{"id":47206,"date":"2017-10-13T17:16:26","date_gmt":"2017-10-13T21:16:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=47206"},"modified":"2017-10-13T17:27:57","modified_gmt":"2017-10-13T21:27:57","slug":"education-doesnt-stop-on-convocation-day-rankin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2017\/10\/education-doesnt-stop-on-convocation-day-rankin\/","title":{"rendered":"Education doesn\u2019t stop on Convocation Day: Rankin"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tom Rankin graduated from university more than 50 years ago, but hardly a day goes by when he doesn\u2019t learn something.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the CEO of Niagara\u2019s most high-profile construction company, Rankin still makes a point of attending conferences to learn more about his trade.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me make it abundantly clear for those entering the workforce, a new phase in your education is about to begin,\u201d he said Friday afternoon while delivering the convocation address at Brock University. \u201cYou won\u2019t be marked on what you learned, but you\u2019ll be judged on how you apply your knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rankin, who launched the company that would become Rankin Construction in 1978, was awarded an honorary doctorate during Brock\u2019s Fall Convocation. During the morning convocation ceremony earlier Friday, Dr. Gervan Fearon was installed as the University\u2019s sixth President<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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A former Board of Trustees member for Brock University, Rankin\u2019s company and its related businesses now employ about 500 people in Niagara, Hamilton and Kincardine. Rankin is also known for his philanthropic work, highlighted by his support of the Rankin Cancer Run, which has raised $7.5 million for local cancer care facilities.<\/p>\n

Speaking in front of a large crowd that included his wife and other family members, Rankin told the Brock graduates that their university education would help them learn on the job faster, \u201cbut make no mistake that your learning curve will continue to climb.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also encouraged them to get involved in politics.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t leave it to others. Have a well-researched opinion and let your voice be known. You can change the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Awards handed out during the two ceremonies included:<\/strong><\/p>\n