Community leaves its mark on Niagara College’s future Health Education Building

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Niagara College and its partners marked a signature moment in the construction of the new Health Education Building on November 10, bringing the community together to celebrate a shared vision for the future of healthcare in the region.

At the Welland Campus, partner organizations, government officials, donors, students, and alumni gathered to sign a structural timber beam that will become part of the building itself, a symbolic gesture representing their collective investment in the people who will help meet Niagara’s future healthcare needs.

“As the timber beams go up and we see the shape and scale of Niagara College’s new Health Education Building emerge, we’re seeing what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared priority,” said President Sean Kennedy. “Each beam represents a shared investment in our students and the future of healthcare in Niagara. This building will allow us to expand enrolment to meet student demand, help address the region’s critical need for skilled professionals, and create more opportunities for community care.”

The 75,000-square-foot, two-story building is the centrepiece of Niagara College’s strategy to address critical shortages in frontline healthcare, and it will allow the College to graduate 800 additional students from its healthcare programs each year.

Ceremonial tree planting at the Niagara College Welland Campus in honour of the new Health Education Building. From L to R: Shannon Wiley, Montgomery Sisam Architects, Brad Augustine, Associate Director, Planning and Capital Projects at NC, Rayla Myhal, President of the Myhal Family Foundation, NC President Sean Kennedy, Dean, Health Sciences, Dr. Sinéad McElhone, and Gord Arbeau, Vice-President, External Relations.

The facility has received tremendous support from philanthropic partners through the College’s Together Campaign, including the Myhal Family Foundation (Myhal School of Nursing), the estate of Norris Walker, the Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation, and others whose generous investments will have a transformative and lasting impact on students.

The event also included a tree planting celebrating the building’s timber structure and commitment to sustainability, alongside a dedication honouring the Myhal Family Foundation for its generous contributions.

Niagara College Health Sciences students with a timber beam that will be part of the new Health Education Building currently under construction at the Welland Campus. Pictured with President Sean Kennedy, Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie, Dean, Health Sciences, Dr. Sinéad McElhone, and Rayla Myhal, President of the Myhal Family Foundation.

“Supporting Niagara College’s new Health Education Building isn’t just about constructing state-of-the-art classrooms or expanding footprint; it’s about investing directly in the human pipeline that will sustain our community for generations,” said Rayla Myhal, President of the Myhal Family Foundation and namesake of NC’s Myhal School of Nursing. “When we looked at Niagara College’s vision, we saw a perfect alignment with an organization that doesn’t just educate students but anchors this region by recruiting local talent, providing world-class, hands-on training, and deploying compassionate healthcare professionals directly into our hospitals, long-term care homes, and community health networks.”

“A stronger future for healthcare in Niagara starts with investing in the education and training of tomorrow’s workforce, and the community support of partners like the Myhal Family Foundation has been truly transformational in bringing our vision for the new Health Education Building to life,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice-President, External Relations. “This milestone shows what we can achieve together, and the College’s Together Campaign offers a meaningful opportunity for more community partners to help build a stronger future for healthcare in Niagara.”

Niagara College President Sean Kennedy with Rayla Myhal, President of the Myhal Family Foundation.

The community will benefit from expanded access to healthcare, including a dental clinic with double the capacity to serve 3,000 Niagarans annually, a Health and Community Hub with space to host vaccination clinics and wellness screenings, and expanded student-run physical therapy clinics.

Students will also benefit from enhanced learning environments, including upgraded clinical equipment, virtual reality and simulation technology, and hands-on training opportunities that better prepare them for the workforce.

“As a nursing student, it’s exciting to see this building come to life,” said Practical Nursing student Alycia Fedchyshak. “I’ve seen firsthand how important hands-on learning and access to the right resources can be. Knowing that future students will have even more opportunities to learn, collaborate, and build their skills here is incredible. It’s amazing to think about the future nurses and healthcare professionals who will learn here and go on to serve our community.”

Project phasing and construction

The project will be completed in two phases.

Phase one, with occupancy targeted for early fall 2027, will feature a larger dental clinic, upgraded dental materials, grinding and radiography labs, new and enhanced paramedic, virtual reality learning and pharmacy labs, a bookable multipurpose clinic and general instructional classrooms.

Phase two, scheduled for December 2028, will see the renovation of the existing Applied Health Institute with improved massage clinic space, upgraded occupational therapy assistant and physiotherapy labs, and additional nursing lab capacity.

During the next phase of construction from November to January, 941 mass timber components (columns, beams, and floor and roof panels) will be installed.

Compared to traditional steel and concrete, the timber structure will reduce the building’s carbon footprint, supporting ambitious Net Zero and Carbon Neutral goals. The use of Canadian lumber supports a more sustainable and efficient building process while bringing natural warmth to the space along Woodlawn Road and creating a welcoming environment for students and visitors alike.

Complementing the material approach, the building’s design prioritizes accessibility and equity through enhanced barrier-free spaces, inclusive amenities and dedicated family and parenting spaces for students and the broader community.

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.

ReuKnighted ’26 brings NC alumni and community back to Welland Campus Nov. 14

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 Niagara College is gearing up to welcome alumni, former Knights athletes, family, friends and members of the College community back to its Welland Campus for ReuKnighted ’26 on Saturday, November 14.

The annual alumni reunion will bring the NC community together for a full day of Knights athletics, opportunities to reconnect and a tailgate celebration in The Core.

Since its debut in 2019, ReuKnighted has become a cherished NC tradition, bringing graduates from across generations together to celebrate their shared College experience. Hosted by Alumni Relations, in partnership with Athletics and Student Engagement, the event offers a mix of social activities and Knights athletics, giving attendees the chance to reconnect with familiar faces and create new memories right on campus.

“ReuKnighted is a special opportunity to welcome our alumni back to campus and celebrate the connections that continue long after graduation,” said Jana Boniferro, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Niagara College. “Whether they’re returning to cheer on the Knights, reconnect with former teammates or spend time with friends and family, we’re excited to bring everyone together for another memorable ReuKnighted celebration.”

This year’s event will feature four home games, with the Knights basketball teams facing Fanshawe College and the volleyball teams taking on Humber Polytechnic.

Guests can also enjoy an exclusive tailgate celebration in The Core (Welland Campus) beginning at 4 p.m., featuring food and refreshments, a cash bar, photo opportunities, prizes and a kids zone. Live streams of the games will also be available in The Core throughout the event.

The ReuKnighted ’25 celebration at The Core at Niagara College’s Welland Campus.

Event schedule:

  • 12 p.m. – Women’s basketball vs. Fanshawe
  • 2 p.m. – Men’s basketball vs. Fanshawe
  • 4 p.m. – ReuKnighted tailgate celebration in The Core
  • 6 p.m. – Women’s volleyball vs. Humber
  • 8 p.m. – Men’s volleyball vs. Humber

Supporting the next generation of Knights

As former Knights return to campus, ReuKnighted ’26 will also highlight an opportunity to support the next generation of NC student-athletes through The Assist: You Pass, They Score.

Part of Niagara College’s Together campaign, the new fundraising initiative supports scholarships that help varsity student-athletes pursue their academic and athletic goals.

Throughout ReuKnighted, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about The Assist and how they can contribute to the success of current and future Knights.

The Knights women’s basketball team competes during a previous ReuKnighted event.

Tickets and registration

Tickets for ReuKnighted ’26 are $15 plus fees for adults and include admission to all four Knights games, access to the tailgate celebration in The Core and food. A cash bar will also be available.

Children ages 12 and under can attend for free, with access to the games, tailgate, food and kids zone included.

The first 100 alumni to register will receive a special gift from Alumni Relations. Guests who purchase tickets by October 31, will also be automatically entered into a draw for an NC Knights-themed gift basket valued at $250.

Space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early.

Learn more about ReuKnighted ’26 and purchase tickets here.

Learn more about The Assist: You Pass, They Score here.

All Fore the Students: 24th Annual Niagara College Golf Classic raises more than $125,000 for athletic scholarships

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A large group of Niagara College student-athletes, staff, and the blue dragon mascot, Noble, posing together at a green golf course.

A record 185 golfers hit the links Tuesday at The Hawk Golf Club for the 2026 Niagara College Golf Classic, presented by CIBC.

“Seeing so many golfers come out to support NC student-athletes is a great reflection of the strength of our donor community,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, External Relations. “The annual Golf Classic helps provide scholarship support to students as they work toward their credentials and compete as Knights.”

The tournament raised over $125,000 for athletic scholarships and bursaries, pushing the event’s 24-year fundraising total past $1.1 million.

For varsity athlete Keira Teske, that support has a direct impact.

“Receiving a scholarship not only allows me to focus more fully on my academics and my athletics, but it is also a reminder that people are committed to investing in long-term successes for students like me,” said Teske.

The second-year Early Childhood Education student is a member of the Knights women’s varsity basketball team. During the school year, she balances classes and placements with two-hour practices five days a week, strength training twice a week and games during the season. She travels between the College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland campuses and works full-time for Niagara Parks during the summer to help support herself through the school year.

“I work throughout the summer, right up until the new school year starts, and it makes me realize how valuable scholarships are. They help athletes ease the financial pressure during the season.”

Funds raised through the Golf Classic will help establish new, and support existing, scholarships and bursaries for student-athletes representing NC in basketball (men’s and women’s), curling, golf, soccer (men’s and women’s), and volleyball (men’s and women’s).

“Keira exemplifies the dedication and determination of the many Knights who benefit from these important scholarships,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “By reducing financial barriers, scholarships help create opportunities for our student-athletes to thrive and achieve their academic, athletic, and personal goals at NC.”

A female student-athlete wearing a white long-sleeve Niagara Knights Basketball shirt speaks at a wooden podium, holding a microphone in front of a blue Niagara College backdrop.

Keira Teske shared her NC experience with donors and golfers during the tournament dinner. “I want to thank everyone who supports student-athletes and makes opportunities like mine possible,” she said. “Your contributions support our athletic achievements, but more importantly, our personal growth and development.”

For Teske, the Knights experience has given her plenty to take with her beyond basketball. Her first day at Niagara College felt overwhelming until she realized she had the Knights community behind her. Through basketball, she has developed new skills, built lasting friendships, and learned how to work through injuries and other challenges.

Her coaches have become mentors, helping her recognize what she is capable of achieving.

“Being a Knight has taught me about time management, leadership on and off the court, and how to stay resilient through injuries and through challenges,” said Teske. “I have built lifelong friendships through basketball because of shared experiences and time spent training together.”

Teske plans to continue her education at Niagara University next year, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in teacher education.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to continue playing the sport I love while pursuing my education simultaneously,” said Teske. “It feels fulfilling that my dedication to being a student-athlete and training is being recognized.”

Teske also makes time to give back, helping with fundraisers such as the Golf Classic and working with younger athletes who are developing their own skills.

A group of Niagara College Knights athletes and their mascot pose together on a golf course.

Knights from NC’s men’s and women’s volleyball teams join their coach in giving back by volunteering at the golf tournament.

NC’s Golf Classic provides all student-athletes an opportunity to connect with community members and contribute to the event. More than 35 students from various program and both campuses volunteered throughout the day, while members of NC’s varsity golf team challenged tournament participants in “Beat the Athlete” contests.

“Having our Knights involved in the Golf Classic gives them an opportunity to use their skills in a different setting and to be part of a community event that directly supports them and their peers,” said Michele O’Keefe, Senior Director, Athletics & Student Engagement. “It’s also a chance for our athletes to meet the donors behind the support they receive throughout the year.”

The day also gave golfers plenty of opportunities to compete, with players vying for the tournament title and a number of individual honours, including Most Honest Team, Longest Drive for men and women, Closest to the Keg for men and women, and the Putting Competition.

A woman in a golf outfit and a man in a blue golf shirt exchange a high-five on a putting green. A long row of black golf carts lined up on a paved path at a golf course with a Canadian flag waving in the background. NC President Sean Kennedy and Knights mascot Noble give a thumbs-up while sitting side by side in a golf cart.

2026 Tournament Results

Tournament Winner: Vista Security & Investigations

Most Honest Team:  Global University Systems Canada

Longest Drive – Female: Melissa Stack

Longest Drive – Male: Jay Borelli

Closest to the Keg – Female: Melissa Stack

Closest to the Keg – Male: Brandon Large

Putting Competition: Robin Alakas, Aaron Jones

The 2026 Niagara College Golf Classic was made possible through the support of sponsors, donors, golfers, and community partners who came together to support student-athletes.

2026 Golf Classic Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor: CIBC

Ace Sponsors: Rankin Construction, TD Insurance

Eagle Sponsors: Campus Living Centres, E.S. Fox Constructors Ltd., FirstOntario Credit Union, Hallex Engineering Ltd., Kraun Electric, Meridian

Birdie Sponsors: AOS, BorderPass, Canadian Tire Financial Services, Chartwells, Deloitte, Garland Canada, Global University Systems Canada, Hyatt Regency Fallsview, IMT, NC Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), PenFinancial Credit Union, City of Port Colborne, RBC, Scotiabank, Serianni Construction, TD Bank, Telcon Datvox, Vintage Hotels, Vista Security & Investigations

On Par Sponsors: HOPA Ports, City of Welland, The Printing House

 

Mark your calendars for next year’s 25th anniversary

In 2027, the Niagara College Golf Classic will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Departments across the College, including Athletics & Student Engagement, Community Relations & Events, and Development & Alumni Relations, are already working together again to plan an unforgettable NC experience for donors, golfers, sponsors, and participants. More details coming soon.

In the meantime, relive the highlights from this year’s event by visiting the photo gallery.

 

About the Together campaign

Making college education more accessible is a key priority of NC’s Together campaign, a multi-year, $50-million fundraising campaign focused on expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the communities they will serve as graduates. The campaign prioritizes scholarships and bursaries, as well as addressing workforce shortages in healthcare and the skilled trades, creating equitable and diverse learning environments, building cultural awareness and global competencies, and advancing research, creativity and innovation.

To learn more about the Together campaign and how you can help expand access to a Niagara College education, visit niagaracollege.ca/together.

Assisting the Knights: New scholarship initiative launches for student-athletes

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Niagara College’s Athletics department is kicking off the 2026-2027 varsity season with a new fundraising initiative supporting Knights student-athletes.

As part of NC’s Together campaign, The Assist: You Pass, They Score is raising funds to support scholarships for student-athletes across all varsity sports at the College, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, curling and golf.

“Every year, we welcome about 120 student-athletes to our academic and varsity programs,” said Michele O’Keefe, NC’s Senior Director, Athletics and Student Engagement. “Athletic scholarships help attract and retain our Knights who contribute to a culture of excellence within our collegiate programs and who are a big part of ‘NC Life’ on campus.”

Student-athletes must balance their studies with their athletic commitments, demonstrating the discipline and determination needed to excel in both pursuits. Scholarships help alleviate some of the costs associated with a postsecondary education, allowing student-athletes to focus more on their studies and team commitments.

Approximately 80% of NC student-athletes are national scholars, an achievement awarded to individuals who complete the season with a GPA of 80 percent or higher in their respective programs.

For more information about The Assist, visit the Knights website.

Save the date for ‘Knights on Niagara Street’

To mark the launch of The Assist: You Pass, They Score, NC Athletics is hosting Knights on Niagara Street on Sunday, October 4 (time TBD) to raise funds for student-athlete scholarships.

NC’s varsity teams will take turns riding a MEGABike from the Welland Baseball Stadium, going south on Niagara St. to the Seaway Mall and returning to the stadium.

Knights participants are looking for pledges for their rides. All event proceeds will support student-athlete scholarships.

MT Bellies has partnered with the College and will serve as a hub for the event. The official cheering stand for Knights on Niagara Street will be located directly in front of the restaurant (871 Niagara St., Welland). A selection of NC Craft beverages will also be available for samples and purchase at the restaurant.

Watch GoKnights.ca for further details.

To support student-athletes, visit NC’s online donation page and complete the online donation form – choose “Student Athletics Fund” in the “I want to support” drop-down menu. Please specify in the comment box if you would like to direct your donation to a specific sport.

NC’s Together campaign

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 healthcare and trades, 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. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca/together.

$100,000 grant from Niagara Community Foundation supports expanded Niagara College Dental Clinic

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a group of people stand together in a dental clinic

The Niagara Community Foundation is granting $100,000 to support Niagara College’s expanded dental teaching and community care clinic.

The grant to the College’s Together campaign is from the NCF’s David S. Howes Fund and helps increase community access to low-cost dental care, while also allowing more dental students to enter the workforce.

The expanded Dental Clinic is part of the 75,000 square foot Health Education building under construction at the Welland Campus. When complete in 2027, the new space will allow for a doubling of enrollments for Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs, and will provide dental care for 3,000 community members, up from the current 1,500 patients who receive treatment each year.

The NCF grant fully equips a dental operatory, including an automated dental chair, modern delivery systems, sink, instruments, storage and specialized clinical equipment. The new clinic will have 40 operatories, an increase from 24.

“NCF is honoured to support the expansion of the Dental Clinic at Niagara College,” said NCF Executive Director, Bryan Rose. “The priorities of the David S. Howes Fund specifically outline healthcare and post-secondary education as top priorities. This type of program alignment not only fulfills the philanthropic wishes of the late Mr. Howes, but supports the pressing needs of our community.”

“Niagara College is deeply grateful to be among the beneficiaries of the Niagara Community Foundation’s David S. Howes Fund,” said Gord Arbeau, NC Vice President, External Relations. “By supporting this meaningful initiative, NCF is helping more students access dental programs and enter the workforce to address chronic workforce shortages. At the same time, the expanded clinic will allow NC to double the number of patients it serves each year meeting an area of great need in our community.”

NC’s Dental Clinic offers vital hands-on training for students in the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs, while providing essential low-cost dental care including preventative services – examinations, x-rays, cleaning, scaling, fluoride treatments and more – and basic restorative services to a range of community clients. Patient care is delivered by students under the supervision of dental professionals as part of NC’s applied learning approach.

“We are very excited about the future of our growing dental programs and community dental clinic,” said Michelle Thibault, Associate Dean, School of Allied Health Studies. “The new facility will support increased enrolment, enhance the learning experience for our students, and strengthen our ability to provide essential dental care, promote oral health, prevent oral disease, and improve the overall well-being of individuals and families across the Niagara region.”

NCF is a long-standing partner of the College, supporting trailblazing projects through its granting opportunities. Recent funding has supported NC’s Feed the Community initiative, led by the School of Culinary Arts, as well as a student- and faculty-led ecological restoration project from the School of Environment and Horticulture to improve Six Mile Creek tributary water quality and riparian function.

To learn more about NC’s Health Education building and the priorities of the Together campaign, visit niagaracollege.ca/together.

Building their legacy of goodwill: Donors Carol Hudson and Tim Glutek proud to support Niagara College students

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For Carol Hudson and Tim Glutek, giving back isn’t just something they do, it’s the foundation of the life they share together.

Married for nearly 30 years, the couple is building a legacy based on kindness, goodwill and a genuine desire to help others, including Niagara College students.

Last year, they made a $5,000 donation to establish the Carol Hudson and Tim Glutek Award of Excellence, funding two $2,500 scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition for full-time female students enrolled in a program within the Myhal School of Nursing.

They recently increased their annual donation to $10,000 to provide a total of four scholarships starting this fall. Their goal: to empower women to pursue their dreams of making the world a better place.

Supporting female students specifically is important to the couple, especially to Hudson who mentored many young women throughout her career in banking. She was one of the first women to work on the RBC trading floor in downtown Toronto in the 1980’s, an opportunity that she advocated for and one that made her a role model to her female colleagues.

Establishing a scholarship at NC is also inspired by the support Glutek received as a struggling student.

“I still remember the scholarships and bursaries that I received over the years,” he said, thinking back on his time in university. “It relieved some of the stress… every little bit helps.”

Glutek is grateful for the support that sustained him throughout his educational journey. He also made ends meet by picking up bottles and cans on campus to earn money, knowing that each collection could materialize into a loaf of bread or a jar of peanut butter, and did yard work on a property with pear trees, exchanging his time for fallen fruit.

“You did what you needed to do,” he said.

Glutek went on to work for the Securities Commission and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and has spent much of his life giving back to others.

He’s been an avid blood donor for more than 40 years, donating over 250 times. His rare blood type has played a vital role in supporting pregnant women in need of transfusions during childbirth. He was also one of the first people to join the national bone marrow registry and has been called upon twice to donate, something Glutek and Hudson are very proud of.

After living in Toronto, the couple retired to Niagara Falls to enjoy a slower pace of life. They travel, stay active and keep a full social calendar. Hudson has become a “social secretary” among a group of women, some well into their 90’s, who appreciate coffee time after their fitness classes and occasional lunch gatherings.

NC is also part of their routine – they get their hair cut at the Teaching Hair Salon, visit the Teaching Spa for treatments and have enjoyed lunch at Benchmark Restaurant. They look forward to trying the College’s Student Massage Therapy Clinic next.

Hudson believes it’s important to give at the local level and feels strongly about supporting healthcare.
Creating a scholarship allows the couple to help the immediate financial needs of a student, while also contributing to the broader health system – nursing and personal support worker students will go on to fill critical roles once they enter the workforce.

“This is our home and our way of giving back to our community,” she said.

Recently, they met one of their first award recipients, Practical Nursing student Nike Ogunlana who shared the impact that receiving a scholarship has had on her life.

Carol and Tim with Practical Nursing student and scholarship recipient Nike Ogunlana

“When I got the scholarship, I felt like someone was seeing me. Someone saw the potential. Someone is seeing women. Someone is seeing our silent struggles,” said Ogunlana.

Originally from Nigeria, Ogunlana came to Canada in 2023, eventually settling in Niagara to attend NC. The tuition scholarship provided a welcome financial boost during a low point in her life, allowing her to focus more time on her two young children and her mental health as she juggles school and family responsibilities.

“It’s been a while, but I still remember what it was like,” Glutek shared with Ogunlana. “The fact that we’re now in a position where we can help students like you, that means the world to us.”

A Welland resident, Ogunlana already holds postsecondary credentials in mental health, adult education and communications. Her motivation for studying nursing stems from the loss of her mother, who passed away from Leukemia.

She shared that witnessing her mother’s mental health struggles during her treatment was difficult and that she plans to pursue a nursing career with a focus on mental health to help people experiencing similar challenges.

“We greatly admire what you’re doing and we’re so happy to be able to support you in it,” Glutek said to Ogunlana. “It’s a good feeling that we’ve made a difference in someone’s life.”

Helping students through a scholarship not only helps alleviate the costs associated with a postsecondary education, it also enables them to achieve more in their personal lives and in the community, creating a legacy beyond NC.

The couple is also leaving a donation to the College in their will to ensure their scholarship continues as part of their lasting legacy – a decision they hope will have a ripple effect on future generations.

“I hope people remember our warm hearts and willingness to help, and that our legacy carries on,” said Hudson.

“If it inspires others, great… that to us is icing on the cake,” added Glutek.

Leave a legacy

May is celebrated nationally as Leave a Legacy Month, a time when non-profit organizations encourage individuals to consider how they can leave a lasting impact through charitable gifts in their wills and estate plans.

If you’re interested in leaving a legacy gift at Niagara College, please contact Emily O’Connor to learn more.

For information about the priorities of NC’s Together campaign, visit niagaracollege.ca/together.

Walker Wood Foundation establishes new healthcare scholarships at Niagara College

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three students wearing paramedic uniforms and one student wearing green scrubs lean against a railing inside a campus building

Beginning this fall, students training for careers in health-related professions will benefit from a new partnership between Niagara College and the Walker Wood Foundation.

Through a generous $80,000 donation to the College’s Together campaign, the Foundation has established the Walker Wood Scholarships for Health supporting students across the Health Sciences Division.

The Walker Wood Foundation funds scholarships and bursaries at educational institutions throughout Canada, geared especially towards students with much to offer, but not necessarily the financial means to pursue their dreams.

A total of eight $2,500 scholarships will be offered in the 2026-2027 school year.

Priority will be given to students in the following programs who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence (75% GPA or higher) and involvement in extracurricular activities: Advanced Care Paramedic; Community Pharmacy Assistant; Dental Assisting; Dental Hygiene; Dental Office Administration; Massage Therapy; Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant; Paramedic; Pharmacy Technician; Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Personal Support Worker; and Practical Nursing.

“Financial support through scholarships is paramount as we attract and welcome more students to our health programs over the next few years to help fill the growing demand for health professionals,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement. “We sincerely thank the Walker Wood Foundation for generously supporting Niagara College students as they pursue their studies.”

In close collaboration with community partners and care providers, NC is significantly expanding its health education capacity to help address Ontario’s workforce shortages in frontline healthcare.

A cornerstone of this commitment is the future Health Education building at the Welland Campus, a transformative addition to the Applied Health Institute that is expected to open in August 2027.

The two-storey, 75,000 square-foot expansion is designed to directly respond to regional and provincial healthcare demands by increasing training capacity, enhancing community care, and modernizing learning environments. Once open, the expansion will enable Niagara College to graduate an additional 800 students from its health programs each year – that means more nurses, paramedics, personal support workers, dental technicians and others health professionals to meet the immediate need.

“This is a pivotal moment in Niagara College’s history as we expand our health education footprint on campus and welcome a record number of students across our programs,” said Dr. Sinéad McElhone, Dean, Health Sciences. “The new Walker Wood Scholarships for Health will directly support these students as they train for careers that will help strengthen Niagara’s skilled healthcare workforce.”

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 healthcare and trades, 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.

Norris Walker’s $3-million legacy gift supports new Health Education Building

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A transformational legacy gift advancing health education at Niagara College was announced at the sold-out 34th Annual NC Gala on March 28.

The $3 million gift from the estate of Norris Walker will support the College’s new Health Education building, which is being constructed at the Welland Campus. The project is key to NC’s efforts to address a critical shortage of frontline healthcare workers in Niagara, and will allow the College to graduate 800 additional students from its health programs each year.

“Norris Walker’s lifetime of community service and philanthropy is reflected in all corners of our community, and his decades of support for Niagara College has changed the lives of thousands of students,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “All of us at Niagara College are incredibly grateful for this legacy gift, which will significantly enhance our ability to bolster frontline healthcare in Niagara.”

The $3 million gift builds on a $4 million donation from the Norris Walker estate announced in June 2025, bringing the total bequest to $7 million – the largest legacy gift in the College’s history.

“My parents recognized the important role that Niagara College plays in economic and social development in the community,” said Sheila Bonapace, daughter of Norris and Marilyn Walker. “They also believed that every student should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential through education. It’s wonderful that our family legacy will continue to support students for years to come.”

In recognition of the $3 million gift, the 13,000 square-foot main student and community gathering place in the new Health Education building will be named the Norris Walker Family Community Courtyard. The new space complements the existing Norris Walker Family Community Courtyard located at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

These legacy gifts build on the Norris Walker family’s extensive history of generosity at the College, including a $1 million gift from the estate of Marilyn Walker in 2019 that established the Marilyn I. Walker Centre of Excellence in Visual Arts and Technology; a $1.2 million donation in 2015 to support the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre; the establishment of the Norris and Marilyn Walker Scholarships in 2004, as well as support for several NC fundraising campaigns.

“We’re incredibly grateful to donors like the Norris Walker family who understand the lasting impact their support has on students’ lives,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, External Relations. “Gifts like these help Niagara College expand classrooms and labs and support more students to successfully graduate and fill the growing healthcare workforce shortages.”

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 postsecondary education in Niagara, as well as 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.

The Walker family joins several philanthropic partners supporting NC’s health education project, including the Myhal Family Foundation, the Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation, and the late entrepreneur Wally Bamford.

The new building will connect to the existing Applied Health Institute at the Welland Campus, and when completed in 2027 will be the largest mass timber structure in the Niagara region.

In addition to graduating an additional 800 healthcare workers each year, the new building will double the capacity of the College’s community dental clinic to serve 3,000 patient visits annually, and provide a new enhanced home for the Myhal School of Nursing alongside advanced paramedic, pharmacy, dental, and virtual-reality simulation labs designed to mirror real clinical environments.

Learn more about the Health Education building at niagaracollege.ca/health-education-building.

The 34th annual NC Gala

More than 670 guests attended the sold-out Niagara College Gala on March 28 at the Fallsview Casino Resort.
Presented this year by CIBC, the evening drew support from 28 corporate sponsors and more than 50 businesses. Funds raised support the new Health Education building and 25 student scholarships, including six new student awards established this year.

“CIBC is honoured to serve as presenting sponsor of Niagara College’s Gala, which celebrates excellence across the College and the positive impact of its graduates,” said Tara Zecevic, Executive Director, Global Payment Services, CIBC Capital Markets. “Supporting initiatives like this reflects CIBC’s commitment to helping students develop the skills and experience needed to succeed in essential fields like healthcare.”

The Gala was also an unforgettable opportunity for more than 75 participating students who gained hands-on experience in event preparation and execution. Students represented multiple programs, including Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film, Carpentry and Renovation, Community Integration Through Co-operative Education (CICE), Culinary Management, Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality), Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations, Landscape Technician, Public Relations, Business – Sales and Marketing, and Social Media Management.

Together campaign

Launched in 2024, the Together campaign is the largest fundraising initiative in NC’s history. The multi-year, $50 million initiative focuses 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.

Late entrepreneur’s $500,000 gift supports expansion of NC’s healthcare programs

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nursing students train in a nursing lab with mannequins laying in hospital beds

A transformational $500,000 gift from a former leader in the heat-treating industry will have a lasting impact on healthcare education at Niagara College.

Wally Bamford, P. Eng., made the generous personal donation shortly before he passed away in September 2025 at the age of 93. The gift will support the new 75,000 sq. ft. Healthcare Education building, a key priority of the College’s Together campaign.

Once it opens at the Welland Campus in 2027, the building will significantly expand healthcare teaching, learning and patient care spaces, creating room for an additional 800 students studying in in-demand programs, including nursing, personal support worker, paramedic, dental and others, representing professions facing serious workforce shortages in Niagara and across Ontario.

Mr. Bamford’s remarkable gift will help NC harness its unique position to address critical challenges facing the community.

“We’re very grateful for Mr. Bamford’s generosity and kindness,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement. “His donation will help expand training capacity for students in health-related programs at Niagara College, and, in turn, strengthen the local healthcare sector by preparing more urgently needed frontline workers.”

A Professional Engineer, Mr. Bamford co-founded CAN-ENG Furnaces International Inc. in 1964 and is credited in bringing mesh belt furnace lines to North America, significantly changing the industry. Headquartered in Niagara Falls, CAN-ENG continues to be an innovative leader in the industry and is one of North America’s largest designers and manufacturers of heat-treating equipment with a global customer base.

“Before Mr. Bamford made his gift, he spoke passionately about the trailblazing role that Niagara College plays in the region and the connection he felt to the College while living in Niagara,” said Kaylin Bailey, Major Gifts Manager, NC Development and Donor Stewardship.

Cited as a kind, gracious, and generous industry leader, Mr. Bamford has a history of giving. He was the first Canadian President of the Metal Treating Institute (MTI) where he, along with his wife Betty, established the MTI Scholarship Fund supporting students training for careers in metallurgy, materials, engineering, industrial and mechanical sciences.

An earlier gift to NC established a scholarship for Mechanical Engineering Technician students within the College’s School of Technology.

“Mr. Bamford strongly believed in supporting education and we’re honoured that the College is part of his incredible legacy,” added Bailey.

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.

KPMG Foundation’s support adds up for business and accounting students

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two students wearing blue Niagara College hoodies work at a table in a bright space

The KPMG Foundation has made a $105,000 donation to Niagara College’s Together campaign, supporting students from the School of Business and Management.

The gift builds on KPMG Foundation’s two established scholarships at NC – the KPMG Business Scholarship and the KPMG Accounting Award. Thanks to the Foundation’s new pledge, the number of scholarships will be expanded to provide seven annual $2,500 financial awards over the next three years for eligible students preparing for careers in accounting, marketing, human resources, international business, and more.

KPMG is a Canadian leader in professional services. With a culture that extends beyond good business practice, KPMG has been recognized for its efforts to help alleviate poverty, protect the environment and support education in communities across Canada.

Over the years, KPMG has provided future young professionals studying at Niagara College with financial support and greater access to the applied learning opportunities that NC is known for.

“We are pleased to support exceptional students in Niagara College’s School of Business and Management who embody our KPMG values and who make positive contributions within their school, work and community,” said Nancy Adie-MacKay, Board Chair, KPMG Foundation. “These students are the leaders of tomorrow and we are committed to supporting their success.

The KPMG Business Scholarship is awarded to students from any program within the School of Business and Management who demonstrate academic excellence and teamwork, and who lead by example at the College, at work or in their personal lives. The KPMG Accounting Award is given to final year students from the Business – Accounting, Business Administration – Accounting or Business Administration – Accounting (Co-op) program who also lead by example and who demonstrate qualities including teamwork and respect, open and honest communication and a commitment to their community.

“In many cases, the financial support provided by donors like the KPMG Foundation is what allows a student to pursue and achieve their dreams and ambitions,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice-President, Advancement. “I want to thank the KPMG Foundation for recognizing the value of the education that we provide and for their investment in the potential of our students.”

“We are deeply grateful to the KPMG Foundation for generously supporting students at Niagara College and we proudly recognize our shared mission of fostering a positive future for emerging professionals across Niagara and beyond,” said Kaylin Bailey, Major Gifts Manager, NC Development and Donor Stewardship. “Scholarship awards not only help students financially, they also give students a boost of confidence and the validation that they are on a path to success.”

The KPMG Foundation scholarships were first established in 2018 and have made a meaningful impact for student recipients over the years.

“Receiving the KPMG Business Scholarship was instrumental in my educational journey, allowing me to focus on my studies without the added stress of financial strain,” said NC alumna Lyndsay Burke, who graduated from the Business Administration – Human Resources (Co-op) program in June 2025.

“This support gave me the opportunity to excel academically and gain hands-on experience through my co-op placement, where I could apply my learning in a real-world setting. I’m grateful for KPMG’s generosity, which supported my career aspirations in business and human resources,” added Burke.

In addition to funding scholarships, KPMG has contributed to campus redevelopment projects, sponsored signature college events like NC’s annual Golf Classic, and supported experiential learning initiatives for business students including a Pitch Perfect competition, $5 Challenge and the first-ever Niagara College Marketing Competition (NCMC) held in November 2025.

“On behalf of the School of Business and Management, thank you to the KPMG Foundation for contributing to exceptional learning experiences and providing much-needed financial support for our students over the years,” said Evan DiValentino, Dean, Business and Environment. “Donors like KPMG are directly enhancing the student experience and helping more students reach their full potential.”

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.