Articles by author: Brock University

• Brock launches new minor in environmental sustainability

  Thursday, July 06, 2017 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 6 July 2017 – R00126

  With ice shelves cracking, green energy options expanding and the international political debate over climate change heating up, the environment is making headlines more than ever before. Coupled with that is the discussion around environmental sustainability, which impacts nearly all aspects of life.

  Starting this fall, Brock University undergraduate students will have the option of minoring in environmental sustainability through a new offering by the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ERSC).

  Combining economics with social and environmental sciences, environmental sustainability explores how to protect the natural environment and ecological health while maintaining or improving the quality of human life.

  The transdisciplinary ESRC at Brock has been home to a graduate program in Sustainability Science and Society since 2014, the new minor will give Brock undergraduates their first opportunity to take dedicated courses in the field.

  The minor is open to Brock students in any program and will focus on the problem-solving skills needed as businesses and governments adhere to new environmental legislation and society adapts to a changing world.

  Two new online courses will be offered this September: Introduction to Environmental Sustainability (ENSU 2P01) and Environmental Sustainability in Practice (ENSU 2P02). Third-year classes will be added to the calendar in the coming years. While the ENSU courses are open to everyone, non-environmental sustainability minors will have to wait until July 20 to register.

  To complete the minor, students will be required to take 1.5 ENSU credits, and 2.5 additional credits from a list of approved courses from 15 departments and centres across campus.

  “Searching through the undergraduate calendar, we realized that many departments and centres integrate environmental sustainability concepts into their courses,” said ESRC Director Ryan Plummer. “As environmental sustainability is a transdisciplinary field of study, it was obvious that we should collaborate with these units across campus.”

  “We’re hoping to continue adding courses from our own research centre and other units across Brock,” Plummer said.

  The creation of the minor coincides with the fifth anniversary of the ESRC this year.

   

  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

• Brock triathlon to raise funds for scholarship

  Tuesday, July 04, 2017 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 4 July 2017 – R00125

  A triathlon held in memory of a Brock University master’s student is growing for 2017.

  After drawing 120 competitors for the inaugural event last year, which led to the development of a graduate student scholarship, the Naomi Cermak Tri to Inspire will return to the main Brock University campus Sunday, July 16.

  The second annual triathlon is being held to continue raising funds for the scholarship and to remember Cermak, who passed away in 2013 from metastatic melanoma at 31 years old.

  Cermak, who was from Cambridge, attended Brock for her Master of Science in Muscle Physiology from 2004-06 and was the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal. She was an accomplished athlete and researcher who went on to complete her PhD in Exercise Physiology at McMaster.

  “Naomi continues to inspire others to fight and find a cure,” says Department of Kinesiology Chair, Brian Roy. “This scholarship was created through the combination of a generous donation from the Cermak family, money raised through the inaugural triathlon and support from the people who knew and loved Naomi.”

  Cermak is remembered as a friendly, driven, determined individual who always looked on the bright side. Her efforts to raise awareness of melanoma, as well as her determination to conquer her illness, resulted in her selection to participate in the Kona Ironman championships as an inspiration athlete.

  Sadly, she had to withdraw from the event as her immune system became too compromised and her health deteriorated.

  “I love that we’re able to share her story and create a legacy at Brock through this scholarship,” says Brock Sports Fitness Manager, Eric Walter. “It’s even more special that we can build the scholarship through the sport she was so passionate about.”

  He says the event is a good way to introduce people to the sport of triathlon. It features a 150 or 400 m indoor swim, a 10 km bike and 2.5 km run. Live music and free barbecue for racers will follow the competition.

  “Last year’s event was a lot of fun. To see students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members come together and rally in support of what this scholarship is all about was fantastic to see,” says Walter. “We’re excited about the same kind of engagement on July 16, but on a bigger scale.”

  Donations are also being accepted for the Naomi Graduate Student Scholarship at brocku.ca/donate and select ‘Other’ on the drop down menu.

  What: 2nd Annual Naomi Cermak Tri to Inspire

  When: Sunday, July 16 at 11 a.m.

  Who: Individuals and Relay Teams welcome; Open to adults and children

  Registration: Online at Brocku.ca/recreation; in person at the Walker Sports Complex or phone 905-688-5550 x4060

  An embeddable video from the 2016 event which includes an interview with the Cermak family is available at youtu.be/BittDqqXcnY

  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