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News and events

Team CPCF represents at 2025 Homecoming Grape Stomp

Monday, September 22, 2025 | By pmcilroy
On Friday, September 19, nearly 300 students and alumni participated in Brock’s Homecoming Grape Stomp! It has been hailed as one of the best university traditions in Canada by University Affairs magazine. And CPCF was well-represented by some enthusiastic students.

Organized by Professor Karen Louise Smith, students were encouraged to “Join Team CPCF.” Those who did received a clean white T-shirt before the festivities that would soon become a stained souvenir from the event. The students piled into Jubilee Court and, using two metric tonnes of Concord grapes — donated by Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery in Jordan — slid and stomped to show their Brock spirit.

Thanks to Professor Smith and everyone who participated in the event. Check out the photos to see the messy fun.
Tags: CPCF, Grape Stomp, Homecoming, Homecoming 2025, Homecoming Weekend, Student Life
Categories: Events
Professor Anthony Kinik Participates in Terry Fox Run

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | By pmcilroy

On September 14, 2025, CPCF professor Anthony Kinik participated in the Terry Fox Run in St. Catharines, Ontario. A tradition for Professor Kinik, he runs in honour of his father, John Kinik. He explains that his father “started jogging in his 30s as part of the jogging craze of the 1970s, continued running for nearly 40 years after that, and… instilled a love of jogging in me when I was just a kid.”

The goal for this year was $2,479. Professor Kinik explains, “My father died of cancer 17 years ago. This year, he would have been 87 years old. As a result, my personal goal was to raise $2,479 (17 × 87 + 1,000).”

However, this year’s run had additional meaning for Professor Kinik. He recently became the director of the Centre for Canadian Studies at Brock University. “Canadian icons like Terry Fox are an important part of our curriculum, so it made sense to start a team to honour him and his remarkable Marathon of Hope, and to further help with the cause.” CANA is the code used for Canadian Studies courses, so the team name is “Yes We CANA.”

A huge congratulations to all involved. Not only did Yes We CANA end up raising over $3,500, but Professor Kinik also surpassed his personal goal, raising over $2,500.

If you would like to donate or get involved with the Terry Fox Foundation, [click here].

Tags: CANA, Canadian Studies, Charity, CPCF, Terry Fox
Categories: News
A Guest Lecture from CPCF Alum Paige Johnson-Serjue

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | By pmcilroy

Paige Johnson-Serjue is the first guest speaker of the semester in the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film’s Internship in Communication course. As a CPCF alum, best-selling author, and award-winning marketing strategist, she returns with a message for the COMM 4F00 students: your story matters. Speaking about forging her own path, she explains, “Who you are will get you further. Your story is more important than any resume.”

Johnson-Serjue works with parent-focused brands and entrepreneurs, helping them craft authentic marketing strategies and build meaningful connections. Through her company, PG Marketing, she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in digital marketing. Sharing her unique voice, and helping companies find their own, has made her a sought-after consultant in her field.

As the Communication students examine the history of work, identity, and ethnography, Johnson-Serjue encourages them to think about how they view their careers. She reminds them that understanding their own voice is key to plotting their own path. By embracing their genuine identities and stories, students can challenge traditional notions of work and create spaces where they not only succeed but also make meaningful impact. She explains, “When jobs tell you you have no experience, flip that around and let them know that you have the educational background and you’re part of the generation they’re selling to.”

When speaking about her past, her time at Brock, and the people she now works with, a major theme Johnson-Serjue returns to is community. She urges students to build connections among each other because, as she reminds them, “you are not alone in this.”

Tags: alumni, CPCF, internship
Categories: Events
Welcome New and Returning CPCF Students!

Thursday, September 04, 2025 | By pmcilroy
The Department of Communication, Popular Culture, and Film is excited to welcome new and returning students for the 2025/2026 academic year at Brock University.

At a new student orientation session, Dr. Derek Foster, Dr. Tim Dun, and Dr. Anthony Kinik commended the students for choosing Brock as a point of stability in an increasingly unpredictable world.

They reiterated the importance of media literacy, communication, and the understanding of visual language in an era of video saturation, AI intrusion, and unprecedented trade wars.

Thank you to Koreen McCullough for all the amazing work she did to coordinate and facilitate this event. For information on Academic Advising, email [email protected]
Congratulations to our new CPCF graduates!

Wednesday, July 02, 2025 | By Janine Duff
Congratulations to all the CPCF graduates who crossed the Convocation stage this spring!

Your passion, dedication and hard work have paid off. We are so proud of all that you’ve accomplished during your time at Brock University, and we can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you.

Check out the full 2025 Spring Convocation gallery on the Brock University Facebook page.
Categories: Events, News
2025 CPCF Spring Courses

Friday, February 28, 2025 | By Janine Duff
Whether you want to jump on the fast track to graduation, reduce next year’s course load, satisfy a program requirement or pick up an elective, Brock’s Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film is offering Spring courses to help you advance your area of study and explore topics of interest.

Course Spotlight: Nonverbal Communication (COMM 2P96)

ONM – ONLINE MIXED

How much of what we’re thinking and feeling is communicated without saying a word? In this course, you’ll decode the hidden language of nonverbal cues and gain greater insight into how people manage conversations and relationships across the channels of communication that escape our everyday attention.
- Examine how body language, facial gestures, clothing, tone of voice, proximity and other nonverbal cues convey emotions and intentions.
- Develop a deeper understanding of how you can tap into the power of nonverbal communication to support your personal and professional pursuits.
- Explore how nonverbal communication influences significant moments such as job interviews, first dates, boardroom negotiations, courtroom trials and police interrogations.
Recommended for Business Communication and Media Communication students looking to fulfill a third year COMM 290+ requirement.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 1P91 and COMM 1P92 (COMM 1F90) or permission of the department. Please email [email protected] to request permission.

This course may also be of interest to students in Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, LawPlus and Business.

Other Spring CPCF Courses
- FILM 1F94: Introduction to Film Studies
Learn more about our Spring COMM courses and FILM courses.

Registration opens March 5!

For more information or to register for Brock’s Spring/Summer courses, visit brocku.ca/springsummer
Categories: News
CPCF Grad Spotlight!

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 | By Connor Wilkes

Today we are featuring CPCF graduate Devon Ainslie.

Devon graduated from CPCF in 2017 with a degree in Media and Communications Studies with a Concentration in Digital Culture. She currently working for the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) as the Senior Communications Associate. In this role, Devon oversees the strategic direction of ICES social media channels, website strategy, and builds relationships with internal departments to advance new communication initiatives and projects with community partners.

“As a transfer student, I really enjoyed the interdisciplinary courses and variety of courses in the CPCF department. There is course content that is still relevant to me today at work and has been assisting me with current projects. I studied abroad in Scotland which gave me a whole new perspective on media in other parts of the world. The internship course was of particular interest as well, it allowed me to discover the area of communications I wanted to focus on and gave me everlasting partnerships and connections.

During my time at Brock, I interned with McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences Public Relations Office, which propelled my interest in health communications. After my internship ended and I graduated, I took time off and a break from school to travel (highly recommend if you get the opportunity). I then started at McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Niagara Regional Campus as the Communications Assistant where I was immersed in all aspects of media/communications, design, event planning and social media content creation. It was a wonderful experience and allowed me to build a solid foundation of many different areas. I was also able to mentor my own CPCF intern to give her the experience to propel her forward.

My advice to current students would be to stay curious and adaptable – health communications is a dynamic field that’s always evolving. It’s important to build a strong foundation of both technical skills (writing, social media management, data analysis, project management) and soft skills (like empathy, active listening, creativity, and time management). Don’t underestimate the power of networking – seek out internships, volunteer opportunities, or roles that have an emphasis on health communications and connect with individuals already within that field. Build a strong foundation with storytelling – whether you’re sharing research findings, promoting health initiatives or creating social media messaging, it is important to frame your message in a way that resonates with your audience. Finally, use your creativity to think outside of the box. Health communications often involve navigating complex issues, crises, and engaging with the public. Ensure your ideas are innovative, current and fresh will be the key to engaging people effectively. Stay open, keep learning, and take every opportunity you can to grow!”
Memorial for Dr. Laura Wiebe

Thursday, January 16, 2025 | By Connor Wilkes

On August 16^th, 2022, the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film lost a former professor, student, and friend Dr. Laura Wiebe after a battle with cancer.

Dr. Laura Wiebe was not only a beloved student and professor here in the CPCF Department, but also a beacon of kindness and compassion. Her dedication to her students and her love of animals (especially cats!), heavy metal, horror films and basketball were well-known and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. In her final lecture, she left us with a powerful message: “Always be kind to each other.” These words continue to resonate deeply within our community.

In honour of Dr. Wiebe’s enduring legacy, we are creating a special memorial space on campus. This space will not only celebrate her contributions to academia but also serve as a sanctuary for reflection, kindness, and the joy she found in her friends. It will be a place where students, faculty, and visitors can come together to remember her and be inspired by her example.

To bring this vision to life, we need your support. Your generous donation will help us create a beautiful and meaningful space that truly reflects Dr. Wiebe’s spirit. Every donation will make a significant impact.

Together, we can create a lasting tribute to Laura, ensuring her legacy of kindness continues to inspire future generations.

Link to donations.
Marc MacDonald’s CPCF Journey

Thursday, January 09, 2025 | By Connor Wilkes

Today we are featuring CPCF graduate Marc MacDonald. Marc graduated in 2008 with a BA in Popular Culture and a minor in Professional Writing. Since graduating, Marc has worn many different hats. He is currently working for the City of Welland as the Chief Communications & Engagement Officer and recently published his first novel!

Here is a little bit of what Marc has to say about his experience in CPCF and at Brock.

My career path started in the journalism industry, after spending my undergraduate days working for the Brock Press. From there, I wrote for weekly newspapers before transitioning to a traditional communications role, which began in the Faculty of Education at Brock in 2012. My political calling was answered in 2017 when I shifted to the Town of Pelham before joining the City of Welland in 2021. Moreover, my personal hobbies have taken a significant role in my life, especially writing. This passion resulted in a published novel in October 2024, my first of what I hope will be several.

More than anything, my education taught me to be curious; to uncover what was on the surface and ask questions about what else was hiding – in plain sight or otherwise. It also taught me the ways in which language, writing, and storytelling can be persuasive and enthralling. Storytelling is such a large part of my life – professional and personal – and one area that I think is often misunderstood and under appreciated. But take a look around, stories are being told everywhere.

When asked what advice do have for current students who want to make the most out or their? Marc responded with: be curious. Ask questions to understand. And above all else, follow your passion. What you do for your day job may not perfectly align with your passion but find a way to engage with that passion elsewhere. Give yourself an opportunity to be as complete as possible.

Again, be curious and get involved. For example, if you’re interested in working in a municipality, there are many ways to get involved ahead of submitting an application that will show not only your interest, but that you’re doing your research in the field you’d like to join.

Have I mentioned curiosity? I wholly subscribe to the idea that doing something because it’s the way it’s always been done that way is a colossal waste of time. Dream big, stretch boundaries, and try new things. If it doesn’t work, who cares, you’re leaving with lessons learned. But when you hit the mark on those big ideas? Look out. I look for people who can appreciate this vision. It doesn’t have to be matched, but it does have to be appreciated.
Navigating Generative AI: Implications for Small Businesses and Non-Profits

Wednesday, January 08, 2025 | By Janine Duff

Free online event on Jan. 21, 2025 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

CPCF Assistant Professors Kate Cassidy and Michelle Chen will present their Niagara Community Observatory (NCO) policy brief, Navigating Generative AI: Implications for Small Businesses and Non-Profits, at a free online event hosted by the NCO. This launch event is based on exploratory research into the experiences of early adopters of generative AI in Niagara. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion.

Their presentation will be an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of generative AI’s potential and to learn how to navigate its integration thoughtfully.

You can register for this free event by sending an RSVP to NCO Research Coordinator, Dr. Carol Phillips at [email protected]. An event link will be sent to all registrants closer to the date.

Read more about the event in The Brock News.

Hope to see you there!