Niagara College to celebrate largest-ever graduating class at Spring Convocation, June 10 – 15

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Niagara College’s Spring 2024 Convocation is approaching with the most exciting ceremonies yet as the College celebrates a record number of 5,500 graduates. This year’s events will highlight the achievements of the Class of 2024 and honour two distinguished guests, including a prominent Niagara business leader and a notable NC alumnus and Indigenous Elder.

The Spring Convocation ceremonies will be held at Niagara College’s Welland Campus in the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre from Monday, June 10 to Saturday, June 15.

“Spring Convocation is a time of pride and celebration at Niagara College,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “We are thrilled to honour our Class of 2024 and their remarkable achievements. This year, we are particularly excited to recognize two outstanding individuals whose exemplary contributions to their fields and communities embody the welcoming, trailblazing, and passionate characteristics of NC and will inspire our graduates as they embark on their own journeys.”

Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies – Business Administration: Wendy Wing

Wendy Wing, Senior Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Rankin Construction Inc. and Port Colborne Quarries Inc., and President of Rankin Renewable Power Inc. will be presented with an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies – Business Administration at Niagara College’s convocation ceremony on June 12 at 3 p.m.

Wendy Wing, the Senior Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Rankin Construction Inc. and Port Colborne Quarries Inc., as well as President of Rankin Renewable Power Inc., will be presented with an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies – Business Administration. Recognized for her leadership in business and construction and her community stewardship in Niagara, she will be honoured during the ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 at 3 p.m., which celebrates new graduates from the College’s School of Technology and School of Trades.

Wing’s career at Rankin Construction spans over 30 years, during which she has led numerous real estate and renewable energy projects, including wind and hydro power developments. Her expertise in finance and administration has been pivotal in the successful completion of various heavy civil construction projects, such as roads, bridges, and marine work. Wing’s strategic role in the company involves analyzing new business opportunities and assessing their long-term financial impact.

Wing and her family are valued supporters and advocates of Niagara College, contributing to student success by funding scholarships and awards and by helping expand and improve campus so that students have the best teaching, learning, and gathering spaces. Across Niagara, Wing and her family founded the Rankin Cancer Run, which has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and support for patients. They have generously supported the Niagara Health System and many other community organizations.

Demonstrating her commitment to enhancing education, Wing was a dedicated member of Niagara College’s Board of Governors from 2016 to 2021, serving as Chair from September 2021 to August 2022 and as Vice-Chair from 2020 to 2021.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful to Niagara College,” said Wing. “I found my time on the Board of Governors enriching, and I am so excited to be back to celebrate with graduates on their special day. I wouldn’t be accepting this honour without the strength and support of our team at Rankin.”

Distinguished Alumni Award: Dave Labbé

Elder Dave Labbé, who graduated from Niagara College’s Electronics Engineering Technology program in 1971, will be presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award at the College’s convocation ceremony on June 10 at 3 p.m.

Dave Labbé, a member of the Innu from Northern Quebec, will be presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award during the ceremony on Monday, June 10 at 3 p.m., which celebrates new graduates from the College’s School of Community Services.

Labbé was part of the first class of students at Niagara College in 1967, graduating from the Electronics Engineering Technology program in 1971. Decades later, he returned to the College as an Elder, drawing on his own education to impart knowledge in a way that mirrors the unique learning he experienced as an NC student.

In 1995, Labbé became a Powwow Coordinator at the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, a role that aligned with his calling to help people. He eventually became the Centre’s Youth Coordinator and soon after managed the youth program full-time, dedicating his efforts to supporting young men in overcoming addictions.

Labbé’s dedication to helping others led him back to Niagara College after his retirement, this time as an Elder. In this role, he mentors students, shares wisdom, and participates in college ceremonies.

In 2023, Labbé received the Celebration of Nations Outstanding Achievement Award for Empathic Traditions, recognizing his transformative work and dedication to supporting Indigenous people within Niagara and beyond. Known as “The Eagle that Flies,” Labbé is celebrated for his ability to connect with students, make them feel at ease, and foster a sense of belonging and support.

Twelve Spring Convocation Ceremonies

NC will host 12 Spring Convocation ceremonies at its Welland Campus, marking a record number of ceremonies for the College. Ceremonies include:

  • June 10, 10 a.m. (School of Justice and Fitness and School of Allied Health)
  • June 10, 3 p.m. (School of Community Services)
  • June 11, 10 a.m. (School of Culinary Arts and School of Environment and Horticulture)
  • June 11, 3 p.m. (School of Hospitality and Tourism and School of Wine, Beer and Spirits)
  • June 12, 10 a.m. (School of Media and School of Trades)
  • June 12, 3 p.m. (School of Technology and School of Trades)
  • June 13, 10 a.m. (School of Business and Management)
  • June 13, 3 p.m. (School of Business and Management)
  • June 14, 10 a.m. (School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, School of Academic and Liberal Studies, and School of Business and Management)
  • June 14, 3 p.m. (School of Academic and Liberal Studies and School of English Language Studies)
  • June 15, 10 a.m. (School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker)
  • June 15, 3 p.m. (School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker)

A highlight of Spring Convocation will be the presentation of the prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medals to two graduating students who have achieved the highest overall grade-point average (GPA) – one from a diploma program and another from a degree program. Additionally, thirteen graduating students will receive Dean’s Awards for earning the highest GPA within their school of study.

To view the schedule and list of programs graduating within each School, visit the ‘Ceremony Schedule’ section of NC’s Convocation website. NC’s in-person Spring Convocation ceremonies will also be livestreamed via the Convocation website and ceremonies will remain on the website for later viewing.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 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.

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Media inquiries, please contact:
Alyssa Milana
Communications Consultant (Acting)
[email protected]

Niagara College celebrates Pride Month with flag raising, learning opportunities

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On Friday, May 31, Niagara College proudly raised the Progress Pride flag, in celebration of Pride Month, at both the Welland Campus and the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The flag raising marks the start of Pride Month in June, symbolizing the College’s allyship of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and support for equity, diversity and inclusion.

“I am very proud to be President of such an amazing College community, one where all are welcomed and where respect for each other is of the utmost importance,” said President Sean Kennedy in his remarks to the College community at the flag raising in Welland. “Your presence today is a strong signal of support for fellow colleagues and students and Niagara College’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Today represents a great stride by our whole community to bolster the culture of inclusion and belonging that is so central to our NC identity.”

Pride Niagara Chair Enzo De Divitiis, members of the College’s leadership team, Devin Garrah from the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), and Bruin Pol, President of the Rainbow Knights student club were in attendance, along with students and employees.

“Today we stand at the flagpoles at both campuses, gathering in solidarity, celebration and pride, to reaffirm our commitment as a community to our 2SLGBTQIA+ student and staff, said Pol.

“Reflecting on the past two years… it has been exciting to witness the progress Niagara College has made in terms of equity, diversity and inclusion,” said Pol. “However, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges and milestones that brought us here, enabling us to make the progress as a College community.”

This spring, Niagara College celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint, a collaboration with NCSAC. The Blueprint represents the College’s formal commitment to EDI work which has had – and continues to have – a transformational impact.

During the Fall Term, the College celebrated inclusivity on campus with the first the first NCSAC Pride event in partnership between NCSAC and the NC Rainbow Knights student club.

The flag was raised ahead of Pride Month so that students and employees are free to attend events in the community. Niagara College is proud to be a Rainbow Sponsor for Pride Niagara’s Pride festival, which includes various events throughout the Niagara Region.

Remarks at the flag raising sought to elevate Two-Spirit identity and the importance of working to address the impacts of colonization through support for Two-Spirit people. NC’s Indigenous Education created Two Spirit Pins, reflective of the Two Spirit Anon design from 2016, which will be available at NC’s booth at the Pride in the Park festival.

The College will continue to recognize and elevate 2SLGBTQIA+ people during Pride Month through various events and activities, including a talk entitled Here and Queer through the Years: Highlights of 2SLGBTQIA+ History in Canada, and tie-die events at both campuses.

Community events

The NC Recruitment Team, joined by Indigenous Education, will be in and around the community this month at various Pride events:

Pride Niagara: Saturday June 8 from noon to 6 p.m.
Montebello Park, 64 Ontario Street, St Catharines

Fort Erie Pride: Saturday, June 29 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fort Erie Leisureplex, 3 Municipal Centre Dr, Fort Erie

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 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.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant
Cell: 905-932-1520
[email protected]

Niagara College prof triumphs at New York International Film Festival for knock-out silver screen performance

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Niagara College Acting professor Stephanie Jones was in the spotlight at the New York International Film Festival on May 4 where she won Best Supporting Actress for her knock-out performance in the film EFC.

“What a thrilling achievement for Stephanie,” said Charles Kopun, Associate Dean of Media Studies at NC.  “And what a great reflection on our Acting program. Industry recognition such as this underscores the commitment, talent and experience that our faculty bring to the classroom. We’re very proud of Stephanie and really glad to have her aboard as full-time faculty.”

Written and directed by Jaze Bordeaux, EFC tells the story of a showdown between a reigning champion and a rising star in the world of women’s mixed martial arts and boxing.

Enter Jones who plays Donna, a tough and dedicated fight promoter intent on elevating women in the male-dominated sport.

“Donna cares deeply about diversity and inclusion in what has been seen as a man’s sporting event,” explains Jones. “Although she wants the world of female sport to prosper and succeed, she doesn’t want to do it at the expense of the athletes she represents. She wants to protect the female athletes. I can relate to this when I create stories for production, or when I teach.”

In 2009, Jones began teaching part-time in NC’s Acting for Film and Digital Media program, and returned full-time in 2023 after five years in New York. Jones is an actor, playwright, Artistic Director and theatre educator and one of the leading experts of the Meisner Technique in Canada – a series of exercises created by Sanford Meisner to practice concentration and freedom in unison. Jones studied the technique in New York with Richard Pinter and Ron Stetson who were handpicked by Sanford Meisner himself.

When she got the call back that she got the part in 2018, Jones was living in Manhattan and teaching at The Neighborhood Playhouse, commuting to Toronto and back to film.

“I would fly, drive and train back and forth,” said Jones. “One night I shot until 1 a.m. in Toronto, I drove to New York and was at the school teaching by 9 a.m. I’m proud of myself that I made it work and never missed a day of teaching.”

Her part in the film almost didn’t happen.

After a self-tape audition for another role and months of silence, her agent called with the news: The role had been cut from the film, but Bordeaux had rewritten the script to include a female fight promoter.

He wanted Jones to play the part.

Jones’s story is a lesson to her students in perseverance and dedication to the craft.

“If you have a passion for what you do, remember that it is a long game,” said Jones. “Take classes, constantly, and keep putting your best self forward in everything you do. The way you do one thing is the way you should do everything. It is rarely a straight line to success – specifically in the arts, the road winds around, circles back – be sure to enjoy it.”

Jones will soon begin her PhD at the University of Guelph in the practice of acting and the application of the Meisner Technique.

Bordeaux, who spoke to students in NC’s Acting program at a recent Up Close and Personal session, won Best Director for his Directorial Debut of EFC.

“Jaze really wanted the students to know that they are a business,” said Jones. “That they must approach the work, not only as an artist, but as a dedicated business professional.”

The film is set to premier in Toronto in Fall 2024.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 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.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant
Cell: 905-932-1520
[email protected]

Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce joins SONAMI to diversify opportunities for Black Canadian-owned businesses as newest ecosystem partner

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The Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI) has formed an ecosystem partnership with the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC), a bilingual non-profit organization formed as a Cultural Chamber of Commerce that’s committed to connecting Black Canadian businesses to local, regional and international markets. The partnership between SONAMI and CBCC will drive innovation by connecting CBCC members to Ontario manufacturers, providing opportunities for potential events, mentorship, procurement opportunities and process-to-product commercialization, including an opportunity to work together on supplier diversity initiatives.

SONAMI and CBCC will support each other in their ongoing engagement with companies in advanced manufacturing and technologies, clean-tech, automotive, aerospace, energy systems, and the food processing sector. By extension, both parties will proactively support the organizational goals and initiatives of the other, while collaborating on bilateral funding proposals and joint events for visibility such as networking, production demonstrations, pitch competitions, industry days and more.

“This ecosystem partnership between SONAMI and CBCC will support Black Canadian businesses and drive diversity amongst manufacturing across the country,” said Marc Nantel, PhD, Vice President, Research, Innovation and Strategic Enterprises at Niagara College. “By formalizing this partnership, we hope to better support Black-owned companies in the strategic and critical areas of advanced manufacturing, cleantech, automotive, aerospace, energy systems and food processing. By working together, we can create more inclusive opportunities and drive innovation in the industry, while exposing our students to the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion.”

“Opportunities like this can serve as a foundation for inter-generational wealth. We are fortunate to partner with SONAMI in developing successful entrepreneurs and a stronger workforce – both with and for the betterment of Black Canadians and the greater Canadian economy,” said Michael Forrest, Founder of CBCC.

The CBCC is focused on economic development and a future-forward mindset that provides access and elevates opportunities for our members and the Black community. We will accomplish this by working collaboratively to remove barriers and equipping our members and Black entrepreneurs with the applicable tools, resources and education for success. As the national voice of Black Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs, this partnership is a vital commitment that will allow for the continued expansion and identifying economic development and innovation partners that serves to grow the Canadian economy.

The new ecosystem partnership with SONAMI brings the CBCC, its members and the Black community closer to the equity and inclusion the organization continuously strives and advocates for.

Led by Niagara College, SONAMI is a network of 11 postsecondary institutions that, through their respective research and innovation centres, collaborates with small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to tackle their manufacturing-related challenges. The award-winning network leverages faculty, students, and state-of-the-market equipment together with funding from the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Government of Ontario through Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), to support manufacturing in Canada. Additionally, SONAMI assists SMEs across all industries to plan out their commercialization strategy and protect their intellectual property rights.

Together, this partnership will enhance the support framework available for Black-owned companies in the Canadian manufacturing industry.

Representatives from interested businesses can contact SONAMI to access the advanced manufacturing network. For more information about the network, please visit the SONAMI website.

Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) logo.

The Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI) is a Niagara College-led network of postsecondary institutions, who, through their respective Research and Innovation Centres, collaborate with small- and medium-sized companies to tackle their manufacturing-related challenges. SONAMI leverages faculty, students, and state-of-the-market equipment, together with funding from the Federal Government, to support manufacturing in Canada. Learn more at sonami.ca.

For 14 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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.

The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) is the national hub of the Black business ecosystem and the voice of Black businesses across Canada. As a bilingual, cultural chamber of commerce, working to create value, access, and opportunities representing the economic interests of all firms and founders in our growing community, we empower Black Canadian entrepreneurs to invest in themselves and their business success. CBCC provides advocacy, business solutions, resources, and information to elevate Black businesses in Canada to the global Black diaspora and mainstream markets. For more information visit blackchamber.ca or email CBCC at [email protected].

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Media inquiries, please contact:
Alyssa Milana
Communications Consultant (Acting)
[email protected]

Gold and quadruple bronze wins for Niagara College at Skills Ontario

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Hairstyling student Rikaya Santik from Niagara Falls brought home a gold medal win for Niagara College at the Skills Ontario competition in Toronto, May 6-7, and four fellow students earned bronze medals.

Bachelor of Arts Honours Game Design student Ben Cohen of Richmond Hill, Computer Programming & Analysis program student Doaa Awan of St. Catharines, Esthetician program student Kazzel Vibar, and Hairstyling student Trinity Ptashnyk of Chippawa joined Santik atop the provincial stage, winning third place in their respective competitions.

Santik will advance to the Skills Canada National Competition in Quebec City at the end of May.

“Competing at the provincial level alongside the top students in Ontario is an extraordinary experience for our students, and we are so proud to see them achieve success,” said Leo Tiberi, Dean of Media, Trades and Technology. “Their dedication, and that of the faculty and staff who support them, is remarkable, and their success a testament to the quality applied education they receive at Niagara College.”

Hairstyling

Santik, an aspiring celebrity stylist, showed off her creative flair and technical skill, completing an updo, cornrows, a colour and a cut as part of the competition.

“To compete in provincials was stressful, everyone was super good. Winning gold felt really good…. I didn’t even know that I could even get that far.”

Competing at Nationals will be a whole new experience for Santik – and her first time on a plane.

“…This is all new to me so I’m pretty stoked about it all. To approach the competition, I’m just going to keep my head held high and just focus on me. Do the best that I can, because this has been a wonderful experience,” said Santik. “NC has definitely helped me step outside my comfort zone and do things I haven’t been comfortable doing in my career.”

Fellow classmate Ptashnyk who placed third says the competition was a valuable experience.

“I had a lot of fun competing; I’ve always loved competitions,” said Ptashnyk. “I would love to open a salon and this program has taught me how to do so in the future.”

“I’m very proud of all our competitors; they represented Niagara College well,” said program coordinator Joe Abbruscato, who coached Santik and Ptashnyk. “We put a lot of hours into training and the results paid off. Rikaya has been putting in some extra time training for the nationals so she’ll be ready to complete against the country’s best.”

Web Design and Development

Earning a medal was a “delightful surprise” for aspiring software or web developer Awan, who admits she has a tendency to underestimate her abilities.

“I think this experience made me more aware of that and also reminded me of the fact that this is a trend that is prevalent among women, especially in male-dominated fields,” said Awan. “This unexpected medal has been a pivotal moment, reinforcing the importance of valuing my own skills… teaching me to recognize my potential and aim for the highest achievements.”

Preparation for the competition was “intense” for Awan, involving memorization of code. Competitors were tasked with coding a four-page website for the Toronto Aquarium, including a home page, about page, image gallery, and contact page, with the added challenge of choosing a colour palette, design elements and customizing a logo.

“I am driven by the desire to engage in work that excites me daily, allows me to leverage my potential, and contributes to solving real-world problems,” said Awan. “Financial freedom is also a major goal, along with the flexibility to work remotely, which would enable me to travel, have new experiences, and connect with diverse individuals.”

“My time at Niagara College has been instrumental in setting these goals… It has been a transformative experience, allowing me to combine my technical abilities with my passion for design, and preparing me to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.”

3D Digital Game Art

Game Design student Ben Cohen is in his third year of the joint program with Brock University. His win at Skills Ontario comes on the heels of his team’s victory at Level Up for their game Reverex. Cohen’s specialty is technical art – the fusion of technical knowledge and artistic skill – an in-demand skill-set in the digital world.

Competitors in the 3D Game Art competition were given concept art from which to 3D model, UV unwrap, and texture a robot. Cohen’s final design named Rusty was completed under a time limit with strict technical parameters.

“Having the opportunity to compete against the top Game Art students in the province was an incredibly fulfilling experience and seeing the work that everyone produced was so amazing,” said Cohen, who says the competition honed his time management and technical skills.

Leveraging his experience at Level Up, Cohen learned to trust in himself and have confidence to compete in a high-pressure environment.

“Seven and a half hours isn’t a lot of time to make a 3D model, and have it packaged to go on Sketchfab, so I knew that I needed to be cool, manage my time well and trust in the skills I had gained from my last three years of practice…. Being recognized at a provincial level for my efforts and skills in this competition was an incredible honour.”

“The Game Design program has given me a lot of transferable skills to other industries, specifically with the specialized game technology I get to work with daily,” said Cohen, citing support from instructors Conor Macneill (Technical Chair for the competition) and Kevin Gordon.

Cohen hopes to return to the provincial competition next year as he completes his final year at Brock, after which he hopes to pursue “ambitious goals” for the future.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to work at Walt Disney Imagineering to develop attractions and experiences at their parks. Similarly, I’d also love to work for Walt Disney Animation developing animated feature films.”

Esthetics

Esthetician program student Kazzel Vibar placed third, earning a bronze medal at the provincial competition.

“Participating in the Skills Ontario competition was an incredibly fun and enriching experience,” said Vibar. “It provided me with an invaluable opportunity to enhance my skills as an esthetician. I am deeply grateful to have placed with a bronze medal, and I owe a great deal of thanks to Niagara College and my mentor for choosing me to represent the esthetics program. This experience has been a highlight in my journey and will always hold a special place in my heart.”

“Kazzel was very committed to the training for six weeks prior to the competition,” said Susan Paone, professor in the School of Hospitality & Tourism. “She dedicated an additional six to eight hours on top of her program commitments. We are super proud of all of her accomplishments.”

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 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.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant
Cell: 905-932-1520
[email protected]

New Niagara Launch Centre to expand capacity for skilled trades training

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A unique educational partnership between Niagara College (NC), Niagara Catholic, and Notre Dame College School – with support from the Niagara Home Builders Association (NHBA) – will expand local capacity for skilled trades training to help meet the urgent need for trades workers in the region.

NC and partners at Niagara Catholic have teamed up at the Niagara Launch Centre, a campus of Notre Dame College School inside the Seaway Mall in Welland, to share space, tools, equipment and expertise to prepare students for lucrative careers in the trades.

“Niagara Catholic has been a leader in technology education for students in Niagara for many years,” said Niagara Catholic Director of Education Camillo Cipriano. “We are extremely fortunate to have so many outstanding partners in our community who take students from their high school years to post-secondary learning through college programs or apprenticeships. Niagara College has been one of our longest-standing partners. The partnership we are announcing today, sharing the Notre Dame College School Launch Centre space with Niagara College, is another way to ensure we continue to meet the needs of students and industry in Niagara.”

Andrew Boon, Principal of Notre Dame College School, is excited for the opportunities this offers his students.

“The Launch Centre is a place where technology students at Notre Dame College School receive hands-on education in different skilled trades,” said Mr. Boon. “The partnership with Niagara College will provide students with access to tools and technology at a level beyond what might normally be available in a high school. We look forward to sharing this space with Niagara College for many years to come.”

“As industry demand grows, Niagara College and our partner, Niagara Catholic, are committed to addressing the pressing need for skilled tradespeople through collaborative and innovative education strategies. Our partnership with the Niagara Launch Centre allows NC to increase our capacity for trades programming on-and-off-campus, and positions us to explore collaborative program offerings with Niagara Catholic,” said NC’s Fiona Allan, Vice-President, Academic.

The Niagara Launch Centre first opened in 2016 at the Seaway Mall (inside the former Target store), as a centralized, off-site technology centre for student learning. In 2021, the Launch Centre relocated to the new 12,000 square-foot space in the Seaway Mall (near the Winners). It has become a dedicated technology space for Notre Dame students. It also services students in Lakeshore Catholic’s Transportation Technology classes.

The location at the Seaway Mall provides great exposure for pathways to high-demand trades to youth and those seeking career changes. The College has injected the space with new tools and instructional equipment (valued at $15,000) to be used by secondary and post-secondary students alike.

On May 15, members of the partner organizations, industry employers, students, and alumni gathered at the Niagara Launch Centre to celebrate the new partnership and program possibilities.

This spring/summer, the partnership will extend capacity for the post-secondary Construction Skills program, a joint venture between NC and the NHBA to close the skills gap. Through the 16-week program, students train for entry level careers in the residential construction industry. As demand for the program continues, 80 students in two cohorts (May and July 2024) will receive hands-on training in carpentry and framing at both NC’s Welland Campus and the Niagara Launch Centre. The program culminates in an eight-week paid work placement.

“The need to fill the void of our aging trades gap is a vital issue with 700,000 of the four million Canadians who work in the trades retiring by the end of the decade.”, commented NHBA CEO Chuck McShane. “Together, with our partners we will continue to grow our commitment to education and hands on learning which will help in shaping the skilled tradespeople of tomorrow.”

In a statement read at the event, Education Minister Stephen Lecce credited all parties for the innovative partnership.

“At a time when there is growing demand for skilled trades labour, the launch of this new partnership is incredibly good news,” said Lecce, “and I am confident it will help our province to build the critical infrastructure we will need in the years ahead and assist many young people in the Niagara region to enter rewarding careers in the skilled trades.”

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 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.

Niagara Catholic provides excellence in Catholic education to more than 22,000 students from Grimsby to Fort Erie. We are a Christ-centered Catholic faith community that celebrates diversity and fosters spiritual growth, inspiring all to reach their full potential in mind, body, and spirit, encountering souls and opening minds so that all students succeed. Register online anytime at niagaracatholic.ca.

Established in 1955, the Niagara Home Builders’ Association is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 155 member companies including: Builders, Developers, Renovators, Suppliers, Supplier/Trade Contractors, Manufacturers, and Allied Professionals. They continue to advocate on behalf of the residential building community, with a focus on promoting the skilled trades. For more information, visit: nhba.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

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

Jennifer Pellegrini
Communications Officer
Niagara Catholic District School Board
Cell: 905-651-3818
[email protected]

Alicia Dimitrov-Lawrence
Executive Officer
Niagara Home Builders Association
Cell: 905-646-6281
[email protected]

Niagara College’s Kimberley Cathline announced as one of the 2024 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture

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Annex Business Media’s Agriculture group has named the seven honourees of the 2024 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture (IWCA) program. These seven women were nominated by friends, colleagues, mentors and mentees, and their nomination packages were among dozens of accomplished, influential women whose nominations were submitted. Included in the seven women is Kimberley Cathline, Research Program Manager at the Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) at Niagara College.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be among the 2024 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture honourees,” said Kimberley. “It’s not just a recognition of individual achievement, but a celebration of the collective dedication and resilience of women in shaping the future of agriculture. This program provides an amazing opportunity to shine a light on the inspirational female role models across the country, and I’m humbled to have been selected as one of them.”

As HESIC’s Research Program Manager, and a member of the Science and Innovation Advisory Committee at Bioenterprise Canada, Kimberley has been a driving force in steering agricultural research towards innovative directions and program expansions. Her role in fostering innovation through industry-driven applied research is part of her leadership and a cornerstone of it. By managing and expanding the research program at HESIC, she is actively contributing to advancing agricultural practices and ensuring that the research has practical, real-world applications. This involves overseeing projects that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and its application in the field, leading to innovations that can significantly enhance productivity, sustainability, and environmental stewardship in agriculture.

“Kimberly’s recognition as one of the 2024 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture is a testament to her unwavering dedication and profound impact on the agricultural landscape,” said Marc Nantel, PhD, Vice-President, Research, Innovation & Strategic Enterprises, Niagara College. “Her innovative approaches and commitment to pushing research to the next level have not only transformed the industry but also inspired countless others, including students, to pursue excellence. Kimberly’s leadership embodies the spirit of equity, diversity and inclusion, driving forward a brighter, more resilient future for agriculture in Canada.”

Kimberley holds a Master of Science in Biological Sciences, specializing in Plant Sciences, from Brock University, and was the 2017 winner of the Distinguished Graduate Award for the highest overall program average. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Science, with Distinction, in Plant Biology from the University of Guelph, and was awarded the Sharon Marshall Memorial Prize in Plant Biology for the highest cumulative average. She has more than 18 years of experience working in an applied horticulture research environment. Kimberley was a 2022 Women in Business Awards finalist and also holds a Governance Professionals of Canada Designation (GPC.D). She has served as Corporate Secretary for several Niagara-based corporations and is Past Chair for local charity Community Crew, which provides healthy lunches to children across Niagara.

Kimberley’s unwavering commitment to education and mentorship sets her apart. Students who have an opportunity to work on a project with HESIC have received first-hand, real-world experience, which helps them become innovative, forward-thinking employees who, in several cases, have been hired by the supported companies.

She has also led applied research initiatives that directly impact agricultural practices; the goal is to facilitate the commercialization of these innovations, enhancing efficiency and productivity across the agricultural value chain, from input supplies to farming practices and postharvest processes. This includes collaborations with companies such as SoilOptix® and International Zeolite Corp. (IZ), which are at the forefront of agricultural technology. SoilOptix’s precision soil mapping technology and IZ’s development of NEREA®, a product designed to improve traditional growing systems, exemplify how Kimberley’s leadership fosters innovation that can enhance productivity and sustainability on farms.

Kimberley’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion within STEM and agriculture further amplifies her positive impact on Canadian agriculture. By encouraging the participation of women and underrepresented groups in these fields, she fosters a more inclusive, dynamic, and innovative agricultural community. Overall, her comprehensive approach to leadership in agriculture—spanning technological innovation, education, community service, and advocacy for diversity—has profoundly influenced Canada’s agricultural sector’s growth, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Throughout the summer, the seven IWCA honourees will be sharing their stories, insights and advice through the AgAnnex Talks podcast series. In the fall, they will also participate in the live, half-day virtual IWCA Summit.

Congratulations to the other winners including:

  • Sabine Banniza – Saskatchewan
  • Chris Brown – Ontario
  • Kendra Donnelly – Alberta
  • Mel Luymes – Ontario
  • Liz Robertson – Manitoba
  • Cheryle Warkentine – Manitoba

IWCA was created to help identify and promote women across the diverse agriculture industry. Women are actively farming, providing animal health and nutrition services to farming operations, or leading sales, agronomy, research, and marketing teams more than ever before. Our goal is to spotlight influential and innovative women, sharing their stories, achievements, challenges, and wisdom with the industry through our agricultural brands: Top Crop Manager, Potatoes in Canada, Canadian Poultry, Manure Manager, Fruit & Vegetable, Drainage Contractor and The Trough.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate, and bachelor’s 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.

 

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Media inquiries, please contact:
Alyssa Milana
Communications Consultant (Acting)
[email protected]

Michele O’Keefe wins prestigious CICan Award of Excellence

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Niagara College’s Director of Athletics and Student Engagement presented with silver award

For the second time in two years, a member of the Niagara College community has earned a prestigious national award recognizing exceptional leadership and significant contributions to student success.

Michele O’Keefe, Director, Athletics and Student Engagement, was presented with a silver Leadership Excellence Award for Managerial Staff from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) on April 30 during its 2024 CICan Connection Conference in Calgary.

Honourable Mentions also went to Niagara College for the Excellence in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award, and to Reginald (Reggie) Williams for the Leadership Excellence Award for Students.

O’Keefe, formerly the CEO and president of Canada Basketball, joined Niagara College in 2018—the same year she was awarded the Leadership in Sport Award at the Canadian Sport Awards, Canada’s premier event for national sport achievement and leadership recognition.

In the years since, O’Keefe’s commitment to promoting sport as a tool of empowerment—especially for women—has remained steadfast. At Niagara College, she’s been a constant source of encouragement for students, athletes, coaches and employees who are motivated by her genuine and inspiring leadership style.

O’Keefe, however, credits the college for creating an environment where she can help student and staff flourish.

“I feel very fortunate to work at Niagara College,” she said. “The special environment we have allows me to have influence in building an atmosphere where our students and staff can participate in programs, events and teams that will help them for life. The collaborative nature of Niagara College—combined with the staff we have in Athletics and Student Engagement—naturally builds programs that put our students in the spotlight.

“I’m very grateful to Niagara College for nominating me for this prestigious award,” she added. “To know that the Knights family feels that my leadership is valuable is a tremendous feeling.”

Highly respected in the field of sport, O’Keefe has received numerous accolades and awards for her visionary leadership, including the City of Welland’s esteemed H.L. Cudney Memorial Award for her contributions to basketball, and an Executive Award of Merit in 2020 for her role formalizing a structure for the development of basketball officials. In 2020, she was also a runner-up for the International Olympic Committee Women and Sport Awards.

O’Keefe is the past Board Chair of the Ontario Sport Network (OSN) and is among a small group of Canadian athletic leaders to sit on world sports boards. From 2014-2023, she served on the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Americas Board and the FIBA Central Board, making her a top female policymaker in international sport.

Throughout her career she has played an integral role in shaping sport policy and continues to build capacity for sport excellence at the local, provincial, national and international levels through her volunteer work.

Among O’Keefe’s recent accomplishments is a partnership with the City of Welland to launch the first-ever Girls Sport Day in 2022, which provides girls between the ages of six and 12 the opportunity to try a variety of sports to build confidence and instill a sense of belonging in sport.

She also held a spot on the board of directors and served as Chair of the Legacy Committee for the Niagara 2022 Summer Games.

Niagara College President Sean Kennedy said O’Keefe’s leadership at the College is shaping a legacy of excellence in sport and a passion for community building.

“Michele’s unique ability to bring people together and drive collaboration in support of students is infectious,” Kennedy said. “Like any great coach, she leads by example, nurturing talent and leveraging connections to build people up and bring out their best. Michele embodies Niagara College’s welcoming, passionate and trailblazing characteristics. She is warm, approachable and pragmatic, and her leadership inspires trust and serves as a magnet for new partnerships and connections.”

The CICan Awards of Excellence recognize and promote excellence within Canadian colleges and institutes, while showcasing the extraordinary contributions of individuals to their college/institute communities.

“The impact of the college and institute sector is felt in the success of our students and the partnerships we build across our communities,” said CICan President and CEO Pari Johnston. “The exceptional leaders within our institutions are the key drivers of that impact. Congratulations, Michele, on your Leadership Excellence Award for Managerial Staff.”

CICan’s Leadership Excellence Award for Managerial Staff recognizes an individual or team who has made an exceptional contribution within their institution and within the community it serves.

O’Keefe was presented with the award at the silver level on April 30 at CICan’s Awards of Excellence Luncheon.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 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.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Elyse Howarth
Communications Consultant
Cell: 905-329-4910
[email protected]

Funding for Niagara College’s Food & Beverage Innovation Centre will support businesses to develop and market new beverages

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Niagara College is excited to share that the Food & Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC) will receive funding of up to $200,000 from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). This support will help FBIC deliver services to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to de-risk innovation in new beverage product development, which includes prototyping, food safety guidance, testing, and producing marketable products at FBIC’s new Beverage Research & Development Pilot Processing Facility.

This NRC IRAP funding allows FBIC to connect SMEs with its highly qualified and experienced FBIC staff, faculty, recent graduates, and students, with the right expertise and equipment to meet their needs and provide solutions for industry innovation challenges.

“For the second consecutive year, we’re thrilled to have NRC IRAP’s support. Contributions such as these give the FBIC team the opportunity to work collaboratively with industry partners, impacting their bottom line, and provide real-world job opportunities for students,” said Marc Nantel, PhD, Vice-President, Research, Innovation & Strategic Enterprises.

“Both FBIC, IRAP and the communication between the two has been seamless. Not one part of this process was overwhelming, thanks to them. They have allowed us to design and build our product to a place we are thrilled with. Budgets and costs are even tighter in this post-COVID world, but we were able to make it happen,” said Michael Kapusty, General Manager of Dispatch Restaurant.

“Having achieved their Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification, FBIC can now help industry partners to be market-ready by focusing on getting the food safety and quality parameters right at the initial stages of development, so they can prove their concept in the market, and be confident in the next steps of scaling to commercial co-packing/manufacturing. FBIC de-risks the product launch process and plugs in where industry needs the most support,” said Lyndon Ashton, Associate Director, Economic Development & Planning, FBIC.

Project intake is ongoing and open until November 29, 2024. The average project value will be $24,000 – comprised of $20,000 NRC IRAP funding and industry cash. Project values will range from $20 – 28,000. To participate, SMEs must contribute a 1:1 match comprised of 20% cash and 80% in kind, which includes such items as staff time committed to the project.

The target clients for this pilot include SMEs innovating in beverage production, including non-alcoholic, low alcohol, or alternative products (such as plant-based and functional beverages like sports drinks, etc.).

To be eligible, SMEs must be NRC IRAP clients referred by an Industrial Technology Advisor or Client Engagement Advisor.

NC’s award-winning Research & 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.

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Media inquiries, please contact:
Alyssa Milana
Communications Consultant (Acting)
[email protected]

 

NC students triumph on global stage, win third place overall at international business case competition

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Niagara College (NC) School of Business and Management students made their mark on the global stage, securing the third-place overall rank at the Corvinus Undergraduate Business Experience (CUBE), an international business case competition held in Budapest, Hungary. From April 4 to 12, a team of four students ventured from their NC roots to Corvinus University of Budapest, ready to showcase their analytical and problem-solving skills among esteemed schools from around the world.

Competing against sixteen schools, NC stood out as the only college in the competition. Despite never having competed in an international case competition, the student team rose to the challenge with passion and determination, supported by their faculty advisors and School of Business Management professors, Terri Champion, and Stefan Johnson, who provided invaluable guidance in the weeks leading up to the competition.

The sixteen competing schools included Case Key Academy, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Copenhagen Business School, HEC Montreal, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Iowa State, Niagara College, Norwegian Business School, Ohio State University, Rotterdam School of Management, University of Calgary, University of Melbourne, University of Minnesota, University of St. Gallen, University of Sydney, and University of Washington.

“In bringing together students from top schools from around the world, the competition provided students with an elevated global awareness, valuable exposure to diverse perspectives and the confidence that their NC business education can help them to compete with the best and brightest in the world,” said Champion. “We are extremely proud of our hard-working team who spent many long hours preparing for this competition, on top of their full-time course load and juggling various work commitments.”

“Given the diverse academic backgrounds and varying levels of expertise among our students, Terri and I witnessed remarkable growth and cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange that this type of competition requires,” said Johnson. “Thanks to the dedication and effort of our students, we have secured official invitations to two prestigious competitions in Sydney, Australia, and Budapest, Hungary, scheduled for the fall, along with one in the winter of 2025.”

Niagara College School of Business and Management students with faculty advisors for the Corvinus Undergraduate Business Experience (CUBE) international business case competition. Left to right: School of Business Management professor and faculty adviser, Stefan Johnson, Nicholas Molnar, fourth-year International Commerce and Global Development student, Brooklyn Balanowski, second-year Business Administration Marketing student, Dario Spiteri, second-year Business Administration Marketing student, Roberto Viallo, third-year International Commerce and Global Development student, and School of Business Management professor and faculty adviser, Terri Champion.

CUBE is designed to provide a unique competition format that not only challenges teams, but also focuses on the professional development of competitors. The competition consisted of a pre-case, short seven-hour case and a 24-hour case and culminated in captivating presentations to a panel of professional judges who evaluated and recognized the most innovative and strategic solutions.

NC students distinguished themselves by excelling in both the seven-hour and 24-hour case challenges. Their notable achievements included a first-place finish in their division for the 24-hour case beating out Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Iowa State and Rotterdam Business School, and advancing to the finals to earn third place overall against University of Minnesota, and University of Sydney. The student team also placed second in their division for the seven-hour case.

All awards, including the final standings of the top schools, were presented at a gala awards dinner to end the week-long competition. It was here that Niagara College was proudly announced as the third-place winner overall, a significant achievement among the sixteen competing schools.

Despite feeling initially nervous about competing against prestigious international schools, fourth-year International Commerce and Global Development student Nicholas Molnar was motivated to make a name for NC business students. Sharing his biggest takeaway from the competition Molnar emphasizes, “no matter your size, experience, or background, anything is possible.”

Reflecting on the immense preparation and dedication required for CUBE, second-year Business Administration Marketing student Dario Spiteri feels the team’s hard work paid off and the overall experience was well worth the reward.

“This competition was one of the best experiences I have had during my time at Niagara College,” said Spiteri. “Preparing before we left was intense, typically spending seven or so hours per week to practice solving and presenting cases. With all our preparation, we felt well-equipped to compete once we arrived in Budapest and it felt amazing to be able to represent NC in such a significant way at our first international case competition.”

Beyond the competition, CUBE offered enriching programs and workshops designed to broaden participants’ perspectives and enhance their analytical toolkit.

“Competing at CUBE significantly enhanced my educational experience at NC by providing real-world application of theoretical concepts learned in the classroom,” said Brooklyn Balanowski, second-year Business Administration Marketing student. “It has improved my critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills through a hands-on experience in analyzing complex business scenarios and presenting viable solutions under pressure. This international experience will forever stand out as a highlight in my academic journey.”

For international student Roberto Viallo, who is in his third year of the International Commerce and Global Development program, CUBE presented a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth as he hopes to establish himself as a business leader in Canada.

“Being an NC student has contributed significantly to my career aspirations,” he said. “It has taken me out of my comfort zone, away from my homeland, family, and familiar surroundings, and immersed me in new challenges, like CUBE, that have fostered resilience and adaptability that are essential for navigating today’s globalized world.”

Benefiting from the rich extracurricular learning opportunities NC provides, Molnar encourages future students to fully embrace the unique experiences available beyond the traditional classroom setting.

“I hope future NC students take part in the many extracurricular, hands-on learning opportunities offered by the College,” said Molnar. “I know firsthand that participating in events like CUBE can be a transformative component to a student’s academic journey.”

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor’s 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.

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Media inquiries, please contact:
Alyssa Milana
Communications Consultant (Acting)
[email protected]