Just in time for Remembrance Day, Niagara College’s Teaching Brewery has rolled out a commemorative wartime brew inspired by an English beer that helped maintain the morale of the Allied forces 75 years ago.

A group of staff and students from the College’s Teaching Brewery, along with representatives from local Royal Canadian Legion branches, marked the re-release of the beer, named ‘Juno,’ on November 7.

The Second World War-style brew debuted at the Teaching Brewery last spring prior to the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Staff at the Teaching Brewery decided to brew it once again this fall in advance of Remembrance Day.  It will be available in cans at the Niagara College Teaching Brewery while supplies last and at several Royal Canadian Legion Branches in Niagara.

“It was an honour that the Canadian Legions wanted us to brew it for their members, especially for Remembrance Day,” said college brewmaster Jon Downing.

The recipe for Juno replicates a recipe made by St. Austell Brewery in England during the Second World War. The 3% Pale Ale adheres to the legal limit for alcohol during the Second World War due to government restrictions, and incorporates heritage hop varieties and ingredients used in the original recipe. The result is a very light ale with distinct fermented sugar character, lightly hopped but crisp and refreshing.

Downing was inspired to create the beer earlier this year after viewing St. Austell Brewery’s brewing log from D-Day, June 6, 1944, in a Brewery History Society newsletter. It struck him how the timing of the beer, which was brewed that day at St. Austell, coincided with Canadian soldiers landing on the shores of Normandy. He also researched the wartime challenge of supplying troops with beer in The Journal of the Brewery History Society. Downing contacted St. Austell for permission to reproduce the beer before setting out to create a recipe as close to the original as possible.

“The project to recreate that beer brewed at St Austell Brewery on 6th June 1944 is a human touchstone to the countless individuals who all did their bit in difficult times to deliver the ultimate victory over fascism,” said Roger Ryman, brewing director and head brewer of St. Austell Brewing. ”Beer and pubs were considered essential to the national morale during the dark years of the war.”

Brewing the heritage beer was a learning experience for students in NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program. It exposed them to the history of the beer style and the process, and was a lesson in what to do when restrictions are in place.

“My grandfather fought in World War Two with the Canadians, under the British, so this of huge significance to me,” said Brewmaster student Tony Arnold of Burlington, who brought photos of his late grandfather, who served in the Second World War with the Canadian Army, to mark Juno’s return to the Teaching Brewery for Remembrance Day.

“I’m very much into in history, and having the opportunity to merge beer and history is basically the dream for me,” said Allen Vary of St. Catharines.  “I think the process of finding an old recipe and bringing it back to life is a great learning experience, and I’m stoked to be a part of the process.”

Representatives from local Royal Canadian Legion branches were looking forward to serving the beer at their Remembrance Day events.

“What a great way to inspire the memories of 75 years ago and to allow the younger generations to taste a piece of history of their parents or grandparent or great-grandparent,” said Harry Hamilton, president of Branch 56 in Port Colborne.

Hamilton noted that he first heard about Juno beer in April of 2019 and ordered some to serve at Branch 56’s special remembrance and dedication service held for the 75^th Anniversary of D-Day.  “The veterans and attending all thought that this was a wonderful way to add to the special service,” he said.

Eric Cuthbert, president of Branch 17 in Thorold also noted that Juno was well received at their D-Day event and they wanted to bring it back for their Remembrance Day event.

“Those who had served really grasped the significance of the beer,” said Cuthbert. “They were shocked to find out it was so close to the original recipe.”

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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Media inquiries, please contact:

 

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7368

Cell: 905 328 2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Communications Manager

Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7773

Cell: 905 328 4101

[email protected]

Niagara College is gearing up to welcome the spirit and enthusiasm of former Knights at the Welland Campus for ReuKnighted, the first alumni reunion of its kind. The weekend will kick off with a tailgate on Friday afternoon followed by a Knights basketball game, with festivities continuing into Saturday.

Tickets are still available and alumni are welcome to register for the event this Friday.

Former Knights athletes and alumni from NC’s Broadcasting – Radio Television and Film, and Sport Management programs, will come together for an exclusive tailgate party with appetizers and refreshments beginning at 4:30 p.m. in The Core, hosted by the Alumni Relations team. The indoor tailgate will be followed by the men’s and women’s basketball home-opener games in NC’s Athletic Centre. An after-party featuring entertainment will follow.

“We’re excited to welcome alumni back to Niagara College,” said Michele O’Keefe, associate director, Athletics and Recreation. “Alumni are integral to NC Knights tradition and ReuKnighted is our way to celebrate and engage them.”

The reunion weekend will continue into Saturday with the National Scholar Brunch and Hall of Fame induction in the morning, followed by a volleyball double-header in the afternoon. Tickets include game admission for both the Friday basketball and Saturday volleyball games.

“ReuKnighted is a great opportunity for alumni to come back to campus and reconnect with former classmates, teammates, faculty, and friends of Niagara College,” said Jana Boniferro, NC alumni engagement officer. “We’re very excited to host members of our alumni community and look forward to getting ‘reuKnighted’ as we help cheer on our NC Knights.”

ReuKnighted is a family-friendly, ticketed event, and a chance to reconnect with former classmates and teammates. Registration is open at niagaracollege.ca/alumnirelations/reuknighted.

The first 100 alumni to register will receive a special gift – an NC-branded alumni scarf – courtesy of Alumni Relations. All event proceeds support scholarships and bursaries for student athletes.

Being the first alumni reunion of its kind, NC is considering future events to engage the wider alumni community, numbering over 90,000 worldwide.

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:

Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7368
Cell: 905 328-2532
[email protected]

Michael Wales
Communications Manager
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328-4101
[email protected]

 

Niagara College celebrates the official opening of the Marilyn I. Walker Centre of Excellence in Visual Arts and Technology at the Welland Campus on October 29 with Norris Walker and Sheila Bonapace – husband and daughter of the late Marilyn Walker. They join NC administrators, staff, faculty and alumni in cutting a ceremonial ribbon comprised of printout images of Marilyn Walker’s quilts. Pictured from left: Chris Cicchino (faculty); Stephen Dominick (faculty); Vincent Shaikh (dean, School of Media, Trades and Technology); Sheila Bonapace, Norris Walker, Dan Patterson (NC president); Saundra Patterson (partner of college president); Linda Roote (associate dean, School of Media Studies); Tom Price (NCSAC president); and Game Development graduates Andres Coimbra Castedo, Emma Perretta, Andy Chiarelli, and Philip Ellis.  

The legacy of Marilyn Isabelle Walker continues to enrich lives and fulfil dreams at Niagara College.

On October 29, Niagara College announced a gift from the estate of artist and philanthropist Marilyn Walker at the official opening of the Marilyn I. Walker Centre of Excellence in Visual Arts & Technology at its Welland Campus. Through her estate, Walker – known for her passion for the arts and for the Niagara community before her passing in 2015 – gifted Niagara College with $1 million for its visual arts and technology programming areas. Walker’s vision was to create a hub of learning, innovation and creativity at the College, building on strengths of its existing program base.

“We are tremendously grateful to the late Marilyn Walker for her generous gift which is an exciting investment in the future of visual arts and technology at our College,” said NC president Dan Patterson who, along with his wife Saundra, was a friend of Marilyn Walker’s. “Marilyn’s gift will contribute in a very meaningful way to the education of the future workforce in these sectors, making the Niagara community a more vibrant place to live, study and work.”

College president Dan Patterson announces a $1-million gift from the estate of artist and philanthropist Marilyn Walker at the official opening of the Marilyn I. Walker Centre of Excellence in Visual Arts and Technology.

The Marilyn I. Walker Centre of Excellence in Visual Arts & Technology includes several upgrades and renovations to the School of Media Studies, as well as new resources and equipment. A newly renovated collaborative space on the third floor of the Simcoe building – complete with a state-of-the-art video wall – marks the first of a four-phase project for the new Centre. Future phases will include the enhancement of four other classrooms; a resource room which includes new equipment  such as printers, 3D printers, and a die cutting machine; an upgraded client project room between two game design classrooms; new photographic equipment to support the Graphic Design program; and a classic studio with screen printing equipment and more. Funds will also be allocated to enhancing the student learning experience in the Voyageur wing for students in Media programs.

“Marilyn was an award-winning quilter, who used her hands to create – and now her legacy is helping our students do exactly that at NC, by enhancing hands-on learning opportunities within our School of Media,” said Linda Roote, associate dean, School of Media Studies. “Thanks to the purchase of new equipment such as a 3D printer, die cutters and silk-screening units, our students will gain tactile, hands-on experience as they transform their designs into a reality.”

Photography professor Stephen Dominick noted that Walker’s donation has enabled the program – currently celebrating its tenth year– to almost double the size of its teaching studio, as well as expand and update its studio gear. The additional space provides students with a superior teaching and learning environment, decreasing the number of students on each individual set from about six to less than four.

“These extensive upgrades have provided us with what I believe to be one of the most professionally equipped photography teaching studios in the province with the newest technologies in wireless strobes, light modifiers, rolling grip gear, portrait seating, a 72-inch HD TV for image critiques, and new iMac editing and teaching computers,” said Dominick.

A ‘gear cage’ in the new Photography space, has also opened the door for a consignment agreement with Nikon Canada who will be equipping the cage on a rotational basis with their flagship DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and with a wide range of prime lenses. “This gives our students unparalleled access to the newest and best professional photography gear currently available anywhere,” said Dominick.

Chris Cicchino, senior art director and project manager at the Fallsview Group as well as a NC School of Media faculty member and alumnus, applauded the new Centre. “This donation will benefit our teaching capabilities by being able to show students real-world machines and processes that they may encounter in their future careers,” he said. “The growing design industry calls for designers to have more education and experience, and to be more than just a graphic designer, to be highly capable in many fields of study. Graduating students will be in demand due to their higher skill level and foundational knowledge.”

“Many of the innovative, state of the art, modern spaces we have at our campuses have come from the generous donations from community philanthropists like Marilyn I. Walker,” said Tom Price, president of Niagara College’s Student Administrative Council. “These spaces are crucial to the applied, experiential and integrated learning that is vital to the core beliefs of Niagara College. Marilyn’s incredibly generous donation will not only help the students of today, but students for years and years to come.”

In addition to establishing the new Centre, a portion of Walker’s gift ($100,000) was endowed to provide an annual bursary to a student in their final year of study in one of the College’s visual art or technology programs – such as Art and Design Foundation, Graphic Design, Photography, or Game Development.  A portion ($150,000) was also endowed to support staffing for the Centre.

Over the years, Marilyn and Norris Walker have contributed generously to student success at NC by supporting scholarships and College fundraising events. In 2015, Walker Industries and the Walker family announced a $1.2 M contribution to the College’s Achieving Dreams Campaign, which supported its Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.

A memorial bench in honour of Marilyn I. Walker was placed in the Wetlands Ridge trail, located at the College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, shortly after Walker’s death in 2015, next to a memorial bench placed years before in memory of her daughter, Jennifer.

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

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Communications Manager

Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7773

Cell: 905 328 4101

[email protected]

“Go confidently in your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” With those words, first spoken by Henry David Thoreau, Niagara College Dan Patterson gave his final words of advice to Niagara College graduates.

The two Fall 2019 Convocation ceremonies at the Welland Campus added nearly 1,300 new graduates to the class of 2019, and marked Patterson’s final convocation ceremonies as he prepares to step down as president of Niagara College. Over his 25 years at the college, Patterson has presided over 171 convocation ceremonies, and has shaken the hands of 71,058 proud Niagara College graduates as they crossed the convocation stage to receive their diplomas and degrees.

“I’m very proud to have been at the helm of one of the best educational institutions in the country for so many years,” said Patterson. “Convocation in particular has always been one of the highlights of my time here, and congratulating those seventy thousand graduates as they cross the stage has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”

The morning ceremony celebrated approximately 600 new graduates from the School of Allied Health, School of Justice and Fitness, and School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker Studies. Ann Buller, past-president of Centennial College, delivered a rousing convocation address to the graduates, and was awarded an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies in recognition of her leadership in postsecondary education.

In her address, Buller urged the new grads to use their Niagara College education to “better not only your own lives, but the lives of others.” She also touched on the unique contributions that college graduates can make toward a better world. “We college graduates are, by the nature of our learning and the attributes of our character, a collective driven to action,” she said. “The world needs powerful voices, with profound and practical solutions, and you can be that.”

The afternoon ceremony recognized approximately 700 new graduates from the School of Business and Management; School of Environment and Horticulture; School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport; the Canadian Food and Wine Institute; School of Academic, Liberal and Access Studies; School of Technology; and School of Trades.

The ceremony also celebrated two prominent members of the Niagara community. Niagara business leader Vince DiCosimo, founder of Hospitality Fallsview Holdings (Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel, and Days Inn Fallsview Niagara Falls) was recognized with an Honorary Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Studies for his leadership in Niagara’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

Shane Malcolm, executive director of Leadership Niagara, received a Distinguished Alumni Award. Malcolm, who graduated from NC’s Culinary Management (Co-op) program in 2011, and Bachelor of Applied Business Hospitality Operations Management program in 2014, is a former president of the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (2014-2016) and was the College’s first international student to hold the position.

Malcolm also delivered the afternoon’s convocation address. He urged the graduates to look for the “evidences of success” in their lives – not least among them being their successful completion of their Niagara College education. “You are sitting in one of those very same moments. This is one of your many evidences of success.”

Malcolm, who came to Niagara College from his hometown in Montego Bay Jamaica, also used his own unexpected career progression – from an ambitious culinary student to executive director of a non-profit leadership development organization – to encourage graduates to embrace their own unexpected journeys toward success. “What success looks like is never as linear as we think it needs to be,” he said. “Success is not a destination; it’s a journey.”

“There is no greater force than the success you’re feeling right now,” he said.

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

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Andrew Korchok
Communications Consultant
Niagara College
Cell: 905 329-1642
[email protected]

 

Michael Wales
Manager, Corporate Communications                                                                                                                                          
Office: 905 735-2211 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328-4101
[email protected]

Students looking for a pathway to career success had a chance to explore the many opportunities that a college education can provide at the College Information Program (CIP) hosted by Niagara College at the Welland Campus on Monday, October 21.

Niagara College staff and faculty were on hand to provide information about Niagara College’s 130+ programs, as well as student services, careers and learning pathways, campus life, student services and more. Representatives from all 24 Ontario colleges were also on site to welcome over 1,000 local high school students from Niagara.

A key stop along the six-week tour across the province from September 23 to October 30, the CIP was a chance for Niagara students to meet with representatives from all 24 colleges locally and to learn about unique programs only offered at Ontario’s colleges, careers and pathways, admissions requirements, campus life, housing, student services, and more.

“The College Information Program is an important local event for secondary students to explore college in Ontario,” said Phil Hayes, associate director, Recruitment at NC. “Niagara College was happy to welcome grade 11 and 12 students from the region to learn about all that college has to offer in an engaging and informative setting.”

NC provided busing for high school students in the region, with students coming from schools as far as Grimsby and Dunnville. NC had information booths for all academic schools and all student services, giving high school students a chance to have one-on-one conversations with faculty and college students enrolled in programs.

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:

Jessica Torok
Communications Specialist
Niagara College
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7033
Cell: 519 809 7634
[email protected]

Michael Wales
Communications Manager
Niagara College
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328 4101
[email protected]