Articles by author: Brock University

• Installation of Brock’s seventh President marks start of Spring Convocation

  Monday, June 12, 2023 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: June 12 2023 – R0050

  Lesley Rigg knows first-hand how far curiosity — combined with passion and education — can take someone.

  The fundamental trait helped guide her on her journey from becoming the first in her family to graduate from university to an accomplished academic leader and research scientist, and now, the President and Vice-Chancellor of Brock University.

  While she began her tenure at Brock on Nov. 1, Rigg was formally installed as the University’s seventh President on Monday, June 12 during the first day of Spring Convocation. Brock’s 113th Convocation will see about 3,500 graduands receive their degrees during nine ceremonies held from June 12 to 16.

  After taking the oath of office on Monday, delivered by Chancellor Hilary Pearson, Rigg gave her first Convocation address as President, which encouraged graduates to remain curious as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

  “So much of what we do here at the University is powered by the force of curiosity – the innate desire to explore, learn and understand. It’s not particularly complicated. But in my opinion, it’s one of the most powerful forces for good known to humankind,” Rigg said. “Curiosity is the engine of creativity, innovation and progress; the key to unlocking new insights and opportunities.”

  Brock has cultivated a strong culture of curiosity, one that “encourages our students and researchers to pursue their passions, explore new ideas, challenge conventional wisdom and make personal and professional breakthroughs each and every day,” Rigg said.

  “We believe that curiosity is the foundation of a lifelong learning process, one that continues long after you’ve earned your degree.”

  Prior to joining Brock, Rigg, an ecologist and biogeographer, served as Vice-President (Research) and Professor of Geography at Western University in London, Ont.

  Representatives from Western and several other institutions from across the country joined Rigg at Monday’s ceremony to deliver well wishes, alongside local politicians, community leaders and Brock University faculty, staff and graduates.

  Rigg said Monday’s ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the values and principles that guide the Brock community, even beyond graduation.

  “At Brock, we believe in the power of education to transform lives, to inspire innovation and to promote social justice and equity,” she said. “We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity and respect, where all members of our community can thrive and contribute to the greater good.

  “I hope you carry these values with you wherever life takes you after today,” she said to the Class of 2023.

  Following the ceremony, Pearson said both she and Rigg share great confidence in the possibilities that exist for Brock’s future.

  “Dr. Rigg has a vision for Brock and its immense importance as a university with local roots across Niagara and global reach with students and alumni from across the world,” she said. “Her excitement is catching and inspiring. I know that she will bring Brock to new heights.”

  Brock’s 113^th Convocation continues on Tuesday, June 13, when the University will present honorary doctorates to Women Get On Board Inc. founder and CEO Deborah Rosati (BAdmin ’84) and Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Inc. founder and CEO Jenn Harper at ceremonies held at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively.

  Brock will also bestow an honorary degree upon Kyle Dubas (BSM ’07), President of Hockey Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins, at a ceremony Wednesday, June 14 at 2:30 p.m.

  All ceremonies take place in the Ian D. Beddis Gymnasium of Brock’s Walker Sports Complex and will be livestreamed online at brocku.ca/livestream

  For more information and a full schedule of Brock’s Spring Convocation, visit brocku.ca/convocation

  Categories: Media releases

• Community event to honour Indigenous business leader

  Friday, June 09, 2023 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: June 9 2023 – R0049

  Entrepreneur and consultant Karen MacKenzie will share insight into how she incorporates traditional knowledge of Indigenous ways into the workplace when she’s honoured during Brock University’s third annual Indigenous Leader Speaker Series.

  Taking place on National Indigenous Peoples Day, Wednesday, June 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the online event is a partnership between Brock’s Indigenous Engagement Office and the Goodman School of Business.

  MacKenzie is the co-founder and president of MacKintosh Canada, an Indigenous-owned, international consulting company, as well as co-founder of PeopleBest Canada, an artificial intelligence company that looks at what makes success happen inside people, teams and organizations.

  She is passionate about advocacy work on Indigenization and decolonization.

  “The first step on the path of decolonization is to begin thinking and acting with kindness and gratitude,” MacKenzie says. “These practices lead to good relationships built on trust and respect. Relationships are the foundation of Indigenous business practices based on the notion of abundance leading to prosperity for all.”

  MacKenzie will be joined in conversation at the event by Robyn Bourgeois, Brock’s Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement. Bourgeois says MacKenzie is a shining example of Indigenous excellence.

  “In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, she has taught others how to do so also,” Bourgeois says. “She has advised governments and organizations about Indigenization and decolonization. Perhaps most importantly, she has formally and informally mentored so many Indigenous women, myself included, on how to be strong matriarchal leaders.”

  For the Goodman School of Business, this event is an opportunity to help amplify the voices of Indigenous business leaders, and to hear from a leader with significant experience developing people, communities and organizations, says Dean Barry Wright.

  “This is a tremendous opportunity for our students and community to hear directly from a leader who has significant experience developing contemporary workplaces,” Wright says. “Karen MacKenzie’s value of authentic co-creation of the future, through creating spaces for all voices to be heard in open, respectful manners, is an example for all leaders.”

  MacKenzie is a proud Cree-Métis woman who earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Saint Mary’s University and Master of Business Administration from Dalhousie University. She is an advocate for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and a senior advisor and mentor to the Indigenous Women in Community Leadership, Coady Institute at St. Francis Xavier University.

  This is the third-annual Indigenous Leader Speaker Series, which is supported by the D.G. Willmot Foundation and is part of the D.G. Willmot Leaders Series. Previous honourees include Mallory Yawnghwe, founder and CEO of Indigenous Box, and Jenn Harper, founder of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Inc.

  To receive a link to the free online community event, register through the Indigenous Leader Speaker Series website.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Doug Hunt, Communications and Media Relations Specialist, Brock University dhunt2@brocku.ca or 905-941-6209 

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  Categories: Media releases