Media releases

• Grand opening to be held for renovated Brock library space

  Monday, March 05, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 02 March 2018 – R00044

  A new concept of study space will become reality at Brock next week when a state-of-the-art learning environment officially transforms the fifth floor of the James A. Gibson Library.

  On Tuesday March 6, the Children’s Educational Foundation of Canada (CEFC) Commons will be unveiled, a $460,000 project that has created 3,600 square feet of innovative library space where design inspires creative and collaborative activity.

  University Librarian Mark Robertson said that libraries were once highly formal environments primarily designed as book repositories, but that is no longer the case.

  “Our goal was to create a fresh and modern environment that could accommodate a variety of learning styles, so you’ll see areas for individual study and group work, as well as lounge-like areas with soft seating and, yes, even bean bags,” said Robertson. “We expect the fifth floor will be known as a destination for students on campus. We are thrilled with the result.”

  The media is invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, March 6 at 11 a.m. on the fifth floor of the James A. Gibson Library to officially open the new space. The event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

  The renovation was made possible by a generous donation from the Children’s Educational Foundation of Canada. The $263,000 gift supported the fifth floor project, while also contributing to Brock’s Archives and Special Collections endowment and the purchase of library resources.

  Parking is available in Lot D for those attending the grand reopening.

   

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Maryanne Firth, Writer/Editor, Brock University maryanne.firth@brocku.ca, 905-688- 5550 x4420 or 289-241-8288

  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 unveils a new showcase and a new era for environmental sustainability

  Friday, March 02, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 01 March 2018 – R00042

  It was built nearly two centuries ago, but the oldest structure on Brock’s campus has been given new life and a new purpose as a focal point for the University’s sustainability efforts.

  Theal House, an original farm cottage that dates to 1837, has been transformed into the home of Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC), which produces world-class research and educates students in topics relating to environmental sustainability.

  Unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 28, the revamped space features sustainable flooring and furniture, as well as an integrated system that controls heating, cooling and lighting, and monitors real-time energy use for the entire campus.

  LED lighting has also been installed throughout the heritage building, with dimmer and daylight harvesting switches in place to reduce energy consumption.

  In addition to highlighting the space, Wednesday’s ceremony was an opportunity to solidify a new collaboration between the ESRC and Brock’s Facilities Management team. The collaboration is enshrined in a formal charter that brings together the academic and operations units on various sustainability initiatives on campus. It is also an important step forward for Brock’s new integrative approach to environmental sustainability, and deepens the University’s commitment to sustainability — one of the seven core values listed within its strategic plan.

  Also announced Wednesday was $5,000 in new scholarship funding provided by Toromont CAT that will support students studying sustainability.

  Professor and ESRC Director Ryan Plummer said the partnership signals a new era in the University’s journey to be a national leader in sustainability.

  “The charter enables rich opportunities for experiential education relating to environmental sustainability, and the scholarships recognize as well as support excellence in this area of study,” said Plummer. “They will have a profound and positive impact by enhancing student experience, promoting innovative approaches for learning excellence and furthering engagement with sustainability.”

  Brock has been dedicated to improving energy and operational efficiency on campus with dozens of energy projects and green initiatives completed over the years, said Scott Johnstone, the University’s Associate Vice-President, Facilities Management.

  “Moving forward, we want to further our partnership with staff, students, faculty members and the larger Brock community to enhance, challenge and maintain a campus culture of sustainability.”

  Hands-on experiential learning opportunities that contribute to sustainability at the University will be made available to students through co-op placements, research assistant opportunities, independent research and course-based projects.

  This week’s announcements reinforce the University’s values around sustainability, while also taking into consideration Brock’s role in a global context, said President Gervan Fearon. “We’re part of the broader ecosystem and as such, we need to think about the impact our footprint has and what our actions in support of sustainability mean.”

  Brock recognizes its distinction as one of only a few universities within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and intends to continue pushing forward with its environmental sustainability initiatives, he said.

  Brock’s programs concentrating on sustainability are growing quickly. The Master of Sustainability program was introduced in 2014 and continues to receive considerable uptake from across Canada and around the world. In 2017, the ESRC launched the Minor in Environmental Sustainability and early signs suggest it is following a similar positive trajectory.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Maryanne Firth, Writer/Editor, Brock University maryanne.firth@brocku.ca, 905-688- 5550 x4420 or 289-241-8288

  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