Graduate co-op awards

Co-op Students of the Year Award

Brock University’s “Co-op Students of the Year Award” is the recognition of excellence in job performance, academic achievements, and extra-curricular involvement, based on a student’s contributions to their co-op employers, co-op education at Brock, and the community at large.

The ideal candidate should have passion for what they do, have perseverance, confront all challenges with a positive attitude, and strive to not only achieve but surpass all expectations. They should be outstanding ambassadors for all our co-op programs and more importantly, for the University as a whole.

Award recipients will receive a $500 award to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements.

Nomination process

Nominees must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in the co-operative education program. Graduate students only require the completion of one work term. Students are encouraged to ask their employers to support their nomination.

Winners are chosen based on the following criteria:

Outstanding work-term achievements;
Contribution to Co-operative Education such as, how they have helped; promote co-operative education to peers or academic units, support other students to succeed in co-op, or how they have used workplace learning or professional connections to enrich their academic learning, etc.;

Employer evaluation/recommendation by a co-op employer;
Student’s personal statement and resumé;
Involvement in extra-curricular activities at school and/or within the community.

APPLY NOW!

CSOTY 2024 Nomination Package

2023 Recipients

NICOLE NACCARATO

Master of Business Administration & Master of Public Health Co-op

Co-op Student of the Year Award – Graduate
EWO Co-op Student of the Year Award

Nicole completed her Spring 2023 work-term alongside the President and CEO of Grand River Hospital (GRH). In her short time at GRH, she not only shattered expectations but made substantial contributions to projects across multiple areas of administration including finance, operations, business development, nursing, and the KW4 Ontario Health Team. Some of her proudest accomplishments include: presenting her work and recommendations on the future strategic directions of world-class hospitals to the senior leadership team; meeting the Ontario Minister of Health; contributing to the development of a new neurosurgery program, having worked as a neurosurgery nurse herself; and her well-received community engagement strategies for the inaugural KW4 OHT Strategic Plan. She is looking forward to returning to GRH this fall to continue her work with the KW4 OHT. Nicole is a dedicated member of her community, relying on her creativity and talents to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Brock News – Excellence in co-op and experiential education to be showcased online

PARTH PATEL

BSc Computer Science Co-op

Co-op Student of the Year Award – Undergraduate

As a Software Developer Intern at Wealthsimple, Parth demonstrated exceptional technical skills and core competencies, and experienced personal and professional growth. His contributions to team projects and collaboration showcased Parth’s ability to innovate, problem-solve, and communicate effectively. Recognized as the “Fastest PR Reviewer,” Parth demonstrated efficiency and a keen eye for detail. Balancing academic pursuits with this role, Parth honed his time management and presentation skills. Parth’s journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, showcases the skills and abilities Brock Co-op students bring to employers, and the Brock community.

ARYAN TIWARI

BA Business Administration Co-op

Co-op Student of the Year Award – Undergraduate

Aryan chose to pursue Co-op amid financial constraints and a competitive job market, finding invaluable mentorship from professionals within the Co-op Education Team at Brock University. This journey, coupled with the Co-op program’s support, fueled Aryan’s professional growth. Securing internships through the Co-op portal, including an eight-month work term at Hyundai Auto Canada Corp, he navigated a steep learning curve in the automotive sector. Representing both the Co-op Team and the UN Association in Canada in Geneva, Aryan broadened his global perspective at the International Organization for Migration Headquarters. The fusion of Co-op experiences with academics enriched his understanding, making courses more engaging. As an ambassador for the Goodman School of Business and Co-op Education, Aryan actively contributed insights to incoming students, helping them to overcome pandemic-induced challenges with resilience. This transformative journey reflects Aryan’s commitment to adaptability, perseverance, and continuous growth.

2022 Recipients

TRENTON CAMPBELL

Honours Bachelor of Business Administration Co-op

Upon completing his co-op with Hydro One Trent is grateful to announce some of the many accomplishments that he has made. With a return to office initiative in 2022 he was able to take on the responsibility of facility coordinator for the office, while completing facility services for 200+ employees, and was given great exposure to other lines of business. Additionally, Trent had the opportunity to develop new financial tracking processes and forms that will continue to be used in the future at Hydro One, leaving behind a legacy. Doing this work was the key contributor in developing his technical skills with Excel, SAP and Power BI, expanding on his knowledge of formulas, charting and data analysis. Trent’s proudest accomplishment over the term was the role that he played in the success of a 4.5-million-dollar work program focusing on hydro pole maintenance and inspection.

SOMNATH SRINATH

Masters of Business Administration (Domestic) Co-op

Somnath joined the Beta Gamma Sigma Society in 2022 as a recognition of his Academic Achievement and has recently completed the Lean White Belt certification. Somnath’s work term achievements include his work in supporting the Ministry of Transportation (MTO)’s Enterprise Risk Management team in coordinating corporate meetings, and developing a new dashboard with PowerBI with a career highlight in presenting this tool to the Assistant Deputy Minister. Somnath is an active volunteer within the Niagara Region and has supported administrative tasks for the 2022 Canada Summer Games. During this role, he was tasked with all the administrative duties during the event and prior, created presentations for venue meetings. He has also volunteered with Voices of Tomorrow Foundation and has offered his time as a gift wrapper at the Pen Centre. Somnath sees the value of community service and continues to contribute with his volunteering.

2021 Recipients

Yarnie Shahparast

Honours Bachelor of Accounting Co-op

Along with maintaining academic excellence through her disciplinary focus Yarnie continuously achieves more by using her exceptional leadership qualities. In any environment Yarnie represents her personality with her positivity and partakes in community efforts through her Charity Chair role during two out of her three years within the Goodman JDCC team. With a history of involvement in various director roles within the Business Students’ Association, Yarnie has developed her student leadership by earning the title as Executive Assistant on the 2020 Executive team. She has even pushed her limits further by leading the Accounting Students’ Association’s as President in her final year from January to December 2021.  Yarnie currently represents RSM Canada LLP as a Campus Ambassador for Brock University.

Justin Dilgert

Honours Bachelor of Business Administration Co-op

Justin completed four Co-op work terms with three different organizations successfully through his entire degree at Brock University. Though each experience was very different, Justin developed important skills and lessons from each role. Participating in the Co-op program allowed him to narrow down his interests and helped him find an employer in his third Co-op work term that he hopes to work with post-graduation. Co-op also helped him develop as a person to become more confident in himself. By being placed in new situations with little knowledge, he learned how to stand out and make lasting impressions. On top of these career and personal developments, Justin was able to focus on academic classes that were relevant to his career path post-graduation to help assist and supplement skills needed or learned on the job. Being supported by the Co-op department allowed him to have the skills and knowledge to take advantage of all the opportunities that came his way.

Ishan Kohli

Honours Bachelor of Business Administration Co-op

Ishan has been an overachiever both academically and during his co-op work term experience. He was offered an extension for another Co-op work term with a promotion as a Jr. Business Analyst for Moyers & Stark Salesforce Consulting. During his time at Moyers & Stark, he became a Certified Salesforce Service Cloud Consultant and a Certified Salesforce Administrator. His work helped bring in more business and repeating clients for M&S. There was strong personal growth for Ishan to expand his network and made lasting relationships with his managers at the organization. Academically, in addition to being on the Dean’s Honour list, Ishan also placed top Three in three different case competitions, including a first-place finish.

2020 Recipients

Joel Gritter

Brock University Co-op Student of the Year – Undergraduate 2020

BSc Computer Science Honours Co-op with a Minor in Business

“The co-op program has allowed me to develop myself as a person and build a professional network to set me up for success in the workforce. I achieved a high level of academic performance, and recognition on the Dean’s Honours List in all three years already completed. My experience in RBC Amplify in my last co-op term was the most challenging, but also the most rewarding experience of my life. Being able to get into such a competitive program, but then also to win in the program, was an incredible experience for which I am very grateful. This has allowed me to secure full-time work following graduation. I hope that my co-op and academic accomplishments can be leveraged to make Brock University–and Brock’s Co-op program in particular–even more widely recognized. “

Work Term Experience: Royal Bank of Canada Amplify

Syed Hashir Sher

Co-op Student of Year 2020 (Graduate Category)

Master of Business Administration, Marketing Co-op

Syed’s work ethic and commitment to the task during his co-op at Hydro One saw him receive a full-time job offer as an Assistant Project Manager. This was the first time that a co-op student at Hydro One has been offered such an opportunity after only 4 months and speaks to the exceptional work that Syed produced. During his MBA program with the Goodman School of Business Syed has been actively involved with a number of curricular and extra-curricular activities that have raised the profile of co-op and CCEE within Brock University and he was the winner of Brock CCEE’s inaugural MBA Experiential Learning Competition in 2019.

Work Term Experience: Hydro One

2019 Recipients

2019 Congratulations Co-op Students of the Year!

2018 Recipients

Congratulations Co-op Students of the Year!

2014-2017 Recipients

Entrepreneurship Co-op Award

Through funding provided by Venture Niagara, PenFinancial Credit Union and the Brock LINC, the Entrepreneurship Co-op Award will be awarded each semester starting in Spring 2022. Students that participate and complete an Entrepreneurial Co-op work term will have the opportunity to apply for the Entrepreneurship Co-op Award. Two awards of $1,000 each will be awarded each semester and awards available for students include the Venture Niagara Scholarship in Entrepreneurship which will be awarded to a student in the program who demonstrates academic excellence and an interest in entrepreneurship and the PenFinancial Credit Union Award, which will be awarded to a student in the Entrepreneurship Co-op program. For more information about the Entrepreneurship Co-op Award, please contact BrockLINC@brocku.ca for more information.

2023 Recipients
2022 Recipients

2023 Recipients

2023 Recipients:

KEVIN STEFANCHUK, BSc Physics Co-op

PATRICK BRONN, BA Business Administration Co-op

2022 Recipients

2022 Recipients:

Emma Kairys, BBA Co-op

Vincent Von Rose, PSYC Co-op

See News Release for the full story.

Brock Alumni Co-op Employer of the Year Award

This award was created to help recognize extraordinary Brock graduates that have contributed to the success of Brock Co-op by supporting the program within their organization, serving as a mentor to students, and going above and beyond to help promote the University’s Co-op program.

The award is presented jointly by Brock Co-op and the Brock Alumni office and will be awarded during the National Co-op Week annual celebration in March. The award is given to a Brock Alumnus/a who has consistently promoted and been an advocate for Brock students in co-op and contributed to the personal and professional development of Brock’s students while on work term.

Nomination process

Eligibility Criteria:

Alumnus/a of Brock University
Graduates of diploma and certificate programs are eligible

Application Procedures:

A complete nomination package for the Award must include the following at minimum:

Completed nomination form
Covering letter from the nominator
Minimum of one (1) letter of support

In their covering letter, nominators must address in what way the nominee’s achievements are extraordinary, as they pertain to the award. The letter should also detail how the individual has contributed in an outstanding and meaningful way to the co-op culture at his or her place of employment.

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS

Nomination deadline: March 1, Every Year

Award Nomination Form

2023: Anthony Stranges - BBA '18

ANTHONY STRANGES

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (Co-op) 2018

Manager, Controlling, Accounting & Account Reconciliation, Finance & Controlling, Daimler Truck Financial Services Canada Corporation

Anthony’s contributions to our organization and to the development of Brock Co-op students have been truly exceptional. Anthony graduated from Brock University in 2018, and since then, he has played a pivotal role in helping to persuade his employer, Daimler Truck Financial Services, to hire students from Brock’s Co-op program. He has directly and indirectly managed and supervised 10 Brock Co-op students, demonstrating his commitment to fostering the growth and development of emerging talent. Anthony was also instrumental in helping 3 of them secure Full-time employment with Daimler Truck Financial Services, a testament to his ability to identify and nurture exceptional talent. He acts as a mentor to all the students that he has supervised as well as to others that have been hired within the organization.

What sets Anthony apart is his unwavering dedication to promoting the Brock Co-op program within his organization and his passion to ensure that students that are hired have a rewarding Co-op work term experience. Antony consistently goes above and beyond to create a supportive and nurturing co-op culture, where students feel valued and empowered to excel. Anthony actively advocates for the program, championing the benefits of hiring Co-op students, patiently training students, and ensuring that all supervisors invest in their growth. His efforts have helped to strengthen the relationship between Brock University and Daimler Truck Financial Services, ensuring continued success for both parties.

Anthony goes out of his way to promote the advantages of hiring Co-op students to his peers and actively encourages his peers to consider hiring from Brock. He recognizes the unique value that Brock students bring to the table and actively promotes the benefits of recruiting from Brock Co-op. His advocacy has not only resulted in increased opportunities for Brock students but has provided our students with great opportunities to build their skills and competencies.

Beyond his role as a supervisor, Anthony does his best to participate in Brock events, most recently participating in our 5N90 networking events, offering valuable insights and guidance to junior students navigating their career paths. His willingness to share his experiences and provide mentorship has undoubtedly had a positive impact on the personal and professional development of many Brock students.

Anthony Stranges embodies the spirit of the Brock Alumni Co-op Employer of the Year Award. His extraordinary achievements, including his role as a mentor, his contributions to the Co-op culture within Daimler Truck Financial Services, and his advocacy for the Brock Co-op Program, make him a deserving candidate for this prestigious honor.

Honourable Mention to 2023 Nominees: Krista Burch-Bateman MacKay LLP, Calyn McLean-Niagara Region, Syed Sher-Hydro One

2022: Rachel Song - IMACC '11

RACHEL SONG

Master of Accountancy (Co-op) 2011

Rachel is a finance leader at Siemens Energy in Canada, she holds a master’s degree in accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant in Ontario. Rachel joined Siemens/Siemens Energy as a coop student at Corporate Accounting Department in 2010 and was subsequently offered a full-time opportunity after the Co-op term in the Energy sector as a commercial project manager. She has since steadily progressed within the company and developed extensive experience in Operational and Corporate Finance. In 2021, Rachel took a special assignment to lead the Corporate Accounting and Controlling department to set up the governance framework for the new span off company Siemens Energy in Canada and moved back to lead the finance team in the current business unit afterward. She is talented at empowering people and driving business transformation and is passionate about driving innovation and sustainability across the organization. She is currently enrolled in the Sustainability Leadership program at the University of Cambridge in the UK with an ambition to lead Just Energy Transition and build a more sustainable world for All!

2021 Recipients

Darryl Moyers

Bachelor of Business Administration, Honours (Co-op) 2011

Darryl Moyers is the Co-Founder and Director of Operations at Moyers & Stark Consulting. In this role, he is one of the primary client-facing representatives of the firm, liaising with customer stakeholders and internal staff to lead various business process re-optimization initiatives. While he considers himself a business generalist, his main interest is helping clients to adopt, integrate, and optimize business technology software including CRM platforms and other data-driven tools. He has over 10 years of experience translating business requirements into software specifications and relational data models.

Darryl holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, Honours (Co-Op) Degree from Brock, with a dual concentration in Information Systems and Marketing.

Tyler Stark

Bachelor of Business Administration, Honours 2011

Tyler Stark is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Moyers & Stark Consulting. He is a creative and strategic problem solver who has built his professional career at the intersection of business and technology. Not just a tech enthusiast, Tyler is a generalist who takes pride in his balanced skillset. His passion for helping businesses understand the “art of possible” when it comes to modern-day solutions is complementary to his ability to understand trends in technology. A small business co-owner of a niche business consulting firm in Toronto, Tyler is working with his team, clients, and partners to solve many of the challenges faced by small and growing businesses.

In 2011, Tyler received his Honours Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (Concentration in Information Systems Management) from Brock University’s Goodman School of Business. Tyler lives in Toronto and enjoys exploring the city and parks with his partner and dogs.

2020: Jeffrey Huang -BAcc ‘10

2020 Recipient: Jeffrey Huang, BAcc ‘10

Jeffrey Huang is currently in charge of the Accounting Department for Akelius Real Estate Management in Canada. In this role, he oversees the accounting operations at the company including financial controls, tax compliance, financial analysis and reporting to their headquarter located in Sweden. Jeffrey is also involved in various operation and acquisition projects. He has over 10 years of experience in the real estate industry. Prior to joining Akelius, Jeffrey worked in other major real estate management companies such as Hazelview (formerly Timbercreek Asset management).

Jeffrey holds a Bachelor of Accounting, Honours from Brock University and the Chartered Professional Accountant designation (CPA, CMA).

2019: Peter Misek -BAcc Co-op ‘96

2019 Recipient: Peter Misek, BAcc Co-op ‘96

Brock Alumnus, and founding partner of Framework, Peter Misek, is our 2019 Alumni Co-op Employer award recipient. Peter comes from an entrepreneurial background and has over 15 years of venture capital experience.

Peter has taken the time out of his busy schedule to virtually meet with co-op students and talk to them about the importance of finding and harnessing your passion, and using that drive to forward your career. Peter told students that they need to find a way to set themselves apart from others, and offered everyone advice on how to do just that. Peter is not only an employer to Brock co-op students, but he is also a great mentor and teacher.

Peter was unfortunately out of the country on business when the awards reception was held, but he sent his team member Jake Berec BBA Co-op ’19 to accept the award on his behalf.

2018: Rhonda Klosler -BBA ’93

2018 Recipient: Rhonda Klosler BBA ’93

Rhonda Kloser is the National COO and Toronto Office Market Leader for RSM Canada. Since graduating from Brock, she has earned her CPA, and CA designation, and has also completed the Harvard Business School Professional Services program.

Being a co-op graduate Rhonda knows first-hand the impact a co-op experience can have on someone’s life. She now aspires to create opportunities for the next generation of leaders. Throughout her career she has been a strong champion of co-op education, playing an instrumental role in the hiring of more than 30 Brock Accounting Co-op students.

Rhonda is seen here accepting her award with Goodman School of Business Dean Andrew Gaudes

Quote From Rhonda’s Acceptance:

“Without Brock and the Co-op program, I don’t know where I would be today,” she said. “My experience with the program influenced my career and impacted my life in every way. To be acknowledged with this award is a lovely honour.”

2017: Fred Borzyk -BAdmin ’88, BA ‘89

2017 Recipient: Fred Borzyk BAdmin ’88, BA ’89

Fred Borzyk is the inaugural recipient of the Alumni Co-op Employer Award. As a double Brock graduate (BAdmin & BA), he has directly seen the impact co-op programming has on students. He has earned a reputation as a champion of co-op programming within Statistics Canada, and he has always encouraged his colleagues to hire Brock students.

Over the past six years, his efforts have resulted in 56 co-op work term opportunities. He has consistently gone out of his way to provide mentorship and guidance to co-op students who have secured a work term with Stats Canada.

Fred enthusiastically advocates on behalf of Brock Co-op every chance he gets. He has participated in numerous co-op workshops and student events, offering personal and professional guidance on career and workplace success.

Fred is the embodiment of an outstanding co-op employer, and we could not be happier that he was selected as the inaugural recipient of this award.

Brock Co-op Employer of the Year Award

Established in 2019, this award was designed to showcase organizations that have made outstanding contributions to Brock’s Co-op program. This includes the consistent employment of Brock co-op students, providing quality co-op work term experiences, and supporting and participating in various initiatives organized by the co-op office.

Due to the large number of outstanding employers that Brock partners with, this award will be presented in three variations. Recognizing one Small & Medium Enterprise (SME), one Non-profit, and one Large (>200 employees) organization. Selected organizations will have contributed to training and mentorship opportunities for our students, as well as being actively engaged with on-campus initiatives such as networking simulation events, employer panels, and recruitment fairs.

Nomination process

Organizations are recognized for being a true partner in co-op education by consistently hiring Brock Co-op students year-round (if applicable), receiving consistently high work term satisfaction evaluations from Brock’s students regarding their co-op experience, and participating in other initiatives such as N90 or recruitment fairs. The recipient will be selected by the Director of CCEE and the Associate Director of Co-operative Education.

There are 3 categories: Small to Medium (0 to 200 employees), Large Organization (201+ employees), and Non-profit organization.

Eligibility Criteria

Hires Brock Co-op Students year-round (if applicable) and goes above and beyond to provide quality co-op learning experiences. The organization must have been involved in hiring co-op students for a minimum of two years.
Organizations must be nominated by a member of the Co-op Team

Application Procedures

A completed nomination package for the Award must include the nomination form (submitted by a member of the co-op team), and a minimum of one letter of support from a co-op student.

Deadline for submission is February 15th every year

2023 Recipients

Small Medium Enterprise Category

2023 Recipient: Jones & O’Connell LLP

Non-Profit Category

2023 Recipient: Niagara Health System

Large Organization Category

2023 Recipient: Hydro One

2022 Recipients

Small Medium Enterprise Category

2022 Recipient: Pillitteri Estates Winery

Non-Profit Category

2022 Recipient: Gillian’s Place

Large Organization Category

2022 Recipient: FGF Brands

2021 Recipients

Small Medium Enterprise Category

2021 Recipient: Taylor Leibow LLP Chartered Accountants

Non-Profit Category

2021 Recipient: Community Living Haldimand

Large Organization Category

2021 Recipient: Canada Revenue Agency

2020 Recipients

Small Medium Enterprise Category

2020 Recipient: Norgen Biotek Corp.

Non-Profit Category

2020 Recipient: Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara

Large Organization Category

2020 Recipient: BDO

2019 Recipients

Small Medium Enterprise Category

2019 Recipient: Durward Jones Barkwell & Company LLP (DJB)

Fran Bonomi, HR Coordinator and Kayla Schipper, Staff accountant accepting the award.

In 2019 DJB hired an outstanding 28 Brock co-op students!

Non-Profit Category

2019 Recipient: Bethesda

In 2019 Bethesda hired 4 Brock co-op students, and they were able to attend two co-op events where they networked with students and offered advice.

Large Organization Category

2019 Recipient: Ontario Public Service (OPS)

Unfortunately, due to internal travel restrictions, OPS was unable to attend our event. They are excited and proud to be selected for the Co-op Employer of the Year award and hope to join our event in the coming year.

101 co-op students were hired for a variety of different positions within OPS in 2019.As well, they had 9 different supervisors that were nominated for our ‘Outstanding Supervisor of the Term’ award.

Graduate co-op awards

Co-op Students of the Year Award

APPLY NOW!

NICOLE NACCARATO

PARTH PATEL

ARYAN TIWARI

TRENTON CAMPBELL

SOMNATH SRINATH

Yarnie Shahparast

Justin Dilgert

Ishan Kohli

Joel Gritter

Syed Hashir Sher

Entrepreneurship Co-op Award

Brock Outstanding Co-op Supervisor of the Term Recognition

Brock University Co-op Education

Student (nominator's) information

Nominee's information (nominees will be contacted):

Nomination Details: Please respond to the questions below in 250 words or less.

OUTSTANDING SUPERVISOR OF THE WORK TERM – Winter 2023

OUTSTANDING SUPERVISOR OF THE WORK TERM – Spring/Summer 2023

OUTSTANDING SUPERVISOR OF THE WORK TERM – Fall 2023

Brock Alumni Co-op Employer of the Year Award

ANTHONY STRANGES

RACHEL SONG

Darryl Moyers

Tyler Stark

Brock Co-op Employer of the Year Award

Eligibility Criteria

Application Procedures

Small Medium Enterprise Category

Non-Profit Category

Large Organization Category

Small Medium Enterprise Category

Non-Profit Category

Large Organization Category

Small Medium Enterprise Category

Non-Profit Category

Large Organization Category

Small Medium Enterprise Category

Non-Profit Category

Large Organization Category

Small Medium Enterprise Category

Non-Profit Category

Large Organization Category

Upcoming Co-op Education events

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