Delegates from Brock University led by Dr. Lesley Rigg (President and Vice-Chancellor) were welcomed by the University officials and staff of Isabela State University (ISU) on March 21-22, 2024. Joining Dr. Rigg were Ms. Meaghan Rushnell (Interim Vice President, External) and Ms. Christina Bosilo (Director, Brock International).

The said visit is an arranged effort of ISU through its Office of Public Relations, Extensions, External Linkages and International Affairs to expand its partnerships and collaboration activities with international higher education institutions (HEIs) to further improve and innovate on its programs and services.

Brock University is a public research university located in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, humanities, sciences, social sciences, education, and applied health sciences. The university is known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, research opportunities, and community engagement.

As part of their visit, Brock University seeks to gain a deeper understanding of ISU through its program offerings and facilities, especially in the College of Nursing and College of Medicine and Allied Health Professions – offered in the Echague and Ilagan campus.

A signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two (2) Universities also transpired with an emphasis on encouraging co-operation on disciplines studied in both institutions. Specifically, the partnership will allow both parties to exchange information and materials that are of mutual interest, visit scholar opportunities for faculty, develop special short-term ESL programs, and engage in other  forms of co-operation which the two institutions may jointly arrange.

According to Dr. Ricmar Aquino (President, ISU), the partnership with Brock University opens doors for international collaboration for both institutions to engage in diverse perspectives, and methodologies in academia and research. He added that it allows for the exposure of different cultural academic contexts which enriches learning experiences through broadening horizons and nurturing global outlooks among students and researchers.

“Together, we embark on a journey of discovery, innovation, and transformative impact, guided by a shared values of integrity, excellence, and inclusivity. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing partnership grounded in mutual respect, plans, and shared aspirations,” Dr. Aquino addressed the attendees of the ceremonial signing.

On the other hand, Dr. Rigg shared that with Brock University reaching its 60th year, they have been changing lives through education, research, and community partnerships, including those at a global scale. She shared their excitement on the new partnership and collaboration with ISU in a wide range of areas that they have pursued since their establishment.

“This partnership lives up to Brock’s ideals of global range. We don’t partner with a lot of Universities because we look into bringing our partners into our family. And so for us to have this kind of partnership is very important because you become a part of the Brock University family,” Dr. Riggs said.

During an open forum after the MOU Signing, ideas on potential collaboration were discussed such as opportunities on doctorate studies for ISU faculty, and a partnership involving water resource management.

The delegates from Brock University also visited few of the research centers situated in the University such as the Cagayan Valley Small Ruminants Research Center (CVSRRC) and the Cagayan Valley Cacao Development Center (CVCDC).