Articles from:June 2025

• An Evening of Brilliance brings sparkling end to Brock’s 60th anniversary celebrations 

  Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – JUNE 17, 2025 – R0073

  As the sky shimmered with fireworks over the famed Niagara Falls — itself aglow in red — Brock’s 60th anniversary celebrations concluded just as the University began: by bringing community together.

  Held Friday, June 13 at the Niagara Parks Power Station, An Evening of Brilliance marked the culmination of a year dedicated to reflecting on Brock’s growth over the past six decades and its exciting new chapter ahead.

  Surrounded by community partners, Brock graduates, local dignitaries, elected officials and University leadership, President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg said the institution has found strength in its local roots.

  “We wouldn’t have had 60 years of breakthroughs without the support of this community,” she said. “You’ve been with us every step of the way — cheering on our students, collaborating on research, hiring Brock grads and helping us to build a stronger, more resilient Niagara.

  “And as we look ahead to the next 60 years, we do so knowing that together, we can shape a future that is bold, inclusive and full of possibility.”

  Among the evening’s distinguished guests were dozens of Brock Alumni Brilliance Award recipients, who were honoured for their outstanding achievements and contributions during an awards reception sponsored by Niagara Parks and emceed by outgoing Brock Board of Trustees Chair Mark Arthur.

  “These exceptional individuals exemplify what it means to be a Brock graduate, leading with curiosity, creativity and courage,” Rigg said. “Their stories inspire us, not only for what they’ve achieved, but for the lasting impact they’ve made in their communities and professions.”

  Following the awards ceremony, the celebration continued with a keynote address by Niagara Falls-born philanthropist John McCall MacBain, with this portion of the evening emceed by Brock graduate and celebrated TV and radio host Rick Campanelli (BPhEd ’94).

  McCall MacBain, whose namesake foundation is dedicated to nurturing transformational leadership through scholarships and educational opportunities, shared insight into his own career journey while emphasizing why investing in young people is one of the most impactful ways to build a better and more sustainable future.

  He continued the conversation around supporting the next generation of changemakers during a fireside chat with Brock University Chancellor Hilary Pearson, who also spoke about the transformative power of education and the critical role universities play in society.

  The speaking engagement was supported by the D.G. Willmot Lecture Fund, which is dedicated to bringing leaders to the local community to share knowledge and insights through engaging events.

   

  To look back on Brock’s 60th anniversary celebrations, visit brocku.ca/60

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  *Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483

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  Categories: Media releases

• Perseverance paves the path to success, former Sabres coach tells Brock graduates

  Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – JUNE 10, 2025 – R0072

  When Ted Nolan wanted to learn how to play hockey as a young child, he made his own ice rink — one pail of water at a time.

  It was a trying task, taking what seemed like 1,000 trips across the backyard, with his eight-year-old gait causing spills along the way.

  Each step counted. Each drop mattered. And driven by determination, Nolan’s fresh ice came to be.

  The rink was born from perseverance. It is where Nolan, who would go on to play for the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins and coach the Buffalo Sabres, would learn to play the sport that would change his life.

  The celebrated former National Hockey League (NHL) player and coach encouraged Brock’s graduating class to embrace that same “no-quit” attitude while delivering the Convocation address on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 10. As part of Brock’s 117th Convocation, Nolan was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University in recognition of his work inspiring youth in sport and giving back to Indigenous communities across Canada.

  Born and raised on Garden River First Nation to a family of 12, Nolan spoke candidly about his family’s struggles.

  Living in a house with no electricity or indoor plumbing, he learned to make the most of what he had.

  This included his first pair of skates — three sizes too big — which were the perfect fit when rubber boots were added as their liner.

  Each challenge was an opportunity to keep his father’s sage advice close to heart — and he hoped Brock’s graduates would do the same: “You don’t have to have the best to be the best. The only thing you have to do is give your best.”

  Nolan would use that drive and his refusal to quit to propel his success in the world of hockey.

  When he faced systemic racism in the sport he loved so dearly, he pushed forward, refusing to let the hurtful actions of others change his course.

  Nolan would go on to lead teams to championships, coach the Latvian national team at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, and earn the Jack Adams Award (1996-97), which named him the league’s Coach of the Year during his time with the Sabres.

  But those accomplishments did not come without their challenges.

  “Life throws you curveballs,” Nolan said while reflecting on the dark days that followed both the career-ending injury that took him off the ice at 26 and his departure as an NHL coach many years later.

  But hard work — and the support of family — helped him to find a new path.

  He has since founded the Ted Nolan Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars for scholarships benefiting Indigenous women across Canada. Alongside his two sons, he is also co-founder and President of 3Nolans, an organization providing hockey skills development training for Indigenous youth in First Nation communities across Canada.

  While you may not know how life is going to work out, you can have faith that giving your all will take you wherever you strive to go, Nolan said to Brock’s graduates.

  From June 10 to 13, about 3,800 graduands from seven Faculties will receive their degrees as part of Brock’s 117th Convocation. All ceremonies take place in the Ian Beddis Gymnasium of Brock’s Walker Sports Complex and will be livestreamed online at brocku.ca/livestream

  For more information and the full schedule of Brock’s Spring Convocation, visit brocku.ca/convocation

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  *Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483

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  Categories: Media releases