Media releases

• Reminder: Brock pops the cork on Cuvée online Friday

  Wednesday, May 20, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 20 May 2020 – R0090

  Get ready to experience Ontario VQA wine in a novel way as Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) virtually delivers the best that the Cuvée Grand Tasting has to offer.

  The Cuvée 2020 Online Experience will launch at noon Friday, May 22, offering an immersive opportunity to explore Ontario VQA wine, craft beers and ciders alongside partnering culinary partners for delicious take-away food options.

  This online format brings the story of the winemakers’ favourite wines to life and is free with no tickets required. The site will remain accessible until the next Cuvée, giving guests the ability to enjoy it whenever — and as often — as they like.

  “The Cuvée Grand Tasting is a much-anticipated part of both our guests’ and industry partners’ calendars every year, and we worked hard to ensure we could still celebrate and support the local industries in a fun way during these challenging times,” says Cuvée Manager Barb Tatarnic.

  The online experience came after the decision was made to cancel the 32nd annual Cuvée Grand Tasting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  It brings the Grand Tasting and Après Cuvée structure right into guests’ homes, connecting them to the excitement of Cuvée through unique video content created just for the experience.

  Participating winemakers will virtually pour and reveal the wines they selected as their favourites for Cuvée 2020 in these unique videos, giving guests a glimpse at the best of the best in VQA wine.

  Similar to the Cuvée Grand Tasting event, all 48 participating wineries are divided into six wine stations in the online experience. Guests can easily shop more than 100 VQA wines available in the experience to taste in the comfort of their own home. Links are provided to make it easy to order their favourites online, for curbside pickup at the winery (many of which are also offering free shipping options) or through the LCBO (online or in-store).

  “Introducing the wines through the Cuvée Online Experience gives people the chance to familiarize themselves with the wines and hone in on the ones they want to try themselves first before committing to a purchase,” Tatarnic explains. “Once they’ve made the decision, it’s as easy as clicking a link to bring that wine home and follow along with the winemaker’s tasting notes whenever they wish.”

  Guests can also browse the line-up of amazing participating Cuvée chefs and explore some unique food pairing options through take-away options, with the event’s headline band, Jonesy, providing the soundtrack to the evening.

  “Cuvée brings the top wine and cider makers, brewmasters and chefs in the province together under one roof, and while we wish we were all celebrating in-person, the online experience allows guests to celebrate in their own way from home,” says Tatarnic. “We hope the experience will provide opportunities to craft amazing virtual tastings and online get-togethers with friends and family, where guests can pick great wines to try, order takeout dishes and share their passion for great wine and food whenever the Cuvée mood strikes them.”

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Sarah Ackles, Marketing and Communications Officer, Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, Brock University sackles@brocku.ca, 647-746-4453

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock University to hold Virtual Spring Convocation

  Tuesday, May 19, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 19 May 2020 – R0089

  Convocation is a monumental occasion in the life of any post-secondary student, and Brock University won’t let the Class of 2020 go uncelebrated.

  With large gatherings banned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, post-secondary institutions around the world have been coming up with creative ways to mark the occasion.

  In-person ceremonies are on hold, so Brock University’s 107th Convocation, originally scheduled for the second week of June, will move online. A future in-person celebration is also planned when it’s safe to do so.

  In the meantime, the University’s 2020 Virtual Convocation will launch on Friday, June 19.

  Rather than just a one-day celebration, Virtual Convocation will be a web-based portal where each of the University’s more than 3,000 graduands will get a tailored experience based on their Faculty, and whether they’re an undergraduate or graduate student.

  The Virtual Convocation experience will include video messages from University President Gervan Fearon, Chancellor Shirley Cheechoo and other special guests, as well as videos submitted by graduating Brock students.

  “We know that Convocation will look very different this year, but we recognize that this is one of the biggest moments in a student’s life,” said Brock University Registrar and Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Services, Geraldine Jones. “We may not be able to come together in person, but we are still excited to celebrate and recognize their achievements. We want to make this something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”

  After going live on the morning of Friday, June 19, the Virtual Convocation portal will remain online for students and their families to access the site at their own convenience.

  Fearon said the University is committed to inviting 2020 graduates back to campus for an in-person celebration at a future date, and the online event in June is not meant to replace that.

  “This Virtual Convocation is an important occasion to officially mark the conferring of their degrees and completion of their academic success and many years of hard work at Brock University,” said Fearon. “When it is safe and appropriate to do so, we will be inviting these graduating students back to the University campus for the opportunity to celebrate in-person their accomplishments with their peers, faculty and staff as well as family members. We are very proud of the graduating students’ accomplishments and they should be too as part of the Virtual Convocation as well as in the future.”

  Also part of the Virtual Convocation portal is a social media ‘celebration toolkit,’ where grads can download graphics such as social media cover photos and animated confetti. Brock gives a small bag of confetti to all of its incoming students, and many wait to open the bag until Convocation Day.

  Shortly after Virtual Convocation launches, all graduating students will be mailed a package that includes their degree parchment, a Convocation program, an alumni pin and other information from the Brock University Alumni Association, information on how to purchase a degree frame from the Brock Campus Store, Surgite magazine and a bag of Class of 2020 confetti.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases