Articles by author: Brock University

• Media invited to event exploring challenges faced by Innovate Niagara in region’s two-tier system

  Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | By Brock University

  MEDIA ADVISORY – OCTOBER 15, 2025 – R0120 

  As one of Ontario’s Regional Innovation Centres (RICs), Innovate Niagara gives a “big boost” to entrepreneurs bringing their innovations to market, says Charles Conteh.

  But navigating the jurisdictional dynamics of Niagara’s two-tier system can complicate Innovate Niagara’s efforts, says the Brock University Professor of Political Science.

  Conteh, also the Director of Brock’s Niagara Community Observatory, will explore this theme on Wednesday, Oct 22 at noon in a presentation and panel discussion with industry and government partners.

  Conteh’s talk reflects part of his book, Mediating Innovation Policy Delivery: The Regional Innovation Centres of Ontario, published earlier this year.

  “The chapter on Niagara highlights how Innovate Niagara engages within the broader ecosystem of stakeholders in the region, including new and growing businesses, industry associations, post-secondary institutions, regional and local economic development offices and other actors,” Conteh says.

  Media are invited to attend the event.

  What: “Innovate Niagara: Navigating the Jurisdictional Fissures of a Two-Tier Region” presentation with panel discussion to follow.

  When: Wednesday, Oct. 22, noon to 2:30 p.m.

  Where: Room 214-215, Rankin Family Pavilion, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines

  Who: Presentation by Charles Conteh, Niagara Community Observatory Director, and panel discussion with N’ora Kalb, CEO, Innovate Niagara; Blake Landry, Manager, Economic Research and Analysis at Niagara Economic Development; and Marika Swain, Senior Business Advisory — Niagara, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

  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 to celebrate 1,000 grads at Fall Convocation Friday

  Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – OCTOBER 14, 2025 – R0119

  Years of anticipation will culminate with a meaningful walk across the Convocation stage for about 1,000 Brock University graduands this week.

  Brock’s 118th Convocation takes place Friday, Oct. 17, with ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. inside the University’s Ian Beddis Gymnasium.

  The morning ceremony will include students from the Faculties of Applied Health Sciences, Education, and Mathematics and Science. The afternoon ceremony will see degrees conferred on students in the Goodman School of Business and the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences.

  Among the honours presented Friday are the Governor General Silver Medals, awarded to the two undergraduate students with the highest academic standing in a first honours degree. This year’s recipients are Computer Sciences graduate Anthony Colosimo (BSc ’25) and Psychology graduate Molly Nullmeyer (BA ’25), who convocated this past spring with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts, respectively.

  Also being awarded Friday are two Board of Trustees Spirit of Brock medals presented to students who best exemplify the spirit of the University’s namesake, Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock, by demonstrating qualities of leadership, courage, innovation, inspiration and community involvement. This fall’s recipients are Public Health graduand Olajumoke Shobowale and Biotechnology graduand Noah Xiao.

  During her studies, Shobowale worked to ensure all students, especially her fellow international students, felt supported as they transitioned into university life. As an International Student Ambassador from Nigeria, she shared her experience with her peers and created an online platform, GlobalwithOla, to connect international students with vital resources. Shobowale made her mark on campus through work not only with Brock International, but also with the Smart Start orientation and Future Black Leaders programs.

  A mentor to junior students and recipient of many awards during his time on campus, Xiao helped to found Brock’s Graduate Mathematics and Science Student Society and organize the University’s first STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) graduate research conference. His impact on campus was also felt through his role as student co-chair of the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization, through which he co-founded the International Student Working Group to provide additional support to international students.

  Tickets are not required to attend Fall Convocation, but there is a two-guest limit per graduand. All guests will be required to check in prior to entering the ceremony. Guests are encouraged to have the name and student identification number of the graduand they’re celebrating with them at check-in.

  Both Fall Convocation ceremonies will be livestreamed online at brocku.ca/livestream for those unable to attend in person.

  Complimentary parking will be available for Fall Convocation graduands and guests. Directional signage will lead guests to Lots D and B. If these lots are full, overflow parking will be available in Lots 1 and 3. Accessible parking is also available in Lot P. Carpooling and ride sharing is highly encouraged.

  For more information, visit brocku.ca/convocation

   

  Media are invited to attend Brock’s Fall Convocation ceremonies. Photographers shooting from directly in front of the stage are asked to wear a Convocation gown, which can be arranged in advance through Maryanne St. Denis, Associate Director, Strategic Communications.

  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