![\"\"](\"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rankin-Family-Pavilion-event-13-RS-1050x700.jpg\")
Tom Rankin and wife Beth (centre) look over a 3D-printed hand created by the Brock University Library’s Makerspace in the Rankin Family Pavilion as Tabitha Lewis (left), Makerspace Co-ordinator, and Jonathan Younker (right), Head of Library Systems and Technology, explained the technology used to create it.<\/p><\/div>\n
But touring the Rankin Family Pavilion for the first time since its completion in late 2019 left him in disbelief.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never thought that this small gift would turn into this. I\u2019m flabbergasted,\u201d Rankin said as his wife, Beth, and several family members looked on. \u201cWhat a beautiful, beautiful space. I\u2019m really honoured that you\u2019d name it after the Rankin family.\u201d<\/p>\n
The $19-million construction project, which moved forward with funding from both the federal and provincial governments, converted the space at the base of Schmon Tower into a modern, purpose-built 41,000-square-foot research, innovation and commercialization centre.<\/p>\n
Although the Rankin Family Pavilion opened its doors in late 2019, the global COVID-19 pandemic moved classes online just a few months later and essentially sent campus into an 18-month state of quiet.<\/p>\n
With the return of in-person classes in September came a resurgence of activity, with the RFP quickly becoming a hub for gathering, learning, research and innovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we opened the doors after a year and a half of a very difficult time, it was the Rankin Family Pavilion that sprang to life,\u201d said Interim Brock University President Lynn Wells. \u201cIt was a joy to walk in there to see students gathering, sitting together and talking \u2014 just being real students.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the Rankin Family Pavilion is now the front entrance to the University, it\u2019s more than a physical structure, Wells said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a way of welcoming the community inside to grow,\u201d she said. \u201cEvery university needs a place that opens its hands and its hearts to the community and says, \u2018You are welcome here.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Home to the Brock LINC, a transformational innovation space that offers opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and researchers alike, the Rankin Family Pavilion helped to signal a new era of community engagement for the University.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat you have given us here is a tremendous gift,\u201d Wells expressed to the Rankin family. \u201cIt will be a significant part of the Brock University community for many years to come. We are enormously grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Tom and Beth Rankin toured the Rankin Family Pavilion on Friday, Nov. 26 for the first time since its completion in late 2019.<\/p><\/div>\n
As part of the event, a plaque was unveiled that will now live on the main floor of the RFP, in addition to a Rankin Family Pavilion sign outside of the building.<\/p>\n
University Chancellor Hilary Pearson said the Rankin Family Pavilion, in many ways, showcases what is special about Brock itself.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt gives students a wonderful space for shared learning and celebration, it\u2019s a place for collaboration and sharing ideas, and it serves as an incubator for bright young minds, where entrepreneurs can experiment and come up with solutions to issues, including those related to the pandemic crisis,\u201d she said. \u201cGiving people a space to connect and learn in these shared spaces, there\u2019s no parallel for that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pearson said the University continues to benefit from a strong culture of philanthropy and thanked the Rankin family for the \u201ctruly outstanding demonstration of philanthropic generosity at Brock.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brock University Students\u2019 Union President Rafay Rehan said the Rankin Family Pavilion, which will impact students for years to come, is emblematic of the University\u2019s growth and progress.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs Brock continues to grow in reputation and size, so does the need for additional study space, and having a building as beautiful as the Rankin Family Pavilion makes those late nights of studying a little bit more enjoyable,\u201d he said. \u201cIt also highlights unique opportunities for development and entrepreneurship on campus.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Brock University Library\u2019s Makerspace and Digital Scholarship Lab, and the R3CL (Physical, Augmented and Virtual Reality Consumer Lab) housed in the RFP put a spotlight on how Brock can \u201cbe the stepping-stone young entrepreneurs need to launch their careers,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s clear how the Rankin Family Pavilion helps solidify Brock as a leader in this regard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Christopher Yendt, President of the Graduate Students\u2019 Association, said the space also speaks the University\u2019s commitment to the growth of graduate studies.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe now have a facility that really provides new opportunities for students to pursue grad studies and get interested in grad studies during their undergrad,\u201d he said. \u201cFor that, myself and all of us at the Graduate Students\u2019 Association are tremendously thankful for the gift, the support and the generosity of the Rankin family in building this incredible structure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t