Articles by author: Brock University

• 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

• Home sweet home: Move-in Weekend welcomes Brock’s newest students

  Sunday, August 31, 2025 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – AUGUST 31, 2025 – R0097

  Packed in with their clothing, books and other necessities was a mixture of nervousness, excitement and pride.

  The nearly 2,800 students who moved into Brock University’s residences this weekend came prepared to begin a new chapter in their educational journeys.

  First-year Game Programming student Kyrini Chin Kanellakis knew long before Move-in Weekend that Brock was where she wanted to be.

  The Toronto resident was drawn to the University’s unique Game program, which provides the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Brock and an advanced diploma from Niagara College.

  She received her Brock acceptance while weighing other university offers, but said the choice was clear.

  “Overall, this university looked like the best to me,” she said. “I’m looking forward to meeting people and starting this new chapter.”

  First-year students Kylee Strano (Concurrent Education), Ava Fisher (Recreation and Leisure Studies) and Irelynn Duffy (Sport Management) began building new connections before their boxes were even unpacked.

  The trio met this summer as members of the Brock women’s hockey team and quickly formed a bond — so much so that Fisher and Duffy are now rooming together.

  Those newfound friendships brought with them a level of comfort, Duffy said, which she believes is a big benefit as she eases into university life.

  To further support a smooth transition for all into this new chapter, Brock University staff and student volunteers were on hand throughout the weekend to assist students and their families by moving boxes, answering questions and providing insight into the Brock experience.

  “We understand what a milestone moment this is for so many students and their parents. The first time away from home comes with a lot of emotions, and we’re here to support our Badgers every step of the way,” said Cindy Chernish, Director of Housing Services. “That sense of community is a big part of what makes Brock University so special. It begins on day one and never fades away.”

  Chernish said the University has seen an increase in the number of upper-year and graduate students living in and returning to campus housing, which is at capacity this year.

  “We’re proud to welcome students back year after year,” she said. “That’s a true reflection of their campus experience.”

  Move-in Weekend marks the kickoff to Welcome Week, running through early September and featuring events like the New Student Welcome, academic orientations, fire‑safety demonstrations, consent workshops and the Brock Cares Day of Service, which will see students volunteer with community organizations across Niagara.

  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