Former Financial Secretary Mansfield H. (Jim) Brock was awarded an honorary doctorate of Commerce, from Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the convocation ceremony on May 24, 2002.

Brock, a community leader, was chosen to receive the honorary degree in recognition of his accomplishments in both his career and public service. Brock's honorary degree was one of the eleven degrees bestowed to Bermudians.

Brock, who currently serves as the Chief Administration Officer and Director of the Colonial Insurance Group of companies, has a career that spans over 30 years.

Mr. Brock began his career when he served in the Naval reserves in Canada while in university. Upon moving to Bermuda, he taught Physics and Mathematics at The Berkeley Institute. He then moved into the role of headmaster at Sandys Secondary School before becoming the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education.

In 1982, Mr. Brock's career path changed when he became the Financial Secretary for Bermuda. After serving in this government for ten years, he then moved back into the private sector with the Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited. Mr. Brock also served as the Chairman of the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

Mr. Brock has also utilised his leadership skills and vision in serving the community. He is a very active volunteer and has served in leadership roles on the National Drug Commission, the Bermuda Boy Scout Association and the Commission on Competitiveness.

"Saint Mary's University has had a long-standing relationship with the people of Bermuda," said Dr. J. Colin Dodds.

"Mr. Brock's accomplishments are tremendous, both in career and community service, and embody the spirit of Saint Mary's University and that is why he was chosen."

Saint Mary's University is one of Canada's oldest universities celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. The convocation ceremony marked the official beginning of the festivities taking place over the next year.

Saint Mary's University has many ties to Bermuda. The Brock family alumni include Mr. Brock's niece, Mary Lynn (Swan) Robinson, who graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1981. Many of Mr. Brock's family which includes three children: Arlene, Malcolm and Michelle, and four grandchildren, Tsilala, Maquira, Meleina and Mayalen, attended the ceremony.