![\"\"](\"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ThreePresidents.jpg\")
<\/a>Gervan Fearon with Jack Lightstone and Tom Traves<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re looking out at all the students who are starting their journey and you\u2019re recognizing how your post-secondary education played such an important role in all of your accomplishments,\u201d said Fearon, who started his tenure as Brock\u2019s President on Aug. 1. \u201cIt\u2019s a wonderful juncture that\u2019s a culmination of the work you\u2019ve done, but also of work to follow and what\u2019s to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
After agreeing to the Oath of Office, delivered by Chancellor Shirley Cheechoo, Fearon delivered his first convocation address as President.<\/p>\n
He said he was taking over the reins of a university known for \u201coutstanding teaching and learning; excellence in research, scholarly and creative activities; and renowned university-community engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThese accomplishments are forged by a group of dedicated faculty and staff, motivated alumni and donors, forward-thinking Board of Trustee and Senate members, and engaged community and institutional partners,\u201d Fearon said.<\/p>\n
He also acknowledged the previous Brock Presidents and leaders, including immediate past President Jack Lightstone, and interim President Tom Traves, who were both in attendance for Friday\u2019s ceremony.<\/p>\n
Calling it a \u201cvery special moment\u201d for himself and his wife Kathy Moscou, Fearon said he was honoured to share the day with the graduates and their families.<\/p>\n
Later Friday, during the installation dinner, Fearon was welcomed to Brock and the Niagara community by faculty members, staff, local politicians and others.<\/p>\n
Brock University Students’ Union President Faisal Hejazi said he was impressed with how quickly Fearon had immersed himself in the culture at Brock.<\/p>\n
“Your willingness to get involved is truly inspiring and motivating. You’ve already made so many individuals feel like they matter and that their voices are being heard through the support you’ve provided,” Faisal said. In her remarks, Chancellor Shirley Cheechoo said Brock was fortunate that Fearon brings “a vision, knowledge, wisdom, experience and commitment for higher education.”<\/p>\n Fearon wrapped up the dinner by delivering a heartfelt speech.<\/p>\n “Will I always succeed in my endeavours? Well if I did then I would stop trying,” he said. “I know I’ll fail sometimes. But I’ll always be trying. Will we do great things together? Let’s just watch and see.<\/p>\n “A University is a community and what we achieve will be the achievements of this community that will be celebrated all together.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n\t <\/a><\/p>\n