Media releases

• Dr. Gervan Fearon to be installed as Brock University’s sixth President

  Wednesday, October 11, 2017 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 11 October 2017 – R00182

  For the sixth time in its history, Brock University will install a new President and Vice-Chancellor on Friday during its Fall Convocation ceremony.

  Dr. Gervan Fearon began his five-year term as University President on Aug. 1, but the ceremonial instalment always takes place during the first ceremony of the Spring or Fall Convocation that follows a President’s start date.

  For Fearon, who previously served as President of Brandon University in Manitoba from 2014 to 2017, the instalment will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13 in Brock’s Ian Beddis Gymnasium.

  Fearon follows in a line of Brock Presidents that includes James Gibson (1965-73), Alan Earp (1973-88), Terrence White (1988-1997), David Atkinson (1997-05) and Jack Lightstone (2007-16).

  Brock’s Fall Convocation will include two ceremonies on Friday starting at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The afternoon ceremony will see Niagara business leader Tom Rankin receive an honorary doctorate and deliver the convocation address.

  Among the distinguished teaching and student awards being handed out during the two ceremonies are the Governor General’s Silver Medalist awards — given to the two students with the highest cumulative overall average of all graduates in either the Spring or Fall ceremonies.

  Stephanie Beni (Physical Education) and Jessica She-Ting Wong (Child Health) are graduating with overall averages of 97 per cent and 96 per cent, respectively. Both will receive their awards during the afternoon ceremony.

  Media are invited to attend Brock’s convocation ceremonies Friday. Any photographers planning to position themselves in front of the stage are asked to arrange a gown with Media Relations Officer Dan Dakin in advance.

  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

• When it comes to perceived well-being, perspective is everything: Brock prof

  Tuesday, October 10, 2017 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 10 October 2017 – R00181

  The definition of living a happy and satisfying life can be very different depending on your age.

  A Brock University psychology professor says while younger adults tend to be overly optimistic, older adults tend to be the opposite.

  Associate Professor Michael Busseri will discuss the different ways of thinking about and experiencing well-being across the lifespan during a community event being held at Brock Thursday, Oct. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.

  Well-Being and Aging: Understanding our beliefs and experiences of well-being across the lifespan is the next Speaker Series event hosted by Brock’s Centre for Lifespan Development Research and Growing with Brock. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required and available online at brockwellbeing.eventbrite.ca

  Busseri, Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Brock’s Well-Being Research Lab, said when it comes to outlooks on life, there are “dramatic differences between age groups.

  “Younger adults seem to see life as getting better and better over time, whereas older adults see life in terms of decline,” he said. “So people see very different futures depending on their age.”

  Busseri said he hopes to provide new insights into how people of all ages can live their lives with a different perspective.

  “Despite all the radical changes we experience, there’s a strong story of stability. Even things like losing a job or splitting up with a spouse do not necessarily spell the end of our happiness or well-being.

  “We aren’t always aware of just how good we are at adapting to change and at responding to life’s ups and downs,” Busseri said, “and growing older doesn’t have to mean getting less happy.”

  What: Well-Being and Aging: Understanding our beliefs and experiences of well-being across the lifespan

  Who: Community members, educators, practitioners, students and researchers interested in learning more about well-being across the lifespan

  When: Thursday, Oct. 12, 6 to 8 p.m.

  Where: David S. Howes Theatre, Brock University

  Parking: Free for attendees in D Lot

  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