Articles from:May 2026

• Brock to honour influential sport figures at Hall of Fame induction

  Friday, May 15, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE — MAY 14, 2026 — R0040

  For the second time this year, Brock University will tip its hat to influential figures who have helped to shape sport across Canada and in the Niagara region.

  Following a ceremony held last month, the University will honour a new group of inductees to the Badgers Hall of Fame on June 14, celebrating their legacy in sport at Brock and beyond.

  Among the honourees is Andrew Tinnish (BRLS ’99, BSM ’01), Vice-President of International Scouting and Baseball Operations with the Toronto Blue Jays, who was Brock’s 2000 Male Athlete of the Year. The three-time All-Canadian, who began his time with the Jays as a Brock Sport Management intern, helped the Brock Badgers baseball program win two national titles within the first five years of the team’s existence.

  Also set to be honoured is former Olympian and Brock’s winningest women’s basketball coach, Chris Critelli; former Brock men’s lacrosse midfielder Sandy Chapman (BSc ’05, MSc ’09), who helped guide the program to four straight national titles before a 17-year career in the National Lacrosse League; Brad Rootes (BPhEd ’07), the first-ever Mr. Basketball Niagara who led the Badgers to a national championship in 2007-08; and Christina Giannini (BPhEd ’00, BEd ’01), a decorated Brock athlete who in 2000 became the University’s first women’s soccer player to earn a Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (now known as U SPORTS) First Team All-Canadian selection.

  Joining the individual inductees will be the Brock Generals men’s hockey teams from 1965-69 who built the program from the ground up. Since its inception, the program has made four national championship appearances and produced more than 50 players who went on to play professionally, including five who signed in the National Hockey League.

  “Welcoming the second set of inductees in the 2026 class is special,” said Brock Sports and Recreation Executive Director Melissa Krist. “This group represents the very best of what being a Badger is about: dedicated athletes, influential coaching and teams that helped shape the foundation of our programs. We look forward to honouring their contributions and the legacy they’ve built here at Brock and beyond.”

  Open to the community, the celebration will take place on Sunday, June 14 at Amici’s Banquet and Conference Centre in Thorold. Tickets for the event can be purchased online.

  The second Brock Badgers Hall of Fame ceremony in June will include:

  • Chris Critelli (Coach)
  • Sandy Chapman (BSc ’05, MSc ’09) (Athlete)
  • Christina Giannini (BPhEd ’00, BEd ’01) (Athlete)
  • Brad Rootes (BPhEd ’07) (Athlete)
  • Andrew Tinnish (BRLS ’99, BSM ’01) (Athlete)
  • 1965-66 Brock Generals men’s hockey team (Team)
  • 1966-67 Brock Generals men’s hockey team (Team)
  • 1967-68 Brock Generals men’s hockey team (Team)
  • 1968-69 Brock Generals men’s hockey team (Team)

  The first Class of 2026 induction ceremony, held in April, saw the Badgers recognize two builders, seven former Brock wrestlers and three men’s wrestling teams.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  *Maryanne St. Denis, Associate Director, Strategic Communications, Brock University, [email protected]or 905-246-0256

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock reappoints Lesley Rigg as President and Vice-Chancellor

  Monday, May 11, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE — MAY 11, 2026 — R0039

  Brock University has reappointed Dr. Lesley Rigg to a second term as President and Vice-Chancellor. The unanimous decision was made by the University’s Board of Trustees at its recent meeting and comes at a time when President Rigg has just over one year left on her current five-year term. The new appointment takes effect Nov. 1, 2027.

  Since joining Brock, Rigg has led the University through a period of significant progress, guiding the development and launch of its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan — a community-informed roadmap focused on transforming people and reimagining the future.

  Under her leadership, Brock has advanced a number of major academic and institutional initiatives. These include the launch of the University’s Integrated Engineering program, expansion of professional and continuing studies and micro-credentials, the opening of the Burlington Campus at the Robert Bateman Community Centre, and modernization of academic programming to support flexibility and future-ready learning.

  Rigg has also strengthened Brock’s research enterprise, securing significant investments in areas such as sustainable agriculture, including the development of the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm, and advancing industry partnerships through facilities like the Validation, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute (VPMI).

  A strong advocate for the University and the sector, Rigg has elevated Brock’s presence provincially and nationally through leadership roles with organizations such as Universities Canada and the Council of Ontario Universities, while building relationships across government, industry and community partners to support student success, research and regional development.

  Brock has made important strides under Rigg’s leadership in advancing financial sustainability and operational effectiveness. This includes the implementation of a multi-year budget model and the advancement of major infrastructure and sustainability efforts such as the SPARK initiative, which will significantly reduce carbon emissions and deferred maintenance needs.

  “Dr. Rigg has provided clear, thoughtful and steady leadership during a time of change across the post-secondary sector,” says Anne McCourt, Chair of Brock’s Board of Trustees. “Her ability to bring people together around a shared vision has positioned Brock well for the future.”

  Rigg has also played a key role in elevating Brock’s reputation, supporting co-ordinated efforts to strengthen the University’s national and global profile while reinforcing its identity as a university deeply connected to its community.

  “I am honoured to continue serving Brock University and to work alongside our faculty, staff, students and partners to advance our shared priorities,” says Rigg. “There is strong momentum across the institution, and I look forward to building on that as we continue to support student success, research excellence and meaningful community impact.”

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  *Maryanne St. Denis, Associate Director, Strategic Communications, Brock University, [email protected] or 905-246-0256

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  Categories: Media releases