After taking the oath of office on Monday, delivered by Chancellor Hilary Pearson, Rigg gave her first Convocation address as President, which encouraged graduates to remain curious as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo much of what we do here at the University is powered by the force of curiosity \u2013 the innate desire to explore, learn and understand. It\u2019s not particularly complicated. But in my opinion, it\u2019s one of the most powerful forces for good known to humankind,\u201d Rigg said. \u201cCuriosity is the engine of creativity, innovation and progress; the key to unlocking new insights and opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brock has cultivated a strong culture of curiosity, one that \u201cencourages our students and researchers to pursue their passions, explore new ideas, challenge conventional wisdom and make personal and professional breakthroughs each and every day,\u201d Rigg said.<\/p>\n
![\"Three](\"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/President-Installation-2-1050x867.jpg\")
Brock University President Lesley Rigg (left) is helped into her robes of office by Graduate Students\u2019 Association President Rakha Zabin (centre) and Brock University Students\u2019 Union President James Maxwell-Barillas (right).<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cWe believe that curiosity is the foundation of a lifelong learning process, one that continues long after you\u2019ve earned your degree.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prior to joining Brock<\/a>, Rigg, an ecologist and biogeographer, served as Vice-President (Research) and Professor of Geography at Western University in London, Ont.<\/p>\n Representatives from Western and several other institutions from across the country joined Rigg at Monday\u2019s ceremony to deliver well wishes, alongside local politicians, community leaders and Brock University faculty, staff and graduates.<\/p>\n Rigg said Monday\u2019s ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the values and principles that guide the Brock community, even beyond graduation.<\/p>\n \u201cAt Brock, we believe in the power of education to transform lives, to inspire innovation and to promote social justice and equity,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity and respect, where all members of our community can thrive and contribute to the greater good.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope you carry these values with you wherever life takes you after today,\u201d she said to the Class of 2023.<\/p>\n Following the ceremony, Pearson said both she and Rigg share great confidence in the possibilities that exist for Brock\u2019s future.<\/p>\n \u201cDr. Rigg has a vision for Brock and its immense importance as a university with local roots across Niagara and global reach with students and alumni from across the world,\u201d she said. \u201cHer excitement is catching and inspiring. I know that she will bring Brock to new heights.\u201d<\/p>\n Brock\u2019s 113th Convocation continues on Tuesday, June 13, when the University will present honorary doctorates<\/a> to Women Get On Board Inc. founder and CEO Deborah Rosati (BAdmin \u201984) and Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Inc. founder and CEO Jenn Harper at ceremonies held at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively.<\/p>\n Brock will also bestow an honorary degree upon Kyle Dubas (BSM \u201907), President of Hockey Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins, at a ceremony Wednesday, June 14 at 2:30 p.m.<\/p>\n All ceremonies take place in the Ian D. Beddis Gymnasium of Brock\u2019s Walker Sports Complex and will be livestreamed online at\u00a0brocku.ca\/livestream<\/a><\/p>\n For more information and a full schedule of Brock\u2019s Spring Convocation, visit\u00a0brocku.ca\/convocation<\/a><\/p>\n