Articles from:September 2025

• Brock to expand Nursing program with $2.4M provincial funding boost

  Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 – R0099

  More Brock University students will soon learn the vital skills needed to provide critical care for residents in Niagara and across Ontario.

  The Ontario government is investing $2.4 million to expand enrolment in Brock University’s Nursing programs, training up to 60 additional nurses by 2029.

  The funding will help build the pipeline of highly skilled nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses required to meet the growing need in hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres and primary care clinics in Niagara and throughout the province.

  “Our government is connecting more people to care by increasing enrolment for frontline health-care workers and providing new options for learning,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara West. “As part of the province’s record support of Ontario’s health-care system, this expansion of local Nursing seats will ensure more direct care for residents in Niagara.”

  Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg said the government funding supports the University’s innovative programming, which prepares students to make an immediate impact on the health-care system.

  “We’re equipping the next generation of health-care leaders with the skills necessary to save lives and provide compassionate and effective care,” Rigg said. “Thanks to the Government of Ontario’s investment, more Nursing students will have the opportunity to learn from our world-class instructors and gain valuable experience working in local health-care settings, making a difference in the community throughout their studies.”

  The Hon. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, said nurses are an “integral part of Ontario’s health-care system, providing life-saving and compassionate care when patients need it the most.”

  “Through this investment, our government is growing our critical health-care workforce and protecting Ontario’s access to excellent care, close to home, now and into the future,” he said.

  The funding is part of a larger $56.8-million investment to expand enrolment in nursing programs across the province, adding 2,200 nursing professionals to Ontario’s health-care workforce by 2029.

  In addition to funds to expand enrolment, the province has committed $500,000 to support Brock’s purchase of nursing clinical supplies and laboratory equipment. This investment will equip Nursing students with cutting-edge tools that will enhance their hands-on training and ensure they’re prepared to thrive in their careers.

  In recent years, Brock’s nationally recognized Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has tripled enrolment, welcoming its largest cohort in fall 2025.

  “Brock Nursing graduates are known in Niagara and beyond for their commitment to care and workplace excellence,” said Panagiota (Nota) Klentrou, Dean of Brock’s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. “We look forward to further building on that reputation as we help future nurses master the life-saving skills needed to have a lasting impact on our health-care system.”

  For more information on Brock’s Nursing programs, visit brocku.ca/nursing

  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

• Brock rolls out Welcome Wagon to build connection in Niagara

  Friday, September 05, 2025 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 – R0098

  Brock University volunteers will be headed into the community this weekend to greet new and returning off-campus Badgers along with neighbourhood residents as the annual Welcome Wagon program rolls out across Thorold and St. Catharines.

  The team of University students, staff and local partners will visit 500 homes on Saturday, Sept. 6 to build positive connections and share Off-Campus Living and Neighbourhood Relations resources.

  Welcome kits that include important information about living off campus, such as municipal bylaws and regulations, waste management and volunteering in Niagara, will be distributed during the visits to help students understand their rights and responsibilities as residents. Included is the Good Neighbour Guide, which provides tips on being a respectful member of the community, and the Brock Student Local Guide, which highlights Niagara businesses and campus services.

  “Whether they are renting accommodations or living at home, we are committed to supporting our students in making the most of their university experience and leaving a positive impact on their new community,” said Syerra Jasmin, Co-ordinator, Off-Campus Living and lead of the Welcome Wagon program. “By proactively building meaningful partnerships and connections with local businesses, community organizations and residents through the Welcome Wagon program, we help set students up for success inside and outside of the classroom.”

  Representatives from the City of St. Catharines, City of Thorold, Niagara Regional Police Service, Thorold Fire and Emergency Services, Niagara Region Waste Management and bylaw enforcement officers will join in the door-to-door initiative. Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini and Deputy Mayor of St. Catharines Bill Phillips will also provide opening remarks for the day.

  While the Welcome Wagon is out in neighbourhoods, Brock students, faculty and staff will also be volunteering at organizations across Niagara during Brock Cares Day of Service. The event, which is the University’s largest day of volunteering, highlights Brock’s commitment to community involvement and strong ties to the Niagara region.

  “Brock Cares is a reflection of our deep culture of caring at Brock; our students are eager to get out and do good within our local communities and our partners are just as thrilled to host them,” said Jenna Moorhead, Community Experience Co-ordinator and lead of Brock Cares. “Through these initiatives, students can choose to dedicate their time to help organizations whose work aligns closest to their own personal interest or area of study and are provided with opportunities to make new friends and community connections in the process.”

  After a day of giving back, volunteers are invited to take part in a dinner hosted by the Thorold Business Improvement Association at the Moose and Goose in downtown Thorold. The event runs from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. and will include pizza and desserts from local businesses and a tour of downtown Thorold. The event is free for Brock Cares volunteers, but all members of the Brock and Thorold communities are welcome to attend by purchasing a $5 ticket at the event.

  Local businesses have also been invited to post signs in their windows welcoming new and returning students into the community.

  The Brock Cares Day of Service launches a monthly series of opportunities for students to continue to volunteer their time throughout the year. Brock’s Off-Campus Living and Neighbourhood Relations Department also conducts regular neighbourhood visits during the academic year to continue to support and strengthen positive relationships with students and residents in the Niagara region.

  “Brock Cares Day of Service and Welcome Wagon are great ways to close out Brock students’ first week on campus for the new academic year,” said Kristen Smith, Manager, Off-Campus and Community Experience. “Our community partners from municipalities, local businesses and social profit organizations do an amazing job welcoming our students to Niagara. Their collaborative efforts really highlight the important role that Brock students have as residents, customers, employees and volunteers in our local community.”

  More information about the Welcome Wagon and other community initiatives can be found on Brock’s Neighbourhood Relations website.

   

  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