Media releases

• Alum and ex-diplomat to donate rare map collection to Brock archives

  Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | By Brock University

  MEDIA ADVISORY: R00216 – 5 October 2016

  Brock University’s map collection is about to get much more historic.

  On Friday, Oct. 7, Brock alumnus and former Canadian ambassador Dan Livermore will donate 25 valuable antique maps — some dating to the 17th century — to the University’s Special Collections and Archives department.

  The maps range in size and age, but all feature Canada in some way, said David Sharron, Head of Special Collections and Archives at Brock. A number of them show Niagara at various points in history.

  “Without using text, the maps show an evolution of Canada,” said Sharron. “Maps have a way of communicating history without a lot of words.”

  Sixteen of the maps pre-date anything in Brock’s collection. The oldest map currently housed at the University dates from 1766, showing the French islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon off the coast of Newfoundland.

  Brock’s staff will digitize these pieces and post them online, so people can access them and see the geographical changes that have taken place over time.

  Sharron said the donation of such a rare collection underscores the fact that Brock has the proper environmental and security controls to house historic materials. He hopes this will encourage other alumni to consider donating artefacts to the Brock archive.

  Livermore graduated from Brock in 1969 with a BA in history and politics, then went on to serve three decades as a Canadian diplomat and specialist in international affairs. Besides being Canada’s ambassador to Guatemala and El Salvador, he had postings at the United Nations in New York, as well as in Chile, and Washington, D.C. From 2002 to until his retirement in 2007, Livermore was Canada’s Director General of Security and Intelligence. He is a longtime donor and supporter of Brock University.

  Brock faculty and staff are invited to attend Friday’s event, which will take place at 10 a.m. in Special Collections on the 10th floor of Schmon Tower.

  Media are welcome and both Sharron and Livermore will be available for interviews.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  • Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University [email protected], 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases

• Indigenous culture to be recognized at Brock

  Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: R00214 – 3 October 2016

  Brock University Chancellor Shirley Cheechoo will be on campus Tuesday, Oct. 4 for two significant events that will further define the University’s soul and culture.

  At 10 a.m., a special ritual will officially open the Healing Garden that was completed this summer in the planted space on the north side of the Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex.

  Tuesday’s event comes almost exactly a year after Cheechoo helped plant the symbolic white pine tree that is now in the centre of the Healing Garden.
  Healing gardens are typically greenspaces that provide a passive refuge where people can pause and reflect. Brock’s garden is meant to symbolize the University’s commitment to Indigenous students and issues, and be a focal point for positive discussion.

  At 11 a.m. Tuesday, a special dedication will take place near the Glenridge Avenue entrance to campus, where earlier this year the traffic roundabout and Greenhouse Lane were renamed Suzanne Rochon-Burnett Circle to honour the Metis broadcaster, artist and journalist who became a national icon and advocate for many causes, including Indigenous education, arts and business groups.

  Rochon-Burnett, who passed away in 2006, established a Brock scholarship in 1996 for Indigenous students in communications and business, and in 2002 she received an Honorary Doctorate from the University in recognition of her contributions to Canadian cultural life. She was also a member of Brock’s Board of Trustees from 1995-2001, and has been followed in that role by her daughter, current Brock trustee Michele-Elise Burnett.

  Members of the media are invited to attend the two events, and interview opportunities will be available.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University [email protected], 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases