Brock University elects new Chair of the Board of Trustees

September 12, 2006

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Brock University elects new Chair of the Board of Trustees

Brock University is pleased to announce the election of David S. Howes, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Fabrics Ltd., to the position of Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Mr. Howes succeeds St. Catharines, Ont., businessman Dr. Norris Walker, who served three years as Board Chair. Dr. Walker will continue on the Board as its Immediate Past Chair.

As Chair, Mr. Howes will lead the Board on matters pertaining to the administrative governance of the University. Mr. Howes has been a member of the Board since 2000. He was Vice-Chair from 2003 to 2005 when he was elected Chair-Elect.

"I am honoured to be Chair of the Board and to work with Trustees who share a strong commitment to serving the needs of the University and the community at this important time in our history," says Mr. Howes. "Brock University's developing strengths in research, graduate education and international activities will greatly benefit those who live and work in Niagara, while at the same time, contribute in a more global context to society at large."

"David Howes has made significant contributions to the University and is dedicated to the traditions and values of our institution," says Brock President Jack Lightstone. "I am confident that David will provide strong and decisive leadership in times of new opportunities and challenges. Also, on behalf of Brock, I wish to thank Dr. Norris Walker for the outstanding leadership he provided to our Board over the past several years."

Mr. Howes was born and raised in St. Catharines. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Western Michigan with a major in History and minors in English and Political Science.

In 1983, Mr. Howes became the second generation to lead the family business, Lincoln Fabrics Ltd. The company, founded by his father A. Stewart Howes, in 1955 in St. Catharines, is a premier weaver of fabrics for high performance and life-critical applications, including automotive, defence, and emergency services products. Lincoln Fabrics Ltd. also operates a manufacturing plant in Alabama and has a strong reputation as a good corporate citizen.

Mr. Howes has an impressive record of community leadership and philanthropy in Ontario and especially in the Niagara area. The following examples demonstrate the range of his volunteer activities: Past President of the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club, Chairman of the Business Education Council, board member with the YMCA of Niagara, Chair for the St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame and the St. Catharines Athlete and Sports Person of the Year Selection Committee, Co-chair of the Wise Guys Charity Foundation, and board member of the St. Catharines Community Fund.

In addition to his Board involvement, he is the Chair of the President's Tournament which raises significant funds to provide bursaries and scholarships for Brock's outstanding student athletes. As a result of his leadership, this golf tournament has raised more than $285,000 since its inception four years ago. Funds are awarded each fall to returning student athletes who have successfully completed their first year of study.

In 2001, the David S. Howes Theatre at Brock University was named in recognition of a generous donation from Lincoln Fabrics. This significant donation was made to support the largest capital expansion in the University's history.

The University also welcomes four new community members to the Board of Trustees who have extensive backgrounds in business and community involvement. The new Trustees are: Julia Kamula, Senior Vice President of Operations for Osprey Media LP; Roelof G. Makken, a Brock graduate and Principal of Tern Analytics Inc.; Joseph Robertson, Chairman, Henry Schein Ash Arcona; and Mary Turner, Vice President, Credit Risk Management and Chief Operating Officer of Canadian Tire Bank.

Also new to the Board is Faculty representative, Dr. Susan Sydor, Faculty of Education.

Leaving the Board are: Dave Edwards, Managing Partner, Lancaster, Brooks and Welch; Val Fleming, retired business woman; Donna Scott, retired business woman; Tom Gauld, President and CEO, Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited; Dr. Mohammed Dore, Professor of Economics at Brock University and Nadia Drozd, graduate student.

Brock University, located in St. Catharines, offers strong undergraduate, graduate and interdisciplinary degree programs that include co-op and other experiential learning opportunities to a student population of more than 17,000. The University's dynamic research and scholarship activity is committed to advancing new knowledge and innovation with far-reaching social, cultural and economic benefits.

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