Articles by author: Brock University

• Grads invited to celebrate history and evolution of Brock Nursing

  Thursday, September 10, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – Sept. 10, 2026 — R0078

  Over the past 26 years, Brock University has equipped generations of nurses with the skills and knowledge needed to provide professional, compassionate care.

  Now, Brock Nursing is inviting its more than 2,200 graduates back to campus to reflect on the evolution of the School of Nursing — which recently transitioned from the Department of Nursing — and its ongoing impact.

  A Nursing Celebration will be held on campus Friday, Sept. 18 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Residence 8 Dining Hall. Part of Brock’s annual Homecoming, the event will honour the graduates, faculty, staff, students, community partners and supporters who have helped shape the University’s Nursing legacy.

  Among the proud grads in attendance will be Mahoganie Hines (BScN ’16), a Nursing Educator with Hospice Palliative Care Ontario who will speak about how her Brock Nursing education has supported her career.

  “Brock gave me much more than the foundation to become a nurse,” she says. “It helped me develop the confidence to think critically, ask questions and recognize that nursing has a role in shaping health care — not simply working within the systems that already exist.”

  In addition to celebrating the growth of Nursing at Brock, Hines is looking forward to hearing from peers about where their careers have taken them and the impact they’ve had in their communities and across the profession.

  “This is an opportunity to celebrate where it all began,” she says. “Our nursing education was the starting point for careers that have touched countless patients, families, communities and health-care systems.”

  Growing that impact — felt beyond campus in the Niagara region and communities across Canada — has been a driving factor for Brock Nursing since its inception, says Karyn Taplay, Director and Associate Professor of the School of Nursing.

  “Through our cutting-edge programming and innovative approaches to teaching, our students are positioned to have an immediate impact in the workforce — and that’s exactly what they’ve done,” she says. “Our alumni have gone on to help shape all aspects of the health-care sector. We can’t wait to welcome them back to celebrate their successes and our School’s continued evolution.”

  The School of Nursing designation marks a new chapter for Brock’s Nursing legacy.

  “We’re thriving, we’re growing and we’re working hard to meet the health-care needs of the population locally and beyond,” Taplay says.

  The designation builds on continued growth for Brock Nursing, which in recent years has tripled the size of its undergraduate program and launched the country’s only concurrent Bachelor of Nursing/Master of Nursing program.

  To join the Nursing Celebration, please register on the event website.

  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

• Thousands of students build campus connections during Welcome Weekend, residence move-in

  Sunday, September 06, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – Sept. 6, 2026 — R0077

  Chloe Giachalis was drawn to Brock University for its renowned Sport Management program, but what ultimately solidified her decision was simple: Brock felt like home.

  “It’s so homey, with good people and a good vibe,” she said on Sunday, Sept. 6 while preparing to move into one of the University’s residences with the help of parents Marcie and Gus Giachalis and grandmother Dale Buchanan.

  It was a special day for the Giachalis family — all proudly sporting their Brock gear — as they helped their only child begin this next chapter in her educational journey.

  The big step was met with excitement from mom Marcie, who found comfort in all she’s learned about the University in the lead-up to the day.

  “Brock has a phenomenal reputation academically, especially in Sport Management, and for its people,” she said. “There’s a feeling of inclusiveness as opposed to feeling like you’re just a number like you might at some larger schools.”

  Staff and volunteers were on hand throughout the weekend to ensure families felt supported and welcomed as more than 2,700 students moved into their homes away from home for the year.

  “This is a big moment in the lives of our students and their families. Our job is to make sure they know there is a whole campus community behind them every step of the way as this new adventure begins,” said Cindy Chernish, Director, Housing Services.

  To help grow those connections for students living on and off campus, the University expanded on its annual residence move-in, hosting its inaugural Welcome Weekend celebration on Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6.

  The weekend included live music, food trucks and lawn games to bring students and their families together as well as events highlighting campus resources that support a successful start to the academic year.

  “Whether students are coming to Brock for the first time or returning for their final year, we want them to feel supported in — and excited for — what comes next,” said Brad Clarke, Associate Vice-President, Students. “Welcome Weekend is about building that campus connection, ensuring students are equipped with the resources they need to succeed and helping them to understand what being part of the Brock family really means.”

  Welcome Weekend is a precursor to the upcoming Welcome Week filled with orientation and social activities, varsity sports events, live music and more. Classes for the Fall Term begin on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

  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