Stories of the Silver Badgers
Don Chapman was a Silver Badger, a unique distinction given to the first class of Brock University students upon their graduation in 1967 and 1968. Mr. Chapman was an active participant in student life during his years at Brock University and following graduation, he continued to take a productive role as a member of the alumni. Chapman collected objects, photographs, and more during his time as a student, but it is his scrapbooks that truly reveal his experiences at Brock University.
Chapman's fondness for his time at Brock University is evident in his collection of memories. Some of the items in Chapman's personal scrapbook include: schedules, brochures, newspaper clippings and speeches. Other items in the scrapbook reflect his own experience as Speaker of the House (65-66) of the Student Assembly. It's clear that he made every effort to preserve his experience to reflect the pride he experienced walking into Brock University in 1964 and graduating three years later.
The second scrapbook is a commemorative scrapbook filled with pivotal moments surrounding the opening of Brock University and the first class to enter the school. There are images of the grand opening, special events, and the first convocation. These items are photocopied and coil bound as a keepsake for the Silver Badgers.
In an article from the Brock alumni magazine Surgite! in 1992, Chapman reflects on his time at Brock University as a Silver Badger. He mentions that his memories are most vivid at the beginning and end of his years at the University. This start and end recount is mirrored in his scrapbooks. One is filled with the initial enthusiasm of a new student experience, the second is a commemoration of a twenty five year connection to the University. Chapman remarks "For students, their families, the faculty and the administrators of those early days, the Brock adventure required courage, flexibility and patience. Faculty must have spent much of their time occupied with policy debates and budget meetings, and the move to St. Catharines must have been a career gamble. I have always been proud of having been a pioneer at Brock. I'm happy I went through that door on Welland Ave."
