Media releases

• Thousands of students build campus connections during Welcome Weekend, residence move-in

  Sunday, September 06, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – Sept. 6, 2026 — R0077

  Chloe Giachalis was drawn to Brock University for its renowned Sport Management program, but what ultimately solidified her decision was simple: Brock felt like home.

  “It’s so homey, with good people and a good vibe,” she said on Sunday, Sept. 6 while preparing to move into one of the University’s residences with the help of parents Marcie and Gus Giachalis and grandmother Dale Buchanan.

  It was a special day for the Giachalis family — all proudly sporting their Brock gear — as they helped their only child begin this next chapter in her educational journey.

  The big step was met with excitement from mom Marcie, who found comfort in all she’s learned about the University in the lead-up to the day.

  “Brock has a phenomenal reputation academically, especially in Sport Management, and for its people,” she said. “There’s a feeling of inclusiveness as opposed to feeling like you’re just a number like you might at some larger schools.”

  Staff and volunteers were on hand throughout the weekend to ensure families felt supported and welcomed as more than 2,700 students moved into their homes away from home for the year.

  “This is a big moment in the lives of our students and their families. Our job is to make sure they know there is a whole campus community behind them every step of the way as this new adventure begins,” said Cindy Chernish, Director, Housing Services.

  To help grow those connections for students living on and off campus, the University expanded on its annual residence move-in, hosting its inaugural Welcome Weekend celebration on Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6.

  The weekend included live music, food trucks and lawn games to bring students and their families together as well as events highlighting campus resources that support a successful start to the academic year.

  “Whether students are coming to Brock for the first time or returning for their final year, we want them to feel supported in — and excited for — what comes next,” said Brad Clarke, Associate Vice-President, Students. “Welcome Weekend is about building that campus connection, ensuring students are equipped with the resources they need to succeed and helping them to understand what being part of the Brock family really means.”

  Welcome Weekend is a precursor to the upcoming Welcome Week filled with orientation and social activities, varsity sports events, live music and more. Classes for the Fall Term begin on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

  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

• CCOVI celebrates 30 years of industry impact

  Wednesday, September 02, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – Sept. 2, 2026 — R0076

  Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) has aged like fine wine.

  The premier grape and wine science institute has only improved with time, growing its reputation as an invaluable industry partner over the past 30 years.

  The Institute marked its milestone anniversary on Wednesday, Sept. 2 with a celebration on campus that reflected on its humble beginnings and promising future.

  “For 30 years, CCOVI has been an important part of Brock University’s identity and a flagship example of the impact a university can have when it brings together education, research and industry,” said Lesley Rigg, President and Vice-Chancellor. “CCOVI has helped establish Brock as a leader in oenology and viticulture education and research while creating meaningful connections between the University and the grape and wine sector.”

  CCOVI was established in 1996 through an agreement between Brock, the Grape Growers of Ontario and what was then the Wine Council of Ontario (now Ontario Craft Wineries and Wine Growers Ontario).

  Its research, expertise and skilled learners have since contributed to the growth and resilience of Canada’s grape and wine industry, supporting producers and industry partners across the country as they respond to changing growing conditions, emerging threats and new opportunities.

  “When I look back through the years, there are so many milestones that we have accomplished together in partnership with industry and government, both provincially and federally. It’s quite remarkable,” said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis.

  The latest in the long lineup of achievements is the planting of the first grapevines at the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm, which took place earlier this summer.

  “The creation of the research vineyard marks a pivotal moment in CCOVI’s history,” Inglis said. “In addition to supporting other research, the site will be a key part of expanding Brock’s Clean Plant Program, which is critical to supporting Canada’s $11.6-billion grape and wine industry.”

  Working alongside the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Canadian Grapevine Certification Network (CGCN), among other partners, Brock is one of only two facilities in the country to house a germplasm collection of certified virus-tested grapevines and the only testing provider to CGCN for their clean plant program.

  CCOVI’s growth through the years would not have been possible without the initial Canada Foundation for Innovation grant in 1997 and successful capital campaign led by Canadian wine icons Donald Ziraldo and John Howard that supported the Institute’s inception.

  “I am thankful every day I walk around and see the donor plaques throughout the Institute that helped us get to where we are today,” Inglis said.

  Reflecting on CCOVI’s early days, Ziraldo, the co-founder of Inniskillin Wines, expressed pride in the decision to help implement its creation so many years ago.

  “Every great wine region all over the world has institutes of higher learning, and 30 years ago we had the fortitude to start CCOVI,” he said.

  In addition to its research and service contributions, CCOVI’s presence in the industry remains strong through the many students who’ve found their passion in Brock’s Applied Grape and Wine Science program — the only one of its kind in Canada — as well as professionals who’ve continued their education and enhanced their skills at all stages of their careers.

  “It is hard to believe it has been 30 years since I first learned about CCOVI and found myself enrolled one year later,” said Brock graduate Shiraz Mottiar (BSc ’00), who is now Malivoire Wine Company’s Team Principal, General Manager and Winegrowing Director, as well as the Chair of CCOVI’s Advisory Council. “CCOVI was my launch pad to the most dynamic career I could have imagined; it’s always evolving. Staying connected to the research and outreach that CCOVI provides us in the Ontario wine industry has been instrumental to our success.”

  The anniversary celebration also included a focus on Brock’s graduates, who are now celebrated winemakers. More than 150 award-winning VQA wines made by Brock alumni from across Canada were donated to be poured for guests at the event.

  Learn more about CCOVI at brocku.ca/ccovi

  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