Image caption: Brock University welcomed three generations of graduates from one family to campus on Thursday, June 12, including Bob Cretney (BA ’72, DIPLED ’73, MEd ’79), granddaughter Abigail Shatford (BA ’25, BEd ’25) and daughter Lynn Shatford (BA ’97).
Thursday, June 12, 2025 | by Laura Carlo
In 1968, Bob Cretney (BA ’72, DIPLED ’73, MEd ’79) took a leap of faith that would impact his family for generations.
He had been accepted to the Political Science program at the newly formed Brock University and, even though he didn’t know a single soul in Niagara, decided it was the right fit to fuel his career aspirations.
Nearly six decades later, after more than 30 years as an educator, Bob watched his granddaughter Abigail Shatford (BA ’25, BEd ’25) cross Brock’s Convocation stage to receive her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees with a minor in Choral Music.
Joining in the celebration on Thursday, June 12, were Abigail’s parents, David and Lynn Shatford (BA ’97), the latter of whom is also a proud Brock graduate and employee.
Brock University welcomed three generations of graduates from one family to campus on Thursday, June 12, including Bob Cretney (BA ’72, DIPLED ’73, MEd ’79), granddaughter Abigail Shatford (BA ’25, BEd ’25) and daughter Lynn Shatford (BA ’97).
“I’m so proud to be able to carry on this legacy,” Abigail said, expressing how thankful she was to have her grandfather and parents by her side to mark the occasion. “It feels really amazing to be able to be a part of this and to step into success.”
Bob said he was first and foremost “very proud” of his granddaughter and the hard work that went into her milestone moment. The 78-year-old was also grateful to experience the rush of fond memories that came with walking through a transformed Brock University campus.
“Coming to Brock was the best choice I ever made,” he said while reflecting on his university days. “I think Brock has been a good influence on our whole family.”
Among some of Brock’s earliest graduates, Bob earned his bachelor’s degree in 1972 before returning in 1977 to complete his Master of Education. He credits his time at the University, and particularly his Political Science Professor Bill Matheson, with shaping his career as an educator.
“Bill Matheson gave me a lot of good guidance,” he said. “I learned a lot about being a great teacher.”
A love for Brock isn’t the only common thread among the family, who also share a passion for education.
Lynn, who worked as a teaching assistant during her time in Brock’s Sociology program, now helps to administer exams at the University, supporting students in their studies.
Throughout her career, she has always felt an unwavering connection to Brock.
After graduating, Lynn moved to British Columbia to work at a university, where she found herself among four Brock alumni in her department.
“Despite being three time zones away, I still felt close to home working with my fellow Badgers,” she said.
The warmth with which she was welcomed into the Brock family as a student so many years ago still emanates today, Lynn added.
That sense of community and connection helped influence Abigail’s decision to follow in her family’s footsteps — a move she’s thankful she made.
In her first choral class, Abigail met Rachel Rensink-Hoff, Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Music, who left a lasting impression.
“She is the kind of teacher I want to be,” Abigail said. “Humble and approachable, but she knows her stuff.”
Graduating with the skills necessary to successfully lead a classroom, Abigail hopes to inspire the next generation of learners by becoming a music teacher.
