Brock University is a public research university located in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. The only university in Canada located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Brock offers all the benefits of a young and modern school in a safe, community minded city with beautiful natural surroundings. Brock is committed to ensuring students and faculty have access to the modern technology they need to help achieve their professional and academic goals. In fact, the amenities are so advanced that the university doubles as one of the area’s most popular conference centers.
THE CHALLENGE:
A two-phase project was set in motion to transform the existing performing arts space, the Sean O’Sullivan Theatre, into state-of-the art lecture hall that would redefine and enhance the learning experience. Brock worked closely with its preferred integrator, Cinema Stage Inc., to develop a specification that met the needs identified by the user groups.
THE TECHNOLOGY:
The university had already standardized on Crestron video distribution and control technology campus-wide. As a result, the AV team, faculty, and students already enjoyed a high comfort level with it. So it was an easy decision for Phil and his team to choose Crestron for the project. The foundation of Crestron DigitalMedia™ technology, TSW touch screens, and 3-Series® control systems provides the flexibility to create an ideal learning environment in spaces ranging from small classrooms to auditoriums.
The renovated Sean O’Sullivan Theater now hosts large undergraduate lectures and public events. It features tier-style seating to comfortably accommodate up to 370 people. Five motorized cameras located around the room are used to stream and record lectures. The Crestron control system enables them to easily manage projectors, audio, video conferencing, and cameras. Additionally, Crestron Procise® Surround Sound Processors ensure an immersive acoustical experience from any seat.
“Before the renovation, students were really displeased with the space,” says Nardangeli. “Now, with Crestron technology, we’re able to give them and our guests the experience they deserve.”
RESULTS:
Thanks to the theatre revitalization and conversion project, featuring Crestron technology, faculty and students now enjoy a cutting-edge learning experience. Additionally, anyone can easily control audio and video directly from the touch screen. The Crestron technology has also opened doors for the university to host guest speakers and conferences for third-party organizations.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
