The Niagara College Knights mixed doubles curling team of McKenna McGovern and Benjamin Jones struck gold at the 2020 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) curling championships.
McGovern and Jones finished the tournament with a perfect record after sweeping away their round-robin opponents to a 9-0 record to finish first and head to the semi-final.
It was a bitter-sweet semi-final win, as McGovern and Jones were matched up with Niagara’s second mixed doubles team of Chloe Johnstone and Adam Rolson. In what started as a close draw, eventually McGovern/Jones blew open the contest and went on to advance to the gold medal final with a 8-2 win over Johnstone/Rolson.
Johnston/Rolson went on to the bronze final, where they fell to Humber-2 to finish fourth overall in mixed doubles play.
McGovern and Jones faced Humber College’s Team One, in what was there tightest draw of the tournament. After remaining tied through the first eight ends, The Knights and Hawks needed extra ends to decide a winner. McGovern and Jones added three in the extra ends to capture the college’s first gold medal in mixed doubles competition.
McGovern was also named the tournament’s female MVP for her play at the provincial championships this weekend.
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00cms009adhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngcms009ad2020-02-18 16:08:432020-02-18 16:08:43NC’s McGovern and Jones win Gold at OCAA curling championships
The Niagara College Knights mixed doubles curling team of McKenna McGovern and Benjamin Jones struck gold at the 2020 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) curling championships.
McGovern and Jones finished the tournament with a perfect record after sweeping away their round-robin opponents to a 9-0 record to finish first and head to the semi-final.
It was a bitter-sweet semi-final win, as McGovern and Jones were matched up with Niagara’s second mixed doubles team of Chloe Johnstone and Adam Rolson. In what started as a close draw, eventually McGovern/Jones blew open the contest and went on to advance to the gold medal final with a 8-2 win over Johnstone/Rolson.
Johnston/Rolson went on to the bronze final, where they fell to Humber-2 to finish fourth overall in mixed doubles play.
McGovern and Jones faced Humber College’s Team One, in what was there tightest draw of the tournament. After remaining tied through the first eight ends, The Knights and Hawks needed extra ends to decide a winner. McGovern and Jones added three in the extra ends to capture the college’s first gold medal in mixed doubles competition.
McGovern was also named the tournament’s female MVP for her play at the provincial championships this weekend.
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00cms009adhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngcms009ad2020-02-18 16:08:432020-02-18 16:08:43NC’s McGovern and Jones win Gold at OCAA curling championships
Niagara College’s Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services has partnered with the college’s Student Administrative Council and Wise Guys Charity Fund to spark supportive conversations between students and their peers around the ups and downs of life on campus.
Launching later this month, the College’s new Peer Wellness Program will provide opportunities for students to engage with trained Wellness Peers in relaxed, supportive conversations around common student challenges and wellness concerns, such as loneliness and stress. Wellness Peers are student staff who are trained to provide active listening, empathy, peer support, and campus and community referrals. The program will provide 10 hours per week of drop-in support at each campus.
The program will be delivered in NCSAC’s renovated Wellness Lounges at both campuses. The Lounges, formerly activity rooms, have been updated with comfortable furniture and décor meant to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for students.
The College celebrated the launch of the program, as well as the opening of the new Wellness Lounges, at a special open house at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake on February 18. The open house allowed the college community to meet some of the new wellness peers, learn more about the program and the new spaces, and experience the Indigenous drumming of Natalie McLellan, one of the wellness peers.
“Niagara College prides itself on its reputation as a welcoming college that is passionate about creating a positive student life experience, and the Peer Wellness Program is an important addition to the suite of services that support the physical, mental and emotional well-being of all its students,” said Steve Hudson, Niagara College senior vice-president, Academic and Learner Services.
Funding for the two-year pilot program was generously provided through a $38,000 contribution from Wise Guys Charity Fund, and a $40,000 contribution from the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC).
“The Wise Guys Charity Fund is thrilled to be able to support Niagara College and their new Peer Wellness Program,” said Doug Smith, president of C.R. Smith Financial Services Inc. and chair of Wise Guys Charity Fund. “Knowing that students will have the opportunity to engage with trained peers around challenges such as wellness, loneliness and stress is fantastic. We can only hope the success of this program helps encourage other institutions to launch similar programs in the future.”
The NCSAC Board of Directors saw the need and importance of connecting students with fellow students at a grass roots peer support level, said NCSAC president Tom Price. “Often students just need someone to talk to, or a self-care activity to address their sliding scale of health and wellness. As a student association, it is NCSAC’s desire to provide grass roots advocacy, and we recognize the positive impact of connecting students with their peers. The Peer Wellness program is designed to do exactly that, and to also refer students to the appropriate college supports, such as counselling when needed.”
“This endeavour would not have been possible without the generous donation from Wise Guys, and NCSAC would like to thank Wise Guys for supporting the Niagara College student population,” added Price.
The Peer Wellness program is supervised by a mental health clinician, and complements a suite of programs and services offered by Niagara College’s Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services department that serve the diverse wellness needs of NC students.
A second open-house will also be held at the Wellness Lounge at the College’s Welland Campus on Thursday, February 20, from 10:30 a.m. – noon.
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.
The Wise Guys Charity Fund is a 100% volunteer-driven organization that raises money in Niagara for Niagara. We fulfill grant requests on an annual basis for capital projects and programs and are now in our 30th year. Last year Wise Guys Charity Fund raised and rolled back just under $400,000 and supported 23 different organizations in Niagara. The charity has raised and rolled back over $3.9 million in the past 29 years.
Michael Wales
Manager, Communications
Office: 905 735-2211 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328-4101 [email protected]
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00cms009adhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngcms009ad2020-02-18 13:22:312020-02-18 13:22:31Niagara College launches Peer Wellness Program with the help of NCSAC, Wise Guys Charity Fund
It’s proving to be a vintage year for cultivating partnerships in Niagara.
Thanks to a new agreement, Niagara College’s Teaching Winery will take over operations at a Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyard property owned by Canopy Growth (“Canopy Growth” or the “Company”) (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC), sowing the seeds for an environmentally sustainable site and new learning opportunities for the College’s wine students.
Canopy Growth announced today that the Concession 5 Vineyard, located next to its Tweed Farms greenhouses in Niagara-on-the-Lake, will be leased to Niagara College, to be operated by the NC Learning Enterprise Corporation (NCLEC). The College – which is home to the first and only commercial Teaching Winery in Canada, as well the first Commercial Cannabis Production program in the country – is committed to maintaining the vineyard according to environmentally and socially sustainable.
Canopy Growth, known as one of the world’s largest diversified cannabis companies, acquired Concession 5 Vineyard in May 2019 and was seeking to partner with an experienced grape grower committed to maintaining the property in a sustainable manner. It found a trusted partner in Niagara College, which has been a leader in wine education for 20 years and has been running a Teaching Winery and vineyards on its recently renamed Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake since 2002.
“Ensuring the vineyard continued to operate in a sustainable manner was very important to Canopy Growth as well as the community of Niagara-on-the-Lake,” said Jeff Ryan, vice president of Government and Stakeholder Relations at Canopy Growth. “This partnership maintains the historical use of the property and we could not be more satisfied that it will become a hub for learning to be enjoyed by Niagara College’s students for decades to come.“
“With grape growing and wine production integral to Niagara’s economy, we applaud Canopy Growth’s decision to preserve the vineyards on this Niagara-on-the-Lake property,” said College president Dan Patterson. “We are proud to be a part of this historic new partnership that bridges Niagara’s established wine industry with its emerging cannabis production industry, and we’re dedicated to applying our expertise in a manner that will benefit our students and the community.”
Steve Gill, general manager of NCLEC– including the Teaching Winery, Teaching Brewery, and Teaching Distillery – noted the importance of the wine and cannabis production sectors working together in Niagara and pointed to the new partnership as a testament to what can be achieved.
“This partnership is a win-win-win,” said Gill. “Our wine students gain experience at a second Niagara vineyard, Canopy benefits from our dedication to minimizing impact on its greenhouse operations, and Niagara-on-the-Lake residents gain good neighbours through our commitment to maintaining the vineyards with sustainable farming practices.”
While the NCLEC will not operate retail on the Concession 5 property, the new space will become a secondary production site for the College’s Teaching Winery and will enhance learning opportunities for students in the College’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program.
Students will be exposed to additional environmentally and socially sustainable practices on the Concession 5 site, as well as a different terroir and different grape varietals than the College’s existing on-campus Teaching Winery. Concession 5 Vineyard is located on the fertile sub-appellation of Four Mile Creek – while NC’s on-campus vineyards is located in St. David’s Bench – and its vineyards contain grape varietals that aren’t grown at the College’s Teaching Vineyards, such as Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
College winemaker Gavin Robertson noted that farming practices will be implemented on the property that exclude any chemical herbicides or insecticides and will use mechanical or cultural means to control weeds and insects. He noted that the Teaching Winery has been employing many sustainable practices on campus – since it shares a small area with a greenhouse, vegetable gardens, and a bee yard at the College – and the new partnership is an opportunity to expand their efforts at a different location.
“Through this collaboration with Canopy Growth, we are enhancing our understanding of sustainable farming practices and the social licence to operate as responsible land stewards in the context of the Ontario grape industry in a way that also benefits how we operate our campus vineyard,” said Robertson, who is also an alumnus of the Winery and Viticulture Technician program (2011). “This knowledge also translates to the curriculum level and has increased our capacity to deliver lessons in sustainable farming to our students.”
Second-year Winery and Viticulture Technician student Sydney Neumann values the hands-on experience she is gaining at the Teaching Winery where she works on wine projects and participates in winery operations as well as vineyard work. She was thrilled to hear that students will have access to a second vineyard where they can enhance their learning of viticulture practices.
“In my first year, we had the opportunity of harvesting Pinot Noir from this site and it was a great way to get my hands dirty so early in the program,” she said. “I know the new vineyard will provide a place for practical learning of viticulture and get students active in watching a vine growth cycle, pruning, scouting, harvesting, and other practices … this sort of learning is what inspires me and is, what I believe, will inspire other students.”
Neumann also believes it is important that the vineyard will be maintained in an environmentally sustainable manner.
“It is essential to teach students how to work in a vineyard in a sustainable fashion that doesn’t negatively impact the environment,” she said. “I, like many others, strongly believe this is the future of the industry.”
Here’s to Future (Educational) Growth.
From left: Steve Gill (general manager, NCLEC); Jim Bradley (regional chair, Niagara Region); Steve Hudson, PhD (senior vice-president, Academic and Learner Services, NC); Sydney Neumann (second-year student, Winery and Viticulture Technician program, NC); Dan Patterson (president, NC); Jeff Ryan (vice president, Government and Stakeholder Relations, Canopy Growth Corporation); Sean Webster (director, Government and Stakeholder Relations – Federal and Ontario, Canopy Growth Corporation); Betty Disero (mayor, Niagara-on-the-Lake); and Gavin Robertson (head winemaker, Niagara College Teaching Winery)..-30-
Niagara College’s Teaching Winery (2002) is the first and only commercial teaching winery in Canada. It is located at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, along with the NC Teaching Brewery (2012) and the NC Teaching Distillery (2018) which were also the first of their kind in Canada.
Niagara College also made history in 2018 by launching Commercial Cannabis Production graduate certificate program in fall 2018 – the first of its kind in Canada. The program was designed to meet significant demand for qualified and professional workers in Canada’s pioneering cannabis industry.
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.
About Canopy Growth Corporation
Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) is a world-leading diversified cannabis, hemp and cannabis device company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms, as well as medical devices through Canopy Growth’s subsidiary, Storz & Bickel GMbH & Co. KG. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time. Canopy Growth has operations in over a dozen countries across five continents.
Canopy Growth’s medical division, Spectrum Therapeutics is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public’s understanding of cannabis, and has devoted millions of dollars toward cutting edge, commercializable research and IP development. Spectrum Therapeutics sells a range of full-spectrum products using its colour-coded classification Spectrum system as well as single cannabinoid Dronabinol under the brand Bionorica Ethics.
Canopy Growth operates retail stores across Canada under its award-winning Tweed and Tokyo Smoke banners. Tweed is a globally recognized cannabis brand which has built a large and loyal following by focusing on quality products and meaningful customer relationships.
From our historic public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange to our continued international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icons Snoop Dogg and Seth Rogen, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House Seeds, and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. Canopy Growth operates eleven licensed cannabis production sites with over 10.5 million square feet of production capacity, including over one million square feet of GMP certified production space. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com
Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Canopy Growth or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Examples of such statements include statements with respect to future land-use. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the Company’s ability to satisfy provincial sales contracts or provinces purchasing all cannabis allocated to them, and such risks contained in the Company’s annual information form dated June 25, 2019 and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company’s issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws.
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This month, Niagara College is expanding its Cannabis 101 community seminar series with fresh offerings – including an interactive seminar on growing at home – as well as retail workshops led by local dispensary owners and a professional series for licensed producers.
The four-part Community Series is designed for anyone and everyone looking to develop a better understanding of cannabis. The series is a collaboration between NC’s School of Part-Time Studies and Environment division, and the seminars take place at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake on topics including The History and Evolution of Cannabis, The Cannabis Plant from Seed to Sale, and Quality, Regulations and Access. Participants will explore the legal framework and stigma around cannabis, cannabis cultivation, sales and distribution, the difference between CBD and THC, and more, with a chance to visit NC’s cannabis teaching and research lab, the Cannabunker.
New to the winter roster is a full-day, hands-on seminar Growing Cannabis @ Home, taught by industry experts Scott Belton, NC faculty in the Commercial Cannabis Production program and Jennifer Maccarone, CEO of TotalGxP, a consulting company to the cannabis and pharma industry. Attendees will learn about the fundamentals of growing at home, different methods of cultivating, feeding, harvesting, drying and preserving the product, and be ready for the 2020 growing season indoors or outdoors.
“The cannabis industry is already beginning to transform the social and economic landscape of not only Niagara, but all of Canada,” said Al Unwin, NC’s dean of Environment. “The Cannabis 101 series is a great opportunity for members of the Niagara community who may have questions about the science and economics of cannabis to benefit from Niagara College’s expertise in this fast-growing field.”
The courses on offer as part of the Community Seminar Series this February are:
The History and Evolution of Cannabis: From Prohibition to Legalization Wed. February 12 from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Cannabis Plant: From Seed to Sale Wed. February 19 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Cannabis: Quality, Regulations, Access Wed. February 26 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Growing Cannabis @ Home
Sat. February 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Participants can register for individual sessions, or for all four. Register online at niagaracollege.ca/pts.
Professional Series for licensed producers
NC is also rolling out an industry-focused professional seminar for those in the cannabis growing industry who want to expand their knowledge, which begins this weekend. The profession series includes two courses geared towards licensed producers on integrated pest management and quality assurance and control, taught by experts in the field, experienced NC faculty, and representatives from Health Canada. Participants who complete a course will receive a Statement of Recognition Certificate.
Part-Time Studies, formerly Continuing Education at Niagara College, offers a variety of part-time study options for professional and personal growth in a wide range of study areas. Hundreds of courses are available online and on-campus to fit today’s busy lifestyles, taught by instructors from business and industry with up-to-date, on the ground experience and a love for teaching.
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.
Michael Wales
Communications Manager
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328-4101 [email protected]
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00cms009adhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngcms009ad2020-02-07 13:25:042020-02-07 13:25:04Cultivating curiosity: Niagara College’s ‘Cannabis 101’ community seminar series is back
Niagara College will become a one-stop shop for job seekers with its largest ever Career Fair, from February 4-7.
Current students, alumni and community residents are welcome to attend to explore opportunities, hand out resumes, network, and meet with potential employers from a variety of industries at the four- day event.
Hosted by the College’s Student Services division, Career Fair 2020 will kick off on February 4 at the Welland Campus (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and continue February 5, 6 and 7 at the recently renamed Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake (10 a.m. until 2 p.m.).
A record number of employers are registered to attend this year’s event to recruit for full-, part-time, co-op and seasonal positions. The event will draw more than 150 employers from the Niagara region and across Canada – between 40 and 55 exhibitors each day.
“The Career Fair is our largest employment event of the year at Niagara College, offering students, graduates and community residents a valuable opportunity to meet face-to-face with employers from across the country, right here on our campuses,” said Dina Fox, associate director of Student Engagement, Academic Advisement and Career Services. “We are excited to present our biggest Career Fair ever this year, thanks to a tremendous response from employers.”
Featuring different employers on campus each day, many will exhibit at the campus location where students study in related fields, while some have registered for both campuses.
On February 4 at the Welland Campus, focus areas will include health, personal support worker, community services, policing, security and justice studies, trades, technology, automotive, and more.
From February 5-7, exhibitors in Niagara-on-the-Lake will represent industries including hospitality and tourism, horticulture and cannabis production, culinary and beverage, business, sales and marketing.
Staff members from Career Services and the Centre for Student Engagement and Leadership will be on site to assist students at the event.
The Career Fair is a highly-anticipated event at NC. It falls on the heels of ‘Career Month’ in January, when a variety of events were held to prepare students for meeting with potential employers, such as resume clinics, speed interviewing sessions, an alumni speaker panel, LinkedIn workshops, and free professional headshot sessions, and more.
Student Services also hosted its fourth annual Dress to Impress business clothing giveaway on January 28 at the Welland Campus and on January 29 in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Students had the opportunity to pick up business clothing free of charge – donated by college employees and the community – to help them put their best professional image forward at the Career Fair.
While the employment fair marks an end to Career Month, NC’s College’s Career Services department is a fixture at the College’s Welland and NOTL campuses. Its offers students a full suite of employment services, including job search resources and coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, interview practice, and workshops. It also helps to connect employers with students seeking part-time, seasonal, or co-op work experiences, or new graduates seeking employment. Employers are encouraged to visit mycareer.niagaracollege.ca for information on how to post an opportunity or to find out more about how the Career Services team can support your hiring needs.
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.
Michael Wales
Communications Manager
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328 4101 [email protected]
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00cms009adhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngcms009ad2020-01-31 16:35:272020-01-31 16:35:27Niagara College to host four-day Career Fair
Niagara College game students are ready to race against the clock to create a video game in just one weekend, as part of the Global Game Jam.
When the theme of this year’s Global Game Jam is announced on January 31 at 7 p.m., small teams of students and alumni from the College’s game programs will hunker down in computer labs at the Welland Campus and get to work. With only 48 hours to complete their mission, teams will work around the clock until time runs out on Sunday, February 2 at 7 p.m.
NC’s Welland Campus is among more than 930 sites from 119 countries around the world currently registered to participate in this year’s Global Game Jam. Known as the largest game jam in the world, the event aims to be a unique opportunity for participants from any skill level to create, collaborate and practise their game-making skills.
“The Niagara College game development community is incredibly proud to be participating in Global Game Jam 2020,” said Rick Goertz, Game Development program coordinator. “The engagement our students and alumni demonstrate in connecting and collaborating with game developers from around the world for the purpose of sharing their highly creative skills is extraordinary.”
Tom Brown, Game Development professor and coordinator for NC’s game jam, noted that this year’s event is expected to draw 65 participants – the largest number to date.
“The students get this intense, compact game development cycle that really puts them to the test of their game development ability. Everyone learns something at the Game Jam, whether that’s putting to practice what they’ve learned from the program or trying something new,” said Brown. “This also gives our students a taste of what it’ll be like in game development after graduation, and a chance to talk with alumni and hear about their experiences.”
NC’s three-year intensive Game Development diploma program prepares students for careers in the digital game and interactive media industry. Students learn industry skills such as game programming and scripting, digital art production techniques, game design principles and game production practices.
NC also offers two dual-credential game programs with Brock University. A Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Game Designgrants a four-year Bachelor of Arts-Game Design degree from Brock University and a three-year Advanced Diploma in Game Development from NC (completed in four years); a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Game Programming grants a four-year degree from Brock and a three-year Advanced Diploma in Game Development from NC (completed in four years).
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, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.
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Media Availability
Media is welcome to attend the NC game jam during the dates and times below.
Please ask for Tom Brown upon arrival.
WHEN
Friday Jan 31: Event kickoff from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Global Game Jam theme will be announced at 7 p.m.); and
Saturday Feb. 1: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE:
Niagara College Welland Campus, S306 (Simcoe Building)
Michael Wales
Communications Manager
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328 4101 [email protected]
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A welcome song is performed by Elder Elaine Berwald and Nicole Joy-Fraser at the Indigenous Lounge opening on January 29.
Indigenous students have a new community gathering space to study, socialize or celebrate their culture at Niagara College.
January 29 marked the grand re-opening of the newly relocated and expanded Indigenous Lounge at the College’s recently renamed Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Operated by the College’s Indigenous Education department, which is under the umbrella of Student Services, the lounge aims to create a sense of community and place for Indigenous students to enhance their student experience. A dedicated space for elder teachings and cultural programming initiatives, students can access resources and support services, and connect with peers and their culture onsite.
The new lounge is not only larger than its former location, it offers additional features and amenities such as a ventilated area to allow for smudging sessions, and a kitchenette with a sink and refrigerator to enable food prep – both important to Indigenous culture – as well as more seating, tables, and extra computer workstations. It is also in a more central location on campus, in a high-traffic area near the Student Commons.
“We are proud to unveil this beautiful expanded location for Indigenous Education which is an important part of campus life,” said College president Dan Patterson, PhD. “This new student space is a testament to our College’s longstanding commitment to supporting our learners and to advancing the understanding of Indigenous cultures, heritage and languages within our College community.”
Student Services director Lianne Gagnon noted that Niagara College is dedicated to meeting the needs of its Indigenous students by providing academic and cultural supports, and encouraging student success.
“Indigenous students can face many barriers to education because of societal and historical factors and, for many, stepping through the front doors of a college shows their courage and desire to engage with formal education again in spite of the challenges,” said Gagnon. “It is vital for our Indigenous students to know that they have a culturally-safe space on campus where they can connect with one another and our Indigenous staff members. We know having this space makes all the difference to our students; it helps them stay in school and helps them feel supported and safe.”
Brian Kon, member of the College’s Indigenous Education management Circle, chair of Niagara Region Métis Council, and Indigenous lead for the Niagara Catholic District School Board, noted the significance of the new space.
“The Indigenous Lounge provides a welcoming and safe place for students to share their culture and traditions as well as learn from one another,” said Kon, who attended the grand opening. “It is a signal to the entire campus that Indigenous pride of our students and ancestors is strong and thriving at Niagara College.”
For the hundreds of Indigenous students on campus, the Indigenous Lounge serves as a ‘home away from home’ and plays a central role in daily campus life. Many access the space in between classes to study, participate in activities, or to connect with their peers and their culture.
Student Rachel Cloud speaks about how the Indigenous Lounge has helped her on her student journey.
For Rachel Cloud, Indigenous Student Ambassador for the NC Student Administrative Council and second-year student in the Primary Care Paramedic program, the lounge has played an important role in her personal college experience.
“Moving three hours from home to come to NC left me feeling very lost and isolated. The staff, students and elder of the Indigenous Lounge made me feel welcome and at home from the first day,” she said. “When the times got tough, Indigenous Education was there for me to support me in any and every way that I needed.”
She has since graduated from Indigenous Education’s Seeds of Community program, which teaches leadership skills to create peer mentors within the lounge for new incoming students, and became involved with the Indigenous Learning Circle to help educate faculty on how to support Indigenous students. Cloud noted that said that the Indigenous Lounge helps ease the transition to college for Indigenous students.
“Having the lounge provides a safe space for us to use our medicines, practise our culture, and be ourselves without the fear of scrutiny from others who may not understand or may not be as open and receptive to the practices of other cultures,” she said. “The Indigenous Lounge has helped make my experience at NC second to none.”
Second-year Business Administration – Human Resources student Dalton Bird, has also become a regular user of the Indigenous Lounge since he arrived at the College, and is thrilled about the new space.
“It’s a great opportunity and a great privilege that Niagara College gave us a bigger space because it is very much needed due to growth in the number of Indigenous students at our campuses,” said Bird.
Bird spends his time in-between classes at the Lounge not only to access support but to be available to help others with schoolwork or emotional support – just like others helped him during his first year.
“I would say that it’s the Indigenous nature to help one another in our community we are one giant family,” he said. “We take care of one another just as we would with our families at home.”
Indigenous Education staff, members of NCs Indigenous Management Circle, students and guests gather in the new Indigenous Lounge for its grand opening celebration.
Niagara College opened its first Aboriginal Student Resource Centre at the Welland Campus in 1992 and its first in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 2015. Both campuses also feature Indigenous gardens.
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.png00cms009adhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngcms009ad2020-01-29 16:18:552020-01-29 16:18:55Niagara College unveils new, expanded Indigenous Lounge at heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake campus
A welcome song is performed by Elder Elaine Berwald and Nicole Joy-Fraser at the Indigenous Lounge opening on January 29.
Indigenous students have a new community gathering space to study, socialize or celebrate their culture at Niagara College.
January 29 marked the grand re-opening of the newly relocated and expanded Indigenous Lounge at the College’s recently renamed Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Operated by the College’s Indigenous Education department, which is under the umbrella of Student Services, the lounge aims to create a sense of community and place for Indigenous students to enhance their student experience. A dedicated space for elder teachings and cultural programming initiatives, students can access resources and support services, and connect with peers and their culture onsite.
The new lounge is not only larger than its former location, it offers additional features and amenities such as a ventilated area to allow for smudging sessions, and a kitchenette with a sink and refrigerator to enable food prep – both important to Indigenous culture – as well as more seating, tables, and extra computer workstations. It is also in a more central location on campus, in a high-traffic area near the Student Commons.
“We are proud to unveil this beautiful expanded location for Indigenous Education which is an important part of campus life,” said College president Dan Patterson, PhD. “This new student space is a testament to our College’s longstanding commitment to supporting our learners and to advancing the understanding of Indigenous cultures, heritage and languages within our College community.”
Student Services director Lianne Gagnon noted that Niagara College is dedicated to meeting the needs of its Indigenous students by providing academic and cultural supports, and encouraging student success.
“Indigenous students can face many barriers to education because of societal and historical factors and, for many, stepping through the front doors of a college shows their courage and desire to engage with formal education again in spite of the challenges,” said Gagnon. “It is vital for our Indigenous students to know that they have a culturally-safe space on campus where they can connect with one another and our Indigenous staff members. We know having this space makes all the difference to our students; it helps them stay in school and helps them feel supported and safe.”
Brian Kon, member of the College’s Indigenous Education management Circle, chair of Niagara Region Métis Council, and Indigenous lead for the Niagara Catholic District School Board, noted the significance of the new space.
“The Indigenous Lounge provides a welcoming and safe place for students to share their culture and traditions as well as learn from one another,” said Kon, who attended the grand opening. “It is a signal to the entire campus that Indigenous pride of our students and ancestors is strong and thriving at Niagara College.”
For the hundreds of Indigenous students on campus, the Indigenous Lounge serves as a ‘home away from home’ and plays a central role in daily campus life. Many access the space in between classes to study, participate in activities, or to connect with their peers and their culture.
Student Rachel Cloud speaks about how the Indigenous Lounge has helped her on her student journey.
For Rachel Cloud, Indigenous Student Ambassador for the NC Student Administrative Council and second-year student in the Primary Care Paramedic program, the lounge has played an important role in her personal college experience.
“Moving three hours from home to come to NC left me feeling very lost and isolated. The staff, students and elder of the Indigenous Lounge made me feel welcome and at home from the first day,” she said. “When the times got tough, Indigenous Education was there for me to support me in any and every way that I needed.”
She has since graduated from Indigenous Education’s Seeds of Community program, which teaches leadership skills to create peer mentors within the lounge for new incoming students, and became involved with the Indigenous Learning Circle to help educate faculty on how to support Indigenous students. Cloud noted that said that the Indigenous Lounge helps ease the transition to college for Indigenous students.
“Having the lounge provides a safe space for us to use our medicines, practise our culture, and be ourselves without the fear of scrutiny from others who may not understand or may not be as open and receptive to the practices of other cultures,” she said. “The Indigenous Lounge has helped make my experience at NC second to none.”
Second-year Business Administration – Human Resources student Dalton Bird, has also become a regular user of the Indigenous Lounge since he arrived at the College, and is thrilled about the new space.
“It’s a great opportunity and a great privilege that Niagara College gave us a bigger space because it is very much needed due to growth in the number of Indigenous students at our campuses,” said Bird.
Bird spends his time in-between classes at the Lounge not only to access support but to be available to help others with schoolwork or emotional support – just like others helped him during his first year.
“I would say that it’s the Indigenous nature to help one another in our community we are one giant family,” he said. “We take care of one another just as we would with our families at home.”
Indigenous Education staff, members of NCs Indigenous Management Circle, students and guests gather in the new Indigenous Lounge for its grand opening celebration.
Niagara College opened its first Aboriginal Student Resource Centre at the Welland Campus in 1992 and its first in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 2015. Both campuses also feature Indigenous gardens.
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.png00cms009adhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngcms009ad2020-01-29 16:18:552020-01-29 16:18:55Niagara College unveils new, expanded Indigenous Lounge at heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake campus
Students browse through racks of tops at Dress to Impress (file photo, 2019).
Niagara College staff members are rolling up their sleeves to ensure students are ‘well suited’ for career opportunities.
From shirts, pants and blazers, to dresses and accessories – professional attire will be available to students free of charge at the College’s Dress to Impress business clothing giveaway. Hosted by Student Services, the event will be held on January 28 at the Welland Campus and on January 29 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This will be the fourth annual event of its kind at NC. The initiative was launched to help alleviate some of the financial challenges students may face when it comes to investing in professional clothing to wear for job interviews, networking events or work.
College career consultant Marsha Fiorino has witnessed how much students appreciate the event and the on-site assistance they receive to help them make a positive impression on employers.
“There are always students who have sacrificed so much to come to school and they aren’t able to afford a pair of nice pants for an interview or for work,” said Fiorino. “It’s nice to be able to help them prepare for their job search and for the world of work, and to do what we can to take some of the financial stress from them.”
The initiative has racked up increasing support from College employees, who have been donating gently-used business attire for weeks leading up to the event, as well as from the public.
Dress to Impress is among a roster of initiatives at NC to prepare students for employment opportunities. While assistance and resources are always available from Career Services, the month of January is dubbed ‘Career Month’ at Niagara College, with a series of additional drop-in events available to students including resume clinics, speed interviewing, photo headshot sessions, LinkedIn clinics, and more.
Career Month events lead up to the highly-anticipated College Career Fair in early February when employers from Niagara and across Canada will be on campus to recruit students for full-time, part-time, seasonal and co-op positions. The 2020 Career Fair at Niagara College will be its largest to date, to run at the Welland Campus on Feb. 4 and in Niagara-on-the-Lake February 5, 6 and 7 – with about 50 employers on campus each day. Visit careerfair.niagaracollege.ca/careermonth/ for details.
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 Advisory
Dress to Impress free clothing and accessory giveaway
Event media availability:
Media is welcome to attend for event coverage during times specified below.
Welland Campus: Tuesday, January 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Cafeteria/ Student Commons, glass room
Daniel J. Patterson Campus (NOTL): Wednesday, January 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Cafeteria/ Student Commons, glass room)
Media RSVP: Please contact Julie Greco at [email protected] to pre-arrange interviews.
http://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.png00cms009adhttp://donate.niagaracollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ncc-campign-logo-300x138.pngcms009ad2020-01-27 09:31:332020-01-27 09:31:33Dress to Impress: Niagara College to host fourth annual clothing giveaway for student job-seekers
