A Niagara construction king will receive an honorary degree at Brock’s Fall Convocation.
On Friday October 13th, Tom Rankin owner and operator of Rankin Construction will be recognized.
Born in Kirkland Lake, Rankin worked as a development and construction engineer for the Ontario Department of Highways, and the cities of Niagara Falls and St. Catharines in the 1960s and ’70s.
In 1978, he launched the company that would become Rankin Construction Inc., and it has continued to grow ever since.
Rankin Construction and its related businesses now employ about 500 people in Niagara, Hamilton and Kincardine.
A former Board of Trustees member for Brock University, Rankin has often been recognized for his professional accomplishments and philanthropic work.
Most recently, he was the recipient of Niagara’s 15th T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award.
“It means a lot to be honoured by the University,” said Rankin, who has also received an honorary degree from his alma mater, St. Francis Xavier in Nova Scotia, and was named an honorary graduate from Niagara College. “It’s a privilege and an honour when a university bestows that on an individual.
"I’m very proud because I think Brock has come to the forefront so I’m proud to be associated with it.”
Brock’s Fall Convocation on Friday, Oct. 13 will see more than 1,000 graduates cross the stage during ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Rankin will be conferred and will deliver the convocation address during the afternoon ceremony.
Rankin said he plans to remind the graduates about the importance of hard work and getting involved in their community.