The Nineties, Nice!
The University depended on grants and donations to fund expansions and developments to the campus. The generous donations over several decades allowed Brock University to become a distinguished educational institution promoting several areas of study and research. As the plans of the University stretched out over the top of the escarpment, the administration decided it was time to recognize those who had contributed to its success. Gifted by The Landcorp Group in 1990, the University was able to create a permanent installation in a corridor of the Mackenzie Chown complex of stained glass recognizing the major donors since 1964. A similar installation was unveiled in the Canadian Tire Bridge in 1998 and was donated by Kenmore Commerical Inc.
“Brock Recognizes its Donors”, 24 October 1990
Stained Glass Donor Wall, November 1991
“Tribute to Donors Unveiled”, 8 April 1998
“Don’t Look Now, But”, 10 August 1994
Along with the expansion of space, came the acquisition of contemporary technology to advance the research of faculty and students. In 1990, the University received a mass spectrometer worth approximately $650,000. The instrument was hugely beneficial, not only to the chemistry department, but also several other departments in the sciences. The addition of the mass spectrometer also brought about important collaborations with industry, government, and environmentalists.
"Brock Gets $650,000 Mass Spectrometer", 2 May 1990
Jack Miller and Brock’s new mass spectrometer, May 1990
The University also experienced several changes in administration throughout this decade. After eight years, Dr. Terry White left Brock University in August 1996 for a position at the University of Calgary. Dr. Susan Clark who had been in the position of Vice-President, Academic, assumed the role of Acting President that same year and remained there until the following year. The role of President was filled in early 1997 when Brock welcomed Dr. David Atkinson from the University of Saskatchewan. Atkinson remained the President of Brock University into the next decade.
Dr. Terry White, Brock University President 1988-1996
Dr. Susan Clark, Acting Brock University President 1996-1997
Dr. David Atkinson, Brock University President 1997-2005
Pictured here from left to right are the first four presidents (and one former acting presidents) of Brock University: Dr. James Gibson (President, 1964 - 1973), Dr. Alan Earp (President, 1974 - 1987), Dr. Terry White (President, 1988 - 1996), Dr. Susan Clark (Acting President, ca. 1996 - 1997), and Dr. David Atkinson (President, 1997 - 2005).
As the 1990s brought about increased numbers in enrollment, the footprint of the University continued to expand. Residences and cafeterias were renovated and enlarged, but the physical space required to accommodate the growing number of students needed further enhancements. The construction that began late in the 1980s was finally complete in May 1991 and the official opening of Taro Hall was held. The building, three stories high, housed the Faculty of Business and Departments of Economics and Politics. The 51,000 square foot facility was made possible by donors, including Taro Properties who donated one million dollars to the project, the largest single donation the University had received.
The Alumni Student Centre was also completed with contributions by the Brock Alumni Association and funds from a student referendum which added a ten dollar surcharge to each course. The Centre was intended to meet the needs of a growing population of students living on campus. The facility included the 400 seat pub called Isaac's, a campus store, a food court, and several offices including the Brock Press and Brock University Students' Union. The two new buildings were connected by the glass and steel Canadian Tire bridge.
Another impressive addition to the University near the end of this decade was Inniskillin Hall. The building was opened in 1999 and was named after Inniskillin winery, a large contributor to the capital campaign. The building was an important addition to the University as it fostered relationships with the extensive wine industry in the Niagara region.
“Taro Hall Opening”, 15 May 1991
Taro Hall, 1991
Taro Hall and Alumni Centre during construction, 1991
Inniskillin Hall, 1999