Unique experience demonstrates life-long learning in action

A one-of-a-kind trailblazing project from Niagara College’s School of Community Services and Heidehof – a well-known seniors care community home in St. Catharines – has been recognized with a provincial industry award for its innovative approach to intergenerational learning and social connection.

The project – “A Senior’s Freshman Year: The Intergenerational College Experience” – involved 29 first-year students from NC’s Recreation Therapy program and 10 seniors living at the home in Long-term Care, Supportive Housing and Life Lease units.

The unique experience was delivered during NC’s 2024 winter term from January to April through the Recreation Therapy program’s Applied Positive Strategies in Therapeutic Recreation course, which focuses on strategies for increasing wellbeing through positive psychology.

“The course content lent itself well to the project,” said Heather Vokey, part-time NC Professor and Manager of Life Enrichment at Heidehof who taught the course. “It was applicable to the NC students preparing for their future careers as Recreation Therapists and for the seniors who could take a lot of the strategies and apply them to their own lives, increasing their wellbeing.”

The outcome of the project included three main focuses: foster and sustain relationships between students and the senior participants; learn and engage in self-directed meaningful activities that promote well-being; and instill a sense of meaning and purpose in the seniors through mentoring students.

To accomplish these goals, both the NC students and the seniors – the “Heidehof students” – attended class together at the home on Tuesday mornings for 14 weeks. Each class consisted of a two-hour lecture, a one-hour hands-on activity and “mentor moments” – intentional learning exercises where the seniors shared their life experiences with the NC students.

Through the opportunity, the NC students gained a practical understanding and application of the course theory in a real-world setting, earning a credit towards their diploma in the process, while all participants discovered the value of belonging to a healthy, inclusive, life-long learning community.

“This course really proves that you can never be too old to learn,” said one Heidehof senior student.

“Back when I was in school, mental health was not thought of in a positive way, however by taking this course it provides education on better outlooks that they did not have then,” said another Heidehof senior student.

Meaningful relationships also blossomed between participants, demonstrating that social connection has no age boundary.

“This experience opened my eyes when it came to long-term care because when I first enrolled in the Recreation Therapy program, I wanted to work with children. After genuinely bonding with my Heidehof student, my outlook on my original target population to work with changed and long-term care was my ideal setting,” said NC student Cassidy King.

“This course is something I will never forget and I am lucky that I had the opportunity to meet my resident because she is someone who, even though the positive psychology course is done, I will continue to visit and hold very close to my heart,” King added.

The project was funded through a New Horizons Grant from the federal government, which provided the necessary course materials and iPads for the seniors to learn on. The funding also enabled the team to hire an assistant, Lauren Cooke, who worked closely with Vokey to support the project. Cooke gathered regular participant feedback and helped plan the activities that correlated to the class topic each week. Activities included balloon tennis, exercise classes, bowling, gratitude jars and more.

“The weekly activities fostered a sense of inclusion and belonging, teamwork, respect, and appreciation for one another among the participants,” said Cooke, who completed NC’s Recreation Therapy program in December 2023 and will graduate this June. “The connections made, the relationships they formed, while also learning something new that they can apply to their positive well-being, has been an endearing privilege to watch.”

Cooke also completed her field placement at Heidehof as an NC student, which helped her in her role supporting the intergenerational project.

The initiative exceeded the expectations of Jackie Frail, NC’s Associate Dean, School of Community Services, who worked with Vokey on the funding application and project framework back in 2022.

“I am immensely proud of the collaboration between Niagara College and Heidehof,” said Frail. “This project stands as a shining example of our organizations’ shared commitment to making a significant impact in the lives of those we serve and is a hallmark for meaningful applied learning opportunities for students. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the students from both NC and Heidehof for their unwavering dedication to this experience.”

In addition to learning practical skills through the experience, the NC students gained many valuable soft skills that will help them become compassionate recreation therapists.

“I have learned a lot beyond the class material itself. I have learned patience, I have learned how to better communicate and listen to people when they have things to share, and I have also learned how to be a better friend,” said NC student Annabelle Stephens-Beaudoin.

Participants celebrated their final class together on April 9, which was followed by a surprise luncheon organized by Vokey and Cooke.

Industry recognition

On April 17, Heidehof and NC were recognized for the project by AdvantAge Ontario, the voice of not-for-profit seniors’ care in Ontario for more than 100 years.

The project received the Innovation and Excellence Community Connections Award, which honours initiatives that build strong, positive relationships to better serve the local community and that profile the organization and its services. Award winners may be distinguished through partnerships with other organizations, program expansion, public relations, community development activities, volunteer programs, or other outstanding community initiatives.

The award was presented on day one of the AdvantAge Ontario Advancing Senior Care Convention in Toronto. The three-day convention is attended by over 1,100 guests from across Canada including healthcare administrators, professionals and executives; government representatives; and sector stakeholders, who come together to connect, network and learn about the latest in seniors’ care.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor’s 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:

Elyse Howarth
Communications Consultant
905-329-4910
[email protected]

Award-winning winemaker and Niagara College alumnus Paul Pender, who passed away suddenly in February 2022 at the age of 54, is being honoured through a scholarship that will help the next generation of diverse winemakers.

Moray Tawse, founder of Tawse Winery in Vineland where Pender was the Director of Viticulture and Winemaking at the time of his passing, has made an endowed gift of close to $200,000 to create “The Tawse Winery Paul Pender Memorial BIPOC Student Award.”

The donation will fund annual $10,000 scholarships for BIPOC students in NC’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program, which Pender graduated from in 2006.

“Paul’s passion for winemaking was unmatched and his talents directly contributed to our winery’s success early on,” said Tawse. “We will be forever indebted to Paul for his dedication and friendship, and we look forward to supporting Niagara College students in his honour.”

“Niagara College is grateful to Moray Tawse for his generous donation in memory of our inspirational alumnus Paul Pender,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “Paul was a role model for so many students and a shining example of the trailblazing professionals coming out of our wine programs.”

Pender was known for his easy going and positive nature. The respected organic winemaker gave generously of his time and expertise to mentor aspiring professionals in the industry and was welcoming to everyone.

Through The Tawse Winery Paul Pender Memorial BIPOC Student Award, Tawse hopes to help expand access into the Winery and Viticulture Technician program, especially for people who are underrepresented in the beverage alcohol industry, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, people with disabilities, first generation Canadians, LGBTQ2S+ and non-binary gender diverse people.

Inspirational NC alumnus Paul Pender

Pender was part of the second graduating class of the College’s trailblazing Winery and Viticulture Technician program. After completing his studies, his career quickly blossomed within the heart of Niagara’s booming wine industry, and he became one of the most celebrated winemakers in Canada.

He joined Tawse Winery in 2005 and became head winemaker in 2006. Under his leadership, Tawse achieved EcoCert Organic and Demeter Biodynamic certification and was named Canadian Winery of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2016 – repeat wins that were unprecedented.

Pender was awarded the prestigious title of Winemaker of the Year at the Ontario Wine Awards in 2011 and 2022. Also in 2022, the Ontario Wine Awards introduced a special trophy in recognition of Pender’s legacy called the Paul Pender Memorial ‘Rising Star’ Award, given to recipients who demonstrate the qualities that made Pender a winemaker’s winemaker – talent, selfless generosity, mentorship, and innovation. NC alumni from the Winery and Viticulture Technician program received the award in 2022 and 2023. The inaugural recipient was alumnus Alex Baines (2015), head winemaker at Hidden Bench Estate Winery in Beamsville who spent time working with Pender at Tawse Winery. In 2023, the award went to alumna Brooke Husband (2018), Assistant Winemaker at Domaine Queylus in St. Ann’s.

Through the years, Pender kept close ties with his alma mater, returning to the College on several occasions to speak to students and share his expertise. He also participated in two advisory committees for the Winery and Viticulture Technician program and consulted with the College regarding its Artisan Distilling program.

“Paul was one of our brightest alumni who always had his door open for mentoring the next generation,” said Gord Arbeau, NC’s Vice President Advancement. “It’s fitting that a scholarship in his name will support future professionals in the wine industry.”

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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Photos:

Top photo: Moray and Paul: Moray Tawse (left), founder of Tawse Winery in Vineland, with NC alumnus and winemaker Paul Pender. Tawse has donated to NC to create a memorial scholarship in Pender’s name that will support diverse students in the Winery and Viticulture Technician program.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Michael Wales
Director, Communications
905-328-4101
[email protected]

The Welland Campus Athletic Centre was filled with excitement when Niagara College celebrated day one of Spring Convocation on June 12, officially ushering nearly 700 new graduates into its alumni community.

The graduates, from the School of Business and Management, were joined by more than 1,400 guests who attended the afternoon ceremony, which included the inaugural graduating classes from the Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management programs.

NC also incorporated new Indigenous elements into the event. As graduates entered the Welland Campus gymnasium, the Strong Water Singers, a local Indigenous-led women’s drum group, drummed songs representing teachings of love, truth, humility, respect, bravery, honesty and wisdom.

College President Sean Kennedy took to the podium to address the Class of 2023, encouraging everyone to never lose sight of their authentic inner child as they journey through life’s unexpected twists and turns.

“May you always be guided by your inner five-year-old in embracing a world full of possibility, discovery, wonder and joy,” said Kennedy, who was joined on the convocation stage by Fiona Allan, Vice President Academic. “Be responsible adults and citizens but remember your early self, before the pressures of social norms and social media, before you felt the demands and stresses and messes of society and our interconnected world.”

“Think, explore and experiment like a five-year-old to create more, to imagine more positive possibilities of the future, of ways of making our world better, and bigger,” he added.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the first of two prestigious Governor General’s Academic medals, awarded to the graduating student who achieved the highest overall grade-point average from a diploma program.

This year’s Collegiate Bronze medal recipient was Clarysse Go, who achieved a 98% average in the Business – International Business program. A native of Cebu City, Philippines, Go began her career as a Medical Technologist in her home country. After working in the field for two years, she had a change of heart and dreamed about returning to school – this time in Canada – to chart a new career course.

“After months of soul searching, I happened upon an article about studying abroad, specifically in Canada,” said Go speaking to her fellow graduates on June 12.

“And now I’m here, two years later, receiving this award. All the planning, sacrifice, and hard work have been more than worth it. And I am truly so, so grateful because I know I would not have been able to get this far on my own,” she added, referencing her support circle of family, friends, classmates, professors and her boyfriend, Shareef, who is a double NC grad.

“And to all of you, my fellow graduates, congratulations! This is your victory, the world is your oyster – or whatever else you want it to be! Thank you, and mabuhay!”

Go also received the Dean’s Award for the School of Business and Management for achieving the top grade in her school of study. Throughout the week, seven other graduating students will also be presented with Dean’s awards for scoring the highest GPA within their respective schools of study.

On June 13 (10 a.m. ceremony), the College will also celebrate Governor General’s Academic Medal recipient Cassidy Baldwin, for her outstanding academic performance in the four-year Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Hospitality program. Baldwin will be presented with a Silver Governor General’s Academic Medal, marking the first time that a student from NC is being awarded a Governor General’s Academic Medal at the Silver level for a degree program.

As the week continues, NC will also bestow special honours to Niagara Health President and CEO Lynn Guerriero, who will be presented with an Honorary Diploma in Health Studies on the morning of June 14 (10 a.m. ceremony), and Amy Audibert (Broadcasting – Radio, TV and Film Class of 2012), on-air broadcaster for the NBA’s Miami Heat, who will receive a Distinguished Alumni Award on June 15 (10 a.m. ceremony).

By the time the College concludes its convocation week on June 16 – each ceremony honouring graduating students from different areas of study – NC will gain 4,500 new graduates. After kicking off convocation on June 12, ceremonies will be held at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily from June 13 to June 15 and will conclude with a final morning ceremony on June 16.

To view the schedule and list of programs graduating within each School, visit the ‘Ceremony Schedule’ section of NC’s Convocation website.

NC’s in-person Spring Convocation ceremonies are also being livestreamed from the Welland Campus. Visit the convocation website at niagaracollege.ca/convocation to watch. Ceremonies will remain on the site for later viewing.

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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Related media releases:

May 26: Niagara College to host Spring Convocation June 12-16
June 9: Niagara College celebrates two Governor General’s Academic Medal recipients

Media inquiries, please contact:

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

Michael Wales
Director, Communications
905-328-4101
[email protected]

When it comes to making education more inclusive and supporting the community, Niagara College is earning recognition for leading the way.

On February 6, NC staff and faculty members won two Awards of Excellence from the Minister of Colleges and Universities. A team of staff behind the College’s open-source, digital Accessibility Hub, was presented with an award in the Equality of Opportunity category for creating opportunities for marginalized or underrepresented groups. Also honoured was Chef Professor Olaf Mertens, who was presented with an Everyday Heroes award for stepping up and making a difference through his leadership of NC’s Feed the Community initiative.

“Niagara College is incredibly proud to see the extraordinary work of our staff and faculty being celebrated with a Minister’s Award of Excellence,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “The provincial recognition of Chef Olaf Mertens and the collaborative team behind the Accessibility Hub are shining examples of excellence in teaching and learning at NC.”

The Minister’s Awards of Excellence recognize the exceptional performance of faculty, staff and graduate students from colleges, universities, private career colleges and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario who made a difference to the lives of students, to their communities and to the entire province during the 2021-22 academic year.

Niagara College’s two awards were among 22 selected out of more than 540 nominations received.

Equality of Opportunity: Accessibility Hub

Launched in the spring of 2022, the Accessibility Hub was designed for educators and non-educators alike to build accessibility-first habits into all aspects of their work.

Enabled by a $230,000 grant from the Virtual Learning Strategy, an eCampus Ontario-led initiative, the NC team developed over 55 articles, checklists, videos, and resources with straight-forward recommendations for those seeking to simplify the creation of accessible web content, learning materials, and experiences for students or anyone with a disability. The stories of NC students and recent alumni with lived experiences of disability are shared throughout the site.

“A great deal of hard work and collaboration was behind the Accessibility Hub, a testament to Niagara College staff and faculty who drive our continuous efforts to make inclusive teaching and learning a priority,” said NC’s Vice-President, Academic Fiona Allan. “It is thrilling to see their skills and talents recognized provincially.”

The developers behind the Accessibility Hub are a group of provincially and nationally recognized experts including staff from NC’s Centre for Academic Excellence, Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services, and Marketing and Student Recruitment departments. Members of the cross-functional team include Whit Ross, Educational Developer; Courtney Thaggard, Web and Digital Developer; Jim McEwen, Adaptive Technology Specialist; Lynn O’Keeffe, Instructional Designer; Sarah LoConte, Web and Digital Developer; Natasha Patrito Hannon, Director, Teaching and Learning Innovation; Shelley Panetta, Director, Marketing; Karen Csoli, Director, Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services, Welland Campus; and Jay Burdon, Director, Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services, Daniel J. Patterson Campus.

On Feb. 6, Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, presented the Equality of Opportunity award virtually to Ross and Thaggard, who accepted the award on behalf of the team.

Designed as a template with flexibility in mind, all materials in the Accessibility Hub are openly licensed. Since the launch, the Accessibility Hub has been adopted, adapted, and repurposed by several post-secondary organizations across the province to improve the accessibility of their professional communications, events, and courses. Accessibility Hub content has also formed the basis for a new Accessibility in Action! program at NC for employee professional development centered on best practices for teaching and learning environments.

Visit the Niagara College Accessibility Hub to learn more: www.accessibilityhub.niagaracollege.ca

Everyday Heroes: Chef Professor Olaf Mertens (Feed the Community)

Since 2021, students, faculty and staff from Niagara College’s School of Culinary Arts have been making a difference through Feed the Community, an initiative that helps those in need while boosting sustainability on campus, ensuring that no food goes to waste.

Feed the Community addresses food insecurity and supports health and wellness in the community. Fresh, healthy meals are prepared, packaged and transported to area shelters and food banks, as well as the Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton on a rotating basis. Some meals have also been provided to students living in on-campus residences.

Led by Chef Professor Olaf Mertens, who has been instrumental to organizing the initiative and to its ongoing delivery – the initiative relies on the dedication of a team of volunteers comprised of Mertens as well as other chef professors, culinary students and staff. The volunteers use top-quality products left from the kitchen labs and connect with shelters to transport meals to those who need them.

“Facing the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, Chef Olaf Mertens went above and beyond, making a difference in the learning of Niagara College students and inspiring the next generation of culinary graduates to contribute to their community in a meaningful way,” said Allan.

Approximately 5,000 meals were donated to shelters and food banks through Feed the Community from 2021 to December 2022. So far this year, approximately 800 individual meals have been donated through the initiative, which continues to expand its reach as part of a new academic-based foodservice model from NC’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division.

“I feel humbled and grateful, as it is not about being recognized but I hope to use the recognition to start a college wave or ripple effect to have others give to our neighborhood communities as our students apply their learning and skills,” said Mertens. “This gives me the boost to increase the effect the program has and get more donations for funding and next steps.”

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 inquires, please contact:

Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant
Cell: 905-932-1520
[email protected]

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