{"id":98873,"date":"2025-01-28T16:11:36","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T21:11:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=98873"},"modified":"2025-01-29T02:12:37","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T07:12:37","slug":"community-gathers-to-celebrate-brocks-strategic-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2025\/01\/community-gathers-to-celebrate-brocks-strategic-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Community gathers to celebrate Brock\u2019s strategic plan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Collaboration was at the centre of an event marking the community celebration of Brock University\u2019s new strategic plan.<\/p>\n

President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg shared details of the guiding document, which was officially launched in November<\/a>, with government and community representatives and Brock graduates at a breakfast reception on Tuesday, Jan. 28.<\/p>\n

Grounded in Brock\u2019s deep community roots, including Niagara\u2019s tireless efforts to establish the University 60 years ago,<\/a> the new plan highlights Brock\u2019s critical role in equipping individuals with the tools needed to reshape the world through curiosity, creativity and courage.<\/p>\n

\"Three<\/a>

Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg (left), graduate and guest speaker Emily Kovacs (BA ’98), and Interim Vice-President, External Meaghan Rusnell at a celebration of the University\u2019s new strategic plan on Tuesday, Jan. 28.<\/p><\/div>\n

Development of the plan included a broad consultation process that gathered input from more than 2,000 consultations with students, faculty, staff, alumni, members of the Board of Trustees and Senate, and community partners.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrock was founded by the community, for the community. So, it was imperative that we get feedback from as many groups as possible on the plan that is to guide us in the coming years,\u201d said Rigg.<\/p>\n

The momentum that Brock has been experiencing in the past few years will continue to be driven by not only this plan, but also by continued community involvement, she added.<\/p>\n

Guest speaker Emily Kovacs (BA ’98), Executive Director\/CEO at the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre, represented the more than 500 graduates who participated in the strategic plan process and more than 30,000 alumni who call Niagara home.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>

Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini (left) presented Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg with a certificate commemorating the University\u2019s 60th anniversary during an event celebrating its new strategic plan on Tuesday, Jan. 28.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cAs a newcomer to Niagara, Brock was my first home, offering me belonging and teaching me that being different is a strength. As a Brock student, I saw people from all over the world and what mattered was our collective wisdom and shared sense of belonging,\u201d she said of the important part Brock played in her life.<\/p>\n

The Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre, as a longtime partner of Brock University, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Brock in 2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis partnership is not just about fulfilling strategic goals \u2014 it\u2019s about building a legacy,” Kovacs said. “It\u2019s about showing the world what\u2019s possible when a university and a community organization join forces to create opportunities for all.”<\/p>\n

Transforming people, reimagining the future<\/a> outlines Brock\u2019s commitment to its growing research enterprise;<\/em> environmental social and economic sustainability; internationalization, decolonization and reconciliation; and fostering an equitable, inclusive and accessible environment for all. The plan also identifies four principles that will guide Brock and its community partners in everything they do:<\/p>\n