Dynamic duo Michael and Anna Olson dish up A Chef’s Journey Feb. 13

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For Chefs Michael and Anna Olson, the kitchen has always been at the heart of their lives – where their careers and relationship found the recipe to success. Just before Valentine’s Day, this culinary power-couple will join forces in the kitchen at Niagara College to share their story.

NC will shine a spotlight on Michael and Anna Olson on February 13 as part of its newest Benchmark restaurant dinner series, A Chef’s Journey. With a favourable forecast for the evening, the event is proceeding as planned while campus closures and class cancellations remain in effect for February 13 (ticket holders will be contacted directly).

Organized by the College’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies Division, each event highlights the culinary talents of one or two of its academic chefs, who curate a multi-course meal along with an evening experience to reflect their personal journeys. 

Both Michael – who has been a Chef Professor at NC since 2000 – and his wife Anna are well known in the culinary world, with 12 bestselling cookbooks between them, along with Anna’s latest release Baking Wisdom which recently earned a Taste Canada gold medal.

Michael and Anna met and fell in love in the kitchen at Inn on the Twenty in Jordan where they worked together for almost a decade. Michael moved on to the classrooms and culinary labs of NC where he has been passing along his skills and knowledge to the next generation, while Anna has been sharing her love of baking and cooking on TV and on her new YouTube channel, Oh Yum with Anna Olson – with Michael, more recently, acquiring a taste for video editing behind the scenes. Over the years, they’ve also enjoyed travelling abroad together to explore new flavours which, in turn, inspire their creations at home.

The Olsons have selected a menu to reflect their style, both individually and as a couple: casual, country-style food which they enjoy preparing.

“Some of the dishes we’re incorporating into the menu reflect our experiences from our travels, both professionally and personally, and some are reflections of what we see for the future,” said Michael. “We don’t rely on super showy or boujee ingredients … we have always concentrated on making approachable, delicious food.”

Courses will be accompanied by wines from Bachelder Niagara. Winemakers Thomas Bachelder and his wife Mary Delaney are personal friends of the Olsons who own a small family winery in Beamsville. Their daughters Esmee and Violette Delaney-Bachelder will also be involved as featured NC alumni at the event.

It promises to be a trip down memory lane for the Esmee Delaney-Bachelder, who will be involved as featured alumni at the event, along with her sister Violette. Esmee graduated from the School of Hospitality and Tourism in 2018 and is now manager of Red Ganache in Fonthill She noted that NC helped kickstart her journey in the hospitality industry.

“I appreciated and valued the hands-on learning approach that Niagara College has as well as their numerous connections they have within the industry. The co-op opportunities allowed me to explore the industry so I was well prepared to enter the workforce,” she said. “Niagara College set me up for success.”

In addition to cooking and sharing short stories with Anna in between courses, Michael looks forward to working with the team of staff and students and alumni at Benchmark for the event.  

“One of best parts about working at the College are the interpersonal connections. I love seeing how students who came from across the world will just meet each other at an event, or sit together one day, then they end up becoming best buddies for life,” he said. “Yes, we teach you how to cook, but the social aspect is a huge part of the NC experience.”

A Chef’s Journey

The dinner event with Michael and Anna Olson will mark the third in the series, which debuted at Benchmark in late 2024.

“A Chef’s Journey is a celebration of culinary artistry, community and the journeys that have shaped our talented chefs and alumni,” said Craig Youdale, Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies. “Each event promises to create meaningful connections between our College chefs, alumni, students and our community.” 

While tickets have sold out for A Chef’s Journey with the Olsons on February 13, they are still available for future events in the series with an exciting lineup of NC Chef Professors including: 

  • Michelin Guide recognized chef Frank Dodd (also Executive Chef at Trius Winery Restaurant) on March 20; 
  • Erin Circelli and Isa Mottiar on April 3; 
  • Riley Bennett on April 24; 
  • Scott Baechler on May 8; and 
  • Oscar Turchi on May 22. 

Tickets are available, while supplies last, via Eventbrite:eventbrite.ca/e/a-chefs-journey-celebrating-students-tickets-1092764741759?aff=oddtdtcreator.  

All events in the dinner series will be held at Benchmark restaurant, located at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The events will be supported by students and staff from the College’s Benchmark team led by Victor Oliveira and Chef Justin Downes. 

The events also support the College’s Student Experience Scholarship Fund. In lieu of leaving a gratuity for service at Benchmark or a special event, guests are encouraged to donate to the new fund which will create scholarships for students within NC’s schools of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, and Wine, Beer and Spirits.

Donations may be made by scanning a QR code displayed on menus or through an online donation form.

NC’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division includes the schools of Culinary Arts; Wine, Beer and Spirits; and Hospitality and Tourism. The division hosts weekly pop-ups and signature academic events throughout the year. For info visit niagaracollege.ca/culinaryarts/events/. 

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca. 

 

Related media releases 

New signature dinner series to celebrate NC’s academic chefs and alumni 

New scholarship fund is on the menu for NC Culinary, Tourism and Beverage students 

Media inquiries, please contact: 

Julie Greco 

Communications Consultant 

905-328-2532 

[email protected] 

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Learning Enterprises release new Sparkling wines and spirits  

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Niagara College’s Teaching Winery and Teaching Distillery are ushering in the second month of 2025 with new offerings sure to please local wine and whisky enthusiasts.

The Teaching Winery added two new Sparkling wines to its Dean’s List label from its 2019 vintage: introducing its first Blanc de Noirs and the highly-anticipated return of Blanc de Blancs after a decade. Both new Sparkling wines became available on February 8.

“I am really excited about this release, I think it’s time that we added a Sparkling wine to our elevated portfolios of Dean’s List wines,” said College Winemaker Allison Findlay. “Ontario has been making exceptional traditional method Sparkling wine for over a decade. We have the perfect climate and soils suited for it.”

The 2019 Dean’s List Blanc de Noirsis a 100% Pinot Noir sparkling wine that was aged for 54 months on lees. The bright, Sparkling is dry, medium bodied, and long on the palate with a red apple flavour rounded with oak spice. It finishes on a lemony note (12% ABV).

A 100% Chardonnay-based wine, the 2019 Dean’s List Blanc de Blancs is also bright straw in colour and aged on lees for 54 months, with an active mousse of tiny bubbles; biscuity nose of green apple; medium-bodied, crispy dry and well-structured (12% ABV).

Findlay noted that NC began implementing a Sparkling wine project into its curriculum for Winery and Viticulture Technician students in 2013 to meet the demand for winemakers skilled in the area.  Second-year wine students learn about Sparkling and work through the process at the College’s on-campus commercial Teaching Winery – the first and only of its kind in Canada.

The February release marks the first time the Teaching Winery has introduced two new Sparklings simultaneously. Because they come from the same vintage but from different vineyards with different grapes, Findlay noted that they offer a classic snapshot of the 2019 growing season and showcase the major differences between using white and red grapes to make white wines.

 “These wines are intentionally produced to educate the students and consumer on classic Champagne styles, and to instigate conversation and discussion about the amazing potential of Ontario wines,” said Findlay. ““The flavours and textures are different but are both refreshing, delicious and thought provoking.”

Pinot and Chardonnay, although commonly blended in Sparkling wine, were kept separate to show the different styles available to future winemakers. They were left to age and then the winemaking responsibilities changed hands.  Consequently, both of the new wines involved the talents of the previous College winemaker Gavin Robertson (NC Winery and Viticulture Technician alumnus from the Class of 2011), who moved on to the role of full-time faculty three years ago, as well as Findlay – who is also a graduate of the program’s Class of 2014.

“In 2022, I was lucky enough to inherit these sleeping wines and knew they in a year or two they would be destined for greatness,” said Findlay. “We tasted them this year just after Christmas and they were beautiful and ready to share.”

Teaching Distillery rolls out Canadian- and Scotch-style whiskies

Past and present collide with two new spirit offerings from the College’s Teaching Distillery: a Canadian- and a Scotch-style whisky. Both spirits were crafted by the Artisan Distilling Class of 2022 and, more recently, completed by current students.

Spirits 101 Rye Whisky is the Teaching Distillery’s first Canadian-style Rye Whisky made by blending a base whisky spirit and a flavouring whisky – containing a mixture of different spirits – which have been aging since December 2021.

“With this spirit, we tried to hold true to classic Canadian Whisky character,” said Head Distiller David Dickson. “We are a Canadian distillery that loves making whisky – we didn’t need any more motivation than that.”

Dickson and Assistant Distiller Ian Bickle – who graduated from the Artisan Distilling program in 2021 – led current students in selecting the final blend of the two; after tasting a variety of different blends, student feedback ultimately led to the final product selection. Students also measured the ABV then bottled the spirit, preparing it for retail.

“There’s always some nervousness about how the whisky will actually turn out, but there’s a kind of magic in the actual blend and finalizing the process, with our students having a hand in finishing off what former students – now graduates of the program – created over three years ago,” said Dickson. “It’s the cycle of life. It’s their legacy.”

“It feels good to see the spirits made back when I was a student now bottled and ready,” said Bickle. “It’s also rewarding to be a part of it now from the other side at the Teaching Distillery, helping current students produce their spirits.”

Spirits 101 Rye Whisky was made from a mixture of grains which were distilled between two and three times. The double-distilled spirit imparts more flavours originating in the rye grain. Corn/ barley spirits were distilled to a higher percentage of alcohol, making it smooth. Aged in ‘first-filled’ and multi-use wine barrels, it offers high oak and high rye character, with pleasant toffee apple notes.

The nose of the spirit offers a mixed grain profile with rye the most dominant, while its oak character shines through on the nose and palate.  

“I’m really excited about how it turned out. I always like new oak character in whisky and it has that flavour profile I really enjoy,” he said. “It’s not as ‘on the nose’ as Bourbon Whisky would be.”

While all second-semester students in the program learn to produce Rye Whisky, Spirits 101 Rye Whisky marks the first blend of its kind from the Teaching Distillery. Dickson hopes to continue with similar blends for future students to experience.

“When current students put away their whisky next semester, my hope is that three years in the future, another group of students will use the flavours to blend in their spirit,” he said.

Spirits 101 Rye Whisky is recommended as a sipper served with some water or enjoyed mixed as a Whisky Sour, Rye and Coke, or a Manhattan.

The Rye Whisky will also be released as part of the Teaching Winery’s new Niagara Craft Beverage Club.

The new Canadian whisky arrives on the heels of  Spirits 101 Single Malt Whisky, a Scotch-style, 100% barley-based whisky that was released in December.

“I couldn’t be more excited by how the whisky turned out. It has the quality and character of many of the whiskies that I enjoy most. The aromas of the spirit are grain forward with notes of whole grain bread, sweet malt, caramel and sweet gentle smoke,” said Dickson. “The flavours of the whisky match the character and intensity of the aromatics. Inexperienced Single Malt tasters will appreciate the approachability of this spirit and Whisky veterans will appreciate the balance.”

Whisky production is a learning objective for all Artisan Distilling students during their first semester and, while every class produces a Single Malt Whisky using the same recipe, they are all distinct.

“How they distill, the physicality of making it and production processes are the same, but decisions as they control the stills cause slight variations,” said Dickson.

The newest batch was distilled by the Class of 2022 as a test at the end of first semester and aged for three years before current students finished it off by bottling the spirit and checking its ABV.

“It comes down to the skill of the students that are running the stills – they can speed them up or slow them down, what they do influences how it tastes,” he said. “That class did a very good job,”

While Spirits 101 Single Malt may be enjoyed  in whisky cocktails like the Rob Roy or Old Fashioned, it is recommended neat, on the rocks or with a splash of cool water.

The new Sparkling wines and whiskies are now available while supplies last at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre retail store, alongside student-crafted products from the College’s Learning Enterprises – including its Teaching Winery, Teaching Distillery and Teaching Brewery – located at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake and online at  ncteachingwinery.ca.

Niagara Craft Beverage Club

NC’s wines and spirits are a component of a newly launched Niagara Craft Beverage Club. In addition to four winemaker’s selection of wines, the quarterly shipments may be customized to include a choice of one bottle of Distiller’s selection spirit, two additional curated bottles of wine, two exclusive Imperial bottles of beer, or two Taylor Road bottles of cider. Shipments include tasting notes and pairings or cocktail recipes. Memberships perks include complimentary tasting flights, quarterly pick-up parties, discounts and more.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca. 

Media inquiries, please contact: 

Julie Greco 

Communications Consultant 

905-328-2532 

[email protected] 

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Canerector Foundation makes $500,000 donation to Niagara College to fund skilled trades scholarships, mentorship

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A transformational $500,000 gift from The Canerector Foundation will help Niagara College address Ontario’s ongoing skills shortage through a scholarship program and mentorship for students in high-demand skilled trades areas.

Starting in September 2025, the Canerector Scholars Program will award scholarships to more than 50 students over five years, helping to bridge the gap for those entering the skilled trades field. The scholarships will provide financial support of $1,000 per college term, plus a $1,000 award upon graduation. In addition to financial aid, the program includes mentorship and leadership development through the Canerector Skilled TradesDean’s Council which is designed to help students grow both professionally and personally.

“The generous funding from the Canerector Foundation is much needed as the demand for skilled trades, engineering technicians and engineering technologist professionals remains at an all-time high,” said Leo Tiberi, NC’s Dean, Media, Trades, and Technology. “We know first-hand that scholarships are essential in attracting more students to our programs and helping them overcome financial barriers to pursuing exciting careers in industry. This support will enable the College to cultivate a strong and diverse workforce for the future.”

“Skilled trades are a critical contributor to the success of our overall economy,” said Amanda Hawkins, Canerector CEO and Director of the Foundation. “The Canerector Foundation is pleased to support skilled trades education, encouraging students to pursue these rewarding and in-demand careers.”

The scholarship program will benefit students enrolled in the following NC programs:

  • Welding Technician (2-year program)
  • Carpentry & Renovation (2-year program)
  • Motive Power (2-year program)
  • Construction Engineering Technology (3-year program)
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology (3-year program)
A persons uses a saw to cut wood in a lab.
A student uses equipment in NC’s School of Trades carpentry lab to cut a piece of wood.

Each scholarship recipient will also have the opportunity to engage in the Canerector Skilled Trades Dean’s Council, launching in Fall 2025. This Council will offer a platform for mentorship, industry engagement, and leadership development, guided by NC faculty and alumni leaders. The Council will also initiate programs such as a Women in Trades & Technology group, a Canerector Speaker Series, and high school recruitment events.

“NC students are the direct beneficiaries of this remarkably generous gift. We are deeply thankful to the Canerector Foundation for its investment in Niagara College students, who are essential to addressing the ongoing shortages in skilled trades,” said Gord Arbeau, NC’s Vice President, Advancement.

In addition to funding scholarships, the Canerector Foundation’s donation aligns with Niagara College’s broader Together campaign—a $50 million initiative that seeks to address skilled trades shortages and support other vital sectors, including healthcare and innovation.

Learn more about the important priorities of the Together campaign by visiting niagaracollege.ca/together.

About Niagara College

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

About the Canerector Foundation

The Canerector Foundation is a registered, non-profit Canadian charitable organization founded by the Hawkins family, owners of Canerector Inc. — a group of over 50 companies that design and manufacture industrial products across a wide range of industries. Since its formal establishment in October 2019, the Canerector Foundation has donated over $20 million to Canadian-based charities that support communities across the country and around the world. To date, the foundation has focused on supporting skilled trades education, healthcare (particularly Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes), housing, and at-risk youth.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Ana McKnight
Development Communications Specialist
Niagara College
[email protected]
905-932-5942


Sarah McCarten
Vice President, Communications
Canerector, Inc.
[email protected]
416-385-4334

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Wine vs. beer: Friendly student rivalry revs up for Caps, Corks and Forks Feb.  22

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Niagara College’s wine and beer students are ready to battle for beverage supremacy with the highly-anticipated comeback of Caps, Corks and Forks.

Organized by the College’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, the event to be held on February 22 will mark the 18th round of the popular, action-packed dinner series, which has been setting the stage for an ongoing playful competition between Winery and Viticulture Technician, and Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management students since 2012.

Guests enjoy an elegant multi-course meal prepared by students from the School of Culinary Arts and a team of College Chefs, led by Chef Justin Downes and Chef Catherine O’Donnell. Each course will be accompanied by a wine and beer pairing that has been carefully selected by students.

Following each course, guests vote for their preferred pairing – with a cap for Team Beer or a cork for Team Wine. Anticipation builds as votes are tallied throughout the evening until the  trophy is presented to the winning team – along with coveted bragging rights.

Craig Youdale, Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies, noted that the event’s format and exciting atmosphere have been a recipe for success during the past 13 years.

“It’s one of the best expressions of student activity that our division could host. We will have close to 100 people involved from culinary, pastry, hospitality, media, brewing and winemaking,” said Youdale. “The experience of Caps Corks and Forks is unprecedented in the college system and showcases each and every aspect of the Culinary Tourism and Beverage programs at Niagara College to the community and beyond.”

Team Wine includes a group of seven first-year students who will present their wine selections, which will all be VQA Ontario wines, including one from the NC Teaching Winery.

Wine Professor and team coach Gavin Robertson noted that Caps, Corks and Forks provides unique hands-on learning experience for students that reinforces key skills in wine evaluation, food and wine pairing, and service.\

“This event really stands out because it requires students to apply their skills in a high-pressure, real-world setting where they must interact with industry professionals and the public,” said Robertson. “The competitive element also pushes them to refine their tasting and pairing expertise while developing teamwork and communications skills.”

Corey Patey (Cambridge/ St. Catharines), who enrolled in the program after working in Hospitality industry for the past 20 years, is excited to bring his passion for food and wine to the competition.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us students to get in front of industry leaders and potential employers to showcase that talent that Niagara College produces and the sense of community it fosters,” said Patey.  

Members of Team Wine are preparing for their friendly competition against Team Beer on Feb. 22.Caitlyn Ensinger (Sarnia) is looking forward to presenting for Team Wine while admits she feels “slightly nervous” as a first-year student just beginning her wine education journey.

“Learning about wine and food pairings from this event will be extremely helpful with current courses, future courses and future careers,” she said. “I am looking forward to presenting the wines that we decide on in public and getting more experience in networking and public speaking.”

Meanwhile, members of Team Beer have also been rigorously analyzing the menu. Their selections will include all Ontario brews – ideally with NC alumni connections – with a limit of two student-crafted products from the College’s Teaching Brewer

“The biggest win is that the students create and strengthen bonds both with other students in the program and other students in culinary and wine programs,”  said Beer Professor and team coach Adrian Popowycz. “Students transcend beyond theory and hone the equally important soft people skills that help them in their future careers. It brings everyone together in a uniquely NC way!”

Jonathin Walllington (Welland) is among 10 Brewmaster students hoping to win the trophy for Team Beer.

“I believe this will help my career in brewing not only for understanding how beer can pair with different foods but allow me to broaden my understanding of my palate for when I pursue my BJCP certification,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the friendly competition … I find that great success comes from having good rivals.”

“We’re excited to bring together our Hospitality and Culinary Schools students once again to serve such a formidable event,” said Victor Oliveira, Manager of Catering and Special Events. “The Beer and Wine students are deeply involved in not only the selection of their ‘contestant beverages’ but also in the service and logistics of the event.

“We also have Hospitality students that were in their second semester that volunteered to work the event, returning as fourth semester students  going for a victory lap – much more skilled and much more confident!”\

The dinner menu for the event includes a variety of passed hors d’oeuvres, Citrus Cured Salmon, Niagara Greenhouse Salad, Roasted Pork Belly and Pumpkin Agnolotti, Ontario Boneless Short Rib Pastrami, and Dark Chocolate Pasta.

Tickets are now available – while supplies last – for Caps, Corks and Forks Round 18, to take place on February 22 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake (Student Commons) from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For tickets and event details visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/caps-corks-and-forks-18-tickets-1113043155039?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.
 
Media inquiries, please contact:
Julie Greco 
Communications Consultant 
905-328-2532 
[email protected] 
 
 

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Retired auto mechanic gifts tools to recent Niagara College grad who has ‘oil in their veins’

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A recent Niagara College automotive graduate will have the tools of the trade, thanks to the generosity of a recently-retired mechanic from Toronto.

Now living in Niagara Falls, and with his tools “collecting dust,” Tom Cowan’s friend Jocelyn recommended he gift them to an NC student.

Cowan got in touch with Wayne Toth, program coordinator of NC’s Motive Power program and jumped at the chance to pass the wrench to a deserving mechanic-in-training.

“I was hoping that whoever got them really wanting to be a mechanic,” said Cowan. “Someone who has oil in their veins like I did.”

L to R: Wayne Toth, Jessie Boy Dela Rosa, and Tom Cowan.

Jessie Boy Dela Rosa, a recent graduate from the Motive Power program (2024), was recommended by his professors, having earned the highest grade point average.

The gift was a complete surprise to Dela Rosa, who is now working at DVM Automotive in Welland.

“I wasn’t expecting this,” said Dela Rosa. “I am going to take good care of those tools. I know Tom has invested a lot of money and has good memories with those tools. I am going to continue doing that and will make good use of them.”

“We are so appreciative to Tom for his generosity which will surely give Jessie a leg up as he begins his new career,” said Toth. “Jessie is going to do very well. We’re very proud of him.”

Originally a Data Analyst from the Philippines, Dela Rosa spent his weekends tinkering with his car and falling in love with the trade.

“I used to work with computers… now I’m turning wrenches,” said Del Rosa, who has a Master’s degree in business management.

He and his wife – and their terrier Whiskey – took the big leap to pursue his passion and learn the automotive trade in Canada.

“I narrowed down my choice to Niagara College because of the green tech… that was the deciding factor,” said Dela Rosa, referring to NC’s expertise in electric and hybrid vehicles.  “No other college has it.”

Open the drawers of the red steel chest and the contents tell the story of Cowan’s career and passion for cars; from apprenticing to working at small shops, to teaching and eventually opening his own specialty shop for classic cars.

“There are sockets in there from 1968, and tools from the first mechanic I worked for that go back to the forties,” said Cowan, who reflected fondly on running Toytown Motors in Richmondhill where he “fixed all his friends toys,” from ‘56 Corvette’s to souped up ‘69 Chevelles.

Throughout his career, Cowan had a voracious appetite for learning.

“I took to it like a duck to water,” said Cowan, who credits his mentor John with whom he apprenticed. “The amount you don’t know is amazing, which is why staying up-to-date throughout your career is so important.”

Through his apprenticeship, Cowan experienced the value of good mentorship. He was inspired to pass it on, going on to teach at-risk youth, and later, night courses at Centennial College in electrical, carburation, and air conditioning.

“The way they’re building cars today, the opportunities for mechanics are sky-high,” said Cowan.

His advice for automotive grads: Find an employer who is supportive of continuous learning.

“Number one for employers is someone who has a good base to repair cars, but secondly, has initiative and drive to want to do better… Someone who is up to date and stays up to date.”

Tom Cowan, Jessie Boy Dela Rosa, and current students and faculty in the Motive Power program.

While at NC, Dela Rosa worked part-time with the faculty team in Motive Power to ensure the labs ran smoothly for students.

“Since day one as a student here, you impacted all of us in a very positive way, and there is no one more deserving of this than you,” said program instructor Domenic Mengia. “Working for us as an employee, volunteering at open houses, always making sure your job was done, never missing a class, and earning the highest grades.”

“I’m really glad that someone got them who could use them,” said Cowan.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant
Niagara College
[email protected]
905-932-1520

The post Retired auto mechanic gifts tools to recent Niagara College grad who has ‘oil in their veins’ appeared first on Niagara College.

Niagara College’s annual Career Fair returns this February

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This February, Niagara College will once again be opening its doors to job seekers and employers alike at the College’s largest career event of the year.

Hosted by NC’s Career and Co-op Services department, NC’s Career Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 3 and 4 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake and on Feb. 5 and 6 at the Welland Campus and is open to all NC students and alumni.

With more than 2,000 NC students and recent alumni job seekers expected to attend the Career Fair, participants are encouraged to make the most of this opportunity by handing out resumes, networking with potential employers, connecting with hiring managers and discovering what jobs are available in their intended field.

“Students and recent alumni are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to connect face-to-face with potential employers,” said Christina Farow, Director, Academic Advising and Career Services, Welland Campus. “In today’s digital age, job applicants don’t always get the chance to meet employers in-person. The NC job fair is a great way for job seekers to boost their confidence as they build connections while exploring the local job market.”

More than 100 employers are registered to attend this year’s event and are looking to recruit full-time, part-time, co-op and seasonal positions.

For a list of participating employers, the positions they are hiring for and the date(s) and campus location(s) they will be attending, visit: www.niagaracollege.ca/careerfair/employer-list/

“NC’s Career Fair is a chance for employers to meet and recruit top talent in from a pool of accomplished students and recent alumni,” said Dina Fox, Director, Academic Advising and Career Services, Daniel J Patterson Campus. “It also gives job seekers the ability to learn more about a company’s vision, culture and values as they explore various career options and opportunities.”

In preparation for the Career Fair, Career and Co-op Services has been offering a variety of sessions and workshops designed to help NC students feel prepared to meet with potential employers. Through Career and Co-op Services, students have access to resume clinics, mock interviews, networking for career fair success and much more.

“We encourage students to prepare in advance and develop a plan of action for their career fair experience,” shared Farow. “This means taking advantage of the services offered to them through Career and Co-op Services to ensure they are putting their best foot forward when meeting with potential employers.”

For full event details, visit the Career Fair website.

Career and Co-op Services

Throughout the year, NC’s Career and Co-op Services department offers students a full suite of employment services, including job search resources and coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, interview practice, and workshops. The department also supports NC alumni and helps to connect employers with students seeking part-time, seasonal, or co-op work experiences, or new graduates seeking employment. Employers can visit mycareer.niagaracollege.ca for information on how to post an opportunity or to find out more about how the Career Services team can support their hiring needs.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

Media inquiries, please contact:
Courtney De Caire
Communications Consultant
289-407-8298
[email protected]

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Mastering their craft: Niagara College shines at Ontario Brewing Awards

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NC’s Beer 101 Strong earned silver (Strong British Ale category) while Beer 101 Bitter picked up bronze (British Bitter category) at the competition’s recent award ceremony, which celebrated excellence in Ontario craft beer.

Both NC award-winners are among the most popular student-made beers from the NC Teaching Brewery. The recent OBA awards mark the 19th and 20th medals for Beer 101 Bitter and Beer 101 Strong, respectively.

“Awards for our Teaching Brewery’s student-crafted products are a win for our students and our College, as a testament to our leadership in beer education,” said Steve Gill, General Manager of NC’s Learning Enterprises.  “They’re also a win for Ontario’s craft beer industry, as our highly skilled graduates bring their knowledge and skills into the workforce.”

Brewmaster Professor Jon Downing said the awards celebrate the skills of NC’s student brewers. Students from all levels of the College’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program contribute to the Beer 101 series. The fact that the two beers have won so many awards for more than a decade – even though they were brewed by different classes of students –  demonstrates a high level of consistency and quality.

“The awards show that our students are not only learning but mastering the skills taught in the Teaching Brewery,” said Downing. “They are the ones learning while brewing these beers under the guidance of Head Brewer Ian Morrison.”

Beer 101 Strong Ale (7.5% ABV)  was developed from a very popular version of the Teaching Brewery’s annual Christmas beer, Rudolph’s Red Nose Ale. The 2013 recipe proved to be so popular that it became a regular offering from the Beer 101 series as Strong 101.

Beer 101 Bitter is an English Pale Ale (4.4% ABV), which started off as the multiple award-winning Butler’s Bitter – introduced in 2012 to mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812. It was later released in cans as Beer 101 Bitter, part of the Teaching Brewery’s flagship brand, while still available in bottles under its original name.

More than 100 awards in 38 styles were presented at the 2024 Ontario Brewing Awards event held on January 17, 2025 at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Judging  for the competition was double blind and impartial, conducted by a BJCP-certified panel.

Several alumni from the College’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program – now at breweries throughout the province – were among the winners.

Head Brewer for the NC Teaching Brewery Ian Morrison (Beamsville) was happy to receive medals for the NC Teaching Brewery and was excited to see several other NC graduates at the ceremony. Morrison began working at the Teaching Brewery a year after graduating from the College’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program in 2022 and has been Head Brewer for almost two years.

“I remember when the College won awards for beers I helped brew as a student and now it is fun to see beers that I get to brew with students win those very same awards,”  said Morrison. “I think the most rewarding part of my job is the continuous opportunities to learn new things and pass them on to others.”

Eric Mainville, from NC’s Brewmaster class of 2015, is President and Head Brewer at Brauwerk Hoffman Brewery in Rockland. He brought home several awards, including a gold and silver in the Pale Malty European Lager category, a silver in the German Wheat Beer category, and bronze in Monastic Ale.

For Mainville, who designs, brews and packages all of the beers at his small brewery which he opened just four years ago, the medals are a recognition of his hard work. He recalled attending NC during the earlier years of the Brewmaster program. “It was exciting to be a part of something in its infancy,” he said. “I was fortunate to have some amazing mentors and teachers there. Not to mention, we got real experience and established friendship in the brewing community.”

Information about the Ontario Brewing Awards and list of 2024 winners is available at ontariobrewingawards.com/.

Beer 101 Bitter and Beer 101 Strong are regularly produced and available for purchase alongside student-crafted products from NC’s School of Wine Beer and Spirits, at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre (Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake) and online at  ncteachingwinery.ca.

NC’s trailblazing Teaching Brewery is a living laboratory for students in the College’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program; both the facility and the program were the first of their kind in Canada. Launched in 2010, the program is part of the College’s School of Wine, Beer and Spirits – within NC’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division. Visit niagaracollege.ca/culinaryarts/events/.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca. 

Media inquiries, please contact: 

Julie Greco 

Communications Consultant 

905-328-2532 

[email protected] 

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Niagara College named a Top Employer for the third straight year

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NC recognized for helping its employees discover their passions

When it comes to being a workplace for its employees, Niagara College earned top marks.

For the third year in a row, NC was recognized as one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers, a competition that recognizes and celebrates local employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.

“Our recognition as a Top Employer is made possible by the unwavering commitment of our employees to the success of our students,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “Our remarkable faculty and staff embody the welcoming, passionate, trailblazing and student-focused characteristics that make Niagara College such a special place to learn and to work.”

The Top Employer evaluation criteria that apply to NC include: workplace, work atmosphere and social, health, financial and family benefits, vacation and time off, employee communications, training and skills development, and community involvement.

In the article in The Hamilton Spectator, Niagara College was recognized for its robust support for employee professional development and advancement through learning.

Niagara College earned a top employer designation because of our exceptional maternity and parental leave salary top-up benefits, retirement planning assistance and generous contributions to a defined benefit pension, and variety of food options on campus.

NC employees enjoy a comprehensive set of benefits, competitive compensation packages, exceptional maternity and parental leave salary top-up benefits, retirement planning assistance and generous contributions to a defined benefit pension.

In a recent survey, employee engagement at NC continues to be among the top 10 per cent of post-secondary institutions surveyed by Talent Map.

The College employs over 2,100 full-and-part-time employees in a variety of roles, including faculty, staff, administrators, and counsellors and student support staff.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant
Niagara College
[email protected]
905-932-1520

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NC, Mohawk College collaborate to answer call for healthcare workers

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New agreement creates pathways into high demand programs

A collaboration between two Ontario public colleges is enhancing opportunities for students while addressing critical skill gaps in their local healthcare sectors.

Niagara College and Mohawk College have recently signed an agreement that creates dedicated learner spaces in high-demand programs for their Pre-Health Sciences graduates. Thanks to the new agreement, a set number of graduates from each college’s Pre-Health Sciences programs will be able to access select high-demand programs which are not available at their institutions.

As part of the agreement, Mohawk College will reserve spaces for NC’s top Pre-Health Sciences graduates for several of its leading diploma programs including Cardiovascular Technology, Medical Radiation Sciences-Radiography, Medical Radiation Sciences-Ultrasonography, and Biotechnology. NC, in turn, will provide guaranteed admission consideration to its in-demand Dental Hygiene and Paramedic programs, with three spaces reserved annually for Mohawk’s top graduates. As both colleges develop and launch additional allied health programs the agreement can be expanded.

The focus of this new collaboration goes beyond academics; it ensures local impact by keeping talented students in their region throughout their programs and work placements. Where possible, work placements will be strategically located in each institution’s region and prepare students to meet the needs of their communities and address growing demands for skilled healthcare professionals.

“Our new collaborative agreement with Mohawk College is a win for students, a win for our colleges and a win for our communities,” said NC Vice-President Academic, Fiona Allan. “This creative solution enables us to respond expeditiously to critical staffing needs in our local healthcare sector, while forging new pathways for our Pre-Health Sciences students into sought-after programs and careers.”

Allan also noted that the new agreement benefits NC’s Pre-Health Sciences graduates by enabling them to stay in the Niagara region.

“This collaboration gives our Pre-Health Sciences students exposure to diverse pathways to careers in healthcare while allowing them to live and work locally,” said Allan.

NC had been seeking ways to support Niagara Health’s need for diagnostic imaging employees; however, launching new programs at NC would take years. To help address labour market needs more quickly, NC met with Mohawk College to initiate the new agreement.

“The agreement with Niagara College shows how colleges can leverage each other’s strengths to address critical workforce needs in our communities,” said Cebert Adamson, Vice President Academic at Mohawk College. “This will help to address critical shortages in both communities while providing our Pre-Health Sciences students with more opportunities upon graduation from their program.”

The agreement with NC is part of a larger commitment by Mohawk College to strengthen workforce development in Hamilton and the surrounding communities. It is the latest in a series of moves that includes the college announcing this past summer that it was expanding into Burlington, where there is growing demand for talent in areas like healthcare.

News of the articulation agreement is being applauded by the healthcare sector in Niagara and Hamilton.

“Niagara Health has strongly advocated for expanded medical imaging training opportunities, and we are delighted to have innovative partners answer our call for support. Programs like Medical Radiation Sciences and Cardiovascular Technology are critical for addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields,” said Simon Akinsulie, Executive Vice President of Practice, Clinical Support and Chief Nursing Executive, Niagara Health.

“With healthcare systems across Ontario facing an ongoing shortage of skilled professionals, this partnership between Niagara College and Mohawk College is a timely and impactful solution. By creating clear pathways for students in our region to enter in-demand fields, they are helping build a stronger foundation to address the health human resource challenges in Niagara.”

“The Hamilton Paramedic Service, like many ambulance services provincially, has faced challenges related to recruitment and retention within the service,” said Hamilton Paramedic Service Chief Michael Sanderson. “We have been advocating for greater access to paramedic training locally and see this agreement as a step in the right direction and one that will help build a stronger talent pipeline for our service.”

To help meet the urgent demand for more registered nurses in Niagara and beyond, NC also welcomed the first class of students into its Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree program this fall. NC’s School of Allied Health and School of Nursing and PSW are located at its Welland Campus. Hands-on learning environments include a fully operational dental clinic, as well as state-of-the-art lab facilities.

To explore information about NC pathways, please visit niagaracollege.ca/pathways.

About Niagara College

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

About Mohawk College

Mohawk College educates and serves more than 32,500 full-time, part-time, apprenticeship and international students at four main campuses in Hamilton, Ontario. Mohawk is committed to upholding an equitable, diverse and inclusive learning, working and engaging environment for students, employees and the community. The college is among the top ranked colleges for applied research in Canada and holds a GOLD STARS rating from AASHE for sustainability achievements. More than 170,000 people have graduated from Mohawk since it was founded.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco

NC Communications Consultant

905-328-2532

[email protected]

Sean Coffey

Director, Communications

905-575-2127

[email protected]

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Niagara College earns No. 1 research college in Canada for second year in a row

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For the second year in a row, Niagara College has secured the No. 1 ranking for colleges in Canada for research funding, according to a special report released on December 5. This is the tenth year in a row NC has been in the top 10.

In its publication Canada’s Innovation Leaders, Research Infosource Inc. announced the rankings under the banner of “Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges,” based on total research funding numbers for 2023.

“We are thrilled to once again earn the No. 1 spot in Canada and Ontario as the top research college,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “We are exceptionally proud of our Research and Innovation team who provide real-world solutions for businesses and extraordinary experiential learning opportunities for students.”

“As leaders in the postsecondary research and innovation landscape, we support enhanced productivity and new product development, working with industries in a wide range of sectors across Ontario and the country,” said Kennedy. “Our reputation and funding from government and industry continues to grow, as we work together to innovate for the future.”

Niagara College President Sean Kennedy (left), and Marc Nantel, PhD, Vice President of Research, Innovation & Strategic Enterprises at a celebratory event at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus on December 5.

Among colleges with applied research funding in Canada, NC earned the No. 1 ranking by attracting more than $40 million in research support to conduct innovative projects with industry partners in the advanced manufacturing, business and commercialization, food and beverage, health, horticulture and environment sectors. In the category of completed research projects, NC finished No. 2 for completed research projects at a mid-size college with a total of 178, while NC’s total number of research partnerships was 144, ranking No. 4. In addition, NC reached the No. 1 spot for industry research income with more than $35 million.

“Being recognized as the No. 1 research college in Canada for the second year in a row is a testament to our consistency and commitment to innovation excellence and groundbreaking research that drives real-world solutions for industry,” said Marc Nantel, PhD, Vice President, Research, Innovation and Strategic Enterprises.

“For the College, it means access to world-class talent, resources, and facilities to shape the future of education and industry,” said Nantel. “For our industry partners, it offers a dynamic environment for collaboration, fostering cutting-edge advancements and competitive advantages that can transform industries and benefit society at large.

“Thank you to every staff, student, faculty and researcher who helped us get to where we are today.”

“Placing No. 1 for the second year in a row as the top research college nationally is an impressive feat for Niagara College and a testament to the quality of work from their staff, students, faculty and researchers,” said Ron Freedman, CEO, Research Infosource. “The College’s commitment to prioritizing research and innovation is made evident in this year’s rankings.”

Research funding enables the College to partner with small- and medium-sized businesses in the region to conduct projects and services, which provide innovative solutions for industry, including producing and testing prototypes, evaluating new technologies, and developing new or improved products and processes.

NC conducts applied research, technical services and business and commercialization solutions with industry partners through its Business and Commercialization Innovation Centre, Food and Beverage Innovation Centre, Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre, and Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.  

Across all four Innovation Centres, NC pairs industry partners with highly qualified and experienced staff, researchers, faculty, recent graduates, and students with the expertise to meet applied research and innovation needs in many areas. Students gain real-world experience and professional development while networking directly with industry partners. 

In addition, NC leads two multi-institution networks, the Greenhouse Technology Network and the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation, capable of addressing challenges in technologies related to the needs of the greenhouse industry, and in advanced manufacturing, respectively.

As an example of a recent successful partnership, Terra Optima Labs Inc. (Terra Optima), a London-Ontario based company, created a circular system which can divert food wastes from landfills and process it into natural soil amendments, fertilizers, and food, using natural organisms. They use composting worms that consume food waste and produce a valuable manure output called castings.

Terra Optima created a novel vermichar product, comprised of a blend of worm castings and biochar, which has the potential to be used as a natural soil amendment. What they needed, though, was a research and development team to validate their product. When they met members of NC’s Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) team at a conference, they knew they were the right ones for the job of conducting research trials.

“We were able to gain access to experts in horticulture and research who designed and executed growth trials to a degree which we could not do in-house,” said Will Wang, Co-Founder, Terra Optima. “HESIC’s greenhouse is a great asset to provide a controlled environment to conduct trials year-round.”

The results completed by HESIC validated the effects of their product, which Wang noted they have received from customers reviews and demonstrated in-house. The results also helped determine future product development pathways that Terra Optima could further invest in.

View the 2024 Top 50 Research Colleges: researchinfosource.com/cil/2024/top-50-research-colleges.

View Research Infosource Inc. news release: researchinfosource.com/news/2024.

Employees from NC’s Research and Innovation division celebrate the announcement of the College’s No. 1 research ranking for the second year in a row on December 5 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus.

Research Infosource annually compiles listings of the Top 50 research universities, corporate R&D spenders, and research hospitals. This is the twelfth year a list has been released for the Top 50 research colleges in Canada. For more information on the Top 50 list, visit researchinfosource.com.  

NC’s award-winning Research and Innovation division administers research funding through investments from various regional, provincial, and federal agencies. Students and graduates are hired to work alongside faculty and staff researchers to assist industry partners’ leap forward in the marketplace. Students come from a variety of the College’s programs, such as the Commercial Cannabis Production Program, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Culinary Innovation and Food Technology, Business Administration – Marketing, and Computer Programmer. 

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of close to 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca. 

 

Media inquires, please contact: 

Julie Greco
Communications Consultant 

Niagara College 
905-328-2532 
[email protected] 

  

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