Articles by author: Brock University

• Brock becomes first Canadian university to sign scholarship agreement with island of Curaçao

  Thursday, February 22, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 22 February 2018 – R00034

  The doors to a Canadian education have now been opened for students in the Caribbean island nation of Curaçao.

  Located about 65 kilometres north of Venezuela in the Lesser Antilles, Curaçao is known for its beaches, coral reefs and a strong education system with students eager to leave the island for their post-secondary education.

  A memorandum of understanding signed on Feb. 16 made Brock the first university in Canada to implement a scholarship agreement with the country.

  The agreement will enable Curaçaoan students to use their nation’s educational loan program (similar to OSAP in Ontario) to pay for an international education at Brock. The students will also have full access to Brock University’s various scholarship programs.

  “Brock is very excited by this new partnership as it establishes a mutually beneficial relationship through education and the exchange of knowledge,” said Director of Brock International Leigh-Ellen Keating.

  The Ministry of Education in Curaçao believes that the geopolitical position of their country, unique socio-economic resources and national commitment to sustainable economic growth through renewable energy provides valuable learning and research opportunities for both Curaçao and Brock.

  “Brock would like to celebrate and build on the success of its Curaçaoan student population and we look forward to future students from the island choosing to make Brock their educational home,” said Keating.

  Curaçao joins Brock’s growing international community representing more than 100 countries on campus.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Categories: Media releases

• Brock Badgers begin quest for national basketball title

  Thursday, February 22, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 22 February 2018 – R00033

  Six months ago, when Brock University students were just returning to campus to start their school year and the Badgers men’s basketball team was ramping up for the season, head coach Charles Kissi identified the singular target his team was aiming for this year: the USports National championships.

  On Saturday, Feb. 24, the Badgers will host the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks to begin the playoff journey toward the nationals being held in Halifax.

  For Kissi and his team, now is the time to cash in on the hard work.

  “We built a body of work. It’s like being in a classroom all year and then writing the final exam. You’ve done all this learning, and now it’s time to show what the outcome is,” he said.

  Brock, ranked third in the country with a 21-3 record, and Laurier (12-12), will tip off at 7 p.m. in an Ontario University Athletics Wilson Cup quarter-final matchup at Brock’s Bob Davis Gymnasium. The winner will move on to the OUA semifinals next Wednesday night.

  But while the dream might be a national championship, you won’t hear Kissi talking about that with his players — not yet, at least.

  “We can’t get to the second game if we don’t win the first, so we’re just focusing all our energy on this one game,” he said. “I’m reluctant to even say the word ‘nationals’ because we’re just focused on one game at a time.”

  Within the Badgers’ record-setting 21 regular season wins are a pair of wins over Laurier by 80-70 and 73-69 margins. But the Golden Hawks blasted a charging McMaster team 102-76 Wednesday night in the first round of the OUA playoffs (Brock had a bye) that ended the Marauders’ six-game winning streak, along with their season.

  Kissi said it didn’t matter which opponent the Badgers had to face Saturday, his team was preparing equally hard.

  “It’s like the start of the season where everyone is tied for first again,” he said. “The best teams are going to be here in the playoffs and you hope that you’re better on that day.”

  With eight teams remaining in the OUA Wilson Cup playoffs, a win Saturday would move Brock into the semifinals at home Wednesday, Feb. 28. Since both the OUA champion and the runner-up qualify for the USports Nationals, a win on Wednesday would guarantee them a trip to Halifax.

  A loss in either the quarter-finals or semifinals would mean Brock would have to hope for a wild-card entry into the nationals as a result of their strong overall season, including spending much of the year ranked second in Canada.

  Tickets for Saturday’s game are $10 for adults and $5 for students. They’re available at Brock’s Walker Complex Welcome Desk or by phone at 905-688-5550 ext. 4060. Visit GoBadgers.ca for more information.

  What: Brock Badgers vs. Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks OUA quarter-final playoff game

  When: Saturday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.

  Where: Bob Davis Gymnasium, Brock University

  More information: GoBadgers.ca

  *Note to media: A print-ready game report and photos from the quarter-final game will be sent out by 11 p.m. Saturday. Direct post-game phone interviews with Coach Charles Kissi or any of the players can also be arranged in advance.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases