Dan Patterson PhD, Niagara College’s president emeritus, was recognized with the Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award at College Ontario’s 2021 Higher Education Summit in Toronto on November 29.

Patterson, who led Niagara College from 1995 to 2020, accepted the prestigious award in front of world-renowned leaders in education, as well as family and friends.

“All of us at Niagara College are very pleased to see Dan recognized for his remarkable contributions to Niagara College and to Ontario’s college system,” said Sean Kennedy, president of Niagara College. “Dan’s legacy is reflected in our campuses, which are among the most unique learning environments in Canada, and his vision of building an innovative college of firsts has earned us a strong reputation as a trailblazer within the College sector.”

The Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the contribution of outstanding leaders in the Ontario College sector who make an enduring difference in the lives of students, to the communities they serve, and to the economic development of our province. The recipient is selected by the annual Colleges Ontario Leadership Awards selection committee, composed of representatives from the government, colleges and students.

Patterson, who led Niagara College for 25 years before concluding his tenure as president in 2020, was one of four award recipients who received a Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Summit. Among them, Ann Buller from Centennial College, Judith Morris from Lambton College, and Fred Gibbons from Northern College.

“What a wonderful honour,” said Patterson in his acceptance speech. “Thank you, Minister and everyone who was involved in my nomination. I would not be standing here today and receiving this Lifetime Achievement Award if it wasn’t for my late wife Saundra who walked with me every step of my twenty-five-year-journey as College President.”

Patterson’s partner Saundra, a dedicated ambassador for Niagara College and a champion for its students, passed away in January, 2021. Patterson also thanked his family and daughter Christine who joined him at the awards presentation in celebration of this milestone achievement, as well as friends and Niagara College colleagues in the audience.

During his tenure, Patterson was a catalyst for innovation and growth. He oversaw significant expansion, including the construction of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, the creation of innovative learning enterprises, including Canada’s first teaching winery, teaching brewery, and teaching distillery. Under his leadership, the College tripled its enrolment to 13,000-plus full-time students in over 130 programs with an operating budget surpassing $225 million. Patterson also led the largest capital expansions in Niagara College history with over $300 million of campus redevelopment, including a significant renewal of the Welland Campus in 2011.

He helped introduce trailblazing programs, including Canada’s first post-secondary credential in Commercial Cannabis Production and Commercial Beekeeping, responding to the needs of emerging industries, and advocated for experiential learning opportunities for students preparing for the world of work. Patterson was committed to student success, and his philosophy was to build connections between the classroom and the community, and to showcase the valuable role that colleges could play as leaders in economic development.

Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities, presented the award and thanked the four retired college presidents for their sage leadership over the course of their tenures and during unprecedented times.

“As a tribute to the college sectors’ nimbleness and tremendous capacity to respond quickly to this unprecedented challenge, we are honouring four retired presidents this year, whose leadership ensured colleges were well-positioned to succeed in these difficult circumstances and will continue to prosper in the years to come,” said Dunlop.

“It truly is a privilege and good fortune to work in the post-secondary education ecosystem,” said Patterson. “We in education are given the opportunity to make a difference, to enrich the lives and fulfil the dreams of our students, to open up promise and possibility, to tear down barriers, to link students to the world of work, build pathways to success, to improve the socioeconomic conditions to reduce poverty and open up job opportunities. It’s a noble calling – daunting but rewarding – and one that I have been blessed to participate fully in.”

“Dan has been a catalyst in transforming Niagara College from its very humble beginnings into one of Ontario’s leading post-secondary institutions. Through his energy and innovative leadership, Dan has created a place of higher learning that has inspired a generation of students to pursue their applied dreams,” said Del Rollo, vice president, Industry and Government Relations at Arterra Wines Canada and former chair of NC’s Board of Governors in his letter of support.

Niagara College, who nominated Patterson, received letters of support from other respected leaders across Ontario, including Peter Devlin, president of Fanshawe College, Denise Amyot, president and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada, Paula Burns, president and CEO of Lethbridge College, and Mark Frison, president and CEO of Assiniboine College.

Patterson continues to contribute to education and innovation in Ontario and beyond. He is currently serving as chair of the Ontario Centre of Innovation and he is a member of the board of trustees of Niagara University in Lewiston, New York. Since concluding his term as president of Niagara College, he has also worked in support of the Dan Patterson Legacy Campaign.

In November of 2019, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus was renamed the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Niagara College.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Michael Wales
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Cell: 905-328-4101
[email protected]

Jessica Torok
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Cell: 519-809-7634
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The Student Commons at Niagara College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake has a new name to honour the generosity of a local family whose philanthropic spirit is far-reaching across Niagara.

On November 19, the vibrant student-gathering hub of the campus was renamed the ‘Rankin Family Student Commons’ to recognize the Rankin family for their lead donation of $540,000 to the College’s Dan Patterson Legacy Campaign.

The Campaign honours NC’s President Emeritus Dan Patterson, who led the College for 25 years before concluding his tenure as President in 2020. It is raising funds to support students in achieving their educational and career goals by funding needs-based bursaries, merit-based scholarships and travel bursaries for students participating in NC’s signature Be World Ready program.

The Rankin family’s generous donation established the Rankin Construction-Dan Patterson Legacy Bursary. This permanent endowed fund will provide annual bursaries – in perpetuity – to NC students in programs related to the construction and healthcare industries.

“We are delighted to contribute to a fund that honours the remarkable legacy of Dan Patterson and supports students financially at Niagara College,” said Tom Rankin on behalf of the Rankin family. “We strongly believe it is important to give back to the community in which we do business, and we are proud to provide support that enables greater access to education for students now and well into the future, supporting the next generation of industry professionals along their path to success.”

Earlier this fall, 10 students benefitted from the inaugural bursaries funded by the Rankin family – over the years ahead, countless more will benefit thanks to the family’s generous support.

During a small dedication event held at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus on Nov. 19, NC President Sean Kennedy thanked the Rankin family for their legacy of giving in support of student success at the College.

“Niagara College has enjoyed a close friendship with the Rankin family and Rankin Construction for many years, built on our shared desire to support students and ensure that they succeed in their educational goals,” said Kennedy. “This latest contribution will further support our students for years to come and we are incredibly grateful to the Rankin family for their continued generosity. It’s very fitting that our student commons, a space central to student life and the heart of our Daniel J. Patterson Campus, will bear the family’s name.”

This gift brings the Rankin family’s support to Niagara College to more than $1.7 million. The family has contributed to the enhancement of the Technology Centre at the Welland Campus, named the Rankin Technology Centre, supported many college events, including the Seafood Gala and annual Golf Tournament, and donated towards the creation of the Saundra Patterson Memorial Garden currently being built at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus.

This long-standing generosity has been witnessed first-hand by NC’s President Emeritus Dan Patterson, who attended the dedication event.

“Through my former role at the College, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the Rankin family and I am very honoured that they have chosen to make this significant gift to the legacy campaign,” said Patterson.

“We know that higher education is a proven pathway to opportunity, and that for many bright and capable students, funding their education can be a major barrier to attending post-secondary. This support from the Rankin family will help students come to college, stay in college, graduate, and meet their potential.”

To learn more about or contribute to the Dan Patterson Legacy Campaign, visit donate.niagaracollege.ca/dan-patterson-legacy-campaign.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine science, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. Visit niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Michael Wales
Manager, Corporate Communications
Cell: 905-328-4101
[email protected]

Niagara College students will soon be gaining global skills through newly launched Outbound Student Mobility program experiences.

The international study/ work opportunities will unlock students’ endless potential through life-changing global skills and experiences, made possible by the Government of Canada’s new Global Skills Opportunity program.

“Niagara College applauds the federal government for their support, and we are happy to extend this financial assistance to Niagara College students,” said NC’s Vice President of International, Sean Coote. “Finances are often a significant barrier to our students accessing study/ work abroad opportunities. Through this support, Niagara College is excited to build on and enhance our student mobility opportunities as we continue to prepare world-ready graduates.”

NC was recently awarded $1 million in study/work abroad funding from the federal government – two $500,000 grants, as part of their $95 million Outbound Student Mobility Pilot program. This funding will support the launch of two projects at the College – Local to Global and Global Employment Opportunities – that will provide 1,500 students with access to study/work abroad experiences, both virtually and physically, over the next four years.

Beginning in the Winter 2022 term, students will start to see opportunities such as virtual field studies, international guest speakers, and much more incorporated into their NC experience. Followed later in the year by the ramp up for the long-awaited return of Niagara College’s signature study and work abroad program – Be World Ready.

“The Be World Ready team has been keenly planning exciting new life-changing opportunities over the past several months to take our students around the world again,” said NC’s Associate Director of International Student Services, Maxine Semple. “The opportunity for students to travel abroad, to explore a different culture, learn, grow and challenge themselves, undoubtedly prepares students for their future careers as well further develops global competencies necessary for an increasingly connected world.”

“We are thrilled that this funding will support the dreams of so many students to see and experience the world, whether from their classrooms in Niagara or from abroad,” said NC’s Manager of Cultural and Global Engagement, Sarah Scott “The Be World Ready team cannot wait to get those dreams off the ground soon.”

The Outbound Student Mobility Pilot initiative was announced in the 2019 federal budget and was initially planned for release in April 2020. Due to the pandemic, the full program launch was postponed to the summer of 2021. During this delayed period, Colleges and Institutes Canada launched a call for proposals to member institutions for innovative outbound student mobility projects, of which Niagara College was awarded two projects, both which were important catalysts for these newly funded projects.

Global Skills Opportunity is a national outbound student mobility program that is expected to enable more than 16,000 Canadian college and undergraduate-level university students from across the country acquire the global skills employers want and the Canadian economy needs. A key component of the Government of Canada’s International Education Strategy, Global Skills Opportunity is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada and is administered jointly by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada.

While open to all Canadian post-secondary students, the national program targets groups for whom international experiences have traditionally been less accessible – specifically Indigenous students, students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities. It also aims to diversify destination countries where Canadian students pursue international learning.

In Canada, only about 11% of university undergraduates and 3% of college students – participate in work or study abroad experiences during their studies which is a lower rate than many other G20 countries. The new program stands to change that. By empowering post-secondary institutions to implement innovative solutions to barriers to participation, Global Skills Opportunity will expand the horizons of Canadian students from coast to coast, and improve Canada’s competitiveness on the world stage.

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“Study and work abroad programs are invaluable learning experiences that ensure students are culturally literate, resilient, adaptable and ready to succeed in an increasingly globalized world. This is perhaps more important than ever, which is why we are so proud to work with our partners to deliver Global Skills Opportunity. This groundbreaking program will allow more Canadian students to access these opportunities to develop the skills they need to gain a foothold in today’s global marketplace.”
– Denise Amyot, President, Colleges and Institutes Canada

For more information, visit GlobalSkillsOpportunity.ca.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Michael Wales
Manager, Corporate Communications
Cell: 905-328-4101
[email protected]

This fall, aspiring nurses, massage therapists, horticulturists and brewers, among others, can turn to Niagara College to envision how a hands-on learning experience could help them achieve their dreams.

On Saturday, November 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the College will host its Fall Virtual Open House to give prospective students and their families an opportunity to explore NC’s more than 130 programs and innovative campuses, and engage directly with the people who are committed to student success.

“Open House is the perfect opportunity to meet our extraordinary faculty, staff and current students, who set the tone for a learning environment that is both engaging and welcoming,” said NC President Sean Kennedy, who will be participating in live sessions throughout the day. “Join us virtually to ask your important questions and see what makes NC so special as you prepare for the next step along your educational journey.”

Students who attend the event will have a chance to win a $2,000 credit towards their tuition in Fall 2022, Winter 2023 or Spring 2023 – those who register before Nov. 11 at 11:59 p.m. and attend the online event on Nov. 13, will also be eligible for a chance to win one of 10 $100 Visa gift cards.

Dorita Pentesco, NC’s Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment, noted that NC’s Virtual Open House format provides prospective students with convenient and direct access to information about college programs and services to help them make informed decisions about their future.

“Visitors can log on throughout the day and speak directly with members of the Niagara College community, who are eager to showcase what the College has to offer and give students a preview of our interactive learning environments,” said Pentesco. “We want to ensure that students and their families get the information they need.”

Niagara College School of Technology Professor Alexander McGlashan leads a Program Information Session on Photonics during NC’s Spring Virtual Open House on March 27, 2021.

To deliver on that promise, NC’s Virtual Open House schedule includes approximately 45 live Program Information Sessions involving more than 110 faculty and over 40 current students.

Sessions include a Culinary Management, Culinary Skills, Baking & Pastry Information Session with the Canadian Food & Wine Institute (10 a.m.); a Welding Techniques & Technician, Mechanical Techniques (Machinist) Information Session with the School of Trades (11:15 a.m.); a Degree Panel Information Session with the School of Business & Management and the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Sport (12:30 p.m.); and a Photonics Information Session with the School of Technology (1:45 p.m.).

Live Ask Me Anything (AMA) Sessions are also on the agenda as an opportunity for students to connect with college staff, who will highlight the many services and supports available. Participating areas include Financial Aid, Admissions, Indigenous Education, Residence, Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services and NC’s Be World Ready program. President Kennedy and NC Student Administrative Council President Samantha Jemison will also host an AMA Session from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. to answer questions.

Niagara College faculty and staff participate in an information session for international students during NC’s Spring Virtual Open House on March 27, 2021.

For international students logging in from their home countries, customized sessions will be offered just for them beginning at 8 a.m., while all event attendees will have the opportunity to take virtual tours of the Welland Campus and Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake for a glimpse at NC’s innovative facilities and award-winning student spaces.

Fall Virtual Open House is just one opportunity during the year for prospective students to learn about the ‘NC experience.’ An Open House is also held annually in the spring, while NC’s Student Recruitment team offers Virtual Information and One-on-One Sessions that can be booked at any time.

In-person tours are also available again. On-Campus Service Tours were introduced in October, while On-Campus Program Tours will begin in mid-November. Learn more and book tours at: niagaracollege.ca/explore/tours

Registration is required for Niagara College’s Fall Virtual Open House. Attendees are encouraged to login prior to Nov. 13 to access open house content, including schedules for information sessions.

Visit niagaracollege.ca/openhouse for more information and to register.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine science, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. Visit niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Michael Wales
Manager, Corporate Communications
Cell: 905-328-4101
[email protected]

The Niagara College Knights women’s soccer program was honoured with several top Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) awards on October 28.

The OCAA made their announcement to coincide with the OCAA Women’s Soccer Championships being held in London, Ont. from October 29 to 30 at Fanshawe College.

Head Coach Rob Lalama

Head Coach Rob Lalama led his team to a perfect 6-0 regular season, earning himself the OCAA Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year. Lalama earned his second OCAA South Division Coach of the Year nod this season as well, following it up to his 2019-2020 West Division Coach of the Year award. Lalama is also nominated for the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Coach of the Year.

“Rob Lalama is the type of coach that everyone wants as a leader for their team, but also as a member of their athletic staff team,” said Athletics and Recreation Associate Director, Michele O’Keefe.

“Rob and his staff, while technically masterful in their preparation, are also very caring coaches. They’ve created a healthy learning environment that puts the student-athletes in a position to succeed. He is a lifelong learner and that is shown as the team continues to improve and grow each season.”

Lalama has been with the Knights women’s program since 2017 and has coached to a 22-9-4 record. The team has made a post-season appearance every year since 2018.

Midfielder Sydney Sica

Fourth-year midfielder Sydney Sica earned the OCAA Women’s Soccer Player of the Year Award with nine goals and 18 points this season. After spending the last two seasons with Brock University, Sica had a standout year with the Knights, earning herself CCAA All-Canadian status, as well as a South Division All-Star recognition.

Knights second-year midfielder Terin Hultink earned the OCAA South Division Top Scoring award with her nine goals and 20 points this season. Together, Hultink and Sica combined for 18 of their team’s 22 goals this season. Hultink was also named to the OCAA South Division All-Star team.

First-year defender McKenna Jackson had an outstanding rookie season for the blue and white in her first OCAA season. Jackson’s consistent play earned her the OCAA South division Rookie of the Year Award as well as the OCAA South Division Defensive Player of the Year Award. She was a solid contributor to the Knights D line, and was a key reason why the Knights finished with just two goals against all season. Jackson also earned herself OCAA South Division All-Star recognition.

Impressively, Niagara swept the OCAA South Division All-Star team with all five of seven all-stars coming from the Knights. Along with Sica and Hultink, midfielders Ashley Altamirano and Alyssa Arcand were also named to the OCAA South Division All-Star team.

Niagara’s 6-0 record this season earned them the OCAA South Division Champion status as well as the Best Defensive Team.

The Knights season came to a heartbreaking end on October 23 when they hosted Humber College in the OCAA quarterfinal match. Humber outscored the Knights 3-0 to advance to the OCAA Championships.

Visit goknights.ca for more information.