With mass vaccination clinics underway across the community, Niagara College is proud to support the region’s vaccination efforts with the donation of a -80 degrees ultra-low temperature freezer to Niagara Region Public Health for vaccine storage.
“We are pleased to support Niagara Region Public Health and our community members as Niagara moves forward in its vaccine rollout,” said Marc Nantel, PhD, vice president, Research & External Relations. “This freezer will aid Niagara Region Public Health to safely store and administer the COVID-19 vaccine to members of our community.”
The donated ultra-low freezer has a capacity of 13 cubic feet and was previously located at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus where it was used in a lab within the Canadian Food & Wine Institute Innovation Centre. When that specific lab was decommissioned, the College looked for a way to ensure the freezer met a community need.
“As the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine requires specialized storage, this ultra-low freezer allows the team at Niagara Region Public Health to store vaccine with seamless and secure access as we host daily vaccination clinics in communities across Niagara,” said Kim Friesen, manager, Mass Immunization, Niagara Region Public Health. “Thank you to Niagara College for their support of both Public Health and the residents of Niagara.”
The donation of the -80 ultra-low freezer is the most recent effort from Niagara College to support the community and healthcare workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, Niagara College underwent a college-wide effort to identify medical supplies to assist local healthcare workers, resulting in thousands of masks and gloves being donated to the Niagara Health system last spring.
Niagara College’s Research & Innovation division also produced 36,500 face shields and donated 17,300 of them to help Niagara Health with its increased need for protective equipment, while the Teaching Distillery produced more than 1,100 liters of a 70% alcohol disinfectant that could be used for hand sanitizer and surface wipes in response to the overwhelming demand for disinfectant in the community.
“COVID-19 has affected thousands of community members across the region and Niagara College is proud to support Niagara Region Public Health as they undertake the important work of administering vaccines to those most vulnerable in our community,” said Nantel.
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 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.pngcdecaire2021-03-30 10:02:292021-03-30 10:02:29Niagara College supports vaccination efforts with ultra-low freezer donation
Members of the Niagara College community are planning a special way to honour the memory of one of their most dedicated long-time champions, which combines her love for students, passion for horticulture and support for student learning.
With spring in the air, budding plans are in the works for a memorial garden in honour of NC’s long-time ‘first lady’ Saundra Patterson who passed away in January 2021. Saundra was not only known as the devoted partner of NC’s former president Dan Patterson – who served 25 years at the College – but as a College supporter in her own right who left an indelible mark on the NC community.
The Saundra Patterson Memorial Garden will be created in the upper courtyard of the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The initiative stems from NC’s School of Environment and Horticulture whose faculty and students – along with staff at its Teaching Greenhouse – have forged a special connection with Saundra over the years.
“Our Horticultural staff and faculty immediately agreed that a memorial garden would be a meaningful way to honour Saundra, who loved gardening and loved our students even more,” said Alan Unwin, dean of Business, Tourism and Environment. “This project will beautify our campus, support student learning, and be a special way for our College community to remember Saundra for many years to come.”
Applied learning will flourish with the memorial garden project. During the Spring term, students from a variety of horticulture programs will have an opportunity to design the memorial garden as part of their landscape design course, and the winner will be selected by the end of the term. Students are expected to begin the building phase in September and complete the garden by the end of Fall term. By the time the garden is in full bloom, about 150 students will have had their hands in the project.
Horticulture professor Dena Gavin noted that the entire department has embraced the idea of having a dedicated memorial garden and it will be incorporated into many classes – from designing and planting to maintaining it.
“Saundra loved gardening, the College, and our department. She treated us all like her closest friends and spent time with our students,” said Gavin. “I was honoured to have known such a strong woman. This garden will be an amazing tribute to her and will be loved by many for years; her passion and story will be talked about by many.”
President emeritus Patterson was moved to hear about the initiative.
“Saundra was so pleased to see the way the campus has developed into becoming one of the most beautiful learning environments in the country … it’s so extraordinary to think that a memorial garden will be created in her honour,” said Patterson. “I am so pleased that her legacy and her love for the College will continue on for the enjoyment of students, faculty, staff and visitors to the College.”
The memorial garden will be completely funded by donors who contribute to the Saundra Patterson Memorial Garden and Horticultural Bursary Fund. More than $7,000 has been raised to support the initiative to date, and Carol and David Appel of Niagara-on-the-Lake have generously committed to match every new donation up to $10,000. With the Appel’s gift of $10,000 matched by new donations, the fundraising initiative would be more than halfway to its $50,000 goal.
“The fact that the memorial garden will be completely funded through the generosity of donors is a testament to how important and loved Saundra was in our College community,” said Marc Nantel, vice-president, Research and External Relations. “With our donors’ support, the Saundra Patterson Memorial Garden will blossom into a beautiful place of special reflection on campus for everyone to enjoy, while continuing to create learning opportunities for our students.”
Funds raised that exceed the $50,000 goal for the permanent memorial garden will support student learning through the Saundra Patterson Horticultural Bursary. A tireless supporter of student learning, Saundra contributed to many bursaries for students over the years. She established an endowed bursary fund in 2006, which has disbursed almost $10,000 in bursaries to date.
Bonnie Rose – a close friend of the Pattersons who has held senior executive positions at Niagara College and served two terms on its Board of Governors – was delighted to hear that the initiative to honour Saundra’s memory will focus on student involvement.
“Saundra truly nurtured students as she did her own garden, with respect for their potential, with empathy for their worries and sorrows, with challenges to spur them to do their best, and always, with great joy in their successes,” said Rose.
President emeritus Dan Patterson pets Scout, the College’s Teaching Greenhouse cat, in the courtyard at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The orange tabby is part of the special legacy left by Saundra Patterson at NC. In early 2020, she supported the adoption of Scout and was instrumental in selecting his name among finalists from a college-wide contest. She also took great care of Scout’s predecessor Basil who was the College’s beloved Greenhouse cat for more than 15 years, and hosted a memorial in his honour in Oct. 2019TOP PHOTO:President emeritus Dan Patterson holds a rendering of early plans for the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus and its vision of it becoming a ‘living laboratory’ prior to its opening in 1998. After his 25-year tenure and the evolution of the campus as one of the most innovative and beautiful in the country, Patterson stands in the courtyard where the Saundra Patterson Memorial Garden will be created in honour of his late wife who was by his side from the beginning. True to the spirit of the ‘living lab’ vision for the campus, Saundra’s garden will continue to create applied learning opportunities for students.
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. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.
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 Greco2021-03-26 08:23:302021-03-26 08:23:30Plans take root for Saundra Patterson memorial garden at Niagara College
Three Niagara College alumni will be part of tonight’s historic television broadcast of the Toronto Raptors game against the Denver Nuggets.
Amy Audibert, who graduated in 2012 from the Broadcasting — Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) program, will take centre stage with four other women as part of the NBA’s first all-female broadcast crew for the game, which will air on TSN 4 at 7:30 p.m. Audibert will host and provide analysis alongside TSN host Kate Beirness and reporter Kayla Grey, national women’s team member Kia Nurse, and play-by-play broadcaster Meghan McPeak.
Kristyn Taras and Kianna Klauck, who graduated from the BRTF program in 2017, will work behind the scenes for Dome Productions, one of North America’s leading production facilities. Taras will work as the second engineer on the broadcast while Klauck will provide graphic support used by the hosts to explain critical plays in the game.
Calling NBA games has been a dream for Audibert since she was a child growing up in Niagara Falls. Calling this game is especially significant for her.
“It’s being given the opportunity to be part of something that’s the first, something that didn’t consistently exist when I was growing up” Audibert said. “I don’t want this to be a men versus women issue. This isn’t us taking over. This is us pulling up a chair and saying we can sit at the table, too.”
This is the second all-women major league sports broadcast that Taras and Klauck have helped produce. Both women were part of the production team for the NHL’s Calgary Flames-Las Vegas Golden Nights match in March 2020, which was hosted by an all-female broadcast crew.
Taras noted that there are typically few women involved in the production of professional sports telecasts, on-air or behind the scenes. However, there’s a kind of magic that happens when efforts are made to include more women.
Kristyn Taras and Kianna Klauck at last year’s all-female broadcast of an NHL game.
“It’s a very different environment with all females. The energy is totally different. We all know what everyone is thinking and we’re on the same wavelength,” said Taras, who hails from St. Catharines. “It’s really great the Raptors and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment are doing this and letting women come together.”
As a Woman of Colour, Klauck said it’s especially notable that three of the on-air personalities for tonight’s game, McPeak, Nurse and Grey, are Black.
“It’s going to be a really special moment. For People of Colour, seeing the majority of Black on-air talent is really special,” said Klauck, who calls Port Colborne home. “Hopefully they can reach someone at home who will think ‘I can do that.’ ”
The importance of what Audibert, Taras and Klauck are part of tonight is being felt all the way back to the College’s BRTF labs and by one of their broadcast mentors, program coordinator Peter “Dutch” VandenBerg.
“I use graduate success stories as a means of motivation for my current students,” VandenBerg said. “Participation in a historic event empowers female students here in what’s typically a male-dominated industry.”
Niagara College’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film is a three-year, advanced diploma program within the College’s School of Media based at the Welland Campus. Students select a program concentration during the first year of the program in Radio and TV Presentation,Television Production, or Film Production.
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. For more information visitniagaracollege.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.png00tmayerhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngtmayer2021-03-24 09:59:172021-03-24 09:59:17Trio of College alumni to help break gender barriers on all-female NBA broadcast
School of Community Services faculty members Jessica Morris (left) and Ann Marie Raos (right) stand with associate dean Carol Phillips (middle) in front of Niagara College’s Applied Health Institute at the Welland Campus. All three worked on the CAMH Recovery College’s recently launched ExperieNCe: Working in Groups workshops.
A new workshop series is expanding educational opportunities for those affected by mental health and addiction issues.
The free, seven-part series is the result of a collaboration between the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) – Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital – and Niagara College.
Called, ‘ExperieNCe: Working in Groups,’ the workshops are available through the CAMH Recovery College, which is focused on supporting people through education and creating pathways for opportunities they may not have had. The series is open to participants who self-identify as having lived experience with mental health, addiction and/or substance abuse challenges.
The online workshops focus on building skills in group-work, communication and collaboration, roles and relationships, decision-making, and conflict management – which may be applied to enhance their personal or professional lives.
“It was a natural fit to join forces with Niagara College. Through this partnership we can offer a low-barrier opportunity for people to explore college level learning,” said Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam, CAMH’s vice-president of Education. “We are very excited to have this opportunity to partner with Niagara College and expand opportunities and offerings to our student base.”
“Here at Niagara College we know education can transform lives, and in collaboration with CAMH, we are proud to present these ExperieNCe workshops which help do just that,” said Carol Phillips, NC’s associate dean, School of Community Services. “In addition to helping break down the barriers to education for many who face addiction or mental health challenges, we are excited to work with CAMH to offer support for those who wish to transition into college life.”
The workshops were spearheaded by CYC professor Jessica Morris who liaised with representatives from CAMH to co-create, develop, design and produce the series alongside administrators and faculty members from the College’s School of Community Services. They began working on the project last year, incorporating learning outcomes from selected CYC and EA-SNS courses into the workshops.
“Working with CAMH was an incredible experience. They have the same trailblazing mindset that we foster at Niagara College and I am so proud to see our NC logo and the CAMH logo side by side on this project,” said Morris. “These workshops are poised to benefit those experiencing mental health and addiction challenges who may prefer a safe and less formal environment. It presents a perfect opportunity for them to build their self esteem and dip their toes into a college-level learning experience in a course that has many built-in, reflective tools to support them on their journey.”
EA-SNS professor Ann Marie Raos noted that it was an honour to contribute to the project.
“This initiative with CAMH will definitely expose potential students to a different professional field that they may not have thought of before. Through EA-SNS, there is such a rewarding feeling of being able to support individuals with disabilities in our communities,” said Raos. “What an amazing opportunity to speak to our program which is unique in that it prepares students for not only the educational field but agency support as well.”
A non-clinical program, the ExperieNCe workshop series operates on self-referrals; a diagnosis is not required.
Two styles of workshops are available. A self-directed online option through the Moodle platform gives participants an opportunity to earn a NC credit. Participants must complete five workshops before selecting their final workshop in either CYC or EA-SNS. Synchronous live workshops are also available, which are currently being held virtually due to the pandemic but do not give the option of earning a NC credit.
In addition to collaborating on creating the new series, NC is also co-facilitating the workshops and providing ongoing support to students in the course who are identified as motivated and ready to enter the labour market.
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. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.
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Media inquiries, please contact:
Michael Wales
Manager, 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 Greco2021-03-23 09:57:542021-03-23 09:57:54Niagara College collaborates with CAMH to create new workshop series
Niagara College received welcome news today, as the Ontario government announced funding to help address the additional COVID-19 related expenses incurred over the past year. Niagara College will receive $6.8 million from the Ontario government’s Postsecondary Education Support Fund to support these costs.
“We’re very grateful to the province for the funding announced today, and for recognizing the significant financial challenges associated with COVID-19,” said Niagara College president Sean Kennedy. “This important investment enhances our ability to support our students and our community, and fulfill our important role in the economic recovery that lies ahead.”
“Our postsecondary institutions are critical to the prosperity of our province and local communities and will contribute significantly to our economic recovery,” said Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities, in announcing today’s funding. “Postsecondary institutions are a key source of job creation, skills training, research, and innovation. That’s why our government has established the emergency fund to help address the financial impacts of COVID-19 and ensure they have the tools, technologies and resources they need to support students throughout their studies.”
This funding is part of Ontario’s total investment of $106.4 million for postsecondary institutions who have been the most financially impacted by COVID-19. Funding will help to offset pandemic related costs, including those associated with online learning, personal protective equipment and enhanced cleaning.
“This investment will support the sustainability of postsecondary education in the Niagara region and help ensure students get the skills and education they need for the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff.
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.png00cdecairehttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngcdecaire2021-03-19 14:20:182021-03-19 14:20:18Niagara College to receive $6.8 million in funding from the Ontario Government
Spring represents the season of new beginnings and Niagara College is ready to give prospective students a warm ‘NC virtual welcome’ as they look ahead to the next chapter in their educational journeys.
On Saturday, March 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the College will host its Spring Virtual Open House, a live, interactive online event that provides future students the opportunity to learn about NC’s innovative programs, state-of-the-art campuses and student supports, along with a chance to win a $3,000 credit towards their NC tuition (for Fall 2021, Winter 2022, or Spring 2022).
“Open House is one of the most exciting times at Niagara College, as we get to showcase our trailblazing programs and welcoming learning environments,” said NC president Sean Kennedy. “I hope that you’ll join us virtually to hear about the ‘NC difference’ directly from the people who make our college such a special place to learn and position yourself for success.”
During the virtual experience, future students and their families can connect with current students, staff and faculty, who are eager to highlight what makes the Niagara College experience truly like no other and share examples of the interactive learning that continues to be delivered at NC during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Live Program Information Sessions will cover NC’s many program choices in detail to provide students a visual of what their upcoming educational experience could look like. Additionally, live Ask Me Anything sessions will give students the chance to learn about the many supports and services available at the College, including financial and mental health supports, and illustrate how students can become a part of the inclusive ‘NC community’ to help enrich their student experience.
Students can also explore NC campuses – with their student-focused labs and award-winning facilities – through virtual, self-guided tours and access recorded video content that provides even more engaging information about the College’s programs.
“We know that much has changed over the last year but what hasn’t changed is Niagara College’s commitment to delivering an outstanding learning experience for students,” said Kennedy.
Whether tuning in locally or from around the world, NC’s Virtual Spring Open House is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for students to ask questions and get the information they need to help them make informed decisions about their future. International students logging in from their home countries can connect early on the day of the event to participate in two customized sessions starting at 8 a.m. (EST).
Additional ways to connect with NC’s recruitment team members beyond event-day, including one-on-one virtual visits and virtual college exploration sessions, will also be shared during the event.
Registration is required for the event and is currently underway. Attendees are encouraged to log in prior to March 27 to review Virtual Open House content, including schedules for live information sessions. In addition to a chance to win a $3,000 tuition credit, those who attend and register before Thursday, March 25 at 11:59 p.m. will be eligible for a chance to win one of 20 $100 Visa gift cards.
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.
-30-
Media inquires, 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.png00Elyse Howarthhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngElyse Howarth2021-03-19 08:29:292021-03-19 08:29:29Niagara College to host Spring Virtual Open House March 27
For Maria Jose Torres Vargas, environmental stewardship is much more than about helping save the planet – it’s about protecting people.
That passion and dedication has not only led her to achieve two credentials from the College’s School of Environment but this recent graduate recently became the first student from Niagara College to become certified as a Living Planet Leader from the World Wildlife Fund Canada’s Living Planet @ Campus program, which recognizes students for leadership in environmental sustainability on campus and in the community.
“The opportunity to become a Living Planet Leader has shown me how every one of us affects nature and how minimal actions can turn things over,” said Vargas. “It’s about understanding that being a leader is working together, listening, and learning from each other to achieve a more sustainable future, helping the planet thrive is helping us thrive.”
Originally from Bogota, Colombia, she has had a long-time passion for the environment. When she began her studies at NC, she became interested in volunteering and getting involved with the College’s sustainability initiatives. She noted she realized that education is essential to a more sustainable future.
“At first, I wanted to speak for the environment since it did not have a voice. However, during college, I realized it was really about people,” said Vargas. “We need to protect the planet to protect people, so, it became a matter of getting involved with people for the people.
“I wanted to transmit all the knowledge I had to other people so they can get involved and contribute.”
With an interest in becoming a WWF-Canada Living Planet Leader, Vargas She reached out to the College’s Office of Sustainability and received guidance on opportunities available to students and how to accomplish her goal.
She volunteered for the College’s BioBlitz in 2019 and then spent the summer volunteering with the Office of Sustainability, monitoring the lagoons and protecting sustainability initiatives on campus. When she began the Environmental Management program, she continued to volunteer and encouraged her new classmates to become involved as well. She had an active role in planning the 2020 BioBlitz; however, the spring 2020 event was cancelled due to the campus closure in response to the global pandemic.
Sustainability program and outreach coordinator Amber Schmucker noted that Vargas was involved with almost every sustainability initiative at the College for the past two years to achieve her certification requirements.
NC’s Office of Sustainability strives to offer students meaningful events and programs that will assist them in landing employment after graduation. Schmucker noted that knowledge of sustainability and climate change is becoming more important across many sectors, and the Living Planet @ Campus program and Living Planet Leader certification encourages students to learn more about sustainability and gain that knowledge, regardless of what program they are enrolled in.
“We are always so thrilled to have students volunteer and work with us closely to make our engagement events and programs such a success,” said Schmucker. “Being able to provide this additional recognition through an amazing organization like WWF-Canada is something we are very proud to offer our students.”
Being the first NC student to receive the honour makes the Mississauga resident and recent alumna feel encouraged and supported.
“I felt validated and it makes me very happy to represent my college with an organization like WWF-Canada,” she said.
About the Living Planet Leader certification
To become a WWF-Canada Living Planet Leader, students must complete the certification’s four category requirements in volunteerism, academics, personal sustainability, and leadership and teamwork. Visit campus.wwf.ca to get started.
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 Greco2021-03-17 09:25:542021-03-17 09:25:54Passion meets stewardship: NC environmental student volunteers her way towards WWF-Canada’s Living Planet Leader certification
As the Spring season approaches, planning is underway for our convocation ceremonies this June, and we look forward to celebrating the hard-earned accomplishments of NC’s Class of 2021.
With the health and safety of our college community the top priority during COVID-19, and with physical distancing and limited gathering measures remaining in place, NC’s Spring Convocation Ceremonies will once again take a virtual format.
During the week of June 21 to 25, highly interactive and engaging ceremonies will be live streamed from NC’s Welland Campus. President Sean Kennedy and vice president, Academic, Fiona Allan will take to the convocation stage each day to deliver the ceremonies and celebrate with students, virtually.
“Although the current circumstances prevent us from celebrating in person, we are working ‘NC together’ to create a memorable celebration of our students and their remarkable accomplishments as they embark on the next chapter of their lives,” said president Kennedy.
Building on the success of NC’s Virtual Convocation Ceremonies in 2020, which drew tens of thousands of views from across Niagara, Canada and around the world, this year’s celebrations will feature the innovative elements from the previous events and incorporate new enhancements.
Through NC’s Virtual Convocation, graduates are invited to be active participants in their ceremony. As they participate from the comfort of home, graduates can connect with their fellow classmates and faculty through program Zoom parties and become convocation content creators through a custom social media experience. Using the hashtag #NCGrad2021, graduates can share photos and videos of their at-home convocation celebrations, which will be integrated into the live ceremonies in real-time. Select clips from the Zoom parties will also be incorporated into the livestream, enabling graduates to make an on-screen appearance.
Further details regarding virtual convocation, including ceremony times, schedules and a special guest speaker, will be available in the coming weeks.
Students should also be advised that May 31, 2021 is the deadline to meet graduation requirements to be included in our Spring Virtual Convocation Ceremonies. Please review your MyNC account to ensure your final grades are submitted before this date.
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 Howarth2021-03-15 09:49:562021-03-15 09:49:56Mark your calendars for NC’s highly interactive Virtual Spring Convocation Ceremonies
Thirsting for a career in the thriving beverage industry? A new program from Niagara College’s trailblazing Canadian Food and Wine Institute offers aspiring business managers the perfect blend from its trifecta of beverage fermentation sciences: wine, beer and distilling.
Beverage Business Management is a one-year graduate certificate program, which will be the first of its kind in Canada when it launches in September 2021. An evolution of the College’s Wine Business Management program, the new program will offer students a robust business knowledge in all aspects of the alcoholic beverage industry – from retail and marketing, to exports, and the legal and regulatory environment.
“Beverage Business Management is a natural progression of the growth in our programming,” said CFWI dean Craig Youdale. “As home to Canada’s first commercial teaching winery, first teaching brewery and first teaching distillery, we are excited to build on our established production-based programs in wine, brewing and distilling, and unveil our first expanded offering from all three beverage sectors poised to break new ground across the country.”
The new program aims to prepare graduates to enter an increasingly hybridized beverage industry where spillover between winery, brewery, distillery operations are becoming more common — with wineries diversifying into craft breweries, distilleries and cideries, and craft breweries adding spirits to their offerings. At the same time, consumers are opting for greater choice as craft beers, spirits and ciders commonly pop up on tasting menus alongside wines.
“We’re seeing this trend globally and we want to ensure that we’re meeting this need. International students can apply what they’ve learned in their home countries as well,” said program coordinator Peter Rod. “It’s the new normal to look for candidates who are ‘jacks of all trades’ prepared with the most up-to-date skills and knowledge, who are able to pivot. Our graduates will be well positioned to do it all with knowledge from all three of these growing beverage sectors.”
The program will be based at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is the only postsecondary institution in Canada with learning enterprises from all three beverage sectors on campus as ‘living labs’ for students, including College’s Teaching Winery, Teaching Brewery, Teaching Distillery and Wine Visitor + Education Centre (retail).
“We are the only postsecondary institution in Canada that has the expertise in all three beverage sectors on campus,” said associate dean, CFWI Gary Torraville. “We have the facilities. We have the equipment. We have the experts. This is what makes the CFWI unique.”
The program is expected to attract professionals who wish to learn broader concepts on the business aspect of the beverage industry to progress into management, as well as those intrigued by the industry and interested in launching a career. It’s also an opportunity for graduates from the College’s wine, beer and distilling programs to build on their credential with a new business management graduate certificate, which focuses on three sectors.
“While business is incorporated in our Winery and Viticulture Technician, Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management, and Artisan Distilling programs, they are more practical and production based,” said Torraville. “By enrolling in the Beverage Business Management graduate certificate program, students really have an opportunity to ignite their passion and 100% focus on business.”
Students will study the sensory evaluation of beer, spirits and wines; the legal and regulatory environment; and employee and financial sustainability for the beverage alcohol industry. They will also learn about the essentials of beverage alcohol production, innovative sales and marketing, supply chain management, quality assessment, strategic market and brand analytics, and enterprise innovation and entrepreneurship. The program culminates with a capstone research/ thesis project where students tackle a problem in the spirits, beer or wine business while teaming up with an industry partner or using real-life case studies.
Registration is now underway for the Beverage Business Management program, which has a 40-student capacity for its first intake during the Fall 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 visit niagaracollege.ca.
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Media inquires, 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 Greco2021-03-10 08:38:482021-03-10 08:38:48Niagara College launches Beverage Business Management program
A group of Niagara College Brewmaster students got a head start on International Women’s Day in an effort to stamp out gender stereotypes and kick down barriers when it comes to women in brewing.
On Friday, March 5, women from different classes of the College’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program joined together at the NC Teaching Brewery with their ‘Pink Boots’ on – figuratively or, in some cases, literally. Their mission: to celebrate International Women’s Day by collaborating to create a special beer in support of women in the beer industry. In doing so, they became part of a global effort, launched by the Pink Boots Society, to raise the profile of women in brewing around the world.
“It is very important to me to raise awareness, break down barriers and help level the playing field for women in the brewing industry,” said second-year Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management student Nicola Davey, who took the lead in organizing this year’s Pink Boots initiative at the NC Teaching Brewery. “There are opportunities for us in craft brewing, and the support we get from each other will increase that involvement and inspire us to grow more.”
NC’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute dean Craig Youdale pointed out that the College’s recent creation of a Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce sends a clear message that this issue is important to NC, and that more needs to be done to support the community and students.
“The Pink Boots Collaborative Brew initiative is a very important message to our female students and community that we need to do all we can to celebrate women in the brewing workforce,” said Youdale. “Seeing our students so excited to showcase their talent and collaborate with other women in the industry is a positive image that can only help continue the fight for equality and diversity.”
Pink Boots Brew
The collaboration beer they created, Pink Boots Brew, is an American Pale Ale with tropical, herbal, citrus and woody aromatic notes. It was designed to complement the exclusive Pink Boots hops blend chosen for this year’s Pink Boots Society Collaboration Brew Day initiative – used by participants around the world. Pink Boots partner Yakima Chief Hops donates $3 from every pound sold to the Pink Boots Society for education and programming.
Two second-term Brewmaster students, Michalla Bent and Laura Park, crafted the recipe for Pink Boots Brew, embracing the opportunity to produce their first commercial beer while contributing to a meaningful initiative.
“Not only is this a great opportunity to establish our first recipe, with the help of the other girls, but to prepare us for the future ahead of us,” said Bent. “I think it’s important to raise awareness of women in brewing. Often times, women can be looked down upon for pursuing a trade that is so-called a ‘man’s job,’ and it’s nice that we have the support and encouragement from other women in the brewery industry to beat the odds and speak our minds freely.”
Park valued the opportunity to collaborate and make a beer with all women in the Brewmaster program and was excited to see their first commercial brew put out for others to try. The beer will be available for purchase in April at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre.
“It is also very meaningful as this event also shows women in the brewing industry that there is support for them and they are encouraged to pursue this path despite being underrepresented,” said Park. “It acts as that extra boost of encouragement that I need to know I made a great decision to take this program and pursue my interests in making beer, and there is support backing me up whenever I need it.”
Pandemic safety measures in place
With restricted campus access and on-campus safety measures in place during the pandemic, this year’s Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day at the Teaching Brewery was limited to 11 participants – the number of women enrolled in the program. The brew day complied with all COVID-related safety measures, including physical distancing and enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE).
Co-organizer Mackenzie Vivani noted that while she regrets that brew day was held on a smaller scale than the College’s inaugural event on International Women’s Day last year, when local brewers were also invited, she was excited to be part of it once again for 2021. It was the first time the Brewmaster students were able to gather with their peers from other classes since the 2020 Pink Boots event, held less than a week prior to the College shutdown last March.
“To have all the women in the program come together is still very exciting. We are few and far between in the program and in this industry,” said Vivani. “All we want to do is encourage more women to come into this industry and establish a way for the women in the program to build connections with women who are already working in the industry.”
NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program was launched in 2010 as the first of its kind in Canada. The award-winning, two-year program offers extensive hands-on training at an on-site, state-of-the-art Teaching Brewery to prepare students for employment in the expanding brewery, microbrewery and brewpub industries. Located at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson in Niagara-on-the-Lake, students learn from award-winning faculty and have access to on-site hop yard and local farm products to brew a full range of beer styles. Visit ncteachingbrewery.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, 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 Greco2021-03-05 12:10:562021-03-05 12:10:56Niagara College kicks up support for women in brewing with Pink Boots Brew
