There have been many moments over Hilary Pearson's time as Brock's Chancellor that have caused her to pause and reflect on how special the University community is.
Hilary Pearson has been re-elected for a third term as Brock University Chancellor.
From seeing the pride in the eyes of the first graduates crossing Brock's Convocation stage after the COVID-19 pandemic to meeting the inspiring Laura Sabia Entrepreneurial Award recipients who are breaking barriers with innovative new businesses to celebrating the University's 60th anniversary against the backdrop of Niagara Falls lit up in Brock red, Pearson has been moved by her experiences since first taking on the ceremonial leadership role in October 2020.
The renowned Canadian leader in philanthropy and community engagement was recently re-elected by Brock's Senate for a third term as Chancellor, commencing July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2029.
"I look forward with anticipation to three more years of learning from and sharing with students, faculty members, staff and leadership of the University," Pearson says.
"Brock has an exceptional group of leaders in place today, from our remarkable President Lesley Rigg and the executive team to the dedicated Board of Trustees led by Chair Anne McCourt to the Deans and faculty of the University who care very deeply about the quality of teaching and research and the well-being of all students," she says.
"I will continue to support, encourage and celebrate the growth and aspirations of Brock as Niagara's first and best university."
Pearson's versatile achievements range from serving in senior policy roles in the federal government to advising some of Quebec's largest corporations. She has spent decades advancing a culture of philanthropy in Canada, serving as founding President of Philanthropic Foundations Canada for 18 years and working closely with many of the country's largest private charitable foundations.
Pearson was recognized for her impact with the Order of Canada in 2018.
"We're grateful to be able to continue drawing on Chancellor Pearson's vast experience as we work to advance Brock's strategic priorities," says University President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg. "Her passion for supporting and mentoring students has created valuable opportunities across campus and contributed to the University's efforts to foster a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization. We look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the coming years."
In 2023, Pearson and her husband Michael Sabia made a generous $500,000 gift to the University to support the creation of student awards honouring the legacy of Michael's mother Laura Sabia, a noted Niagara politician, journalist and women's rights leader.
The awards include:
- The Laura Sabia Entrepreneurial Awards, which recognize women students at Brock who are developing a business idea and exploring entrepreneurship as a viable career path.
- The Laura Sabia Scholarships, which support women students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subject areas.
- The Laura Sabia Research Scholar awards for researchers in the Yousef Haj-Ahmad Department of Engineering, with a priority on women researchers or projects involving women students.
Community engagement is deeply rooted in Pearson's family. In addition to her connection to husband Michael Sabia, Canada's top public servant, and his mother Laura Sabia, Pearson is the granddaughter of Lester B. Pearson, the eminent prime minister who was awarded the Nobel Prize for his and Canada's role in United Nations peacekeeping, and who also ushered in Canada's iconic national flag.
Pearson is the ninth chancellor in Brock's 61-year history.
