Funding for Niagara College will help strengthen local manufacturing sector and train the next generation
Collaborations between college researchers and businesses help our national and local economies thrive and prepare young Canadians for the jobs of the future. Canada’s colleges are at the heart of communities across the country and fuel research that helps businesses innovate and grow.
On July 17, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, announced nearly $2 million in funding to support research at Niagara College. This funding is part of a $57-million investment through the College and Community Innovation Program that Minister Duncan announced on June 13, 2019.
The grants for Niagara College will support researchers working with the region’s manufacturing sector to accelerate the use of advanced technologies, such as machine learning, robotics and 3D printing, to foster innovation and boost local companies’ competitive advantage. The funding will also go toward equipment for researchers looking into the agricultural factors that can impact the production of cannabis.
This investment is part of Canada’s Science Vision and the government’s commitment of more than $10 billion to science and research, which includes the largest ever boost for college research funding.
Minister Tassi also signed the Dimensions Charter at Niagara College. Institutions that endorse the charter commit to embedding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusiveness in their policies, practices, action plans and culture.
Quotes
“The recipients at Niagara College are building strong partnerships with local companies and industries so that businesses can take advantage of the latest innovations. At the same time, these partnerships are ensuring young Canadians get the on-the-ground skills needed to succeed in the economy of tomorrow. This is all part of our government’s work to strengthen the relationship between science and research and our economy and society.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors
“Our government is committed to returning science and research to their rightful place. We’re investing in students and research collaborations with small to medium-sized businesses so they can work together on a diverse range of research projects to boost economic development and create jobs across the country. Through these projects, colleges, cégeps and polytechnics will be making a real difference in the lives of Canadians in their communities.”
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport
“NSERC values the tremendous contributions of Canada’s colleges in the research and innovation ecosystem. Today’s investment will enhance our country’s world-class research capacity, help businesses innovate to create growth, and train our next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs.”
– Dr. Marc Fortin, Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
“We thank NSERC for this significant investment in advanced manufacturing innovation and cannabis production research at Niagara College. Our regional collaborative innovation model continues to achieve great success, providing industry partners access to advanced technologies, services and expertise, and has had a strong impact on manufacturers in the Niagara region.”
– Dr. Dan Patterson, President, Niagara College
“We are grateful for NSERC’s significant investment in research and innovation at Niagara College, which enables us to further enhance the work we have been doing since the inception of the Technology Access Centre in 2014. Our centre has established itself as a go-to place for technical services and applied research projects for manufacturers in Niagara, and its continuation is key to the economic development of our region.”
– Dr. Marc Nantel, Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Strategic Initiatives, Niagara College
Quick facts
- The College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program is led by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Funding support for infrastructure is provided by the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
- The CCI Program is one of the largest vehicles for funding applied research at colleges, polytechnics and cégeps across Canada. Since its launch in 2008, the CCI Program has invested more than $553 million in 3,158 projects at post-secondary institutions across Canada.
- The Government of Canada recently launched Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada. This pilot program, which is inspired by the United Kingdom’s internationally recognized Athena SWAN Charter, will address systemic barriers in research, particularly those experienced by members of under-represented or disadvantaged groups.
Associated links
- Government of Canada announces historic investments in research collaborations between colleges and entrepreneurs
- Complete list of recipients—College and Community Innovation Program
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Contacts
Daniele Medlej
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Science and Sport
343-291-4204
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
Niagara College media inquiries:
Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7368
Cell: 905 328 2532
NC Teaching Brewery stands strong at U.S. Open Beer Championship with bronze medal win
When it comes crafting award-winning craft beer, the Niagara College Teaching Brewery has flexed its muscle once again with a new international medal win for strong ale.
The NC Teaching Brewery – home to the College’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program – was announced as a bronze medal winner at the U.S. Open Beer Championship on July 9 for its Beer 101 Strong Ale (Old Ale/ Strong Ale category).
The competition is the only one to include beers from professional breweries and award-winning home-brewers, with judges from the United States, Canada and England. The 2019 U.S. Open Beer Championship drew more than 7,000 beer entries representing more than 130 different styles.
“Winning a medal for one of our student-crafted beers at a major international competition like the U.S. Open is a testament to the quality of the applied education we offer our students at Niagara College,” said Steve Gill, general manager of NC’s Learning Enterprises. “Our Brewmaster students are equipped with the skills they need to succeed and lead the industry in the future, as well as hands-on experience with crafting quality products that are applauded as among the best in North America.”
“The fact that our student-brewed beers are continually doing so well is fantastic,” said Brewmaster professor Jon Downing – who led the opening of more than 100 breweries around the world before bringing his expertise to NC prior to the launch of its Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program in 2010. “Their talent and dedication to the craft, even as students, shows in the fact that they are brewing world-class beers, from ‘grain in’ to ‘cans out.’”
Dow Scoggins, director of the U.S. Open Beer, College and Cider Championship, noted the NC Teaching Brewery’s continued success at the U.S. Open.
“Over the years, Niagara College’s students have consistently medaled at this competition – a pretty amazing feat considering they are competing with some of the world’s best brewers,” said Scoggins.
A group of the College’s Brewmaster students also got a taste of what it’s like to judge an international beer competition – about 1,600 different tastes, in fact. Downing, who also serves as director of judging for the U.S. Open Beer Championship, led a group of about a dozen Brewmaster students to Oxford, Ohio from June 21-23 where they participated in the final session of judging which began in Atlanta two weeks earlier. The group from NC helped judge about 70 out of the 130 categories for the competition, which involved judging about 1,600 samples in a single weekend. The beers are judged ‘blind’ to ensure fairness and judges do not participate in judging their own beer entries.
“There’s nowhere else in the world they could possibly get this kind of experience,” noted Downing.
Scoggins applauded the College’s involvement in the competition.
“Today, the U.S. Open Beer Championship is the third largest beer competition in North America and, since 2014, Niagara College Teaching Brewery students have joined the U.S. Open brew crew. The NC students help serve, clean and judge beers,” said Scoggins. “If it was not for the students, the U.S. Open would have never grown as large as it is today.”
Third-semester Brewmaster student Elizabeth Beresford valued the opportunity to participate in judging for a major competition, and plans to include the experience she gained on her resumé.
“This was beyond anything I ever thought I would experience as a student,” she said. “We met a lot of different people from the industry from across the U.S., and we got to taste so many different kinds of beers that we otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to taste.”
Beer 101 Strong is a British ale first brewed at the College as a version of the Teaching Brewery’s multiple-award-winning Christmas beer, Rudolph’s Red Nose Ale, which proved so popular it became one of the main Beer 101 offerings. The 7.5% Scottish ale’s medals include:
- U.S. Open Beer Championships – gold in 2018, bronze in 2017;
- Canadian Brewing Awards – bronze in 2019, silver in 2018;
- Ontario Brewing Awards – silver in 2018, gold in 2016, and gold in 2013); and
- Dublin Craft Beer Cup – silver in 2015 (for bottle version: Brewmaster Strong Ale).
Beer 101 Strong Ale is available for purchase at the Niagara College Teaching Brewery retail store (135 Taylor Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake). Proceeds from sales support student learning.
For info on the U.S. Open visit http://usopenbeer.com/
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 Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, 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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Photo:
Beer 101 Strong Ale
Beer 101 Strong Ale won a bronze medal at the 2019 U.S. Open Beer Championship.
Media inquiries, please contact:
Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7368
Cell: 905 328 2532
Andrew Korchok
Communications Consultant
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7430
Cell: 905 329-1642
Niagara College agrees to purchase Niagara Corporate Business Centre
As its campus spaces continue to grow and evolve, Niagara College has agreed to purchase the Niagara Corporate Business Centre (NCBC) in Niagara-on-the-Lake from Trivieri Investments Limited and is scheduled to assume ownership of the property on August 23.
Located on Glendale Avenue East in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the 33-acre property, which includes a three-story office building, is adjacent to Niagara College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, and is already home to Niagara College offices that were previously leased from Trivieri Investments Limited. “With its size and location right next door to our Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, the Niagara Corporate Business Centre property provides long-term flexibility and room for expansion,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “As we look to the future, this acquisition will help ensure the College’s ability to accommodate the needs of our growing community, and remain among the most innovative and unique learning environments in Canada.”
The NCBC is currently home to 18 businesses and agencies as well as some Niagara College administrative offices. Current building operations at the property will continue unchanged. Niagara College will work with Niagara Region and the Town-of-Niagara-on-the-Lake to explore options for the property under the Glendale District Planning process.
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:
Andrew Korchok
Communications Consultant
Niagara College
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7430
Cell: 905 329-1642
FedDev Ontario supports expansion of Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation
$14-million investment will enable network to grow to 10 partners, enhance its reach into the manufacturing community and support over 550 jobs
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of helping Canadian manufacturers adopt leading-edge technologies so they can grow and compete both at home and abroad.
On July 11, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, along with Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, announced a FedDev Ontario contribution of $14 million to Niagara College to expand the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI). This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.
Created in 2016 with a $7.3-million contribution from FedDev Ontario, SONAMI is a network of seven post-secondary institutions that pools the resources and expertise of its members and matches them to the needs of smaller manufacturers. This enables them to adopt cutting-edge technologies into their operations to increase productivity and create innovative new products, grow and diversify their businesses into new markets and become more competitive.
With new funding, SONAMI will expand its geographic reach beyond the Niagara region by adding three new post-secondary institutions. Companies will be able to connect to a broader range of expertise and knowledge in areas such as bio-industrial manufacturing, green product manufacturing and “Industry 4.0” technologies, including digitally enabled and intelligent manufacturing.
The expanded network will provide technical knowledge and expertise to another 240 businesses as they work to commercialize up to 240 new products. The project will create and maintain 552 permanent jobs and provide skills training and development for up to 360 students and researchers, preparing young Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the advanced manufacturing innovation ecosystem in southern Ontario, a vital manufacturing region in Canada.The SONAMI network offers the linkages and expertise that our smaller manufacturers need to seize new opportunities, develop the workforce of the future and adopt the latest technologies to remain competitive on a global scale.”
— The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario
“The Government of Canada proudly supports our advanced manufacturing sector, a pillar of the regional ecosystem in southern Ontario. SONAMI’s award-winning partnership model offers a single window for smaller manufacturers to access leading-edge expertise and facilities. With this FedDev Ontario funding, SONAMI will expand its network, allowing even more businesses to access the support they need to innovate, grow and compete in the economy of the future.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“Niagara College and its SONAMI partners are pushing the limits of what our manufacturers can do. The network has already demonstrated its ability to help companies grow and create jobs for the Niagara Region and well beyond. I look forward to seeing the successes that will come from an expanded network.”
– Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre
“Today’s announcement is a great example of how the most innovative solutions happen through collaboration. FedDev Ontario’s support to expand SONAMI will not only help to create jobs here in the Niagara region, but also help more manufacturers adopt leading-edge technology and access the expertise needed to succeed now, as well as build skills for the jobs of the future.”
– Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines
“We are thankful to FedDev Ontario for this significant new investment in SONAMI. Niagara College is proud of the network’s tremendous success as a one-stop shop for advanced manufacturing applied research in southern Ontario. With this expansion, we will continue to help small- and medium-sized enterprises remain competitive, while enabling our students to gain valuable skills working on cutting-edge solutions for our industry partners. Together, we are stimulating the economy while building essential skills for tomorrow’s workforce.”
– Dan Patterson, PhD, President, Niagara Collegehttps://youtu.be/K_EdmLPd-9o
Quick facts
- Led by Niagara College, the SONAMI partnership includes Mohawk College, Sheridan College, McMaster University, Conestoga College, Fanshawe College and Lambton College.
- Through the funding announced today, SONAMI will reach beyond its existing client base of nearly 12,000 manufacturing businesses across southern Ontario.
- To date, SONAMI has worked with 109 businesses to commercialize more than 140 products.
- Niagara College received the 2019 Research Partnership Award from the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA) for the significant impact SONAMI has had on the regional economy. The SONAMI project administrator also received CARA’s Walter Hitschfeld Award for her dedication and exceptional impact on research administration.
- FedDev Ontario’s non-repayable contribution is leveraging over $24 million in funding, including $14 million from industry collaborators and $10.3 million from SONAMI member post-secondary institutions.
- This year marks 10 years of FedDev Ontario delivering funding and business services to support innovation and growth in southern Ontario.
Associated links
From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Media Inquiries, please contact:
FedDev Ontario Media Relations
416-954-6652
Toll Free: 1-866-593-5505
Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca
Niagara College Communications Consultant
Julie Greco
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7368
Cell: 905 328 2532
Success uncorked: NC’s Gastronomy Chardonnay earns 2019 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines
The awards keep pouring in.
The Niagara College Teaching Winery shone at the 2019 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Ontario Wines, with NC’s 2017 Gastronomy Chardonnay making the shortlist of just 11 winning wines.
This is the second award for the student-crafted, barrel-fermented chardonnay from the College’s on-campus estate vineyard (St. David’s Bench), which won gold at the 25th annual Ontario Wine Awards this June for the Oaked Chardonnay Award Under $20 category.
The Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, presented the awards at a ceremony on June 24 during the 4th Annual Winetario event at George Brown College. The NC Teaching Winery 2017 Gastronomy Chardonnay was a standout win among big names in wine for overall excellence, regardless of vintage or varietal, including Peller Estates, Jackson-Triggs, and Trius. The winning wines were chosen from 542 wines submitted by 78 wineries. The variety was created for Les Marmitons Niagara, a gastronomic and social club of men who share a common interest in food, wine and the culinary arts.
“All of you have made remarkable wines, and each is richly deserving of these awards,” said Dowdeswell in her opening remarks. “And how wonderful it is to see the Niagara College Teaching Winery in the winners’ circle this year! Not only are you pioneers of education in the field of winemaking in Ontario, but your students are already making good on their promise. Your achievement bodes well for the whole industry.”
Steve Gill, general manager, Niagara College Learning Enterprises, attended the award ceremony. “The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines is a testament to applied learning at Niagara College,” said Gill. “Not only did our students play a key role in producing this award-winning wine from our Teaching Winery, we are tremendously proud of the winemakers behind many of the other award-winning wines who are graduates of Niagara College’s wine programs – including our own Niagara College Teaching Winery winemaker Gavin Robertson.”
‘It’s always great to see our Teaching Winery products do well in competitions because it demonstrates to our students – who are very much a part of our everyday winemaking operations – that the lessons that we deliver in lecture and labs hold true when scaled-up in commercial application,” said Gavin Robertson, winemaker and instructor at NC’s Teaching Winery. “Our hope as instructors is that this marriage of science and practice provides a sound foundation for our students to enter the workforce and become leaders, producing their own award-winning wines and also contributing to the growth and development of the Canadian wine industry in other significant ways.”
In addition to Robertson, who graduated from the College’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program in 2011, many of the award-winning wineries are staffed by winemakers who are graduates of NC’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program. They include Chris Frey, winemaker at Megalomaniac (2009 graduate), Yvonne Irvine, assistant winemaker at Creekside Estates (2008 graduate), Paul Pender, winemaker at Tawse Estates (2006 graduate), and Allison Findlay, assistant winemaker at Flat Rock Cellars (2014 graduate).
The award-winning wine is available at Niagara College’s Wine Visitor + Education Centre, located at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus (135 Taylor Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON). Proceeds from sales support student learning. Visit niagaracollegewine.ca
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 latest addition in September 2018 – the NC Teaching Distillery 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, spirits, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.
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Media inquiries, please contact:
Michael Wales
Manager, Corporate Communications
Office: 905 735-2211 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328-4101
[email protected]
Andrew Korchok
Communications Consultant
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7430
Cell: 905 329-1642
[email protected]
Niagara College seeks next Many Hands Project recipient
Niagara College is ready to dedicate ‘many hands’ to assisting Niagara’s most vulnerable citizens, and is seeking a recipient for its next Many Hands Project.
Applications are now being accepted for the College’s 2019-2020 Many Hands Project. The 23rd annual Many Hands Project will provide resources for much needed programing to a Niagara-based non-profit organization. The value of the project will be approximately $5,000.
Run by the Event Management graduate certificate program of NC’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport, the Many Hands Project has been assisting non-profit organizations throughout Niagara since 1998. Event Management students will plan and execute fundraising events throughout the 2019-2020 academic year to raise money for the selected recipient. The project will rejuvenate the facilities of a local non-profit organization in a one- or two-day upgrade, or provide resources for programming that supports Niagara Region’s vulnerable citizens. Not-for-profit agencies and organizations based in the Niagara region are welcome to apply.
“Niagara College is proud to continue its Many Hands Project, which is an example of applied learning at its best,” said Damian Goulbourne, associate dean of NC’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport.
“Students in our Event Management program gain hands-on experience in planning special events, along with important lessons in community service and leadership, while helping to make a difference in the community at the same time,” said Christine Blane, faculty and program coordinator for NC’s Event Management program.
The most recent recipient to the College’s Many Hands Project was Pathstone Mental Health. In 2019, Event Management students raised more than $40,800 for Pathstone: $35,858 was raised by hosting a series of fundraising events, while $5,000 was donated by Canadian Tire Bank – a long-time sponsor and supporter of the Many Hands Project. Funds were dedicated to supporting play therapy at Pathstone, which treats Niagara children who are diagnosed with mental health issues.
Applications for the 2019-2020 Many Hands Project must be submitted by August 23, 2019. View application here: Many Hands Project Application 2019-20. The selected non-profit organization is expected to be announced during the fall of 2019.
For more information about the Many Hands Project, visit niagaracollege.ca/manyhands.
Event Management is a one-year graduate certificate program at Niagara College that prepares graduates for a career in a fast-paced and multifaceted industry. Students develop skills in planning and logistics, public relations, marketing and sponsorship strategies, and volunteer and risk management in a highly experiential learning environment.
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:
Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7368
Cell: 905 328 2532
Michael Wales
Communications Manager
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328 4101
Niagara College celebrates Grand Opening of Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Welland
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on July 28 to mark the official opening of the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Centre at Niagara College’s Welland Campus. Pictured (from left): Andrew McCuaig (grad, research associate, Research & Innovation); Marc Nantel (associate VP, Research & Innovation); Dan Patterson (NC president); John Scott (NC Board of Governors); Charles Sousa (Ontario minister of Finance); Geordie Walker; Norris Walker; Jim Bradley St. Catharines MPP); Jackie Phelan (Walker Industries); Mike Watt (Walker Industries); Daniela Cortes Aristizabal (student, research associate, Research & Innovation).
View time lapse video of Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (construction) here.
Ontario is supporting the development of a highly-skilled workforce and helping businesses in Niagara region access the technology and expertise they need to grow, create jobs and compete in the global marketplace.
On July 28, Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance, joined local companies, Niagara College students and industry leaders at the grand opening of the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Welland.
The new Niagara College-affiliated centre provides students with more than 15,000 square feet of lab space for hands-on applied learning, innovation space for companies to work onsite and office space for Niagara students and industry staff.
The centre will also help Ontario’s small and medium-sized manufacturers save on production costs and reduce production time by providing them access to leading-edge equipment and state-of-the-art research facilities as well as the expertise and business services of faculty and students.
Fostering innovation and growth, and increasing opportunities for the province’s workers, is part of Ontario’s plan to create jobs, grow its economy and help people in their everyday lives.
“By supporting the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, students in the Niagara Region will have access to modern learning spaces and equipment that will help them develop the skills they’ll need for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Deb Matthews, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development.
“Ontario’s dynamic manufacturing sector is a key component of our diverse economy. The Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre is a shining example of a company that has taken advantage of home grown talent to drive success, while providing custom work for businesses throughout the region,” said Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance. “These investments are among the many significant measures we’ve taken to help the sector grow and compete as we build and nurture the workforce of tomorrow.”
The Walker family and Walker Industries donated $1.2 million to support Niagara College’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre. The gift from the Walker family is the largest private corporate donation ever made to Niagara College.
The fifth generation Walker family members are the owners of Walker Industries, a Niagara-based company that owns and operates limestone quarries; road construction and paving businesses; an emulsions plant; an integrated waste management system which includes collection, transfer, recycling, composting, biosolids management, landfill gas utilization and waste disposal; and a residential and commercial development division.
“As a family and a business that has had strong roots in the region for 130 years, we are proud to invest in Niagara College’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre,” said Geordie Walker, company shareholder, Walker Industries. “The ability to innovate is key to future economic prosperity. We see our gift as a way to support other local industries to innovate, prosper, and contribute to the continued growth of the Niagara economy, while providing students with work experiences that will make them the innovators of the future.”
“It’s an exciting day for Niagara College as we formally recognize how the province of Ontario’s investment and the donation from the Walker family has made it possible to provide manufacturers with increased access to leading-edge facilities, equipment, technical expertise, training and services, while increasing training and employment opportunities for our students,” said NC president Dan Patterson.
QUICK FACTS (Ontario Ministry of Finance)
* Ontario invested $4.2 million for Niagara College’s new Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.
* Manufacturing real GDP in Ontario has risen for three consecutive years, while employment in the sector increased by more than 6,000 in 2016 and continues to advance in 2017.
* Over the past three years, Ontario’s economy has grown faster than Canada’s and that of all G7 countries, supported by the government’s strategic investments. Manufacturing, exports and business investments are increasing and the unemployment rate continues to decline.
LEARN MORE
Two NC students receive prestigious DiRōNA scholarships
Representatives from DiRoNA present scholarships to two Niagara College students at the College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus June 19. Pictured from left: Craig Youdale (dean, NC Canadian Food and Wine Institute), Helen Tabitha Lindsay (NC student, Winery and Viticulture Technician program), Don Ziraldo (wine pioneer), John Arena (founder, DiRoNa), Scott Breard (executive director, DiRoNA), Kelly Breard (executive director, DiRoNA), Alexis Currell-Therrien (NC student, Honours Bachelor of Applied Business International Commerce and Global Development) , Justin Williams (NC, associate dean, School of Business and Managemetn), Dan Patterson (NC president).
Helen Tabitha Lindsay and Alexis Currell-Therrien are the recipients of DiRoNA’s 2017 scholarships.
The Distinguished Restaurant of North America (DiRōNA) Award, one of the most prestigious awards for fine dining, has named two Niagara College students as recipients of its 2017 DiRōNA scholarships.
“DiRōNA is excited that two of our seven 2017 DiRoNA Scholarships are being awarded to students from Niagara College” said Scott Breard, DiRōNA executive director. “Niagara College is providing an exceptional education for students seeking careers in the restaurant industry. The campus is conveniently situated in the heart of the Niagara wine region making it a premier location.”
Recipients of the $2,500 (USD) scholarships are Alexis Currell-Therrien who is entering her third year of the Honours Bachelor of Applied Business International Commerce and Global Development program; and Helen Tabitha Lindsay, a first-year student of the Winery and Viticulture Technician program.
Lindsay, who is originally from Toronto, said she was surprised and very happy about the news.
“It’s exciting; I didn’t even know someone from the program had nominated me,” said Lindsay. “I’m going on a practicum to work at a winery in Portugal at the end of August until mid-December, so this is great timing to receive a scholarship.”
Currell-Therrien, who is a resident of Niagara Falls, said she too was surprised by the news that she would be receiving the scholarship. Her nomination came from the Niagara tourism industry, as she has worked at Whirlpool Aero Car for the past five years.
“I feel ecstatic. This scholarship is really going to help me out in pursuing my studies this year,” said Currell-Therrien.
The students met with representatives from DiRōNA and the College on July 19 to receive their scholarships and were treated to lunch at Benchmark restaurant.
“At Niagara College, our vision is to enrich lives and fulfill dreams of our students, and we thank DiRōNA for their generous scholarships that will help make that happen for two of our students,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “Through its support for student learning, we applaud DiRōNA for its investment in the future of the industry.”
Founded in 1990, DiRōNA was established to promote the fine dining industry and offer recognition to award winners across North America. The authority for excellence in distinguished dining, DiRōNA provides a forum for education, networking, philanthropy, and marketing benefits for the distinguished dining community. Since its founding, the DiRōNA Award Scholarship Fund has helped countless students to pursue careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Beau’s Brewery Marks 10th Birthday With Legacy Gift to Niagara College Brewing Students!
Craft brewery Beau’s All Natural brewing celebrated of 10 years of brewing craft beer in Eastern Ontario, with a special gift to Niagara College.
At a ceremony held July 2 as part of Beau’s 10th birthday celebrations, Tim and Steve Beauchesne announced that beginning with the 2016/2017 academic year, the brewery will be awarding three $1,000 awards and one $2,000 scholarship annually to students enrolled in the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program at Niagara College.
The $1,000 awards will be given to level two students who have shown promise in brewing innovation, be that in style, technique, or approach. The $2,000 scholarship, intended to promote diversity and equal representation, will be awarded to a student who is working with cultural, gender or health obstacles or opportunities that may affect his or her academic and career success in craft brewing.
“These legacy gifts are designed to inspire and help direct the promising future of craft brewing in Ontario and in Canada,” said Beau’s co-founder and CEO Steve Beauchesne. “They reflect the values that our fans and fellow brewers have come to know and expect from Beau’s over the last decade.”
“Strong ties to Ontario’s craft brewers is a key ingredient in our Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program, and we’re very grateful to Beau’s for their generous contribution, which will support our students’ success,” said Craig Youdale, dean of Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute. “I’m particularly pleased that the Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company Scholarship will support students who demonstrate perseverance and an innovative approach – characteristics that we work hard to instill throughout our programs.”
The $1,000 awards will be awarded by faculty to students who meet the criteria. The $2,000 scholarship can be applied for through the college, with a deadline this year of September 30, 2016. Information about the scholarships and awards, including application details, will be posted soon at http://www.niagaracollege.ca/costs-financial-aid/scholarships-and-bursaries.
The Niagara College awards and scholarship are part of a series of announcements marking Beau’s 10th birthday. In May, Beau’s announced the start of its transition to employee ownership, and in early June its partnership as the official brewery of Ottawa 2017. More 10th Birthday announcements will be coming over the coming months as Beau’s looks back on 10 years, as well as forward to the future.
Beau’s All Natural is an employee-owned and totally independent Canadian craft brewery.