Media releases

• Brock to celebrate namesake’s 250th birthday Friday

  Tuesday, October 01, 2019 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 1 October 2019 – R00153

  It’s an event a quarter millennium in the making.

  On Friday, Oct. 4, members of the Brock community are invited to celebrate the 250th birthday of the University’s namesake, Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock, who was born on Oct. 6, 1769.

  To properly mark the sestercentennial celebration, a birthday party is planned in front of Brock’s statue on the University’s main campus at noon on Friday, where partygoers will eat cupcakes, sing Happy Birthday and learn more about Sir Isaac.

  Along with traditional touches the General would have recognized, such as presentations from Old Fort Erie historical site staff and retired History professor Wes Turner, as well as a proclamation from the St. Catharines town crier, there will also be more modern offerings at the student-led initiative, such as a visit from the cheerleading team and multicoloured chalk birthday messages written by students.

  Student Life Assistant and fourth-year Political Science student Kailene Jackson said the birthday party helps students to learn more about Niagara and show their school spirit.

  “It’s an important way to remember the life and legacy of our namesake and learn more about the history of the region as a whole,” she said. “We hope everyone comes out and joins in the fun.”

  To commemorate the momentous occasion, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear red on Friday.

  About Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock 

  Isaac Brock was born on Oct. 6, 1769 on the Island of Guernsey, one of Britain’s Channel Islands. He earned a reputation for being studious, reading works on ancient history, science and military tactics. Estimated to be more than six feet tall, Brock was athletic and excelled in swimming and boxing. He entered the military at the age of 15.

  Brock came to Canada when he was 33 years old. Within 10 years, he became commander-in-chief of the army, responsible for defending Upper Canada against the U.S.

  When the War of 1812 broke out, Brock’s army was ready. Quick victories at Fort Mackinac and Detroit defeated American invasion efforts.

  In the early morning of Oct. 13, 1812, American troops crossed the Niagara River and took the hill at Queenston Heights. In an effort to stop their progress, Brock led the charge on foot up the steep hill. However, his tall stature and distinctive British red coat and white trousers made him an obvious target. A musket ball struck Brock in the chest and he fell. His last pronouncement is reported to be “Surgite!” — Latin for “Push on!” — which was adopted as Brock University’s motto.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

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

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock launches drone certificate program

  Friday, September 27, 2019 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 27 September 2019 – R00152

  From grape vine crop assessments to forest fire monitoring, drones have become important tools across a wide range of industries.

  To help introduce students and community members to the technology, Brock University’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre is now offering Introduction to Drones as a non-credit certificate program. Registration is now open for the first day-long course, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 30.

  “The course presents a unique opportunity to acquire detailed knowledge and hands-on experiential learning about the safe and legal use of drone technologies for real-world applications,” said Marilyne Jollineau, Acting Director of the ESRC, adding that Introduction to Drones is the first in a series of non-credit certificate programs to be offered by the Centre.

  Drone use in environmental sustainability has surged with uses ranging from performing air quality assessments to allowing researchers to map, monitor and evaluate inhospitable or inaccessible sites without disturbing fragile ecosystems.

  “The benefits and opportunities afforded to us by drones also come with inherent risks,” Jollineau said. “In order to mediate these risks and promote responsible drone operation, proper training is essential.”

  Jollineau and course instructor Gillian Dale are both certified drone pilots under Transport Canada’s new drone regulations.

  In addition to important knowledge about the safe and legal operation of drones, students will learn about various types and applications, basic operating principles, licensing requirements and best practices for environmental and human safety. In-class instruction will be supplemented with experiential learning exercises where students fly micro-drone quadcopters.

  Although the program is not intended to directly prepare students to take the Transport Canada Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems exams, they will learn knowledge-based and practical skills, and will be provided with information and resources needed to work toward the Basic Operation licence.

  For more information on how to legally fly a drone in Canada, visit the Transport Canada website.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

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

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases