Media releases

• From Convocation to careers: Nearly 1,000 Badgers to begin next chapter Friday

  Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – Oct. 13, 2026 — R0092

  Through classroom learning, experiential opportunities and hands-on skills development, Brock University’s soon-to-be graduates have spent years preparing for their next big step.

  The hard work and dedication of about 1,000 graduands will culminate in a meaningful walk across the Convocation stage on Friday, Oct. 16, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their journey.

  Whether entering the workforce, pursuing graduate studies or exploring other opportunities, their milestone moment will be celebrated during two ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in Brock’s Ian D. Beddis Gymnasium.

  The morning ceremony will see Mary Jo Haddad, former longtime President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), deliver the Convocation address and receive an honorary doctorate from the University.

  In addition to spending 10 years at the helm of the nation’s top pediatric hospital, Haddad has built a career around providing strategic leadership and advisory services to health-care systems around the world as President of MJH & Associates while also lending her expertise as Corporate Director at Telus and past Director at TD Bank Group.

  Among the other honours being presented Friday are the Governor General Silver Medals, awarded to the two undergraduate students with the highest academic standing in a first honours degree. This year’s recipients are Biotechnology graduate Krishna Patel and Computer Science graduate Geoffrey Jensen, who each convocated this past spring with a Bachelor of Science.

  Also being awarded Friday are the Board of Trustees Spirit of Brock medals, presented to students who best exemplify the spirit of the University’s namesake, Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock, by demonstrating qualities of leadership, courage, innovation, inspiration and community involvement. This fall’s recipients are Makayla Finn, a Bachelor of Physical Education graduand, and Mario Berro, a Master of Business Administration graduand.

  Berro served as President and CEO of the Graduate Students’ Association and has helped to build strong connections between graduate students and local organizations, including Pathstone Mental Health and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara. During her studies, Finn dedicated time to raising awareness of the experiences of Black women navigating disability and accessibility systems and contributed to equity-focused initiatives throughout St. Catharines.

  Electronic tickets are required to attend Fall Convocation and must be presented upon entry into the gymnasium. All eligible graduating students are entitled to two complimentary tickets that must be claimed in advance.

  Both Fall Convocation ceremonies will be livestreamed online at brocku.ca/livestream for those unable to attend in person.

  Complimentary parking will be available for Fall Convocation graduands and guests in Lots D and B1. If these lots are full, overflow parking will be available in Lot 3. An accessible drop-off location is available at the entrance to the Walker Complex and accessible parking is available in Lot P. Carpooling and ride sharing are encouraged.

  For more information, visit brocku.ca/convocation

  Media are invited to attend Brock’s Fall Convocation ceremonies. Photographers shootingfrom directly in front of the stage are asked to wear a Convocation gown, which can bearranged through Communications Specialist Melinda Cheevers at [email protected]

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  *Melinda Cheevers, Communications Specialist, Brock University, [email protected] or 289-

  241-5855

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre put arts education centre stage

  Tuesday, October 06, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – Oct. 6, 2026 — R0091

  A renewed partnership between Brock University and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) will continue to give student artists opportunities to learn and perform in professional spaces.

  After a decade of collaboration, Brock and the PAC have signed a new five-year agreement that will maintain access to the PAC’s world-class facilities for students in the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

  For fourth-year Music student and clarinetist Laurie Eddy, learning, rehearsing and performing at the PAC has transformed his Brock experience.

  “Attending masterclasses in the Recital Hall and practising on the same stage that we perform concerts on is very meaningful,” he says. “Learning in a professional setting trains you for the performance environment — what it feels like to have all those stage lights on you and the difference in elevation — it’s not something you can get a true feel for in a small studio.”

  Eddy plays in the Brock University Wind Ensemble, sings tenor in the Brock University Choir and is thrilled to continue performing on the Recital Hall stage as part of the RBC Foundation Music@Noon Concert Series.

  As he prepares for a career in music theory and performance, he says the connection between art and community will remain one of his most important lessons.

  “The more time I spend here, the more I realize that arts and community are inextricable — you can’t have one without the other,” he says. “I am grateful to feel so deeply connected to everyone in our arts community; not just my classmates and professors but also the incredible PAC staff, volunteers and audience members. Knowing I have all their support when I step on stage is something I will always carry with me.”

  Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg says the renewed partnership reflects both organizations’ commitment to arts education and a flourishing cultural sector in Niagara.

  “Creativity is woven into Brock’s identity. We believe deeply in the power of the arts to transform people and reimagine the future. Working alongside our partners at the PAC, we will deliver a world-class arts education while strengthening our impact in the community,” Rigg says.

  PAC CEO Colleen A. Smith says the renewed partnership demonstrates what is possible when municipal, institutional and community partners work together to create meaningful opportunities through the arts.

  “Great communities are built through great partnerships. We are proud to provide students with opportunities to learn, create and perform in a professional environment, while welcoming their creativity and energy into the life of the PAC and downtown St. Catharines. Renewing and deepening our partnership with Brock creates a strong foundation for what we can continue to build together for students, artists and our community,” Smith says.

  The RBC Foundation Music@Noon concert series will continue in the PAC’s Recital Hall every Tuesday at noon from September to April. A longtime fixture in downtown St. Catharines, the free series is sponsored by the RBC Foundation and features Brock faculty, students and alumni alongside special guests.

  Select classes from across MIWSFPA will take place in the PAC’s Film House, which will also host the school’s Walker Cultural Leader series. The 2026-27 public artist talks will feature celebrated visual artist Marigold Santos and Juno-nominated composer Vincent Ho, among others.

   

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews with Brock representatives: 

  *Melinda Cheevers, Communications Specialist, Brock University, [email protected] or 289-241-5855

  For assistance arranging interviews with PAC representatives:

  *Ingrid Forster, Marketing and Communications Manager, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, [email protected] or 289-547-2081

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  Categories: Media releases