Niagara College students, faculty and staff set the tone for a successful school year with a smooth and safe start to the Fall Term this week.
September marks an increase in on-campus learning for NC, with more than 5,000 students experiencing on-campus classes or labs as part of their program this term. On-campus student services, supports and amenities will also see a gradual return over the course of the Fall term.
“We’re thrilled to welcome students on campus and in hybrid and remote studies, and our teams have been working tirelessly to ensure that new and returning students have a positive experience and every opportunity to succeed,” said Sean Kennedy, Niagara College president. “It’s been a unique and challenging time to get to this point, but we are excited to safely and gradually grow our on-campus activity.”
The term kicked off Tuesday with virtual Orientation to provide more than 4,800 first-year students with a warm welcome and a strong start to campus life. In-person and remote classes started Wednesday.
“This semester start is beginning to provide a sense of normality as we begin to welcome larger groups of students back to campus,” said Samantha Jemison, president of the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC). “This said, we’re continuing to deliver our services and events in a safe and virtual capacity, while still getting some key orientation swag into students’ hands through the distribution of our frosh week kits.”
The Fall 2021 term will see the continuation of comprehensive health and safety measures that have kept college campus safe over the past three terms. This includes physical distancing, mandatory masks, enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) in classes and labs where physical distancing can’t be maintained, modified spaces and enhanced cleaning. More than half of Niagara College students have had at least some on campus classes since the Fall 2020 term, with no cases of on-campus transmission of COVID-19.
To further protect the college community, and as required by the province of Ontario, Niagara College has also implemented a mandatory vaccination policy. All students, employees, visitors and contractors who are learning or working on campus this fall must be vaccinated against COVID-19.As of this week, more than 6,000 students and 1,000 employees have provided proof of vaccination.
The start of the Fall 2021 term also marks the first intake for the new Massage Therapy advanced degree program at the Welland Campus. This is the first time NC has offered massage therapy, with 27 students enrolling in the two-year program dedicated to training professionals for an industry projected to grow significantly at the provincial and local levels in the next few years.
“Despite the challenging times, Niagara College continues to enhance and expand its programming, offering opportunities for students to prepare for satisfying and impactful careers,” Kennedy said.
In addition, the new school year brings with it the gradual return of athletics and recreation activities. The season has already started with tryouts for the men’s and women’s Knights soccer and golf teams. Niagara College is thrilled to take to the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. for its season opener against Sheridan College at Young’s Sportsplex. The College’s Athletics & Recreation department is also working on a plan for fitness classes, open gym time and recreational activities to start later in the term.
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 visitniagaracollege.ca.
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00tmayerhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngtmayer2021-09-10 15:56:562021-09-10 15:56:56Niagara College ushers in a safe and successful start to Fall Term
Niagara College students, staff, and members of the public will be able to receive a first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on campus this September.
GO-VAXX bus, a mobile vaccination clinic, will be on campus for drop-ins on the following dates:
September 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. @ the Welland Campus in parking lot A (east side). September 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. @ the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake in parking lot A (south side).
Maps of campus lots can be found on the NC website. Parking is free for those visiting the Go-VAXX bus.
The GO-VAXX bus operates as a fully functioning vaccine clinic with the necessary supplies and trained staff to provide assistance to people and ensure vaccines are administered safely. All COVID-19 safety precautions will be followed on board, including the required pre-vaccination screening and post-vaccination monitoring. A tent will be set up where you will be asked to wait for 15 minutes after your vaccine. The GO-VAXX bus is administering the Pfizer vaccine.
Bring your health card. If you do not have a health card or if it’s expired, bring another form of government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license, passport, status card, or birth certificate. Please do not visit the GO-VAXX bus if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00Elyse Howarthhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngElyse Howarth2021-09-10 14:10:432021-09-10 14:10:43On-campus vaccination clinic for students, staff and public to be held on September 13 and 20
As we prepare for the start of term we are providing important reminders for students and employees who will be studying or working on campus this Fall.
Niagara College has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in response to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, in consultation with public health authorities and at the direction of the province of Ontario. You can view Niagara College’s COVID-19 vaccination policy here. The policy applies to all students, employees contractors and official visitors who are attending a Niagara College campus as of September 7, 2021.
Important Reminder: Check the status of your vaccine documents
If you are working or studying on campus starting next week, you have been advised of the requirement to submit documentation via the student or employee portal. Once you’ve done so, an important reminder to confirm that your vaccine documentation has been approved. This can be done via the student or employee portal by clicking the “Vaccine Policy Documentation” link. The status column will be marked as ‘approved,’ ‘pending,’ ‘rejected’ or ‘flagged for review.’ If the status is ‘rejected,’ it will indicate the reason for rejection, which must be addressed before you can access campus. Common issues that lead to documentation being rejected include:
Legibility (documents are unreadable);
Validity (ie: not government-issued, or not in English or French);
Names on the documents don’t match names on College records.
New: Mandatory Testing
On August 31, the province of Ontario notified all colleges and universities in the province that, in addition to having mandatory vaccine policies in place, colleges and universities must require individuals who are only partially vaccinated or who have an approved exemption to “submit to regular antigen point of care testing for COVID 19 and demonstrate a negative result at … a minimum of every seven days,” and “provide verification of the negative test result in a manner determined by the (College).”
If you are a student or employee to whom this new provincial requirement will apply, you will be contacted directly, and you will be provided with further information on the College’s processes for testing and submitting an attestation of negative test results in the coming days, including how and where you can access testing. Once this process is underway, those who have provided vaccine documentation and are not fully vaccinated, AND those who have been approved for an exemption must provide Niagara College with an attestation of a negative test result at least every seven days, and in some cases every day that you attend campus, until you have provided proof of full vaccination (two doses, and 14 days have elapsed), or until further notice if you have been exempted from the mandatory vaccination policy on medical or religious/creed grounds. In the meantime, current access procedures and requirements will remain in place.
Niagara College’s mandatory vaccine policy will be updated to reflect this new provincial requirement as of September 7.
Update: Exemptions
Niagara College’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy also outlines how employees and students who are not vaccinated due to medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code can request an exemption. Application forms can be found here.
Those who have applied for an exemption under the grounds outlined above will be contacted directly when their application has been reviewed and approved or denied. If your application has been denied or you have not received confirmation that your application for an exemption has been approved, you will not be approved for access to campus until your application has been approved.
If your exemption has been approved, you will receive further information regarding additional requirements for campus access, including the provincial testing requirement outlined above.
Access to campus
If you have not uploaded proof of vaccination or if your proof of vaccination has not been approved or if you have applied for an exemption but it has been denied or has not yet been approved, please do not come to campus as you will not be permitted access.
FAQs regarding Niagara College’s mandatory vaccination policy can be found here.
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00Elyse Howarthhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngElyse Howarth2021-09-03 15:14:352021-09-03 15:14:35Important update and reminder for all Students and Employees: Mandatory Vaccine Policy
While there is limited activity and restricted access to campuses at this time due to measures related to COVID-19, Niagara College is offering many services virtually, or via alternative delivery, and NC’s learning enterprises are either open or offering curbside pickup.
Please note that changes to our campus access protocols will take effect on September 7 for the start of the Fall term. For details, visit our Return to Campus website.
Below is a list of what will be open or closed for the Labour Day holiday on Monday, September 6.
What’s open?
Wine Visitor + Education Centre: Retail store, patio and indoor service will be open September 6 within provincial guidelines and requirements. Tasting, shopping, drinks by the glass, and snack service is now available daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Products include NC wine, beer, cider and spirits. For curbside pickup, local delivery and shipping across Ontario, please call 905-641-2252 ext. 4070 or visit niagaracollegewine.ca.
What’s closed?
Designated access points: All building access points at the College are closed on September 6. Entry to college campuses will resume via the designated access points on September 7. No ambassadors are required on Labour Day. For up-to-date information about campus access visit: niagaracollege.ca/covid19/ncsafe.
NC Teaching Greenhouse: Closed September 6. The Teaching Greenhouse will reopen for curbside pickup on September 7 and is currently open for on-site sales Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (including September 3 and 4). Visit the Teaching Greenhouse’s online store to place an order and learn more.
Bookstores: Both campus bookstores will be closed on September 6 and will reopen for in-person shopping on September 7 (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for those with approved campus access. Online ordering is also available. Visit the Campus Bookstore website for information.
Community Employment Services: (43 Church St. in St. Catharines): Closed September 6. Virtual services resume on September 7 and are available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit the CES website for more information.
Enrolment Services: Closed September 6. Students may continue to submit requests via email and student portal. Requests will be reviewed in priority sequence when Enrolment Services reopens on September 7.
Food Services: Closed September 6. Food services and cafeterias will reopen at both the Welland Campus and Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning September 7 with limited offerings.
ncLibraries and Learning Commons: Student support, test centre, academic drop-ins and peer tutoring services will be closed on September 6. Virtual services will resume on September 7 and online resources are available 24-7 at niagaracollege.ca/library.
NCSAC offices and Student Centres: Closed September 6. Virtual services and on-campus offices open on September 7.
Visit yourncsac.ca/yourtransit for more information and Frequently Asked Questions related to student transit.
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00Elyse Howarthhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngElyse Howarth2021-09-02 17:16:402021-09-02 17:16:40Niagara College 2021 Labour Day Holiday hours
A Niagara College student-made honey spirit has earned some sweet recognition in the U.S. Open Whiskey and Spirits Competition.
Ambrosia, created as a Captsone project by Nic Burton, Jeremy Shantz and Lucan Wai before they graduated from the College’s Artisan Distilling program last spring, won bronze in the Specialty Spirits category in the recent competition that judges submissions from craft distillers in Canada and the U.S.
It’s the first time a student Captsone project from the Artisan Distilling program has received such accolades.
“It was competing in one of the most diverse categories in the U.S. Whiskey Open and receiving a bronze medal is a testament to the high quality of work being done by our students,” said David Dickson, NC’s head distiller. “I am very proud of all of the Captsone projects from the 2021 graduates.”
Just as notable, Ambrosia, which is part of the College’s Spirits 101 lineup of student-made alcohol, is one of the few honey-based spirits made in North America, Dickson added.
Burton, Shantz and Wai said the recognition for their first attempt at designing their own spirit is a boost to their confidence as they embark on their careers in the industry.
“It’s amazing the quality of the program at Niagara College, and that students could come up with something that would win an award at a competition speaks to the quality of the teaching staff and the program,” Wai said.
Shantz, who discussed his interest in distilling honey products with Dickson early in the program, said so few do it because it’s an expensive endeavour. However, Ambrosia, which means food or drink of the gods, was made possible thanks to a collaboration that resulted in a donation of 100 kilograms of honey from the College’s Commercial Beekeeping program.
“We’re definitely very grateful to the beekeeping program, which had honey,” Shantz said. “That was wonderful.”
Even with the access to the raw ingredients, the gods weren’t always smiling upon Ambrosia. For starters, honey is antimicrobial, making fermentation challenging. The pandemic, which limited on-campus work, also meant the students relied on others, including Dickson, to keep tabs on their project when they couldn’t.
Given how rare honey spirits are, no one knew what the end goal should be unlike with gin or whisky, for example.
“We had a vague idea of where we wanted it to go but never having worked with honey before and David not having worked with honey before, we had no idea how it would turn out,” Shantz said.
The end result is a spirit distilled like rum to bring out the honey’s floral notes. Ambrosia was back-sweetened with additional honey to create mouthfeel and further accentuate its flowery traits.
“A big thing we were hoping for is that floral characteristic common in honey,” Burton said. “But it ended up tasting like honey, which was very neat.”
Given the hurdles and the triumphs in producing Ambrosia, winning bronze at such a significant competition speaks to the abilities of all who had a hand in making it, said Steve Gill, general manager of the Niagara College Learning Enterprise Corporation (NCLEC).
“The future of craft distilling in Canada is clearly in good hands when you consider our students are creating spirits that can compete against other established distilleries,” Gill said. “This award speaks to the calibre of student our Artisan Distilling program attracts and to David Dickson’s ability to bring out the best in his students. I’m proud of everyone involved.”
Ambrosia is available for sale, along with other student-made spirits, at the Niagara College Wine Visitor + Education Centre or online at ncteachingwinery.ca. Sales of the spirits support student education.
Niagara College’s Teaching Distillery is a 2,500-square-foot facility equipped with six stills, four mash tuns and 10 fermenters. Home to the College’s Artisan Distilling (Graduate Certificate) program, students produce a variety of distilled products including vodka, gin, brandy, rum, whisky and other spirits. It opened in September 2018, completing the trifecta of beverage fermentation sciences at NC’s learning enterprises, following the footsteps of its Teaching Winery and Teaching Brewery, which were also the first of their kind in Canada.
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.
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00tmayerhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngtmayer2021-07-27 15:31:072021-07-27 15:31:07Award for honey spirit is the bee’s knees for its student creators
The scales tipped in favour of Niagara College’s Balance Sauvignon Blanc at the recent All Canadian Wine Championships.
The white wine, made by NC winemaker Gavin Robertson and students in the Winery and Viticulture Technician program, won double gold at the 2021 edition of the national competition that saw 1,365 wines entered from 217 Canadian wineries.
It’s the first double gold for a college-produced Sauvignon Blanc, making it NC’s best showing for the varietal yet, Robertson said.
It’s one of four medals the Niagara College Teaching Winery won at the awards, including gold for the first-ever Balance Muscat. The medalling wines in their respective categories are:
All are wines that Robertson and his students don’t make every year, which makes the results particularly notable, he said. The Balance Gamay Noir is only the second Gamay vintage produced in the program.
“That’s satisfying. I’ve been the winemaker here since 2014 and I feel like I’m finally getting my head wrapped around certain grapes,” said Robertson, who graduated from the College’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program in 2011. “What I like about this showing is Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay Noir and Muscat aren’t normally grapes I would consider entering.”
Although a grape like Muscat is less commonly used by Canadian wineries, working with such varietals prepares students for what they might encounter after they graduate, Robertson explained.
“Anything our students can graduate into within the industry and have to produce, it’s important to expose them to,” he said. “For a small winery, we have dozens of SKUs with grapes and styles that someone in the industry is making. That’s really important since we’re a teaching winery.”
More than a bragging right, though, these latest awards show that students in the program work with high-quality fruit and turn out vintages that can compete with those from other Canadian wineries. They also speak to the quality of education happening at the College.
“Consistently winning top medals is a testament to our academic deliveries and the abilities of our Winery and Viticulture Technician students at Niagara College,” said Steve Gill, general manager of NC’s Learning Enterprise Corporation. “We are all proud of everyone involved.”
Such a performance isn’t uncommon for the Teaching Winery at the All Canadian Wine Championships.
“The competition results from Niagara College consistently show the calibre of the teaching staff, and the talent of its students,” said Bev Carnahan, All Canadian Wine Championships director. “Year to year, the college comes away with a fistful of medals and on occasion, a trophy. Their Balance Brut is not to be missed.”
The award-winning wines, along with other vintages produced by the Teaching Winery, are available for sale at the Niagara College Wine Visitor + Education Centre, located at its Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, or online at ncteachingwinery.ca. Sales of the wines support student education.
Tasting notes from Bev Carnahan, All Canadian Wine Championships director:
2019 Dean’s List Savant
Rich, creamy, concentrated fruit, good structure, ripe cherry and nicely balanced with a clean finish.
2018 Balance Gamay Noir
Pretty, sippable, cherry-based Gamay. Juicy fruit on palate.
2019 Balance Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp, tart, eminently refreshing.
2019 Balance Muscat
Clean, flavourful, ask for more! Floral, dry, mineral finish, fresh, light fruit — fun. Delightful.
Niagara College’s Teaching Winery is the first and only commercial teaching winery in Canada. It is located at the College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, along with the NC Teaching Brewery and the NC Teaching Distillery, which were also the first of their kind in Canada.
Niagara College offers more than 150 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, spirits, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.
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http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00tmayerhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngtmayer2021-07-20 11:28:552021-07-20 11:28:55Double gold at national competition a first for Teaching Winery Sauvignon Blanc
Niagara College students enrolled in the college’s motive power programs will be getting a lesson in ‘Built Ford Tough’ with the donation of two 2020 F-150 trucks from Ford Canada.
On July 14, 2021, Niagara College took possession of the two vehicles from Eastgate Ford which will be used for hands-on training in the motive power technician program.
“We are extremely grateful for this generous donation from Ford Canada and for all the hard work from the team at Eastgate Ford to make this a reality,” said Jeffrey Murrell, associate dean, School of Trades. “The new technology in these vehicles will allow us to offer first-class hands-on learning experiences to our students that will help prepare them for their future careers.”
The two F-150 trucks will join Niagara College’s fleet of cars utilized for hands-on training and will feature state-of-the-art automotive technologies which will allow students to work with the new technology available in new vehicles on the road today.
This donation was made possible by the hardworking team at Eastgate Ford who worked closely with Niagara College to organize and arrange the donation and delivery of the vehicles.
“Working with the team at Eastgate Ford has really highlighted the passion that industry pros have for the next generation,” said Murrell. “They are committed to providing first-class, real-world experiences for our students and we look forward to partnering with them on more initiatives in the future.”
“We’re proud to provide the next generation of automotive technicians the tools and knowledge that will help them excel in their careers,” said Robert Fricker, Service Manager, Eastgate Ford. “Ford Canada and Eastgate Ford have long been supporters of Niagara College and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for the students our partnership has impacted.”
Ford Canada has been a strong supporter of Niagara College’s motive power programs for many years. Ford also supports Niagara College through the ACE (Automotive Career Exploration) program.
The ACE program provides training to Niagara College students and provides valuable knowledge of Ford/Lincoln vehicle systems, which offers students an advantage starting their career in the automotive industry after graduation as an entry level automotive service technician at a Ford/Lincoln dealership. The ACE program online courses are a subset of the same courses taken by current Ford dealership technicians.
“We are pleased to be able to offer our students a unique mix of practical, experiential training that accurately reflects the technology and tools currently available in the automotive industry,” said Murrell. “Eastgate Ford’s ongoing support of Niagara College and our School of Trades ensures our students have a bright future ahead of them.”
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.
Eastgate Ford has served Niagara and Hamilton residents since 1957. As Hamilton’s oldest and largest Ford Motor Company Dealership, Eastgate Ford takes pride in providing outstanding service to all its customers. With a strong tradition of customer satisfaction, Eastgate Ford is proud to be the 2021 recipient of the North American Customer Excellence award in recognition of outstanding customer satisfaction and operating standards. It is the highest award Ford Motor Company can bestow on its dealers.
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Media inquires, please contact:
Michael Wales
Manager, Corporate Communications
Cell: 905-328-4101 [email protected]
Courtney De Caire
Communications Consultant
Cell: 905-407-8298 [email protected]
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00cdecairehttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngcdecaire2021-07-19 10:32:142021-07-19 10:32:14Niagara College receives generous donation of two F-150 trucks from Ford Canada and Eastgate Ford
TVETs in Kenya will benefit from gender equality policies and training made possible through a partnership between Niagara College, the National Gender Equality Commission (NGEC), and Sheridan College. This partnership is in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation and Colleges & Institutes Canada (CICan) to support the Young Africa Works in Kenya TVET program.
Young Africa Works in Kenya-TVET is a five-year program (2020-2025) and aims to increase the participation of young Kenyans, particularly women, in market-relevant skills training programs. “Achieving gender equality requires boldness, intentionality, and recognizing the unique challenges young women face. Creating safe spaces for young women to learn and work—and shifting individual perspectives, institutional practices, and overall policies—is critical to this goal. Our commitment under our Young Africa Works strategy is to ensure that 70 percent of the young people that benefit from our work are young women,” noted Daniel Hailu, regional head, Eastern and Southern Africa, Mastercard Foundation.
The three-year partnership will see Niagara College and Sheridan College assist the NGEC in Kenya to increase women’s engagement in the workforce through the development of processes and policies that promote safe learning environments, principally for female learners.
Niagara College will also partner with the NGEC to determine institutional gender frameworks and policies to enhance gender inclusion and mainstreaming. This supports NGEC’s mandate of enhancing awareness on gender and inclusion and as a constitutional mandate under article 59 (2) (b) ‘to promote gender equality and equity generally and to coordinate and facilitate gender mainstreaming in national development’ in Kenya. A change management approach will be used throughout this partnership to facilitate the implementation of gender mainstreaming within 25 TVET institutions in Kenya.
This project supports Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) and aligns with NGEC’s mandate to promote and ensure gender equality, principles of equality and non-discrimination for all persons in Kenya as provided for in the Constitution of Kenya 2010. This initiative also demonstrates Niagara College’s commitment to the provision of inclusive TVET in support of seven Sustainable Development Goals.
“Niagara College has contributed to Sustainable Development Goal number five of gender equality through global projects for more than 15 years,” said Kyla Pennie, manager of international projects, Niagara College. “We are committed to gender equity and inclusion both locally and globally, ensuring female learners have equal opportunities to access education, training, and employment. Healthy economies and communities are built by not only supporting gender equality and skills development for learners within the TVET system but also through training and policy implementation within industry, education, and government stakeholders who can sustain gender mainstreaming efforts.”
About 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 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.
About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management.
For more information on the Foundation, please visit: mastercardfdn.org.
About Young Africa Works
Young Africa Works is Mastercard Foundation’s strategy to enable 30 million young people, particularly young women, across Africa to access dignified and fulfilling work. Africa will have the largest workforce, with 375 million young people entering the labour market by 2030. With the right skills, these young people will contribute to Africa’s overall competitiveness and improve their lives and those of their communities.
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Media inquiries, please contact:
Niagara College Michael Wales Manager, Corporate Communications Cell: 905-328-4101 [email protected]
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00Jessica Torokhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngJessica Torok2021-07-07 08:53:062021-07-07 08:53:06Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kenya to benefit from Gender Equality Policies and Training through support from Niagara College
Lauren and Vaughn Goettler are pictured outdoors at Niagara College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus after establishing a scholarship which will assist 12 students in each of the College’s main schools of study this fall.
An unexpected gift from a local family will help more Niagara College students achieve their dreams this fall.
Thanks to a generous donation from Niagara-on-the-Lake residents Lauren and Vaughn Goettler, 12 students will receive financial awards through the newly established Goettler Family Scholarship.
This fall, twelve $1,000 scholarships will be given to returning students who demonstrate academic excellence (over 70% average) and financial need. The Goettler Family Scholarship will be the first in the College’s history from a private donor to assist one student from each main school of study: including Academic, Liberal and Access Studies; Allied Health; Community Services; Justice and Fitness; Business and Management; Canadian Food and Wine Institute; Environment and Horticulture; Hospitality and Tourism; Media; Nursing and Personal Support Worker; Technology; and Trades.
“In these challenging pandemic times, we are honoured to provide this bursary to acknowledge and reward returning students who are achieving academic excellence, but struggling to meet the financial obligations of their programs, such that financial assistance is required,” said Lauren and Vaughn Goettler. “We are committed to young people who have the vision and dedication to their futures to become all that they can be. While the road may not be easy, it is a worthwhile destination, full of a sense of accomplishment and a life of fulfillment.”
The gift was well-received at Niagara College where financial challenge is the greatest barrier to college success for many students. Many work part- or full-time while completing their studies, while an increasing number of students are responsible for one or more dependents. About one-third of students at NC are the first in their family to pursue postsecondary education.
While it has been a challenging year for fundraising to support student success at the College – with its signature Seafood Gala fundraising events cancelled for 2020 and 2021 – many students continue to face financial challenges, as well as additional stressors they could not have anticipated during the pandemic, such as the loss of employment.
“We are truly grateful to the Goettler family for their generous donation which embodies the very spirit of community,” said Niagara College president Sean Kennedy. “Their gift recognizes the importance of supporting education in Niagara by providing much-needed financial support. It will truly make a difference to our students as they pursue their dreams.”
In addition to helping students directly through their donation, the Goettlers also expressed hope that their gift may have an additional positive impact.
“It is our sincere hope that by this gesture we may inspire other members of the community to find it in their hearts to do the same,” they said.
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]
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00Julie Grecohttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngJulie Greco2021-06-29 08:29:582021-06-29 08:29:58Local family demonstrates community spirit with surprise donation to Niagara College
After a year marked by unwavering determination, Niagara College students truly earned the right to celebrate their accomplishments.
“You put the ‘NC’ in the words ‘perseverance’ and ‘resilience,’ said Fiona Allan, vice-president Academic, in her address to graduates.
June 25 capped off Convocation week for NC’s Class of 2021. The College celebrated 3,872 new graduates in five days through a series of interactive ceremonies livestreamed from its Welland Campus. Thousands tuned in live to cheer on the newly minted graduates, among them, family, friends, and viewers from Niagara and over 80 countries.
The ceremonies took place virtually for the second year as the College continues to comply with ongoing gathering restrictions during COVID-19. The graduates, who completed their studies remotely – either in whole or in part – during the 2020-21 academic year, celebrated their milestone success with many of the beloved elements of NC’s traditional in-person convocation events, including call-outs of their names and words of inspiration from across the College and beyond.
Niagara College president Sean Kennedy had four key pieces of advice for the Class of 2021:
The first, to be their own person. “Whatever path you take, make sure that it’s your own,” said Kennedy.
Second, to embrace lifelong learning. “Don’t be afraid to confront yourself and your beliefs and be willing to change.”
Reflecting upon the tragic news from Cowessess First Nation and Kamloops, Kennedy called upon grads to be a force for change during this moment of national mourning.
“The horrific discoveries of the unmarked graves of hundreds of Indigenous children at former residential schools reminds us of the urgent need for truth and reconciliation, and why we must grow and push society forward; that is the essence of lifelong learning – both individually and collectively,” said Kennedy.
Finally, Kennedy inspired graduates to invest time in building relationships, and to embrace challenges.
“Experience can be one of the best teachers – an idea we embrace here at Niagara College, for experience… is the essence of applied education.”
Distinguished guest speaker Sarah Blackwood – Canadian singer/songwriter/musician from Juno-award-winning band Walk Off the Earth – inspired graduates with a speech about saying ‘yes’, embracing uncertainty, and growing through life experiences.
“Life isn’t about finding your purpose. It’s about evolving your soul through the hundreds and hundreds of experiences you choose to have. Rather than focus on a purpose, focus on an evolution. Purpose feels like there’s one final destination that we arrive at, but evolution feels like a continuous journey where we are forever growing and learning and becoming who we are,” said Blackwood, who received an Honorary Diploma in Media Studies from NC.
Blackwood shared the life advice she gives her three children. “There are a million things you can try in life. If you say yes to all of them, you can experience more, grow more, and have compassion for the people walking beside you.”
Spring Convocation 2021 marked a historic milestone for the College. On June 22, Emily Gushue of Ridgeway became NC’s 100,000th graduate, receiving her diploma in Community and Justice Services and symbolizing the expansive and growing reach of NC’s global alumni community.
A group of graduates from the Horticulture Technician Co-op program celebrate their achievements via Zoom during Niagara College’s virtual convocation ceremony on Friday afternoon.
June 25 ceremonies
The final day of ceremonies celebrated 311 graduates from the School of Academic, Liberal and Access Studies, and the School of English Language Studies in the morning, and 236 graduates from the School of Environment and Horticulture in the afternoon.
Amanda Sutcliffe is the Dean’s Award winner for the School of Academic Studies.
Liberal and Access Studies graduate Amanda Sutcliffe was the Dean’s Award winner from the School of Academic Studies with a 95 per cent GPA. Sutcliffe, who holds a diploma in Educational Assistant-Special Needs Support (2019) began the Personal Support Worker program in September 2019, only to have pandemic restrictions on co-op placements put those plans on hold.
Sutcliffe rejigged her education plans, pivoting to online learning while supporting her children who did so as well. The Fort Erie mom balanced her studies and home life with ease, switching between her student hat and her mom hat in a busy household – no small feat.
“I am very thankful for the experience because I feel that my children watching me persevere and graduate during these times has greatly helped them through the challenges that virtual schooling has thrown their way.”
Hamilton’s Jonah Read had a few false starts with post-secondary education before digging into his passion for planting in the Horticultural Technician Co-op program. It was a summer job that inspired his future career in horticulture, and his supervisors – NC alumni – who recommended the College’s program.
“I enjoy solving problems, and the knowledge gained at Niagara College comes into play often … I am passionate about identifying trees, flowers and weed species, and learning best horticultural practices. Niagara College has given me a solid foundation from which I can build as a lifelong learner,” said Read.
Jonah Read is the Dean’s Award winner for the School of Environment and Horticulture.
Read achieved an impressive 97 per cent GPA, earning him the Dean’s Award in the School of Environment and Horticulture. Read is already seeing the fruits of his labour as he begins a leadership position with the City of Hamilton’s Horticulture Department.
Virtual Convocation 2021
NC’s Virtual Spring Convocation Ceremonies, which have been held twice daily between June 21 and June 25, have been drawing thousands of viewers around the world – with 17,100 viewers from 81 countries throughout the week.
College president Sean Kennedy and vice-president Academic Fiona Allan hosted all 10 livestreamed ceremonies from the Welland Campus. The ceremonies leveraged technology to create a highly interactive event, enabling graduates to connect with their classmates and program faculty via pre-organized Zoom program parties held alongside the formal ceremonies. Graduates could be seen cheering and waving during their ceremonies, as clips from their program Zoom parties were incorporated into the ceremony livestream in lieu of their ‘crossing of the stage.’
Video well-wishes to the graduates from the college community and beyond were also woven into the ceremony.
Several members of the alumni community welcomed the new graduates in a video message – including president of RW&Co. Lora Tisi (1979), and Tim Hansing, CEO and co-founder of Red Planet Hotels (1987), Niagara EMS chief Kevin Smith (1992), recent winner of Top Chef Canada Erica Karbelnik (2011), and TV host and reporter Amy Audibert (2012) who also voiced an opening video for the Class of 2021.
Ceremonies included an Indigenous welcome from traditional knowledge keeper Karl Dockstader; music from piper Kelley Buckley; and a special video of the national anthem sung by College faculty members Barbara Mantini, Giacomo Folinazzo and Paul Wintemute. Names were read by faculty members Franco Bieri and Carolyn Ambrose-Miller.
Convocation was an example of applied learning in action for a team of Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film students. They worked alongside faculty and staff to create and broadcast each event – including four graduating students who took on critical roles behind the scenes for virtual convocation – even during their own ceremony on the afternoon of June 23.
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.
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00Jessica Torokhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngJessica Torok2021-06-25 16:43:302021-06-25 16:43:30Virtual trailblazers: Niagara College honours Class of 2021 in week-long Convocation celebrations
