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.

Tickets now available for 34th Niagara College Gala

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A musical trio performs on stage, featuring a pianist, cellist, and violinist in formal attire against a backdrop with the word "Gala."

Donors, staff, alumni, and community partners are invited to an elegant evening of fine dining, live music, and meaningful connection at the 34th annual Niagara College Gala on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Fallsview Casino Resort.

Guests will see firsthand examples of student achievements, explore opportunities made possible through community generosity, hear special announcements, and participate in live and silent auctions.

Tickets are now available online and are $325 each (including a $50 tax receipt), or $3,000 for a table of 10.

NC employee tickets will be available in January at a special ticket price.

Proceeds from the Gala support student success and the College’s Together campaign, a multi-year initiative that funds scholarships, program innovation, and transformative learning opportunities. Through the campaign, donors, staff, partners, and alumni directly contribute to expanding student opportunities, enhancing academic programs, and strengthening NC’s impact in the community and beyond. Attending the Gala offers supporters the chance to connect with students and faculty and see how their generosity makes a tangible difference.

Two young male students in black aprons smiling, holding trays of gourmet appetizers. Elegant round tables set for gala event with central floral arrangement of blue and white flowers

Last year’s Gala highlighted Niagara College’s growth and impact, with more than 625 guests attending to celebrate the announcement of the largest gifts in college history. The event featured a $5 million gift from the Myhal Family Foundation to support healthcare education, including $3 million toward the new Health Education building at the Welland campus and $2 million in scholarships for Bachelor of Science in Nursing students and Indigenous learners.

A $2 million gift from the Segal Family and GuardMe International Insurance strengthened the College’s one-of-a-kind Be World Ready program that expands international study and field experience opportunities.

A group celebrates on stage at a gala, applauding the announcement of a $5 million donation, as medical students in blue scrubs stand near a podium with flowers.  Group of people in formal attire on stage at a gala, celebrating a $2,000,000 donation. They hold flags and a "Be World Ready" banner under bright blue lighting.

Alongside these record-breaking contributions, additional support from sponsors, community partners, staff, and alumni helped fund 34 new scholarships and bursaries.

Since its inception, the annual gala has raised nearly $4 million for student scholarships and bursaries, program expansions, and learning resources.

Learn more at niagaracollege.ca/gala or contact [email protected].

A large group of gala volunteer students in matching black outfits and aprons are smiling and waving in the venue hall.  Musician performs on stage at a gala with attendees cheering and dancing.

Thriving with ConfideNCe: McCall MacBain Foundation renews support for student well-being and mental health program

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two students sit at a table talking with a container of lego in front of them

Niagara College students in high-stress health programs will continue to have access to a game-changing mental health initiative thanks to renewed support from the McCall MacBain Foundation.

NC’s ConfideNCe program provides targeted interventions to reduce academic anxiety, build resilience, and improve retention rates for students in the Paramedic, Personal Support Worker, Practical Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.

Launched in fall 2024 with seed funding from the McCall MacBain Foundation, the program equips students with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their studies and enter the workforce with resilience and purpose as they fill critical healthcare roles locally and across the province.

With the Foundation’s generous support, ConfideNCe is being extended beyond the two-year pilot period through to 2028, enabling more students to gain access to the program in their first year.

“We are pleased to continue our support of the ConfideNCe program, which has shown meaningful impact on student well-being and retention”, said Sara Saidi, Research & Grants Officer at the McCall MacBain Foundation. “We deeply appreciate Niagara College’s efforts to provide early supports that will help future healthcare professionals build resilience and readiness to thrive in high-pressure frontline environments.”

Founded in 2007 by John McCall MacBain and Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, the McCall MacBain Foundation is committed to advancing human welfare through , investments in education, leadership, and health of young people. The Foundation’s funding towards the ConfideNCe program is already reaping benefits for NC students.

“Niagara College is so fortunate to have supporters like the McCall MacBain Foundation, who understand the importance of a holistic student experience and the connection between health and wellness and student success,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “The generosity of the McCall MacBain Foundation enhances Niagara College’s ability to provide the highly skilled and knowledgeable graduates who are so critical to frontline healthcare in Niagara and beyond.”

To date, over 600 students have participated in the program across workshops, Resilience Cafés, tutoring one-on-one sessions, and other wraparound supports.

To better understand the root causes of students’ anxiety and develop personalized plans for their success, a special survey called the Academic Anxiety Scale Survey is shared with students as they enter their academic programs and again once they complete terms one and two.

Survey data and evaluations from the first phase of ConfideNCe point to significant gains in students’ coping strategies, stress management, and their ability to form meaningful connections with peers and professionals. Reduced student attrition rates and increased retention rates are also among the key achievements from the initial phase – a substantial accomplishment for the staff team who deliver the program.

“We are witnessing first-hand that the ConfideNCe program is making a difference for our nursing and allied health students,” said Dr. Sinéad McElhone, Dean, Health Sciences. “The program has also been a rewarding experience for the staff involved who are delivering the tailored programming for students to support their success.”

“This funding has truly allowed us to impact the lives of our students,” said Heather Craig, ConfideNCe Project Manager. “Every investment that we make in our students now, is an investment in their future and the future of our healthcare professions.”

Feedback from students has been tremendously positive, citing increased confidence, strong tutor support, and a greater sense of community.

“Coming into the PSW program as a mature student, I had a lot of apprehension… being out of school for so long, I did not think that I would be able to succeed,” said Tammy Patriarca, a PSW student who is bridging into the Practical Nursing program. “Going to the workshops helped give me the confidence I needed to keep going. After I did those three workshops, I started telling everyone about the ConfideNCe program. It was so important.”

“After the first year in the ConfideNCe program I feel better about going into second year and my career, and I feel like I have better coping mechanisms for my stress,” said Paramedic student Haven McFarland.

“I have a great tutor. She provided a safe environment that made me feel comfortable to share the areas that I was struggling with [and] was very encouraging and positive,” shared another ConfideNCe program student participant. “She provided tips and tricks of studying, as well as explained the content in a way that was understandable.”

McCall MacBain Foundation’s investment will enable the College to reinforce key features that have contributed to ConfideNCe’s resounding success to date, while reaching more students and further strengthening the healthcare workforce in Niagara and beyond.

“A sincere thank you goes out to the McCall MacBain Foundation for generously supporting the growth of the ConfideNCe program through two milestone gifts to the Together campaign,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement. “The program’s success is a testament to the incredible difference our visionary partners are making for our students.”

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.

Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation supports health education at Niagara College with $500,000 gift

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

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

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

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

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

: L-R: Miriam Haj-Ahmad, Lila Haj-Ahmad and her husband Jeremy Bannon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Together campaign

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

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

 

RBC Foundation helps power Electric Vehicle First Responders Training program at Niagara College with $450,000 pledged donation

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Pilot program will support Niagara’s EMS, Police and Fire professionals, automotive technicians and future professionals

A leader in environmentally sustainable automotive technology, Niagara College is launching an electric vehicle (EV) safety training program thanks to a $450,000 commitment from RBC Foundation.

With an increasing number of EV and hybrid vehicles on the road, the EV First Responders Training pilot program answers a critical need to equip emergency professionals with specialized knowledge and skills to safely manage EV-related situations.

Delivered through NC’s Green Automotive Technology Lab, the innovative program will provide hands-on, scenario-based training to paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, along with automotive technicians and students in related NC programs (Paramedic, Police Foundations, Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship, Motive Power Technician – Automotive (Co-op) and Motive Power Techniques – Automotive).

Up to 800 participants are expected to complete the training in the first year, with 2,400 anticipated over the three-year pilot period.

“At Niagara College, we are proud to lead in training first responders for the unique challenges of electric and hybrid vehicles,” said Duane Bender, NC’s Dean of Media, Trades and Technology. “This program reflects our commitment to safety, innovation, and real-world skills development. As advanced automotive technology adoption grows, so does the need for specialized safety knowledge and Niagara College is delivering it through hands-on training that meets the needs of both industry and community.”

By integrating EV-focused curriculum into both workforce upskilling and postsecondary education, the program will also ensure current and future professionals possess in-demand, job-ready skills to build a workforce that supports Canada’s clean transportation goals and environmentally sustainable economy.

“With zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) sales being projected to rise 16.5 per cent annually, it’s crucial for first responders and automotive technicians to be equipped with the necessary skills to work with these advanced technologies that pose potential hazards if mishandled,” said Jaye Toulouse, Regional Vice President, Niagara Region, RBC. “This enhanced training being offered by Niagara College can help reduce the risks of injury, fatalities, and property damage and can help support public confidence in ZEV adoption and the broader net-zero economy.”

NC’s EV First Responders Training program will offer participants essential skills in identifying high-voltage components, managing lithium-ion battery fires, immobilizing EVs, using PPE correctly, and applying emergency response protocols in high-risk EV scenarios. These specialized skills have been sought after by NC’s community partners across Niagara looking for support in training their teams in EV-readiness.

The Town of Pelham’s fire department participated in an early pilot of the program to help the College kick start the initiative.

“As Electric Vehicles (EV) become more common, being prepared is more important than ever as EV’s present unique challenges in emergency situations,” said Bob Lymburner, Town of Pelham Fire Chief. “The advanced training Pelham’s volunteer firefighters received through the pilot program has been a real game changer. It gave the volunteers the hands-on knowledge they need to handle EV-related emergencies safely and confidently.”

“Congratulations to the team at Niagara College for leading the way on this valuable program,” said Fire Chief Lymburner. “This training will continue to be a valuable asset to our teams and I’d absolutely recommend it to other departments and agencies to take part in.”

Thanks to RBC Foundation’s commitment, the training will be delivered at NC’s Welland Campus beginning fall 2025 at no cost to participants. Sessions will be capped at 20 participants to ensure personalized instruction with both hybrid and fully in-person formats available. Online registration at niagaracollege.ca will open closer to the fall.

RBC and RBC Foundation have been steadfast supporters of NC over the years, contributing to scholarships and bursaries, the annual NC Gala and Golf Classic, and program areas in hospitality and tourism, horticulture, food sciences and business. Between 2019 and 2021, RBC Foundation donated $150,000 towards the College’s Productivity Innovation Lab (PiLab), which enhanced experiential learning opportunities for business students, while helping small- and medium-sized enterprises increase productivity and innovation.

Through its latest $450,000 commitment, RBC Foundation will continue to make a positive impact at NC and within the Niagara community.

“We are grateful to RBC Foundation for its continued collaboration and for investing in the EV First Responders Program at Niagara College,” said Gord Arbeau, NC’s Vice President, Advancement. “This trailblazing initiative is providing access to vital training for our community partners and equipping students with in-demand skills in environmentally sustainable technology to kick start their future careers with a competitive edge.”

RBC Foundation’s commitment supports NC’s transformational Together campaign. The campaign is a multi-year $50 million fundraising initiative that, in addition to addressing shortages in skilled trades and healthcare, aims 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.

For information about the Together campaign, visit niagaracollege.ca/together.

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NC honours $4M legacy gift from Norris Walker family, renames campus courtyard

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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.

Segal Family and GuardMe International Insurance donate $2 million to expand global study opportunities for Niagara College students

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A group of people stand on stage at the Niagara College Gala celebrating a $2M donation from the Segal family and GuardMe International Insurance.

Funding to double student participation in Be World Ready program that cultivates globally minded, world-ready graduates

A $2 million donation from long-time supporters Keith and Sharon Segal and GuardMe International Insurance is helping Niagara College make global learning experiences more accessible for students seeking international opportunities.

Announced at the College’s 33rd annual gala on April 5, the donation will expand participation in the award-winning Be World Ready (BWR) program, allowing more students to gain valuable experience abroad through study exchanges, internships, and field studies.

“This impactful donation strengthens our Be World Ready program by giving more students access to hands-on international experiences that shape both their education and careers,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “The Segal family and GuardMe International Insurance share Niagara College’s commitment to global learning and the transformative effect these experiences have on students, their communities, and beyond.”

Be World Ready is a one-of-a-kind program that combines academic learning with real-world global experiences. It offers short-term field studies, study abroad exchanges, summer institutes, and work opportunities abroad. In 2024, a new course was introduced to prepare students with the global competencies and intercultural skills they need to engage meaningfully with new cultures and make the most of their experiences overseas.

“We deeply believe in offering students global experiences that help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an interconnected world,” said Keith Segal, President and CEO of GuardMe International Insurance. “Cultural understanding is no longer optional; it is a necessity. We are proud to help graduates prepare to work across borders, engage with diverse communities, and navigate global challenges.”

Since 2008, Keith and Sharon Segal, along with GuardMe International Insurance, have been instrumental in supporting NC students. They have provided access to global experiences through Be World Ready student bursaries, funded scholarships and learning resources, and supported the creation of the Segal Family International Centres at both the Welland and Daniel J. Patterson campuses. These centres provide services and support to international students while anchoring the College’s commitment to global engagement.

Through Be World Ready specifically, more than 1,500 students and employees have participated in life-changing experiences across 33 countries since 2012. The program is central to NC’s commitment to providing students with meaningful global learning opportunities that extend beyond traditional classroom education.

For many of these students, participating in the program has been possible because of the support from donors like the Segal family and GuardMe International Insurance.

S young female stands outdoors in Spain.

Third-year BRFT student Sierra Maurice visited Sevilla, Spain, in March for an International Field Study through Be World Ready.

“The funding and Be World Ready opportunity genuinely changed my life,” said Sierra Maurice, who is graduating in June from the Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program and who received a Be World Ready travel bursary. “This wouldn’t be possible for most students from a financial standpoint. And to think we might have missed out on something we’ll hold on to for the rest of our lives just because of money shows how important this funding is.”

From February 22 to March 2, Maurice traveled to Sevilla, Spain, on an International Field Study hosted by NC’s partner, EUSA Centro Universitario. There, she and other School of Media students explored the world of Spanish broadcasting, film, radio, and television through site visits and hands-on learning.

A group of 4 females pose for a photo outdoors.

BRTF classmates and friends Celeste Skye-Ruiz, Lyka Yatco, Sierra Maurice, and Zoe Smith explored international media operations during their Be World Ready trip to Sevilla, Spain. All four graduate this June.

“I’m lucky to have worked in another country and made incredible workplace connections. Creating content about football with the 2026 World Cup coming to Canada is a valuable experience that I know I will bring with me into the industry,” added Maurice.

Fostering graduates like Maurice, who will contribute to an increasingly globalized world, is at the heart of Be World Ready and the partnership between NC and the Segal family. This commitment also aligns with NC’s goal of becoming Canada’s leading global college by nurturing international partnerships, enhancing global learning opportunities, and developing graduates who are equipped to thrive in diverse and dynamic environments.

To further this objective, the latest donation contributes to NC’s Together campaign, a multi-year, $50 million initiative aimed at graduating more global citizens through diverse learning experiences. Other priorities include addressing critical workforce shortages in skilled trades and healthcare, making education more accessible, and fostering research, creativity, and innovation to help close Canada’s productivity gap.

Community partners and donors are invited to explore the priorities of the Together campaign and learn how they can contribute to enhancing educational opportunities for students at niagaracollege.ca/together.