The future of beer is brewing at Niagara College.

Twelve student-crafted beers will be featured as Project Brew returns on Friday, August 8, with a new theme: CyBrewPunk 2099: The Future of Brewing. Hosted by the graduating class of NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program, the outdoor beer festival will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus (135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake).

Guests aged 19 and older are invited to sample a wide range of unique brews, enjoy a food menu created by the College’s School of Culinary Arts students, and vote for their favourite beer to help crown the winner of the People’s Choice Award.

Project Brew beers will also be evaluated by a panel of judges from the College and industry, with the recipient of a $4,500 scholarship sponsored by Lallemand Brewing announced at the event.

“Project Brew offers a unique, hands-on learning experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice,” said Alyssa Janssen, Professor, Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program. “Students design this event from start to finish, including each of the beers that are available to taste. This class enhances skills in event planning, marketing, hospitality, and teamwork, all while fostering entrepreneurial spirit and real-world confidence.”

“Project Brew is our opportunity to bring everything we’ve learned over the past two years to life,” said class chair Chris Morgan. “Our class has worked together to create an event we’re truly proud of, from the beers and the branding to the guest experience.”

This term’s CyBrewPunk 2099 theme was inspired by a desire to try something new.

“We wanted to create a unique theme that hadn’t been done before,” said Morgan. “Past events have featured everything from original ideas to classics like Oktoberfest or German beer halls. This year, we decided to look ahead and imagine what brewing might look like in the future.”

Each student in the program was tasked with creating an original recipe and helping organize the event. Morgan, originally from Newfoundland, transitioned from a career in theatre, film, and tourism to pursue brewing, inspired by his experience working at craft breweries near his hometown. For Project Brew, he crafted Neufunder Weisse, a fruited Berliner Weisse brewed with raspberries, peaches and a hint of vanilla, creating a refreshing 4.0% ABV sour ale. The name, reflecting his Newfoundland roots and the traditional German beer style, also pays tribute to the beer that helped his team win this year’s NC Caps, Corks & Forks competition.

Project Brew guests will also enjoy a full menu curated by Chef Justin Downes in collaboration with the brewmaster class and handcrafted by students from the College’s School of Culinary Arts. Dishes include Korean Fried Chicken Sandwiches, Corn & Crab Fritters, and more. The full menu is available at: https://projectbrew.squarespace.com/menu

Tickets are $35 plus tax, which includes five beer tokens and a take-home beer glass. Group pricing is available for parties of six or more at $30 plus tax per person. Additional tokens will be available for $2 each.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/project-brew-cybrewpunk-2099-the-future-of-brewing-tickets-1424248829589

A portion of the proceeds from Project Brew will support the Matt Soos Memorial Scholarship named in honour of a Brewmaster program graduate who passed away shortly after graduation in 2015. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student winner of Project Brew in the winter semester.

Guests can meet this year’s student brewers and learn more at: https://projectbrew.squarespace.com

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 ranked Canada’s No. 1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:
Alyssa Milana
Communications Coordinator
905-329-0389
[email protected]

The post Experience the future of brewing at Niagara College’s Project Brew, August 8 appeared first on Niagara College.

Canadian small- and medium-sized agricultural and environmental businesses will benefit from new research and innovation funding and supports at Niagara College’s Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC).

Niagara College’s Research and Innovation division has been granted its third Technology Access Centre (TAC) with an investment of $1.75 million over five years, from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), expanding its capacity to support industry innovation across Ontario and beyond.

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, as part of an overall $29.8 million investment from NSERC’s College and Community Innovation program.

“These researchers aren’t just imagining the future—they’re building it,” noted Joly. “Their work covers topics such as pandemic readiness and cutting-edge technology, and it reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to driving innovation, strengthening the economy and tackling the challenges that matter most to Canadians.”

Technology Access Centres (TACs) are specialized applied research and innovation hubs embedded within Canadian colleges and cégeps. Funded by NSERC, TACs are designed to provide small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert research staff, and technical services to help solve business challenges, accelerate product development, and improve processes. TACs support industry through fee-for-service, applied research projects, and innovation partnerships, enabling companies to reduce risk, increase innovation capacity, and bring products to market faster.

With this investment, the Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) joins Niagara College’s two other TACs – the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC) and the Food and Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC) – as part of a prestigious national network of applied research centres.

HESIC provides applied research and technical services to companies innovating in the environmental and horticultural sectors, including controlled environment agriculture (CEA), greenhouse production, plant health and integrated pest management, genomics, cannabis cultivation and breeding, and sustainable growing practices. The TAC designation is accompanied by five years of renewable funding from NSERC.

“Securing this TAC designation for HESIC reflects the trust and recognition that NSERC places in our ability to support SMEs through applied research,” said Marc Nantel, PhD, vice-president, Research, Innovation and Strategic Enterprises at Niagara College. “Our team will now be able to scale our support to more businesses working on sustainable agriculture, agri-tech, and environmental solutions. We’re proud to further our mission of helping Canadian companies innovate and thrive.” 

With the support of TAC funding, HESIC will broaden its impact by offering expanded CEA services, including integrated pest management strategies, variety testing, third-party validation, and commercialization-focused R&D.

“Our new specialized research greenhouse and plant growth facility is purpose-built to help businesses test, refine, and scale their innovations in real-world conditions,” said Kimberley Cathline, Associate Director, HESIC. “With precision-controlled growing bays, postharvest and analytical labs, advanced genomics tools, and a forthcoming Health Canada-licensed cannabis cultivation space, we can support a wide range of applied research needs. We also work with companies on soil and media amendments, fertilizer alternatives, and agri-waste diversion strategies—helping them reduce environmental impact while boosting productivity and market readiness.”  

As a TAC, HESIC will offer its expertise to SMEs that are actively developing innovative, science-based solutions aimed at improving environmental sustainability and efficiency. Based at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, HESIC focuses on advancing new technologies and approaches through applied research collaborations, having partnered with hundreds of industry collaborators over the years.

Companies interested in exploring project opportunities with HESIC are encouraged to visit ncinnovation.ca/contact or contact David DiPietro, Manager, Business Development, at [email protected] to discuss their innovation goals and determine eligibility for support through the TAC.

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 Horticultural Technician 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 worldwide 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
[email protected]
905-932-1520

The post Niagara College earns third Technology Access Centre with federal funding investment appeared first on Niagara College.

Students at Niagara College are digging into the issue of food insecurity by establishing a community vegetable garden at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Spearheaded by Robert Pastirik, a 2025 graduate of the Horticultural Technician program, the initiative is supported by the College’s Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services (HWAS) and the Teaching Greenhouse. The garden is designed to provide fresh produce for students facing food insecurity throughout the summer months.

“This is a student-led initiative, grown by students, for students,” said Trina Washington, Counsellor with Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services. “Rob recognized the growing need among students struggling with food insecurity and worked collaboratively with HWAS to help expand the initiative into a sustainable program for years to come.”

“I’ve always believed in the power of growing your own food,” said Pastirik. “Being able to combine what I’ve learned in the Horticultural Technician program with something that directly supports my peers has been incredibly rewarding.”

Located near the Wine Visitor + Education Centre, the garden features 12 newly installed raised planter beds generously donated by Conquest Steel. The project has also benefited from community support, with compost donated by Walker Industries and seeds contributed by West Coast Seeds.

“Our hope is that students will access this garden by taking what they need, while also giving back by helping to weed, water, and tend to the garden,” said Jennifer Laverty, Horticulture Technician with the School of Environment and Horticulture. “This initiative not only supports food security but may also inspire students to grow their own food and become more mindful of where their food comes from.”

Currently, the garden is producing a variety of fruits and vegetables, including beans, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, peas, and a range of herbs.

This is just one of the student-led gardens making a difference to people in Niagara. For three years, the College, in collaboration with United Way, has grown produce at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake for community members in need.

Looking ahead, HWAS and its partners hope to harvest multiple crops per year to help supply produce for the Rise and Shine breakfast program – an initiative led by the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) that offers free, healthy breakfasts to students three times a week.

All Niagara College students are encouraged to visit the garden as often as needed to access fresh produce, contribute to its care, and become part of a growing culture of food sustainability on campus.

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 ranked Canada’s No. 1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Courtney De Caire
Communications Consultant
289-407-8298
[email protected]

The post Niagara College students cultivate vegetable garden to combat food insecurity appeared first on Niagara College.

Start your engines! The Niagara College Car Show is back on July 5 in Welland and all are welcome.

On Saturday, July 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., over 150 cars are expected to be on display, from muscle cars and hot rods to motorcycles and more.

Hosted in partnership with NC’s School of Trades and the Motive Power program, the outdoor, family-friendly event will include a barbecue, ice cream truck, bouncy castle, construction equipment courtesy of Rankin Construction, and more.

Opening ceremonies kick off at 10 a.m. with awards by car class at 1:30 p.m. Prize draws and a 50/50 raffle will raise funds for a trades student scholarship.

Have a unique car? Register to showcase it here by July 4 at 6 p.m. to be considered for awards.

NC student volunteers will be on-hand and will offer tours of the College’s automotive labs.  Staff from NC’s Motorcycle Training program will also be available.

The event is generously sponsored by CAA/AAPEX Driving School, Willowdale Auto Group, Niagara College Student Administrative Council, Welland Chevrolet, Pro Battery, Grand Taxi, Mike Knapp Ford, DVM automotive and Assante Wealth Management. It is hosted in partnership with NC’s Community Relations and Events and Ancillary Services.

Event details

Location: 100 Niagara College Boulevard in Welland.
Attendees can park in lots C and F.
Vendors will accept cash, debit or credit.
In the event of rain, the event will be moved to Sunday, July 6.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

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

Event inquiries, please contact:

Sarah Scott
Community Relations and Events Specialist
905-932-1278
[email protected]

The post Community car show rolls into Niagara College’s Welland Campus on July 5 appeared first on Niagara College.

Three recent graduates from Niagara College’s Public Relations graduate certificate program are making headlines of their own, earning prestigious awards from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Hamilton chapter.

At the CPRS Hamilton Pinnacle Awards on June 17, Marcus Giancola of Welland, and Tiana Melnychuk and Naomi Fox of St. Catharines were recognized for their outstanding contributions and promise in the field of public relations.

“It’s an honour to present these awards to Marcus, Tiana and Naomi—three emerging professionals whose achievements reflect not only their passion, dedication, and talent but also the exceptional quality of Niagara College’s Public Relations program. Their success highlights the strength of the program and the outstanding educators who help shape future leaders in our profession,” said Ryan Strang, President of CPRS Hamilton, and 2013 graduate of NC’s PR program. “The future of public relations is in good hands with emerging leaders like them.”

Giancola, who completed the program this spring, received the CPRS Hamilton Student Award of Excellence, the seventh consecutive win for an NC PR student. His exceptional academic record, finishing with a 94 per cent average, and his internship with Giant Shoe Creative underscore his strategic mindset and drive.

“Marcus demonstrated a strong commitment to the program and a laser focus on absorbing as much information as he could from each class,” said Emily McInerney, NC’s PR program coordinator, who nominated him for the award. She also praised his strong work ethic, thoughtfulness, and strategic thinking.

Giancola, who works as a Marketing Intern with the Niagara Region in the Economic Development Division, reflected on the meaning of the award.

“Being acknowledged by experienced PR professionals highlights my capabilities and motivates me to keep practicing my passion for maintaining relationships and capturing people’s attention through meaningful storytelling. This award was a culmination of my own efforts as well as the teachers, colleagues, mentors, and life-long friends who pushed me to be better, to do better, and to grow together in a field like no other.”

Melnychuk, a Communications Intern with the City of Port Colborne who also graduated this spring, was awarded the Heather J. Pullen Memorial Award, named in honour of a respected CPRS Accreditation Chair who passed away in 2020. The award supports a current student member’s transition into the industry by funding their Emerging Practitioner status, a recognition of potential, dedication, and the pursuit of continuous learning.

“It’s incredibly motivating to receive this award as I begin my career in public relations, reminding me to stay curious, learn from those around me, and embrace every opportunity for growth,” said Melnychuk.

She credited the mentorship she received from McInerney and her CPRS mentor Andrew Korchok (PR, 2012) for helping guide her into the professional world.

“They provided me with invaluable guidance as I made the leap from the classroom to the professional world.”

Noami Fox (PR, 2024) of St. Catharines, a Junior Account Manager with Creative Guild, was the first to receive the Mark Gregory Memorial award to recognize the professional growth of a junior practitioner.

“Naomi’s commitment to CPRS and volunteerism in the PR profession embodies the spirit of the Mark Gregory Memorial Award as she is the rare exception that continues to be involved in CPRS long after graduating from her PR program,” said Kim Zarzuela, Fox’s mentor and Chair, Awards of CRPS Hamilton in the upcoming term.

“While I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Mark personally, I’ve been deeply impacted by his legacy,” said Fox, who won the CPRS Notified Student Award of Excellence in 2024.

She credited the CPRS Mentorship Program, of which Mark Gregory was a valued member, for inspiring her to give back, both as a member of the mentorship committee and as a board member.

“I can’t thank CPRS Hamilton enough for this recognition.”

At NC’s PR Grad Panel, Giancola and Melnychuk were recipients of the Associate Dean Award of Excellence, which recognizes academic achievement and a positive work ethic and consistent effort in the program. Melnychuk also received the Coordinator Award of Excellence which recognizes a student who will act as a positive ambassador of the program upon graduation.

With these recent accolades, these recent graduates have not only set themselves apart as rising stars in the industry but also continued NC’s proud legacy of cultivating public relations talent.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

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

The post Niagara College PR grads shine with industry recognition appeared first on Niagara College.