Gavel

An ornamental wooden gavel with brass plate from the 1965-66 Brock University Student Assembly. The inscription on the gavel reads: Don Chapman, Brock University Student Assembly, Speaker of the House, 65-66.

Gibson Tie

The Brock University tie was cut from a bolt of silk manufactured in Sussex, England. This was the first of 100 Brock ties specially ordered from Swords Custom Furnishings of Toronto. Dr. Gibson received this tie in May of 1967. The tie was eventually presented to Special Collections and Archives in 2002 from the Dr. James A. Gibson fonds.

Learned Societies Congress T-shirt

This shirt is from the Learned Societies Congress held at Brock University from May 23 - June 7, 1996.

Dr. Juan Amadeo Fernandez

Professor of Spanish, J. A. Fernandez, during the 1980's. Dr. Fernandez was one of the original faculty members of Brock University.

President's Portrait

On Tuesday, February 10th, 1970, Chairman of the Board, D. Whiting Lathrop presented a portrait of Dr. Gibson to the University. The plaque reads: Dr. James A. Gibson First President and Vice Chancellor of Brock University by Ian Henderson Artist in Residence 1969-1970 Presented to the University by the Board of Governors February 1970 The portrait hung in Dr. Gibson's waiting room until the end of his presidency where it was relocated to H-Block in MacKenzie Chown.

Car Crash

A student crashes a car through the main entrance of Brock University and ransacks the office of the University President. The Buick La Sabre is driven through the glass doors of the Schmon Tower in the early morning, just as staff are beginning to report for work. The occupant of the vehicle proceeds to the tower's thirteenth floor, where he overturns furniture in the President's offices and breaks windows. University officials find him sitting in the President's chair, claiming he is God or Jesus.

Bailiff of Guernsey

In 1969, Sir William Arnold, Bailiff of Guernsey - the birthplace of Sir Isaac Brock - was invited by Dr. Gibson to come to Canada and visit Brock University on the 200th anniversary of Sir Isaac Brock's birth. While visiting the Bailiff was granted an honourary degree at Brock's first fall convocation on October 6, 1969. The Bailiff is pictured here to the left and Chancellor Charles Sankey to the right. Dr. Gibson can be seen seated in the background.

Founding Plaque Unveiling

Pictured here from left to right are: Dr. Gibson, President of Brock University; James N. Allen, Chairman of the Niagara Parks Commision; MacKenzie Chown, Mayor; and Prof J. M. S. Careless co-chairman of the provinces archaelogical and historic sites board and professor at U of T.

Governor General Vanier

Dr. Gibson shaking hands with Governor General Vanier at the Official Opening of Brock University at the Glenridge Campus on October 19, 1964. General Vanier had been invited to formally open the university.

Governor General Departs

The Governor General and his motorcade depart after the conclusion of the Official Opening of Brock University at the Glenridge Campus on October 19, 1964. Pictured here from left to right: F. G. Perry (with camera), African Students Foundation. Commander H. C. Tilbury (Hon, ADC). F/L Claude Filiatrault, (ADC-in-waiting). General Vanier. Madame Vanier. D. G. Wilmot. Dr. J. A. Gibson. Professor John Hart, University Marshal.

Key Turning

As part of the Official Opening of Brock University, General Vanier unlocked the main doors to the Glenridge Campus with a golden key. It is interesting to note that the Governor General did not proceed to push open the doors, citing "that [it] was not in the script". Instead Madame Vanier instictively pushed open the doors herself moments later. The man just visible in the right edge of the photo is E. R. Davey, chairman of the property and building committee of the Brock University Founders' Committee. The Governor General can be seen turning the key.

General Vanier Chatting

General Vanier takes a moment to talk with C. Bruce Hill, Chairman of Brock University Founding Fund, during the Official Opening on October 19, 1964. From left to right: C. Bruce Hill, and General Vanier.

Dr. Gibson drops the puck

Dr. James A. Gibson drops the puck in Brock's first intercollegiate hockey game which pits Brock University against York. circa 1969.

Freshman of the year

Brock University rowing team's 1971-72 freshman of the year recipient, Corrie Willekes, receiving his award.

The J.A. Gibson

Caroline Gibson christens the eight named after her husband James Gibson who was the first president of Brock University. Her husband and the lightweight varsity crew of 1967 look on.