Addressing the Healthcare Crisis

More than 200 first-year healthcare students are receiving mental health supports this fall, thanks to a milestone gift to Niagara College’s Together Campaign from the McCall MacBain Foundation that launched the ConfideNCe program.

Among the key pillars of Niagara College’s $50 million Together Campaign – the largest comprehensive fundraising initiative in the College’s history – is addressing the healthcare crisis that is driven by a shortage of frontline workers. As Niagara College seeks to graduate more nurses, personal support workers, and paramedics, the College recognizes the need for a range of supports for students studying in high-stress programs.

Students in the Paramedic, Personal Support Worker (PSW), Practical Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs are learning to better cope with academic and occupational stress and anxiety through targeted interventions designed to build resilience, thanks to McCall MacBain’s generosity.

“We are very grateful to the McCall MacBain Foundation for investing in our future caregivers,” said Dr. Sinéad McElhone, Dean, Health Sciences. “We recognize the unique pressures healthcare students face and are eager to provide them with tools to manage their studies effectively and prepare for the high-stress environments they will encounter in their careers.”

Founded in 2007 by John McCall MacBain and Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, the McCall MacBain Foundation is committed to advancing human welfare through educational and leadership opportunities. Their support of the ConfideNCe program underscores a strong commitment to student success.

“We are working with post-secondary institutions across Canada to determine how best they can support student well-being and mental health,” said Alexandra Conliffe, President and CEO of the Foundation. “The first year is a critical time to understand students’ needs and provide early interventions to enable them to thrive academically and professionally. We hope this program will support students immediately, while also providing learnings on the well-being needs of students in demanding fields like healthcare.”

The ConfideNCe program offers a range of supports specifically designed to decrease healthcare student attrition rates. These include stress management workshops, mindfulness training, and wraparound supports to promote academic success and wellbeing.

“We are adding supplementary class assistance from lab tutors to help reduce student anxiety and stress, as well as implementing an early detection system to identify at-risk first-year students in the targeted programs,” said Heather Craig-Morton, ConfideNCe Project Manager.

A tailored survey helps assess first-year Nursing and Applied Healthcare students for susceptibility to anxiety, burnout, and potential dropout. This survey is launching alongside Orientation activities to maximize initial uptake. Additional engagements, including classroom visits, emails, and one-on-one appointments, are happening in the first four weeks of the term. The survey will be repeated at the end of Term 1 and Term 2 to measure the impact of specific ConfideNCe Program activities and interventions.

The program’s impact is anticipated to grow to over 400 students as it expands to include winter and summer intakes next year.

“The ConfideNCe program promises to make a profound difference in the lives of healthcare students by proactively addressing the root causes of anxiety and stress,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement. “This in turn will help bolster graduation rates and provide comprehensive personal, social, and academic supports – all thanks to the generosity of The McCall MacBain Foundation.”

The College’s Together Campaign is a multi-year $50 million fundraising campaign. In addition to addressing the crisis in healthcare, the campaign also seeks to address a similar crisis in skilled trades, make college education more accessible, create equitable and diverse learning environments, equip graduates with cultural awareness and global competencies, and foster research, creativity, and innovation to help close Canada’s productivity gap.

Community partners and donors are invited to learn more about the important priorities of the Together Campaign by visiting niagaracollege.ca/together. Discover how you can support this and other worthwhile initiatives by getting involved.

Advancing a more equitable and diverse college

A transformative $500,000 major grant from the Embark Student Foundation to Niagara College’s Together Campaign is reshaping the educational experience for Indigenous students at Niagara College.

This historic gift, the largest ever for Indigenous education at the College, has launched the Indigenous Student Success Pathways Project and supports students from their first day of studies through to graduation and into their careers.

A key pillar of the Together Campaign is to advance a more equitable and diverse college, and Embark’s gift significantly enhances Niagara College’s ability to advance its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and provide supports and pathways for underrepresented groups.

“We are deeply appreciative of the Embark Student Foundation’s generous contribution,” said Leah Hogan, Director, Indigenous Education, and member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames (Bear Clan). “This funding enables us to implement a tailored support system that will greatly benefit our Indigenous students and align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.”

The Indigenous Student Success Pathways Project enhances the academic experience and career readiness of Indigenous students by facilitating:

• Learning Strategists: These professionals offer personalized academic support, including assistance with essay writing, study skills, and addressing individual learning needs, to ensure students receive the guidance necessary to succeed academically.
• Employment and Co-op Specialists: These specialists focus on preparing students for the workforce by providing résumé and interview coaching, as well as facilitating networking opportunities with potential employers to help students gain practical experience and secure employment after graduation.
• Cultural and Community Initiatives: The program includes initiatives that foster cultural connection and community engagement, such as land-based learning experiences and events designed to build a supportive campus environment for Indigenous students.
• Targeted Recruitment: A vehicle wrapped in Indigenous art is being used for recruitment and outreach, traveling to remote communities to promote the program and create a welcoming presence for potential Indigenous students.
• Emergency Financial Support: To address the financial barriers that can impact students’ education, the project provides emergency funds for essential expenses such as specialized equipment, textbooks, parking, and other costs.

“We are so proud to support the Indigenous Student Success Pathways Project at Niagara College and directly invest in a more equitable future,” said Andrew Lo, CEO at Embark. “This project will provide Indigenous students with the tools and resources they need to succeed along their post-secondary journey, helping even more students and families realize their dreams through education.”

In late 2023, Niagara College submitted a proposal to the Embark Student Foundation Major Grant Program, which offers annual grants of $250,000 to $500,000 to diverse educational institutions across Canada to improve access and foster student empowerment. This year, the program awarded $2.7 million to seven institutions, including Concordia University, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Lethbridge, University of Toronto, and Vancouver Island University, for their exceptional projects.

Notably, Niagara College is the only college among the recipients, highlighted for its inclusive and forward-thinking approach to supporting Indigenous students.

The Indigenous Education Department supports students through culturally appropriate teachings, academic guidance, leadership opportunities, community referrals, and assistance in navigating the college system. Committed to honouring Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being, programs like MPOWER help Indigenous students transition to post-secondary education, while trips like those to Coast Salish Territory provide immersive land-based learning opportunities about Truth and Reconciliation.

Cultural events, including Indigenous History Month, Red Dress Day, and the Moose Hide Campaign invite the broader community to learn about these significant social issues and foster healing and collective action. The College also celebrates Indigenous student achievements at events such as the Indigenous Student Awards Banquet and through the Dr. Phyllis Webstad Indigenous Scholarship.

“The Embark Student Foundation’s commitment to supporting student success throughout their post-secondary journey aligns perfectly with the objectives of the new Indigenous Student Success Pathways Project,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement. “We are extremely grateful for Embark’s strong commitment to the success of Indigenous students.”

The College’s Together Campaign is a multi-year $50 million fundraising campaign. In addition to creating equitable and diverse learning environments, the campaign also seeks to address the healthcare crisis and the skilled trades crisis, make college education more accessible, equip graduates with cultural awareness and global competencies, and foster research, creativity, and innovation to help close Canada’s productivity gap.

Community partners and donors are invited to learn more about the important priorities of the Together Campaign by visiting niagaracollege.ca/together. Discover how you can support this and other worthwhile initiatives by getting involved.

On August 10, NC proudly supported a heartwarming reunion for a group of alumni from the Electronic Technician program, Class of 1974. The event brought together 12 alumni, along with their spouses and family members, marking 50 years since they attended Niagara College.

The reunion took place at a vineyard in Vineland, owned by one of the alumni, providing the perfect setting for the group to reminisce and reconnect. A four-piece fiddle band played as they enjoyed a roast pig, dining under a tent with blue and white tablecloths–a nod to NC colours. The evening ended with a bonfire that sparked conversations and reflections about their college days.

Many of the alumni, who have spent their careers with notable companies like Canada Post and Xerox, shared stories of how their time at Niagara College shaped their professional lives. The Electronic Technician program, which has since evolved into new programs offered at the College, was a catalyst for their successful careers.

NC’s Class of 1974 Electronic Technician graduates.

Alumnus Eric Pries recalled how NC played a pivotal role in his career trajectory.

“I am thankful because I believe Niagara College got me into the workforce quickly and well-prepared for a variety of work opportunities, not only at the start but throughout my career,” he said.

Pries went on to have a 32-year career in technical service, supervision, and management, followed by 12 years as a high school tech teacher.

The reunion was not just about reliving old memories, it was also about celebrating the ongoing impact of Niagara College in their lives.

Some alumni continue to stay connected to the College in meaningful ways. One alumnus has been providing homestay for international students for 20 years and even brought his homestay student to the reunion. Another alumnus proudly shared how he has hired NC graduates and co-op students for positions in his department at Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Reflecting on the reunion, alumnus Michael Colavecchia shared how meaningful it was to reconnect with his former classmates after so many years.

“This was an amazing reunion event, and it was filled with WOW,” he said. “I haven’t seen most of the guys since graduating fifty years ago, and it was incredible that we were able to locate our entire group after losing touch with each other.”

He also cherishes his challenging yet rewarding time studying at NC.

“Going to Niagara College was fun but tough,” said Colavecchia. “We had excellent teachers who came from the working field and decided to help others get their dream career,” he said.

Tom Price, NC’s Alumni Engagement Officer, helped organize the reunion and provided NC-branded swag, balloons, and banners.

Reflecting on his professional journey, Colavecchia spoke fondly of his career in the electronics field, particularly his last ten years with the District School Board of Niagara. During that time, he worked in classroom environments, repairing computers and other technology.

“The best part of my career was working with elementary students,” he said. “When I repaired something in the classroom, I would often get a hug and a ‘thank you.’ That was a highlight of my career.”

The alumni reunion was also attended by Tom Price, Alumni Engagement Officer, who was instrumental in helping organize the event.

“It was great to be part of the reunion and watch alumni, some who haven’t seen each other in fifty years, reconnect,” said Price. “The fact that all alumni were contacted and invited is special and unique.”

Alumni expressed their gratitude to NC’s Alumni Engagement team for helping connect everyone and supporting the reunion by providing NC-branded swag, balloons, and banners.

“I would like to thank Niagara College and the Alumni Engagement team for helping us put this incredible celebration together,” said Pries.

“Thank you to those among our group who had a vision to initiate this gathering and worked tirelessly to organize it with Tom Price,” said Colavecchia.

NC alumni interested in organizing their own reunion can contact Alumni Relations at niagaracollege.ca/alumnirelations/benefits/oncampus/.

The first-ever Niagara College Alumni Summit drew enthusiastic participation from alumni across the years, who strengthened their bonds with the College and found inspiration through insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities.

The event, held on July 18 at the Meridian Hall in Toronto, fostered personal and professional growth for alumni and provided visiting students with valuable insights about perspectives after graduation. Cited as an inspiration by many attendees, the Alumni Success Spotlight session featured NC’s Vice President, International, Sean Coote, highlighting his exceptional career trajectory, drawing upon a 30-year journey at NC.

“From being a student at Niagara College to now serving as Vice President, International, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative impact of our institution on countless lives, including my own,” said Coote. “Events like these are crucial in fostering a sense of community and continuity, reinforcing the importance of lifelong connections and support among alumni.”

The Alumni Success Spotlight session featured NC’s Vice President, International, Sean Coote, highlighting his exceptional career trajectory, drawing upon a 30-year journey at Niagara College.

Another featured speaker was Dr. Holly Catalfamo, NC’s Senior Director of Global Education and Training, who unpacked her “leadership suitcase,” providing priceless takeaways for aspiring leaders, by showcasing her strategies and techniques.

Catalfamo also moderated a highly anticipated panel on “Lessons in Leadership,” featuring NC President Sean Kennedy, who shared his expertise gained during more than 20 years of experience leading teams in higher education. Additional panelists included NC alumna Julia Sebastian, CEO of HR Off-Site Inc.; Rashmi Biswas, co-owner of Lake and Associates Canada Inc., and incoming Vice-Chair of NC’s Board of Governors; and Shadya Mahfouz, Vice President, Academics, of Global University Systems Canada.

Attendees left inspired and equipped with a wealth of knowledge to apply to their own careers.

“The value I gained from the speakers was astronomical and mind-blowing, and I am sure every attendee in that room learned a lot from them,” said Karan Salgotra, NC’s Manager of Global Business Development for South Asia and a 2016 graduate from the Motive Power Technician program. “The Summit was also an outstanding opportunity to meet other graduates, see where they are in life, and make connections to continue collaborating.”

NC’s Senior Director of Global Education and Training, Holly Catalfamo (far left), moderated a highly anticipated panel on “Lessons in Leadership” featuring NC President Sean Kennedy (second from right)

Many alumni expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to reconnect with Niagara College and build a network with fellow alumni and NC faculty and staff.

“It was amazing to see so many NC employees that were also alumni, and also to see NC graduates present in every corner of Canada,” said Zining Wang, general secretary at Fullbright Academy and a 2016 graduate of the Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations program. “The event itself was well put-together, and my network has grown after I connected with my cohort, and also the speakers.”

The Summit was also an excellent opportunity for recent graduates, highlighting the College’s commitment to fostering continuous professional development among its alumni.

“I truly appreciate how NC has contributed significantly to my professional and personal development, offering such a diverse environment,” said Alisha Singh, front office specialist at IHG Hotels & Resorts in Toronto and a 2024 International Business Management program graduate. “I am excited to see that this strong sense of community is cultivated and reinforced in events like the Summit.”

Supported through NC’s Dream Big Fund, the event was co-led by Orel Ruiz and Becky Sciliberto from the Global Campus Operations and Compliance & Reporting department, in partnership with NC Alumni Relations and Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education and Training. The Summit was envisioned to advance two strategic priorities from NC’s Strategic Plan: Global Reach and Alumni and Partner Engagement.

“Any opportunity we get to engage with our diverse population of alumni is invaluable, and a key aspect of our strategy is to meet them where they are, and this event was a prime example of our commitment to that approach,” said Jana Boniferro, NC’s Director of Alumni Relations. “We aim to strengthen connections and ensure that all our alumni feel valued and engaged. This ongoing effort to expand and deepen our relationships with them helps maintain a strong sense of community and belonging.”

As Niagara College looks forward to more opportunities for connection, all alumni are encouraged to keep their information updated and remember that NC will always be their home.

A Niagara College alum has been recognized as an outstanding Canadian broadcaster with the Allen Waters Young Broadcaster of the Year Award.

Luke Rodriguez (Broadcast-Radio, Television, and Film, 2015) was presented with the annual award during Canadian Music Week (CMW) in June.

“This award means the absolute world to me, and I am so grateful that I was chosen as this year’s recipient” Rodriguez said. “I owe the people at Niagara College a debt of gratitude for giving me the skills needed to enter the world of broadcasting. BRTF gave me the tools I needed to succeed.”

His instructors recall Rodriguez as a talented student. One even compared him to a well-known
former American Idol host.

“He was a true ‘radio geek,’ and I mean that in the best way,” said School of Media Studies professor Bruce Gilbert. “He ran an online radio station out of his mom’s basement and he dreamed of being on Virgin 99.9 in Toronto. Luke achieved that goal years ago and is now back to help out with Marilyn Dennis on the CHUM Morning Show. Another real Canadian radio dream realized before 30!”

Added Gilbert: “When Luke was a young student, I once compared him to Ryan Seacrest. He’s his own person now, and a major talent in his own right.”

Likewise, BRTF Program Co-ordinator Peter “Dutch” VandenBerg remembers Rodriguez’s broadcasting talent.

“He was a natural from Day 1,” VandenBerg said. “We’re all so proud of him.”

Rodriguez said he left Niagara College feeling like he had a “running start,” when he landed his first full-time job in radio, thanks to the guidance he received from Gilbert, VandenBerg and BRTF faculty.

“I can’t thank the teachers and mentors in that program enough for the doors they opened up in my career,” he said.

Named in memory of legendary radio programmer Steve Young, the Allen Waters Young Broadcaster of the Year Award celebrates the remarkable talent of Canada’s young broadcasters. Winners must be under the age of 30, work in a programming department and have made a significant, documented contribution to the community they serve, the radio industry or their craft.

Rodriguez is currently the host of afternoon drive on Edmonton’s 104.9 Virgin Radio and the station’s assistant program director.