Amped in the Eighties
A prominent issue throughout every decade of the Brock newspaper is the continuing struggle between university budgets and the need for provincial and federal funding. In 1980, Alan Earp, along with other university presidents, had a meeting with Premier Bill Davis to discuss the struggle of Ontario universities. As higher operating costs ensued, the decrease in funding over the years from the provincial and federal governments was increasingly difficult for universities to resolve.
Brock President Alan Earp meets Premier Davis, September 1980
Dismay and Deep Concern, 29 October 1982
The commitment to expand, even during difficult financial times, remained a priority. As buildings were constructed and added to the campus landscape, a new tradition began. Buildings were no longer addressed by location, but by names of prominent figures with a relationship to the University. In 1981, the Aquatic Centre was opened and provided an Olympic sized swimming pool. The University decided to name the new facility after the wife of Ralph Misener, the fourth chancellor of Brock University. Eleanor was an advocate for inclusive physical fitness and in the Fall of 1981, the facility officially opened as the Eleanor Misener Aquatic Centre.
Eleanor Misener Aquatic Centre Construction, 1981
"We’re Building a Better University", 17 September 1982
Eleanor Misener with members of the Brock Swim Team
The University decided to continue to name campus facilities after influential persons/companies and next to be designated with an official name was the tower. The tower, as it was known to students for the last two decades, was renamed the Arthur Schmon Tower in 1983. Schmon was an integral part in the founding of Brock University and to acknowledge his commitment, the first building constructed on campus was named after him.
Following the tower, in 1984, the East Block complex became the Mackenzie Chown complex. Chown, a member of the University founding committee, former mayor of St. Catharines, and late member of the Brock University Board of Trustees, passed away in June that year. He was celebrated at the event by his wife, members of the University, and the wider St. Catharines community.
Schmon Tower and Mackenzie Chown complex
“Ribbons and Fanfare Herald Opening”, 30 March 1984
Mackenzie Chown, 1983
As the end of the decade drew near, the University made another addition to the campus by selecting a new President. In the Summer of 1988, Terry White became the third President of Brock University and was officially installed in the position later that Fall. The year after White's installation, the jubilee anniversary of Brock University was celebrated with a large crowd and several founding members of the Univeristy. The days events honoured the founding of the University and the evolution of the campus over 25 years.
Terry White Installed as President, 2 November 1988
Pictured here from left to right are former presidents of Brock University: Dr. Alan Earp (President, 1974 - 1987), Dr. James Gibson (President, 1964 - 1973), and Dr. Terry White (President, 1988 - 1996).
Students and faculty pull together to spell out “Brock 25th”, 1989
Jubilee ‘89