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Ambassador profiles

What are you up to now?

I have spent the last 25 years working in higher education. For the last four years, I’ve served as the Vice-President, Advancement & External Relations at Wilfrid Laurier University. Prior to Laurier, I spent 19 years at the University of Waterloo.

I’m married to Jill Coolman (nee Wyatt) who I met at Brock. We have a beautiful daughter who will be attending Brock next year and identical twin boys who are in grade 10. Most of our spare time is spent at kids sports or enjoying our family cottage on Buckhorn Lake.

Brock Highlights

My Brock Experience was defined by student engagement and leadership. I was a residence floor rep, on residence council and spent 3 years on Residence Life Staff. I was a Don of Doherty Hall in Queenston residence, spent a year as Queenston Head Resident, and a year as Village Head resident. I was also the Residence Counsellor in BUSU and in my final year I served as BUSU President. I loved playing intramural sports and spending time at the Athletics Centre attending games or using the gym and pool.

Favourite hotspots

Big Bucks, London Arms, Front 54, Gords & Shooters.

Songs that bring me back

Whoomp! (There It Is) by Tag Team

What are you up to now?

I have enjoyed a long career as an HR professional. For the last four years I have had the privilege of leading Brock’s HR team as the Associate Vice-President, People & Culture.

In May I stepped into the role of Interim Vice-President, Administration, which has given me the opportunity to expand and broaden my contributions to this amazing institution that I love so much! In addition to my work at Brock, I serve on the Board of Directors for the Workforce Collective and Project SHARE, two wonderful organizations that serve our community in different ways.

I am also the proud Mom to two fabulous teenagers with my husband of 20 years, who is also a Brock graduate.

Brock Highlights

Queenston Residence: The people I met there were my family for several years — I will be forever grateful to them and to Brock for giving me the opportunity to meet them!

Being a part of Brock’s expansion: Taro Hall was just completed, Village was in its first phase of operation, and the new Student Centre was open. So many new beginnings!

Favourite hotspots

Front 54, Smart Alex’s, Gord’s, the Chili Pepper, Big Bucks, and ALWAYS Isaac’s on Thursday nights. Between classes on campus you could usually find a group of us sitting in Isaac’s eating western sandwiches (they were legendary!) and playing euchre or napping in the Pond Inlet.

Songs that bring me back

Right Now – Van Halen
Beautiful Life – Ace of Base

What are you up to now?

I was fortunate to start working full-time at Brock just before my convocation in June of 1998. I am currently the Manager, Off-Campus and Community Experience supporting students with life off-campus and community engagement including volunteerism. I work with a wonderful team in Student Life and Success, many of whom are also Brock graduates.

I am an active volunteer with the YWCA Niagara Region as part of the organizing committee for the annual Niagara Leadership Summit for Women. I live in Thorold and am fortunate to enjoy the best that Niagara has to offer, whether it is local festivals, hiking in the region, time at a local beach or attending one of many farmers’ markets.

Brock Highlights

Village Residence: I was very involved with the Residence Action Council (RAC) as a volunteer and loved planning activities for the residence community. I have fond memories of Marriott Chariot events and pushing our teammates around the courts of the Village in decked out shopping carts.

Favourite hotspots

I have many fond memories of shared meals and quality time spent with friends in the court during my time in Village Residence. I still keep in touch with many of the friends I made in residence! We also enjoyed many fun nights at Isaac’s and London Arms.

Songs that bring me back

Finally – Ce Ce Peniston
Shoop – Salt N’ Pepa
Saturday Night – Whigfield
Wannabe – Spice Girls

Brock Night at the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival

Sept. 23 — 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Harvest Lounge, Montebello Park

Enjoy access to the Harvest Lounge at the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival with a stunning panoramic view of the park and entertainment stage. Relax in comfort with lounge seating, upgraded washroom facilities and other private amenities. Savour local wine in your commemorative festival glass and a mouth-watering BBQ spread prepared by Chef Paul’s Catering, too. Your first glass of wine is on us!  

Steel Blade Classic

Sept. 22 — 7 to 9 p.m.
Meridian Centre (1 David S. Howes Way, St. Catharines, ON L2R 0B3)

Your alumni VIP ticket will give you access to the 4th floor VIP alumni section of the Meridian Centre where you’ll have seats with a bird’s-eye view of the classic annual hockey game, access to a private bar and complimentary stadium snacks.

Sip and Yoga