Brock University graduates have profound impact in their professional fields and communities around the world.
Ten distinguished alumni award recipients will be honoured during Brock's 2025 Homecoming celebrations for their contributions, leadership, dedication, compassion and innovation.
"We take immense pride in our alumni, whose achievements not only inspire excellence but also create meaningful impact in the communities they serve," says proud Brock graduate and Associate Vice-President, Alumni and Development, Rob Gottschalk (BBA '01). "Their dedication, innovation and leadership are a powerful reflection of Brock values."
Ten Brock graduates will receive distinguished honours on Sunday, Sept. 21 during the University's Homecoming celebrations.
The 2025 award recipients include:
Sergio Hernandez (BSc '16, MSc '19) Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Distinguished Graduate Award
A two-time Brock graduate and PhD candidate at Tufts University, Hernandez is transforming the field of infectious disease and immunology. His research on Lyme disease and immune dysfunction has earned international recognition and prestigious fellowships.
Shelby Steward (BPhEd '16, BEd '12) Faculty of Education Distinguished Graduate Award
Steward leads national health initiatives at TELUS Health and advocates for youth empowerment through sport. Her global teaching experiences and leadership in corporate learning reflect her commitment to education and social change.
Alana Perri (BA '13) Faculty of Humanities Distinguished Graduate Award
As Executive Director of Purple Carrots Drama Studio, Perri uses expressive arts therapy to support neurodiverse youth. Her work fosters inclusivity and emotional growth through creative expression.
Sandra Rehan (BSc '07, PhD '11) Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences Distinguished Graduate Award
Rehan's groundbreaking research on wild pollinators has global implications for biodiversity and food security. She leads York University's Centre for Bee Ecology, Evolution and Conservation.
Jennifer Gauthier (BA '09) Faculty of Social Sciences Distinguished Graduate Award
Executive Director of Birchway Niagara, Gauthier is a tireless advocate for survivors of gender-based violence. Her leadership has earned multiple awards for inclusion and community impact.
Gregory Craig (BBA '91) Goodman School of Business Distinguished Graduate Award
A senior executive at Canadian Tire Corporation, Craig has led major strategic initiatives and championed community programs and employee inclusion networks.
Katherine Girard (BA '75, BEd '76) David S. Betzner Award
A trailblazer in women's fencing, Girard has coached and mentored student-athletes at Brock for five decades, leaving a legacy in sport and leadership.
Rachel Crane (BBA '11) Community Engagement Award
Community Engagement Award Crane leads transformative initiatives in education and workforce development. Her work connects Brock with global arts communities and drives systemic change across Niagara.
Illonis Hall (BEd '11) Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Principal of Nasivvik High School in Nunavut and CEO of Teach Solutions Canada, Hall is a visionary leader advancing equity and Indigenous education.
Dina Bell-Laroche (MA '10) Distinguished Alumni Award
Co-owner of Sport Law and founder of Grief Unleashed, Bell-Laroche is a pioneer in values-based leadership and grief support with decades of service to sport and community.
Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open. To learn more about these awards and submit a nomination, visit the Alumni Relations website.
For more information on Homecoming events and registration details, visit brocku.ca/homecoming
