Media releases

  • Niagara construction icon to receive honorary degree at Brock’s Fall Convocation

    MEDIA RELEASE: 4 October 2017 – R00178

    Take a drive around Niagara and it’s easy to see the impact Tom Rankin has had on the region.

    From parking lots to bridges, from the Meridian Centre to components of the Welland Canal, Rankin’s construction company has built much of the infrastructure Niagara residents rely on.

    But as much as Rankin Construction is synonymous with major civil projects, the man behind the brand has had just as much of an impact on the community. The annual cancer run bearing his name, for example, draws around 13,000 people each year and has raised $7.5 million for local cancer care facilities.

    On Friday, Oct. 13, Tom Rankin will be recognized at Brock University with an honorary doctorate during the school’s Fall Convocation ceremony.

    Born in Kirkland Lake, Rankin worked as a development and construction engineer for the Ontario Department of Highways, and the cities of Niagara Falls and St. Catharines in the 1960s and ’70s. In 1978, he launched the company that would become Rankin Construction Inc., and it has continued to grow ever since.

    Rankin Construction and its related businesses now employ about 500 people in Niagara, Hamilton and Kincardine.

    A former Board of Trustees member for Brock University, Rankin has often been recognized for his professional accomplishments and philanthropic work. Most recently, he was the recipient of Niagara’s 15th T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award.

    “It means a lot to be honoured by the University,” said Rankin, who has also received an honorary degree from his alma mater, St. Francis Xavier in Nova Scotia, and was named an honorary graduate from Niagara College. “It’s a privilege and an honour when a university bestows that on an individual.

    “I’m very proud because I think Brock has come to the forefront so I’m proud to be associated with it.”

    Brock’s Fall Convocation on Friday, Oct. 13 will see more than 1,000 graduates cross the stage during ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Rankin will be conferred and will deliver the convocation address during the afternoon ceremony.

    Rankin said he plans to remind the graduates about the importance of hard work and getting involved in their community.

    “I’m going to tell them some of the things I’ve learned as an individual,” he said. “I’ll tell them about some of the things that helped me, and that they have to get more involved today in politics. They can’t just sit back and leave it to others.”

    Of all the projects his companies have been involved in over the years, Rankin said the Meridian Centre is the one that stands out the most.

    “You can build a sewer or water main, but they’re in the ground and you never see them again. But I can sit in the Meridian Centre … it just means so much,” he said.

    Convocation ceremonies will be held inside Ian Beddis Gymnasium in the Walker Sports Complex and are open to the public. Tickets are not required. A reception for graduates, family and guests will follow each ceremony.

    For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

    * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 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-Lincoln Living Lab a benefit to students and residents

    MEDIA RELEASE: 4 October 2017 – R00177

    A unique partnership formally connecting a community and a university was officially launched Tuesday afternoon.

    Officials from Brock University and the Town of Lincoln launched the Brock-Lincoln Living Lab at an event at Vineland Estates Winery, kicking off a long-term relationship that will benefit current and future students at the University along with current and future residents in the southern Ontario town.

    Brock and Lincoln signed a Memorandum of Understanding in February with the goal of creating opportunities for students and advancing the Town’s overall development. The Brock-Lincoln Living Lab that was launched Tuesday will focus on addressing specific local needs around community sustainability and well-being. Brock faculty and students will contribute to the Living Lab’s work through their research and the partnership offers a conduit for experiential education that extends curriculum into the community.

    The Brock-Lincoln Living Lab will provide real benefits to the community of Lincoln and to the Brock community by leveraging the resources, capacities and talents of both communities.

    “The relationship between Brock and the Town of Lincoln is blossoming and represents a wonderful example of how collaboration can benefit everyone,” said Brock University President Gervan Fearon. “Brock is a comprehensive university with a clear mission to serve local communities and the announcement today directly speaks to this mission.”

    Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton said the partnership is an important step in the Town’s growth.

    “The development of the Living Lab further demonstrates a greater Brock presence in our community, meeting one of Council’s goals this term,” she said. “The benefits of this co-operative venture are vast. With access to research specific to our community, we are better able to guide policy development and decision making.”

    The partnership with the Town of Lincoln is through Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre. Director Ryan Plummer said the Living Lab will enrich the experience of students studying in the Sustainability Science and Society program, as well as others taking courses in environmental sustainability.

    These direct experiences complement classroom learning by students and offer powerful benefits of situating learning in the community, bridging the ‘theory-practice’ divide, and enriching understanding of complex problems,” he said.

    An example of the type of hands-on learning that will come out of the Living Lab started this summer when Brock Master of Sustainability co-op student Meghan Birbeck worked at the Town of Lincoln on initiatives such as sustainable development of the Town’s future transit system and other community programs.

    “We’re proud to be the first community in Niagara to establish this innovative approach and partnership that brings Brock to Lincoln,” said Michael Kirkopoulos, CAO, Town of Lincoln. “The Living Lab is a way to benefit from the research and work the University does to enhance the services we deliver to residents, businesses and visitors. I look forward to continuing to work with Brock in the future.”

     

    The Brock-Lincoln Living Lab is initially set to last five years. Among some of the more specific targets the two sides are working toward are:

     ·      Conduct a needs assessment within the first year of operations identifying priorities, proposed activities and objectives to be achieved within the first five years·      Hold public events each year pertaining to knowledge mobilization and community engagement

    ·      Engage graduate and undergraduate students in co-operative education, course projects and independent research projects

    ·      Initiate research projects by Brock faculty

    ·      Explore and pursue mutually beneficial opportunities of shared interest such as grant proposals and community forums

    ·      Promote the Living Lab locally and develop networks nationally and internationally

    ·      Support Lincoln in following other national or international initiatives that can help promote community sustainability and are in line with the spirit of the Living Lab 

     

     


    For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

    Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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    Categories: Media releases