A generous Niagara family is supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals through a transformational gift to Niagara College’s Together campaign.

The Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation is donating $500,000 towards the College’s new Healthcare Education building – a 75,000 sq. ft. project at the Welland Campus that will significantly expand teaching, learning and patient care spaces.

Once open in 2027, it will support enrollment growth in key health programs whose professions face significant and chronic workforce shortages in Niagara and across Ontario. The new building will create spaces for an additional 800 students studying in in-demand healthcare program areas, including nursing, personal support worker, paramedic, dental and others.

The family’s gift supports the expansion of the College’s Pharmacy Technician program and also funds scholarships for students in that program.

“The remarkable generosity of the Haj-Ahmad family recognizes the important role that Niagara College plays in Niagara’s healthcare sector and it significantly enhances our ability to provide highly-skilled, job-ready graduates who will drive frontline care in our community,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. 

“Education is the cornerstone of a thriving community and we recognize the important role that colleges play in front line healthcare, training the workforce who care for our loved ones,” said the Haj-Ahmad family. “For this reason, we are happy to contribute to a project that will advance healthcare training capacity at Niagara College for our community.”  

Dr. Yousef Haj-Ahmad is the founder and CEO of Norgen Biotek, a leading Canadian biotechnology company located in Thorold. Since 1998, the company has been developing innovative biotechnology services and products for customers and researchers around the world for diagnostics and scientific exploration.

Over the years, Dr. Haj-Ahmad and his family have given generously to the Niagara community through the Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation, including contributions supporting education and sport.

“The Haj-Ahmad family embodies a spirit of innovation and a passion for giving back,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement. “This gift will help train more frontline healthcare providers that are so needed in our region. The family is strengthening health education and helping to address local healthcare workforce shortages in the immediate and foreseeable future.”

Adding 75,000 sq. ft. of teaching labs, classrooms, and patient care spaces, the project will expand instructional space at the Welland Campus to support the growth of existing and future programming.

New scholarships for Pharmacy Technician students will help to address a growing need in this important area of frontline healthcare. In recognition of the family’s gift, the new pharmacy teaching space will be named the Haj-Ahmad Family Pharmacy Lab. The lab will provide an enhanced learning space for all NC pharmacy students.

“We are deeply grateful to Dr. Haj-Ahmad and his family for generously supporting our health programs and the success of our Pharmacy Technician students. These students, as well as students in our Community Pharmacy Assistant certificate program, will go on to make important contributions in various healthcare settings within Niagara and beyond,” said Dr. Sinéad McElhone, NC’s Dean of Health Sciences.

At Niagara Health, more than half of the current pharmacy staff are proud NC alumni – notably, at the Marotta Family Hospital in St. Catharines alone, nearly the entire pharmacy technician team is made up of alumni from the College. Their impact extends to hospitals in Hamilton, including those within the Hamilton Health Sciences network.

“My training at Niagara College was the perfect preparation for my job as a pharmacy technician at Niagara Health. We handle complex patient care and support our medical team,” said Natalie Romero, a 2023 alumna from the Pharmacy Technician program. “The fact that most of my colleagues are also NC graduates really speaks volumes about the high quality and relevance of the education we received.”

Together campaign

Niagara College’s Together campaign is a multi-year, $50 million initiative focused on addressing critical workforce shortages in healthcare and skilled trades, making education more accessible, creating diverse learning environments, and fostering research, creativity, and innovation to help close Canada’s productivity gap.

Community partners and donors are invited to learn more about the important priorities of the Together campaign by visiting niagaracollege.ca/together.

A leader in applied education, Niagara College (NC) offers diploma, bachelor degree, post-graduate and apprenticeship programs at specialized campuses in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland. Ranked as the No.1 research college in Canada, NC is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world that provide students with important hands-on-experience. NC welcomes students from across Niagara, Ontario, and around the world who are studying in in-demand programs that support key sectors and industries in Niagara and beyond, with graduates making important contributions in all corners of our community. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Niagara College celebrated its fourth day of Spring Convocation ceremonies on June 12, as more than 685 students from the Myhal School of Nursing and the School of Allied Health crossed the stage and joined the College’s proud alumni community.

Held at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus, the ceremony marked a milestone for graduates who are set to enter healthcare careers that play a vital role in addressing ongoing workforce shortages in nursing and allied health.

In his convocation address, Niagara College President Sean Kennedy encouraged graduates to lead with empathy and inclusion as they begin their careers in healthcare, highlighting the power of diversity and the positive change they can bring to their workplaces and communities.

“As you enter the world of work, I encourage you to remember the power of diversity and inclusion,” said Kennedy. “Every team benefits from diversity and different perspectives, it helps strengthen organizations and builds community. You can help make the world better, one welcoming act at a time, and I am proud of the ways in which you will change our world. Remember to be welcoming and passionate in all that you do.”

The message resonated with graduates who will go on to serve healthcare systems not only in Niagara, but in communities across the province and around the world.

“These graduates are entering the workforce at a crucial time for healthcare in our region and beyond,” said Dr. Sinéad McElhone, Niagara College Dean of Health Sciences. “They are prepared to take on critical roles that will help address the ongoing shortage of nursing and healthcare professionals, and their skills, compassion and commitment will make a meaningful impact in the lives and communities they will serve.”

During the afternoon ceremony, two exceptional graduates were recognized with Dean’s Awards for achieving the highest cumulative grade point average (GPA) in their respective academic schools.

Practical Nursing graduate Breanne Smeed received the Dean’s Award for the Myhal School of Nursing. An aesthetics professional for over twenty years and former spa owner, Smeed pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse after the COVID-19 pandemic impacted her business. NC gave her the opportunity to explore her passion for helping others, where she felt constant support from the nursing faculty dedicated to student learning and success.

“I remember opening my acceptance letter and knowing it was the beginning of a great opportunity for myself and my family,” said Smeed. “Our instructors were so passionate and knowledgeable, using real-life experience to prepare us for a career in nursing. I felt constant support, and although expectations were high, the instructors strived to help us achieve success.”

Simeon Tchervenelekov, a graduate of the Paramedic program, received the Dean’s Award for the School of Allied Health in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement.

NC also welcomed Pukhraj Gujral, President of INSCol Canada, to the Thursday morning ceremony. INSCol is a valued international partner that supports NC’s nursing graduates by providing access to work-study opportunities and pathways to professional practice across the globe. Gujral took a moment to capture a class photo with the graduating nurses, recognizing the global impact they will go on to make.

NC continues to expand and enhance nursing education to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals. In September 2024, the College welcomed the first cohort of students into its new four-year Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree program. Designed to increase access to nursing education and respond to the urgent need for more Registered Nurses, the program is a key part of the College’s strategy to support healthcare in the region and beyond.

In April 2025, the College’s School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker was renamed the Myhal School of Nursing, following a transformational $5-million gift from the Myhal Family Foundation. Announced during NC’s 33^rd  annual gala, the gift will support the expansion of the College’s Applied Health Institute and fund new student scholarships as part of the Together campaign.

Convocation ceremonies will continue on Friday, June 13, as more than 1,035 graduates from the Schools of Business and Management, Environment and Horticulture, Academic and Liberal Studies, and English Language Studies take the stage. NC convocation will conclude on Saturday, June 14, with two final ceremonies celebrating over 745 graduates from the School of Business and Management. During Saturday morning’s ceremony, John F.T. Scott, former CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers and former Chair of Niagara College’s Board of Governors, will be awarded an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (International Commerce and Global Development).

For a full schedule of ceremonies and a list of graduating programs within each academic school, visit the Ceremony Schedule section on NC’s Convocation website. All Spring 2025 Convocation ceremonies are livestreamed and available on the website for later viewing.

Related convocation press releases:

• June 11: Acting student earns top academic medal during third day of Niagara College Convocation
• June 10: Niagara College awards top academic medal to Hospitality graduate
• June 9: Niagara College kicks off week-long Spring Convocation ceremonies
• June 5: Niagara College to celebrate class of 2025 at Spring Convocation

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 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 ranked Canada’s No. 1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco 
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[email protected]

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June 9 marked the first day of Niagara College’s week-long Spring Convocation ceremonies, where graduates from the schools of Academic and Liberal Studies, Justice and Fitness and Community Services received their hard-earned diplomas and crossed the stage to officially join the NC alumni community.

In his address to the graduating class of 2025, President Sean Kennedy congratulated the graduates for their commitment to their studies before offering words of advice as they move into the workforce.

“At Niagara College, we are deeply committed to student success, and Convocation is a wonderful celebration of you and your hard work,” said Kennedy. “Be a force for good, be willing to change, and be passionate in all that you do.

“Wherever your path takes you next, know that your NC family is proud of you, and behind you every step of the way.”

During the afternoon ceremony, the College bestowed a Distinguished Alumni Award upon alumna Rochelle Bush. A graduate of NC’s Social Service Worker diploma program in 2018 and Fashion Arts in 1983, Bush owns Tubman Tours Canada, where she highlights the legacy of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad in Niagara, helping shape early Black History narratives and tourism in the region.

“It is an honour to welcome Rochelle back to campus today and to present her with our Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions as a champion for Black History in Niagara and beyond,” said President Kennedy. “Through Tubman Tours, Salem Chapel, and numerous historical initiatives, Rochelle ensures that the legacies of Harriet Tubman and other Freedom Seekers are not forgotten.”

“I want to express my sincere thanks to Niagara College for considering me for the Distinguished Alumni Award,” said Bush. “As a proud Niagara College graduate, I am truly grateful.

“I also want to extend my congratulations to today’s graduates. It is my wish that your chosen field brings you an abundance of opportunity, prosperity, and joy.”

Monday’s ceremonies also recognized three outstanding graduates who were presented with the Dean’s Academic Awards, a notable distinction for students who demonstrate a strong commitment to academic excellence and who have achieved the highest GPA in their academic school.

Chloe Baltus, who graduated from the Police Foundations program, received the Dean’s Award for the School of Justice and Fitness, while Early Childhood Education graduate Brandi-Lyn Luby received the Award from the School of Community Services and Larkin Soto, General Arts and Science graduate, was the recipient from the School of Academic and Liberal Studies.

By the time the College concludes its convocation week on June 14 – each ceremony honouring graduating students from different areas of study – NC will gain more than 5,000 new graduates.

NC’s Spring Convocation continues from June 10 to 14 with ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. All ceremonies will be livestreamed from the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus. To view the schedule and a list of programs graduating within each school – or to watch the livestream of any ceremony – visit NC’s Convocation website.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 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:

Julie Greco 
Communications Consultant 
905-328-2532 
[email protected]

The post Niagara College kicks off week-long Spring Convocation ceremonies appeared first on Niagara College.

A recent Niagara College automotive graduate will have the tools of the trade, thanks to the generosity of a recently-retired mechanic from Toronto.

Now living in Niagara Falls, and with his tools “collecting dust,” Tom Cowan’s friend Jocelyn recommended he gift them to an NC student.

Cowan got in touch with Wayne Toth, program coordinator of NC’s Motive Power program and jumped at the chance to pass the wrench to a deserving mechanic-in-training.

“I was hoping that whoever got them really wanting to be a mechanic,” said Cowan. “Someone who has oil in their veins like I did.”

Jessie Boy Dela Rosa, a recent graduate from the Motive Power program (2024), was recommended by his professors, having earned the highest grade point average.

The gift was a complete surprise to Dela Rosa, who is now working at DVM Automotive in Welland.

“I wasn’t expecting this,” said Dela Rosa. “I am going to take good care of those tools. I know Tom has invested a lot of money and has good memories with those tools. I am going to continue doing that and will make good use of them.”

“We are so appreciative to Tom for his generosity which will surely give Jessie a leg up as he begins his new career,” said Toth. “Jessie is going to do very well. We’re very proud of him.”

Originally a Data Analyst from the Philippines, Dela Rosa spent his weekends tinkering with his car and falling in love with the trade.

“I used to work with computers… now I’m turning wrenches,” said Del Rosa, who has a Master’s degree in business management.

He and his wife – and their terrier Whiskey – took the big leap to pursue his passion and learn the automotive trade in Canada.

“I narrowed down my choice to Niagara College because of the green tech… that was the deciding factor,” said Dela Rosa, referring to NC’s expertise in electric and hybrid vehicles.  “No other college has it.”

Open the drawers of the red steel chest and the contents tell the story of Cowan’s career and passion for cars; from apprenticing to working at small shops, to teaching and eventually opening his own specialty shop for classic cars.

“There are sockets in there from 1968, and tools from the first mechanic I worked for that go back to the forties,” said Cowan, who reflected fondly on running Toytown Motors in Richmondhill where he “fixed all his friends toys,” from ‘56 Corvette’s to souped up ‘69 Chevelles.

Throughout his career, Cowan had a voracious appetite for learning.

“I took to it like a duck to water,” said Cowan, who credits his mentor John with whom he apprenticed. “The amount you don’t know is amazing, which is why staying up-to-date throughout your career is so important.”

Through his apprenticeship, Cowan experienced the value of good mentorship. He was inspired to pass it on, going on to teach at-risk youth, and later, night courses at Centennial College in electrical, carburation, and air conditioning.

“The way they’re building cars today, the opportunities for mechanics are sky-high,” said Cowan.

His advice for automotive grads: Find an employer who is supportive of continuous learning.

“Number one for employers is someone who has a good base to repair cars, but secondly, has initiative and drive to want to do better… Someone who is up to date and stays up to date.”

While at NC, Dela Rosa worked part-time with the faculty team in Motive Power to ensure the labs ran smoothly for students.

“Since day one as a student here, you impacted all of us in a very positive way, and there is no one more deserving of this than you,” said program instructor Domenic Mengia. “Working for us as an employee, volunteering at open houses, always making sure your job was done, never missing a class, and earning the highest grades.”

“I’m really glad that someone got them who could use them,” said Cowan.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 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 ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

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

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On November 21, Michele O’Keefe, Director, Athletics and Student Engagement at Niagara College, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) 2024 Women in Business Awards.

Presented to women who have excelled in their business and community over the course of their career, the GNCC Lifetime Achievement Award is the most recent accolade awarded to O’Keefe throughout her impressive career.

“Michele O’Keefe is a trailblazer whose contributions have profoundly shaped both Canadian sport and Niagara College,” said Mishka Balsom, CEO, GNCC and former Chair of NC’s Board of Governors. “From her transformative leadership as CEO of Canada Basketball to her impactful role at Niagara College, Michele has championed sport as a formidable tool for empowerment, especially for women. Her achievements – including the Leadership in Sport Award at the Canadian Sport Awards, the CICan Award of Excellence, and her influential roles on the FIBA Americas and FIBA Central Boards – highlight her dedication to excellence and advocacy in international sport. We are thrilled to honour Michele with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Women in Business Awards.”

“I’m honoured to receive the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award,” said O’Keefe. “To be clear, I don’t work alone. Everything I do involves colleagues – internal and external to NC and I feel very fortunate to work with so many amazing partners to create programs and initiatives that support our students and members of our community.”

Formerly the CEO and president of Canada Basketball, O’Keefe joined Niagara College in 2018 and quickly established herself as a respected leader and mentor to both NC student athletes and staff. In her role at the College, she has been a constant source of encouragement for students, athletes, coaches and employees who are motivated by her thoughtful and sincere leadership style.

“We are extremely proud of Michele and her accomplishments,” said Niagara College President, Sean Kennedy. “She brings her passion for sport, inclusivity, and student-focused leadership to Niagara College every day and to her community service work with a variety of partners, inspiring development and growth for women and girls.”

With a career that spans three decades, O’Keefe has built lasting and impactful relationships in both the national sport and local community. She has received numerous accolades and awards for her visionary leadership, including the City of Welland’s esteemed H.L. Cudney Memorial Award for her contributions to basketball, and an Executive Award of Merit in 2020 for her role formalizing a structure for the development of basketball officials. 

Some of O’Keefe’s most recent accomplishments include the launch of the City of Welland’s first-ever Girls Sport Day in 2022. Created in partnership with the City of Welland, the event provides girls between the ages of six and 12 the opportunity to try a variety of sports to build confidence and instill a sense of belonging in sport. She also held a spot on the board of directors and served as Chair of the Legacy Committee for the Niagara 2022 Summer Games and was awarded the silver Leadership Excellence Award from CICan in May 2024.

When asked what advice she would share with young women in business, O’Keefe had this to say:

“Be smart, strategic, relentless and curious. You might know at an early age what path you want to pursue, or like me, you might be late to the game and discover your ‘why’ later – both ways are right.”

“It took me a few years of various jobs before I found my path, and even then, I took a few turns. I’m always trying to understand why things are done the way they are, and it was through this sense of curiosity that I discovered sport administration which led me to Niagara College.”

Two NC alumnae were also recognized at the Women in Business Awards. Lina DeChellis, Director of Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives for the City of Welland, won the Excellence in the Public Sector award. DeChellis is a graduate of NC’s Tourism – Tours and Attractions program (1990).

Lori Gill, Founder of the Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing (ATTCH) Niagara, Founder of Lori Gill Psychotherapy, ATTCH Inc., and creator of the Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model, received the Excellence in the Not-for-Profit Sector award. Gill is a graduate of multiple NC programs, including General Arts and Science (2001), Criminal Psychology and Behaviour (2002), Child and Youth Care (2002), Child and Youth Worker (2002), and Counselling Skills for Human Services (2005). She was also a finalist for the Community Impact Award.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 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 ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Alyssa Milana
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