Niagara College Brewmaster students have a final project brewing to cap off their studies: a cottage-themed on-campus beer festival to showcase their beer-making and event-planning skills.

NC’s student-led Project Brew beer festival has become an end-of-term rite of passage for students in their final term Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program, since its official launch in 2015. This term, a class of 11 Brewmaster students are poised to make their mark before they graduate with their own ‘Hops by the Docks’ theme for the highly-anticipated Project Brew event, offering the public a taste of what’s on tap from the next generation of brewers.

“We so enjoy the chance to celebrate the accomplishments of our students,” said Associate Dean for the School of Wine, Beer and Spirits at NC. “Having a celebration open to the public makes it even better.”

The beer festival is expected to draw more than 400 guests to the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on the Lake on Friday, April 14 (4:30-8:30 p.m.). The event will feature 11 individual Project Brew beers, designed and brewed by final-term Brewmaster students, as well as three collaborative class brews, on tap for guests to sip and savour.

For Brewmaster students, in addition to brewing their Project Brew beers – which is part of several of their classes – planning the Project Brew event is a key component of their Beer Sales and Promotions class, which covers everything from marketing and social media, to licensing, layout and design for the event, which are vital skills to those entering the beer industry.

“Hops By the Docks is a great opportunity for the public to get a taste of unique small-batch beers crafted by our Brewmaster students,” said Sarah Scott, Manager, Foodservices Operations for NC’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies Division, who co-teaches the class. “Our students aren’t only behind the variety of brews on tap at the event, they are responsible for planning everything from ticket sales and marketing promotions to recruiting sponsorship and volunteers for the event.”

Student Richard Lawson (Acton, Ontario), who chairs the planning committee for this term’s Project Brew, has created a Dragon’s Breath Ale for his Project Brew beer, which will be among student-crafted brews on offer during the event – a lightly smoked strong ale which he calls a “fantasy world beer,” inspired by a board game.

“I’m learning a lot from Project Brew about organizing a group of people and planning an event. I think it is good to take opportunities to try to improve my leadership skills as they will be helpful moving forward in my career,” said Lawson.

“I’m most looking forward to seeing my classmates get to share their beer with so many people,” he said. “As students, we put so much thought into these beers and I think my classmates will find it really rewarding to see people so excited about their beer.”

Nathaniel Perreault, who is originally from Walter’s Falls, Ontario, has created his take on a Flanders red ale – traditionally, a Belgian mixed ferment beer aged in barrels. The final product is a blending of different aged beers to achieve the desired flavour profile.

“I am attempting to replicate its profile by relying on a yeast strain that produces lactic acid. The rest of the malic and citric acid profiles will be achieved by the addition of black currants and choke cherries,” he said. “Both of these fruits were grown on my family farm and juiced at home before being added towards the end of fermentation.”

Perreault also took on the role of finding sponsors for the event. He looks forward to celebrating with his class at Project Brew and to sampling the brews they have created.

“The planning of Project Brew is a great opportunity for us to begin employing what we have learned before entering the workforce,” he said. “It is rewarding to check off milestones as we complete tasks knowing that at the end of the process there will hundreds of attendees enjoying all of our beer at an event that we organized as a group.”

Ellie Riches (Beamsville, Ontario) worked on website and poster design, a ‘passport’ for the event and  social media, in addition to brewing a Project Brew beer.

“I am excited to see how the day of will play out! This project has shown me how to manage my time really well. I ensured to meet my deadlines in a timely manner. I also learned how to work on a project with many other people, and the triumphs and difficulties that come along with that,” she said. “I love interacting with people and seeing the public learn and enjoy a fermented product. I’m excited to talk about my beer and maybe learn something new too!”

In memory of Brewmaster graduate Matt Soos

All proceeds from Project Brew benefit the Matt Soos Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Matt Soos, who graduated from the Brewmaster program in 2015. The scholarship was established by Railway City Brewing, and Muskoka Brewing, where Soos worked at the time of his passing, shortly after graduating from NC.

The $4,500 scholarship is awarded during the Winter term’s Project Brew event to a Brewmaster student who brews the best beer (which is judged by event sponsors each year). All Project Brew beers are entered for judging.

The scholarship is supported by Natterjack Brewing Company Ltd., founded by the family of Matt Soos in 2016 as a legacy to honour Matt’s passion for the craft beer industry. The Soos family is devoted to honouring Matt’s passion for creating uniquely flavoured quality beer.

The Soos family plans to attend and have organized a 40-passenger bus from Natterjack (based in West Lorne, Ontario) to attend the event.  This term, judging will be done by the Soos family from Natterjack Brewing, who will also announce the winner at Project Brew.

“On the bus will be a few judges who will help narrow down all the amazing brews, to find the one that will receive the $4500 prize,” said Daniel Soos, brewer and owner of Natterjack Brewing Company Ltd., brother of the late Matt Soos. “We always say that every one of the beers is a winner, and it’s a challenging competition to judge.”

This year, Natterjack collaborated with Storm Stayed Brewing from London, Ontario – whose head brewer is NC Brewmaster alumna, Diana Salazar – to create a Coffee Vanilla Vodka White Stout for the event.

“Diana graduated the same year as Matt and were great friends,” said Daniel Soos. “Not only did we work with Storm Stayed but also various other businesses in the local communities to pick specific flavour profiles to best suit this brew.”

The winner of this year’s Matt Soos Memorial Scholarship will be announced by Daniel Soos on April 14 at Project Brew.

Project Brew details

Project Brew will take place on April 14 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

In addition to a variety of unique craft beers, guests can also enjoy a selection of food prepared by NC Culinary Services (School of Culinary Arts), which will be available for purchase.

The event will be held outdoors in the campus courtyard (weather permitting). In case of inclement weather, it will be held indoors in the Student Commons.

While tickets for Project Brew are currently sold out, more tickets may become available closer to the event date (pending expanded outdoor capacity).

For the latest event details visit https://projectbrew.squarespace.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 diploma program offers extensive hands-on training at an on-site, state-of-the-art Teaching Brewery to prepare students for employment in the expanding brewery, microbrewery and brewpub industries. Located at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson in Niagara-on-the-Lake, students learn from award-winning faculty and have access to on-site hop yard and local farm products to brew a full range of beer styles. Visit ncteachingbrewery.ca.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 9,500 students from over 80 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

 

Media inquiries, please contact:

 

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

905-328-2532

[email protected]

 

 

 

Niagara College welcomes funding introduced in the federal government’s 2023-2024 budget that will support applied research at colleges as they partner with Canadian business for projects that address their innovation challenges.

The budget, announced March 28, includes $108.6 million over three years to expand the College and Community Innovation program, administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).

“This important investment recognizes the vital role that colleges play in helping businesses – especially small- to medium-size enterprises (SMEs) – innovate and increase their competitiveness,” said Marc Nantel, PhD, Niagara College’s Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Strategic Enterprises.

Nantel is also the Chair of the College Applied Research Taskforce, a partnership between Colleges and Institutes Canada, Polytechnics Canada, Tech-Access Canada and Réseau des Synchronex CCTT (College Centres for the Transfer of Technologies). In Fall 2022, and in February 2023, on behalf of the Taskforce, Nantel made a submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance that called on the government to accelerate business-led research and development through increased investment in the Tri-Council College and Community Innovation program, which funds research collaboration between business and colleges.

“The investments made by the federal government to date have enabled us to work with thousands of SMEs, developing and testing new products, for example, so we are thrilled with the increased investment in NSERC’s College and Community Innovation program – a cornerstone of our own applied research program in NC’s four innovation centres,” said Nantel.

NC currently collaborates with businesses through its Business & Commercialization Innovation Centre; Food & Beverage Innovation Centre; Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre; and Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre. Through federal government investments, these centres have provided solutions for hundreds of innovation partners during the past 23 years. NC is currently the top research college in Ontario, and No. 2 in Canada, according to Research Infosource Inc’s annual index “Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada.”

NC’s award-winning Research & Innovation division administers research funding through investments from various regional, provincial, and federal agencies. Students and graduates are hired to work alongside faculty and staff researchers to assist industry partners’ leap forward in the marketplace. Students come from a variety of the College’s programs, such as the Commercial Cannabis Production Program, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Culinary Innovation and Food Technology, Business Administration – Marketing, and Computer Programmer.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 9,500 students from over 80 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

 

TOP PHOTO:Teams of students, faculty and research leads from NC’s Research & Innovation division Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre work on solutions for industry.

 

Media inquiries, please contact:

 

Michael Wales

Director, Communications

905 328-4101

[email protected]

 

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

905-328-2532

[email protected]

 

Children with autism are getting extra support for having a successful dental appointment while college students are cutting their teeth with real clients, thanks to a continued community collaboration between Niagara College and Bethesda’s Children and Youth Services.

NC and Bethesda are hosting dedicated dental hygiene clinics for children with autism spectrum disorder at NC’s Welland Campus. About 20 children were welcomed to NC’s Dental Clinic on March 20, and about 20 clients are expected when the clinics continue on April 3.

The clinics offer dental hygiene services at a reduced cost to the children – who are clients of Bethesda – conducted by NC Dental Hygiene students, with support from students from the College’s Autism and Behavioural Science (ABS) program.

“We are pleased to combine the expertise within our Dental Hygiene and Autism Behavioral Science programs to help support community children and their families,” said Angela Butt, NC Dean, Allied Health and Nursing. “We value our continued collaboration with Bethesda, which offers experiential and interdisciplinary learning opportunities for our students and gives them a chance to use their skills to help make a difference in the community.”

“This initiative showcases NC’s focus on developing strong mutually beneficial partnerships that support a community need,” said Carol Phillips, NC Dean, Community Services, Justice and Fitness Studies.

“Bethesda is excited to partner with the Niagara College Dental Hygiene and Autism Behavioural Sciences programs to provide a valuable dental clinic to the children we support. It is part of our mission at Bethesda to provide collaborative, flexible, and holistic support, empowering people to build their capacity throughout life,” said Melissa Sullivan, Manager of Children’s Services at Bethesda. “By working collaboratively with Niagara College professionals, we aim to provide children and families with support to have a successful visit to the dentist, as well as to provide a valuable, learning opportunity for the students in these programs.”

The clinics continue a collaboration between NC’s dental and ABS programs, and Bethesda which began in 2018.

“Bethesda is proud to work collaboratively with Niagara College on projects like this,” said Bethesda’s CEO Paul McGowan. “This partnership is a perfect example of how community partners can come together to improve the lives of those in our community.”

More than 50 senior Dental Hygiene students are involved with the initiative this Winter term. Taking on the role of clinicians, students participate in assessments, oral hygiene coaching, and work in pairs to conduct a range of dental services including oral examinations, cleaning, polishing, individual oral hygiene instruction, radiographs, fluoride treatments, and sealants.

The experience helps Dental Hygiene students fulfill clinical skills and core competency requirements in their program and much more.

“We’re testing skills, knowledge and patience. For dental students, participating in these appointments is not just about completing treatments and completing clinical requirements, it’s about providing a fulsome experience for their clients, and helping them to feel comfortable in the dental chair,” said Dental Programs Manager Michelle Thibault. “It’s an opportunity for students to gain clinical experience with a child client, a client with special needs, and an opportunity for interdisciplinary learning, and to collaborate with a community partner.”

“Dental is about teamwork; our Dental Hygiene students become part of circle of care with an interprofessional collaborative approach as they work and learn from faculty and students from our ABS program.”

Students are challenged to think critically about the process of care by providing oral health services to individuals from a diverse population with unique needs.

“I want as much experience and exposure with this as possible. Every client is different and it is my job to help treat the client accordingly, in a way that will make their experience better,” said Mikayla Giannone (Waterdown/ Welland) who is also a recent graduate of NC’s Dental Assisting program. “Having the chance to learn about children with autism and then getting to work with them in clinic will be extremely rewarding.”

“As I move forward with my career path, this experience will certainly help me to feel more confident when communicating with, and providing treatment for individuals coming from diverse backgrounds,” said Adriana Sansotta (Bolton/ St. Catharines).

Students also benefit from the interdisciplinary collaboration involved between the Dental Hygiene and ABS program.

In early March, Professor Taryn Walsh helped to prepare Dental Hygiene students for their clinics by visiting their class to provide information about Autism, ABA strategies, and how they can support clients for a successful appointment.

“Going to the dentist is not an everyday experience for children, and we want it to be a positive experience for Bethesda’s clients,” said Walsh. “We want our students to learn how a child with autism may experience the appointment differently, and what they can do to support the child and their family during the appointment.”

About 20 ABS students are participating in this term’s dental clinics with Bethesda to observe and offer support when needed. The experience they gain will count as part of their required placement hours. An Applied Behaviour Analysis Clinician from Bethesda is also present during the appointments for client support.

“The dental clinics for children with autism will provide me with the opportunity to see how children with autism respond and adapt to new environments and new people,” said ABS student Natasha Desjardins (Welland). “I also believe that I will learn many useful strategies that can be used to support children with autism when they are entering new environments and meeting new people. Each individual with autism is different, so I am looking forward to observing their overall behaviour.”

The dental hygiene clinics on March 20 and April 3 were offered to children between the ages of five and 17 registered to the Ontario Autism Program, who are clients of Bethesda’s Children’s Behaviour Services. Pre-registration was required as spaces were limited.

Bethesda is a non-profit organization that aims to support children and youth and adults with special needs in its communities. For info on Children and Youth Services, visit bethesdaservices.com/en/youth/home.

For information about the NC Dental Clinic visit niagaracollege.ca/alliedhealth/dental-clinic/.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 9,500 students from over 80 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

Top photo: NC students and faculty welcome Bethesda clients to the NC Dental Clinic on March 20. Pictured centre: Makayla Giannone (Dental Hygiene student), Adriana Sansotta (Dental Hygiene student), Taryn Walsh (ABS faculty) Michelle Thibault (Dental Programs Manager). Dental Hygiene students are wearing blue scrubs and ABS students are on the right.

 

Media inquiries, please contact:

 

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant, Niagara College

905-328-2532

[email protected]

 

Meaghan Erb

Manager, Community Relations, Bethesda,

905-684-6918 ext. 378

[email protected]

 

As aspiring stars took to the Canada’s Got Talent stage in the hopes of wowing a panel of celebrity judges, students in Niagara College’s Hairstyling and Broadcasting programs showcased skills of their own behind-the-scenes.

The popular talent competition – featuring dancers, singers, comedians, illusionists and more – premiered on CityTV on March 21 following months of filming at the new OLG stage at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls.

Nearly 30 students from NC’s hairstyling and broadcasting programs volunteered their skills back-stage from the auditions through to semi-finals as competitors vie for the winning title and the nation’s hearts.

Hairstyling students from all levels of the program worked side stage and in the waiting areas to prepare contestants for their performances with hair, make-up, and touch-ups. Second-and-third-year Television Production students helped with everything from checking contestants in, to assisting filming crews, shooting performers, to stagehands and audience logistics.

“It was fun to watch all these performers going through their prep before walking out onto the stage. This show can be life changing for a few and to be a part of that is special,” said hairstyling professor Joe Abbruscato.

Abbruscato was eager to give his students a chance to work with Canada’s Got Talent thanks to a connection with broadcasting program coordinator Dutch Vandenberg. Vandenberg’s students have been involved with the popular television show since season one.

“Being a hairstylist does not restrict you to working behind the chair. Many people don’t realize all the different careers that you can have in the hair world,” said Abbruscato, a former salon owner. “Through film and television anything is possible and that’s why I jumped on this opportunity.”

“It was a great experience because we had a chance to work with amazing people – crew, stars and contestants,” said Alicja Bednarek, a year one Hairstyling – Barbering student. “The whole experience showed me that, as a hairstylist, I’m not limited to working only behind a chair. There are a lot of different ways to have a great career.”

The Grimsby resident was inspired by working with professional makeup artist Nikki Strachan on set.

“After the recording of CGT, I decided that I would like to spread my wings a little wider, and I’m currently taking a professional make-up course. I hope that I’ve found another hobby and passion that will make me a better beauty professional,” said Bednarek.

In exchange for lending their time and talents to production, NC students earned community service hours, a unique experience to build their resumes, and a valuable chance to network.

“It is these types of real-world experiences that allow our students to apply what they learn in the classroom and labs in a professional setting,” explained Vandenberg. “These experiences also offer a lot of great networking opportunities and many of our students have received other production work from this. This is very rewarding for all of our students that participate and I’m proud that we extended this to Joe and his group.”

“This would not have been possible if it wasn’t for our whole hairstyling team who rose to the occasion by volunteering their time to be a part of this,” said Abbruscato.

NC’s Welland Campus will also be on the small screen this season. CGT crews filmed some segments of the show – including contestant profiles – on campus.

NC students will work behind-the-scenes at the exciting finale of the show in May. Canada’s Got Talent airs weekly on Tuesday’s at 8 p.m. on CityTV.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 9,500 students from over 80 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant
Niagara College
905-932-1520
[email protected]