Carol Jacobs, who was a rich source of wisdom and guidance for Brock\u2019s Indigenous and broader community, is completing her time with the University.<\/p>\n
After nine years, Jacobs is retiring as Brock\u2019s Elder-in-Residence and will say goodbye after being part of the Chancellor\u2019s Procession during next week\u2019s Convocation ceremonies.<\/p>\n
In her role, she provided spiritual and cultural guidance to students, faculty and staff on campus.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe touched many lives here in her time at the University,\u201d said Sandra Wong, Aboriginal Academic Support Co-ordinator and Instructor in Brock\u2019s Aboriginal Student Services office. \u201cShe was amazing support for staff and students \u2014 like having a grandmother at school with you \u2014 and shared invaluable traditional teachings with the University community.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to the one-on-one connection she built with students, Jacobs was a part of Brock\u2019s Aboriginal Education Council (AEC) and Two Row Council, and also represented the University on several Niagara AECs.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is impossible to count all the ways Carol has been there for Brock University,\u201d said University Chancellor Shirley Cheechoo. \u201cShe is a wonderful advisor, teacher, leader, mentor and most of all, a dear friend. She has dedicated her life to the service of humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cheechoo, who made history in July 2015 as the first woman and first Indigenous Canadian to be appointed to Brock\u2019s ceremonial leadership role of Chancellor, offered thanks to Jacobs for \u201cshowing me her strength.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHer heart was a true reflection of her commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brock President Gervan Fearon also expressed gratitude to Jacobs for making a difference on campus.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to thank Carol for her contributions over the past nine years to the entire University community and, in particular, for her support in establishing a welcoming and inclusive university for Indigenous students,\u201d he said. \u201cHer contributions facilitated outstanding engagement and understanding amongst all students, faculty and staff members.<\/p>\n
\u201cHer legacy is represented by the improvements and gains at Brock University in relation to Indigenous community engagement and furthering the University as an inclusive post-secondary institution,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Wong said Jacobs, who is \u201csteeped in the Haudenosaunee culture,\u201d opened many doors for Brock because of her reputation and vast network of connections.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen Carol and I would go to the Chiefs of Ontario Conference and National Assembly, she would know many of the people there,\u201d she said. \u201cShe would tell them about her work with Brock University; that created a line of communication with Indigenous leaders and an awareness of Brock.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wong described Jacobs\u2019 time on campus and her ability to share her lived experience as a \u201cgift\u201d to the University.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was so important to our Aboriginal students,\u201d she said. \u201cCarol believed in the power of education and was very encouraging in each student\u2019s educational journey. We were very fortunate to have her for as long as we did.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe did a lot of work here. She helped to progress the University and its mindset.\u201d<\/p>\n