy mentor helped me find the right supports, set up a study routine and feel comfortable asking questions.\u201d<\/p>\n Skelding says philanthropy is one of the most powerful ways the campus community can show students that Brock believes in them.<\/p>\n \u201cGiving to campus initiatives is how we extend the love on campus,\u201d she says. \u201cIt tells current and future students that we\u2019re in their corner.\u201d<\/p>\n That spirit of support is being amplified through a new $100,000 matching fund available until the end of 2025 for faculty, staff and retirees.<\/p>\n Thanks to an anonymous donor, all new payroll contributions made through April 30, 2026, will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000 per donor, provided a pledge form is submitted\u202fto the Office of Development and Donor Relations by Wednesday, Dec. 31. Additionally, new\u00a0one-time gifts to any area or student award are also eligible for this match.<\/a><\/p>\n Skelding\u2019s gift to Mentor Link is one example of how leadership can inspire action, and how action can transform outcomes. Whether members of the campus community give to Mentor Link, student awards, a specific Faculty priority or another initiative that matters to them, their gift will have twice the impact<\/a> on Brock\u2019s students, programming and campus culture.<\/p>\n