A transformative $4-million bequest from the estate of long-time supporter Norris Woodruff Walker has become the largest estate gift in Niagara College history.

This landmark donation, which renews the lifelong legacy of service and philanthropy that defined Norris Walker, was announced on June 2 at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. As a lasting tribute to the Norris Walker family, a plaque was unveiled to officially rename the courtyard, at the heart of campus life, the Norris Walker Family Community Courtyard.

“We are tremendously grateful to Norris and the Norris Walker family for this generous estate gift which will have a profound impact on our college and its students for generations,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “Norris’s generosity and his steadfast commitment to student success over the years has transformed countless lives and has left an indelible mark on our college community.”

The gift will significantly bolster financial aid for students and support crucial campus redevelopment initiatives, including: $3 million for Destination Niagara Entrance Scholarships, providing vital financial assistance to incoming students; $600,000 for a planned expansion of Skilled Trades at the Welland Campus, and $400,000 for the Dan Patterson Legacy Fund, which supports students facing financial hardship – this portion of the gift honours the long-standing friendship between Norris and Marilyn Walker and NC’s President Emeritus Dan Patterson and his late wife Saundra.

“My father recognized the important role that Niagara College plays in economic and social growth in our community and that’s reflected in the tremendous support that he provided to the College and its students over the years,” said Sheila, Bonapace, daughter of Norris and Marilyn Walker. “He also developed a personal connection with Niagara College and on behalf of the Norris Walker family it’s an honour to see his legacy continue, not only in the campus spaces that bear his name but through every student who is able to pursue their goals and dreams thanks to his giving spirit.”

Hish Clifford, President of the Niagara College Student Administrative Council, also expressed gratitude on behalf of his fellow students.

“Norris Walker’s contributions are more than just dollars, they are dreams achieved, they are goals accomplished and, most importantly, they build opportunities year after year for students to pursue postsecondary education by removing financial barriers,” said Clifford.

History of philanthropy and impact

This legacy gift builds upon the Norris Walker family’s extensive history of generosity at NC, which is reflected across the College’s two Niagara campuses.

In 2019, a $1-million gift from the estate of Marilyn Walker led to the establishment of the Marilyn I. Walker Centre of Excellence in Visual Arts & Technology at the Welland Campus, complemented by a $100,000 endowment for an annual bursary for final-year visual arts or technology students.

In 2015, a $1.2-million donation to the College’s Achieving Dreams Campaign supported the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre at the Welland Campus.

The Norris and Marilyn Walker Scholarship was established in 2004 to assist students in business and technology programs.

Over the years, Norris and Marilyn’s significant contributions have also supported the College’s Next Century, FutureReady and Achieving Dreams campaigns, the Dan Patterson Legacy Campaign and the Saundra Patterson Memorial Garden.

Supporting NC’s Together Campaign

The new gift supports NC’s historic Together Campaign, launched last year with an ambitious $50-million fundraising goal. The campaign aims to support new and expanded facilities and broaden access for students, driven by six key pillars: addressing critical workforce shortages in skilled trades and healthcare, making education more accessible, creating diverse learning environments, and fostering research and innovation to help close Canada’s productivity gap.

“Norris Walker’s legacy gift arrives at a critical moment as we harness our College’s unique position to address critical challenges facing our community,” said Vice-President Advancement Gord Arbeau. “Their generous bequest will be a game-changer for students, who will, in turn, bring their skills and knowledge into various in-demand sectors across Niagara, Canada and around the world.”

Lasting tributes

In addition to the naming of the Norris Walker Family Community Courtyard, a memorial bench dedicated to Norris Walker will be installed on campus along the Wetland Ridge trail. This bench will join two others that have stood for more than a decade in the picturesque natural setting: one in memory of Marilyn I. Walker and another for their daughter, Jennifer.

Prominent St. Catharines resident Norris Walker was a fourth-generation business owner and a dedicated philanthropist whose legacy of giving has deep roots throughout the Niagara region. He was a steadfast supporter of not only Niagara College and Brock University, but also organizations such as the Walker Family Cancer Centre, Bethlehem Housing, Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital, Shaw Festival, Wellspring Niagara, Pathstone Mental Health, United Way, Niagara Symphony Orchestra and more. Norris passed away in January 2024, almost a decade after his wife Marilyn, who passed away in October 2015.

For information about NC’s Together Campaign, visit niagaracollege.ca/together.

Largest individual donation in College’s history to transform healthcare education and support student success

Niagara College’s ongoing commitment to addressing the local healthcare workforce shortage received significant support on April 5, when  a historic $5 million donation from the Myhal Family Foundation was announced at the College’s 33^rd  annual gala. As part of the Together campaign, the gift will help expand the College’s healthcare programs and facilities to meet the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals.

“This transformational gift is a bold step toward solving one of the most pressing challenges in our region,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “With the support of the Myhal Family Foundation, we are expanding access to health education by ensuring that more students from diverse backgrounds can pursue careers in nursing and help build a healthier, stronger Niagara.”

A portion of the gift $3 million, will support the 75,000 sq. ft. expansion of the Applied Health building at the Welland Campus. New classrooms, labs, and community spaces will enhance learning opportunities for nursing and health sciences students.

Additionally, $1.25 million will fund scholarships for students in the recently established Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree program, while $750,000 will be dedicated to scholarships for Indigenous students pursuing healthcare careers.

“As a former nursing student, I deeply appreciate the dedication and resilience required to begin a career in nursing and healthcare,” said Rayla Myhal, president of the Myhal Family Foundation. “For us, this is about people: patients, students, and families. We see Niagara College as a driving force in shaping the healthcare workforce of our community.”

Rayla and George Myhal are prominent philanthropists and new owners of Featherstone Winery in Vineland.

George and Rayla Myhal.

“As newcomers to Niagara, we were eager to lay down roots and partner with an organization who we could work with to make a meaningful impact,” said George Myhal. “Niagara College was a natural choice as our first philanthropic partnership in our new home.”

Through their Foundation, the Myhals are dedicated to advancing education, healthcare, social services, arts and culture, and causes that support the Ukrainian-Canadian community. They have supported institutions including the University of Toronto, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, and the Royal Conservatory of Music.

“Our partnership with Niagara College reflects a long-term commitment to the health and well-being of our community,” added Rayla Myhal. “It demonstrates the power of collective action, and our belief that together we can overcome the challenges facing society.”

The Myhal Family Foundation’s gift is especially significant, given the region’s increasing demand for healthcare professionals.

“This generous gift is allowing us to enhance our facilities, broadening access to nursing education,” said Dr. Sinéad McElhone, Dean of Health Sciences. “With these expanded resources, we will be better positioned to continue to provide our students with the hands-on training and support they need to succeed in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.”

In recognition of their generosity, Niagara College will name its nursing school the Myhal School of Nursing.

The Myhal School of Nursing at NC will be named in honour of George and Rayla Myhal.

This $5 million donation is part of the College’s Together campaign, a multi-year, $50 million initiative focused on addressing critical workforce shortages in skilled trades and healthcare, 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.

Niagara College celebrated two transformational gifts at its 33^rd annual gala on April 5 at Fallsview Casino Resort–a $5 million donation from the Myhal Family Foundation, the largest individual gift in college history, and a $2 million donation from the Segal Family and GuardMe International Insurance, the largest individual gift toward a student program.

As part of the Together campaign, the $5 million donation from the Myhal Family Foundation supports the College’s plans to meet the significant shortage of healthcare practitioners. The gift includes:

• $3 million to support the 75,000 sq. ft. expansion of the Applied Health building at the Welland campus, creating new classrooms, labs, and community spaces for nursing students, personal support workers, and others.
• $1.25 million to create new scholarships for Bachelor of Science Nursing students at the College. The 4-year BScN program launched in 2024.
• $750,000 to create new scholarships for indigenous students studying in healthcare programs.

“This historic gift directly addresses the challenges and shortages facing our healthcare sector and workforce. Thanks to the generous support of the Myhals, the next generation of healthcare practitioners are being empowered, and doors are being opened for underrepresented individuals,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “We are honoured to welcome Rayla and George to our growing community of valued donors and partners supporting students through the Together campaign.”

In recognition of the gift, the College is naming its nursing school the Myhal School of Nursing.

“As recent newcomers to Niagara we are excited to enhance this wonderful community in a way that will have a direct, positive impact,” said Rayla Myhal, President of the Myhal Family Foundation. “We know that Niagara College is the engine that drives frontline healthcare in our community. We’re pleased to support access to education for students who will fill critical roles in our hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.”

George and Rayla Myhal are prominent philanthropists and owners of Featherstone Winery in Vineland. Through their family Foundation, they are committed to advancing education, healthcare, social services, arts and culture, as well as causes that support the Ukrainian-Canadian community.

The evening also featured a $2 million announcement from long-time supporters Keith and Sharon Segal and GuardMe International Insurance toward the College’s award-winning Be World Ready program.

“Niagara College has long recognized the need for skilled and knowledgeable graduates with the competencies and perspectives that only a truly global experience can provide,” said Keith Segal, President and CEO of GuardMe International Insurance. “Our family and GuardMe are thrilled to support Be World Ready, a truly unique program in postsecondary education that helps create globally-minded, world-ready graduates who will drive key sectors in Canada and beyond.”

Be World Ready offers short-term international field studies, study abroad exchange programs, summer institutes, and work abroad opportunities. Since 2012, more than 1,500 students and employees have participated in life-changing experiences across 33 countries.

“The Segal Family and GuardMe International Insurance have had a lasting impact on NC students through scholarships, learning resources, and the Segal Family International Centres at our Niagara campuses,” said Gord Arbeau, NC Vice President of Advancement. “We are deeply grateful for our continued partnership that will equip even more graduates with the global experiences needed to make a difference in an interconnected world.”

Since 2008, the Segal Family and GuardMe have contributed more than $1.7 million to student success initiatives at NC. The latest gift brings their cumulative support to over $3.7 million.

The record-breaking Niagara College Gala celebrated the success of the Together campaign, which launched during last year’s gala. More than 625 donors, community leaders, business partners, and supporters enjoyed fine dining, entertainment, and live and silent auctions. The event also funded 34 new scholarships and bursaries for students. Over its 33-year history, the gala has raised almost $4 million in support of student success and Niagara College.

With strong community support, the multi-year Together campaign continues to raise funds for scholarships, capital expansions, innovative teaching, and research. As the second year of the campaign begins, Niagara College remains focused on addressing critical workforce shortages in skilled trades and healthcare, 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.

Students passionate about volunteering and community engagement will soon have new opportunities for recognition and support.

FirstOntario Credit Union is contributing $50,000 to promote student success, foster volunteerism and community engagement, and enhance food security at Niagara College. The multi-year donation will establish a new endowed scholarship and enhance the Nourishing Minds Fund, two initiatives that directly benefit students.

“We are proud of our strong partnership with FirstOntario Credit Union, whose leadership in volunteerism and community engagement aligns perfectly with our values at Niagara College,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement “This generous gift will provide much-needed financial support for our students while also encouraging a culture of giving back and serving our community.”

Over two years, $25,000 will be allocated to a new endowed student award and the remaining $25,000 will be directed toward the Nourishing Minds Fund. The significant contribution is part of the College’s broader Together campaign, which aims to support student development, wellbeing, and community involvement.

The new FirstOntario Credit Union Scholarship will recognize students dedicated to volunteerism and community engagement. Inspired by FirstOntario’s Blue Wave Volunteers, a dedicated group of employees who have contributed over 15,000 volunteer hours to date, the scholarship will reward students making a meaningful impact in our communities.

“At FirstOntario, we are dedicated to tackling societal challenges such as food insecurity and youth health and wellness, which is why we are pleased to establish this ongoing endowment at Niagara College,” said Joanne Battaglia, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Community Partnerships at FirstOntario Credit Union. “We have deep roots in Niagara, spanning 85 years, and are home to many of our members and employees. We greatly appreciate the contributions that Niagara College and its students make to the ongoing vibrancy of our region.”

Consideration will be given to students who demonstrate a history of volunteer work, leadership in community initiatives, and a passion for giving back – all qualities that reflect FirstOntario’s commitment to fostering a culture of service and civic engagement. Applications for the new FirstOntario Credit Union Scholarship will open in 2027.

Blue Wave volunteers from FirstOntario Credit Union attend NCSAC’s Rise and Shine breakfast at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

FirstOntario has been a steadfast supporter of NC student success for close to 30 years, including impactful contributions to the annual Niagara College Gala and Golf Classic. Both fundraising events benefit students and athletes through scholarships, bursaries, and equipment purchases to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to succeed. Since 2013, the FirstOntario Credit Union Business Scholarship has also directly supported more than 25 student leaders in community services programs.

FirstOntario is additionally helping Niagara College’s Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) combat food insecurity on campus through the Nourishing Minds Fund. Established in 2015 to provide students with access to healthy food options on a regular basis, Nourishing Minds helps thousands of students every year through its grocery gift card and Rise and Shine breakfast programs.

“We know that a lack of consistent access to food profoundly impacts students’ health and ability to succeed. The Nourishing Minds Fund represents an ideal partnership and is a great resource that we are happy to support,” said Battaglia.

Students line up on Giving Tuesday 2024 for a hot breakfast served by NCSAC and Blue Wave volunteers from FirstOntario Credit Union.

For Giving Tuesday 2024 on December 3, a group of FirstOntario’s dedicated Blue Wave volunteers visited the Daniel J. Patterson Campus to lend their hands and hearts to serve a hot breakfast to hundreds of students relying on these meals to start their day with energy and focus.

“It’s such a relief to know that I can grab something quick and nutritious before class. It’s one less thing to worry about when I’m trying to balance everything else in my day,” said student Carmen R., who has used the free breakfast program a few times.

FirstOntario’s commitment to being NC’s Giving Tuesday partner for the next two years means the $25,000 pledge will help address the immediate needs of students facing food insecurity.

“I’m proud to be a Blue Wave volunteer and support the many great initiatives that happen throughout our region,” said Kelly Taylor-McNeil, Branch Manager, Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines, FirstOntario Credit Union. “I have a particular interest in supporting students and seeing first-hand the positive difference this program makes and our credit union’s support of it, is heartwarming.”

“We are grateful that FirstOntario sets such a powerful example for other community partners to get involved in supporting students in meaningful ways,” said Shannon Boeckner, Senior Director, Development and Donor Stewardship. “We know this gift to our Together campaign will create a lasting impact on our students, alumni, and the wider community.”

The College’s Together campaign is actively raising funds to support student success. In addition to addressing the crises in healthcare and skilled trades, the multi-year $50 million fundraising campaign also seeks to make college education more accessible, create equitable and diverse learning environments, equip graduates with cultural awareness and global competencies, and foster 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. Discover how you can support this and other worthwhile initiatives by getting involved.

An increase in funding from the Goettler Family is significantly expanding support for single parents studying at Niagara College.

The new $54,000 pledge will provide six annual $3,000 scholarships over the next three years to help alleviate the financial burdens faced by students balancing their educational goals with parenting responsibilities.

For Liz Nerida Mamani Torocahua, a Business Administration-Marketing Co-op student, being among the first single parents to receive the $3,000 scholarship was transformative.

“Knowing that Lauren and Vaughn Goettler believed in me by granting me this scholarship gave me the strength to keep going, no matter how tough things got,” said Mamani Torocahua. She notes that there were times when she needed to utilize some of the funds to provide healthy food for her family. “Now, I make it my mission to share the kindness I received from the Goettlers every day.”

The cause holds a special place in Lauren Goettler’s heart, who alongside her husband Vaughn, is a prominent community philanthropist. She remembers experiencing firsthand the challenges of single parenthood and was inspired to redirect funding toward the new Goettler Family Foundation Scholarship for Single Parents.

“This is truly a heartfelt issue for me because, in addition to single-parenting three children, I was unable to attend law school after being accepted. Finances just didn’t permit it. But my dream was to become a family law lawyer. I hope our scholarships help others achieve their dreams,” said Lauren Goettler.

A Goettler Family Foundation Scholarship was originally established in 2021 to provide 12 $1,000 scholarships to students in each of the College’s main schools. Donating to students is a priority for the Goettler Family because they see Niagara College as essential to nurturing talent, creativity, and optimism throughout the Niagara region.

“Many NC students juggle family responsibilities and their educations. The Goettler’s generous gift recognizes, supports, and celebrates these amazing students and parents. The increased scholarships will make a big difference for these families and for our community,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement.

Lauren and Vaughn Goettler, along with their foundation’s director, Jodey Porter, visited Benchmark Restaurant at the Daniel J. Patterson campus last July to meet some of the scholarship recipients. The luncheon was a unique opportunity to hear directly from students about their NC journey and the impact the scholarships had on their success.

For Julia Krasovec, receiving funding toward her Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resources) studies was essential for covering her tuition, which was not fully covered by OSAP. “Support from organizations like the Goettler Family Foundation is vital for students who must balance work, assignments, and family obligations,” she said. “It makes a significant difference to have that burden lightened, and I’m really grateful for it.”

The bond forged between the donors and students is a lasting one.

“Spending time with Liz and Julia helped put a face to the impact the awards make,” said Jodey Porter. “It’s wonderful that Niagara College facilitated the opportunity for us to get to know each other on a personal level. We feel fortunate to help students and hope to set an example of how impactful community giving can be.”

The Goettler Family Foundation Scholarship for Single Parents exemplifies how donors can support personally meaningful causes that also aid underrepresented students.

Making college education more accessible is a key priority for Niagara College, and a pillar of the Together campaign, which aims to expand scholarships and bursaries so that every student can access support. In addition to empowering student success, the multi-year $50 million fundraising campaign is addressing the worker shortages in trades and healthcare, creating equitable and diverse learning environments, equipping graduates with cultural awareness and global competencies, 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. Discover how you can support this and other worthwhile initiatives by getting involved.