Report of the President
April 2016
In the Community
Leadership Studies Students Donate to Women’s Place
General Arts and Science students from Professor John McTavish’s Leadership Studies class in the University
Degree Transfer program gathered and donated goods to the Women’s Place of South Niagara. This initiative was
part of their course on community leadership.
Cardboard House to Raise Awareness of Homelessness and Poverty
Niagara College students came face to face with the realities of homelessness and poverty in early April thanks to
the YWCA’s Cardboard House initiative. Student Allison Pillwein (Pre-Community Service) and Professor Theresa
Anzovino (School of Liberal Studies), along with the NC Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), were inspired to
bring the display to Niagara College to raise awareness of poverty and homelessness in Niagara while generating
donations to NCSAC’s student food bank. Allison said “I hope that the Cardboard House will challenge students to
change the way they understand poverty and homelessness, to develop empathy and compassion for their
community members, and to become empowered to take a stand against the myths that circulate in our society, and
against the existence of poverty itself.” The Cardboard House was erected on the first floor of the Applied Health
Institute at the Welland Campus April 4th to 8th.
Niagara Aging Strategy & Action Plan Workshop
Recreation and Leisure Studies students from both Brock University and Niagara College hosted a Niagara Aging
Strategy & Action Plan Workshop at the Welland Community Wellness Complex. Students worked together with
community seniors to investigate action towards goal # 2 of the Niagara Aging Strategy and Action Plan, focusing on
Maintaining and Growing recreational opportunities across the Niagara Region for seniors.
Julia’s Hope Cup
Staff from the Canadian Food and Wine Institute provided chili for the Fifth Annual Julia’s Hope Cup event on
February 6th at Chippawa Park in Welland. The fundraiser supports the Hope Centre and is the Centre’s single largest
fundraiser. Established 15 years as the Hope Cup, the family-oriented community event has grown over the years.
Five years ago, this event was renamed to honour Julia Turner, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 15.
Recreation Sessions at the Hope Centre
Recreation and Leisure Services students in the Community Development class provided four recreation sessions
for the Hope Centre, a community-based agency committed to creating positive opportunities for marginalized people.
Supports and services include food security, housing stabilization, adult and community education, utility assistance,
volunteer training, community coaches and life skills.
CFWI in the Community
Vintage on Ice: Big Brothers-Big Sisters was the benefactor of the Vintage on Ice event hosted by Vintage Hotels
at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Lakeside Park in early February. Attendees enjoyed samples of NC wines poured by NC
Winery staff.
Community Care Chili Cook-off: The Benchmark team led by Junior Culinary Olympic Team member Jeremy
Gilligan took part in the Community Care Chili Cook-off in early March. They came away with first place from the
judges and second place in Peoples’ choice but most importantly, they were part of an event that raised nearly $7,000
for Community Care to support those in need.
Wells of Hope Fundraiser “Taste & See”: Sarah Scott and a team of students from Benchmark Restaurant took
part in the Taste & See event at Liuna Gardens in Stoney Creek in support of the Wells of Hope. This organization
has successfully drilled deep water wells, against incredible odds, to bring clean, potable water to the front door of
tens of thousands who thirst in the mountain regions of Jalapa and Jutiapa, Guatemala.
Port Cares Soup-Fest: Hundreds of people visited the Italian Hall in Port Colborne on April 7th to enjoy a variety of
soups prepared by students from Port Colborne High School, Lakeshore Catholic High School, Niagara College and
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Port Cares Food Centre. Over $5,300.00 was raised to benefit this organization that supports the Port Cares Food
Bank, providing support for 600 people monthly. First-year culinary students, Jacob Wright and Andrea Torrance and
second-year culinary student, Drew McKinnell, under the guidance and supervision of Chef David Gibson, created
and served soup at this worthwhile event.
Niagara Region Girls’ Volleyball Showcase
On March 22nd,,the Niagara Knights hosted the 2nd annual Niagara Region Girls’ Volleyball Showcase. Held at the
Welland Campus Athletic Centre, the event served as a showcase that featured 21 of the region’s best players
representing 14 Niagara Region high schools. The night served as a formal acknowledgement of some of the
Region’s up and coming volleyball talent, while also benefitting the NC community. In lieu of cost, participating players
provided food donations to the NCSAC emergency food bank. In addition, the match was broadcast live on
www.goknights.ca by NC broadcasting students. The Knights will host their 3rd Annual Niagara Region Soccer
Showcase on June 8th at Young’s Sportsplex.
Indigenous Student Services
NC hosted a Niagara Peninsula Aboriginal Area Management Board (NPAAMB) Lunch and Learn at each campus.
NPAAMB staff discussed with students about education and employment funding opportunities. Sergeant Starks from
the Army Aboriginal Recruitment Unit also held sessions with the students.
NC participated in two Aboriginal recruitment events. The Oneida Career Expo at Oneida First Nation saw students
from grades 7 – 12, as well as community members participating in Ontario Works. The Fort Erie Native Friendship
Centre Pow Wow had approximately 800 attendees. Both events provided great opportunities to connect with our
local Aboriginal community.
In March, the KAIROS Blanket Exercise workshop was offered to both staff and the Student Lead program. This is a
cultural diversity workshop which shares the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and nonIndigenous peoples in Canada. Feedback was extremely positive, and the workshops will be offered again in the fall.
Ode to the Road Poetry Event
Co-organized by Eva Tihanyi, NC faculty in the English department and Karen McGrath, Governor and Director of Library
and Bookstore Services, this event was held on April 4th at the Benchmark restaurant to celebrate national poetry
month. With sponsorship from The League of Canadian Poets, attendees were treated to poetry readings from four Ontario
poets: Susan Glickman, Andrea Thompson, Patricia Keeney and Niagara College's English Department’s own Eva
Tihanyi. All four presenters are accomplished poets and masters at their craft with many published works between
them. The event also served as the launch of Eva Tihanyi’s latest publication, The Largeness of Rescue.
12Th Annual High School Cook-off
On March 1st, the Canadian Food and Wine Institute welcomed Grade 11 students from over 20 secondary schools
from across Ontario to compete in the 12th Annual High School Cook Off.
Many Hands Project reveals special renovation at Heartland Forest
The Event Management program's Many Hands Project revealed a newly renovated space at Heartland Forest on
April 6th. Students transformed Sydney’s room, a space intended to provide clients with a quiet space to relax which
had been used as a storage room. The room is dedicated to owner Dan Bouwman’s granddaughter, Sydney, who
passed away in 2009 at the age of 12 from Lissencephaly – a rare brain formation disorder.
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Over the past few months, the Many Hands Project committee planned, designed and renovated the room. Students
put paintbrushes in hand and completely transformed the clutter-filled room into a tranquil and relaxing space by
adding a splash of calming colour to the walls, created a feature chalkboard wall, added comfortable lounging chairs,
a new television and DVD player.
The students gave the first look of the space to Sydney’s mother, Jacqueline Burciul, who was also joined by
daughters Taylor and Avery. Owner Dan Bouwman; executive director, Elisabeth Graham; Natalie Kind and Nancy
Cameron from Canadian Tire Bank; event management program coordinator, Christine Blane; and faculty member
April Tyrell were also in attendance as the Many Hands Project committee revealed the room.
College Wellness Centre a boon for seniors
The South Niagara Health and Wellness Centre, which is located at the Niagara College Welland Campus, received
some wonderful attention in a recent opinion column in the Welland Tribune. The centre offers free rehabilitation,
wellness programs and community resource connections to help older adults remain safe and independent in their
own home. As noted in the column, “this very successful program is a good example of what can happen when you
partner. The partners involved in the centre include Niagara Region, Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehab Centre,
Niagara College, Niagara Health System, March of Dimes Canada and Community Care Access Centre and Feet
First.” The entire article can be found here:
http://www.wellandtribune.ca/2016/03/21/rapelje-college-wellness-centre-a-boon-for-seniors
Niagara College receives United Way South Niagara Award
At the United Way South Niagara campaign celebration on April 8th, Niagara College was named the recipient of the
Workplace Campaign of the Year Award in recognition of exceeding its fundraising goal and the teamwork involved
to grow employee understanding of the benefits of contributing to the United Way. Congratulations to Campaign Cochairs Lesley Calvin and Karen McGrath, and to all participating staff, for the effort, time, creativity and enthusiasm
brought to this year’s campaign.
Students
2016 College Student Alliance Leadership Scholarship for Niagara College
Niagara College student and Governor Naasson Huyler was recently named the 2016 College Student Alliance
Leadership Scholarship winner for Niagara College. Naasson is currently enrolled in the Business Administration –
Human Resources Advance Diploma program. In addition to his role as Student Representative on the Board of
Governors, Naasson serves as the Director of Media for HR@NC, an association that focuses on establishing
industry connections for students, and as an NCExpert for on-campus recruitment at Niagara College. Naasson has
also made an incredible contribution to the Niagara community through his work at the Hope Centre and as a
volunteer at the Welland Cat Adoption Centre as a shift leader. Congratulation to Naasson on receiving this welldeserved honour.
'Shear' genius lands Hairstyling student a gold
A Niagara College Hairstyling student proved she was a cut above the rest at the Toronto Allied Beauty Association
(ABA) Competition in Toronto. The trade show and competition was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre
February 28th and 29th. First year Hairstyling Apprentice (level two) student Abby Collver won a gold medal in New
Talent Women’s Trend Cut and Style. Participants in this category were current students or recent graduates from
Toronto and surrounding areas who competed for the newest contemporary, modern, well designed and well
executed haircut.
In addition, Hairstyling Techniques professor Kris Weaver placed third in Glamourous Evening Makeup. Weaver, a
Niagara Falls resident who has worked at Niagara College for more than five years, has competed at in the ABA
competition twice in the past, placing among the top 10.
The Ontario Hostelry Institute Top 30 Under 30 Awards
Four Niagara College students were recognized at the Ontario Hostelry Institute Top 30 Under 30 Awards at George
Brown College on March 23rd. Congratulations to the following students who were recognized for their
accomplishments in the hospitality field and for their potential as future leaders in the industry:
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Casey Kulcyzk (Wine and Viticulture Technician - Assistant Winemaker, Jackson Triggs)
Caitlynn Kern (Wine Business Management - General Manager Retail Sales and Events)
Justin Lesso (Cook Apprentice - Executive Chef Two Sisters Winery)
Daniella Germond (Culinary Management - Junior Culinary Team Canada)
Athletes of the Year
Lorelle Weavers and Evan Littlefield, both of the Niagara Knights Golf Teams, were named the NC Athletes of the
Year. Both athletes received the award in recognition of two golds and a silver in three individual tournaments, along
with each taking their respective Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Championship. Littlefield was also a
major contributor on the men’s golf team which captured the OCCA gold and Canadian Collegiate Athletic
Association (CCAA) silver medals. This is the second consecutive year that Weavers was named Athlete of the Year.
Successful Intercollegiate Season
As the 2015-16 intercollegiate athletic season drew to a close, the awards continued to pile up for the Niagara Knights.
The Women’s Volleyball Program earned a silver medal at the OCAA Championships. Men’s volleyball player Jeff
Scott was named a CCAA All-Canadian for his athletic performance during the regular season. Scott joins golfers
Lorelle Weavers and Evan Littlefield as All-Canadians, marking the first time in Niagara College history that three
student-athletes have garnered the honour in the same season. Five athletes were also named CCAA Academic AllCanadians, CCAA’s most prestigious honour. To achieve this honour, a student-athlete must be named to his or her
respective OCAA All-Star team, and achieve academic honours standing at Niagara College. Lorelle Weavers (golf),
Josiah Dixon (golf), Steve Stone (volleyball), Jeff Scott (volleyball), and Megan Droog (curling) were all recipients of
the coveted award this season. To date Niagara College has now had 38 athletes receive the honour since it was
introduced in 2001.
http://goknights.ca/sports/wvball/2015-16/releases/20160227r7p9vs
http://goknights.ca/sports/mvball/2015-16/releases/20160225hmampn
Niagara Knights play host OCAA Women’s Basketball Championship
Ontario’s best women’s collegiate basketball players converged on the Welland Campus Athletic Centre in March for
the OCAA Women’s Basketball Championship. The Niagara Knights and seven other teams entered the three day
event looking for a gold medal and a berth in the CCAA National Championship. The tournament featured 11 games
over the course of three days, all of which were broadcast by students from the Broadcast, Radio, Television, and
Film program using their mobile production truck. The Humber Hawks captured their second consecutive
championship, defeating Mohawk. Despite dropping their opening contest, the Knights rebounded for a pair of
victories to cap off their season with the consolation final victory and 5th place overall.
http://goknights.ca/OCAAWBB/index
Recreation participation sees significant growth in 2016
The Athletics and Recreation department saw significant growth in participation in winter term campus recreation
programming with overall growth of 65% in student participation. Fitness class participation experienced a 190%
boost in student attendance resulting in an overall growth of 300% in fitness classes attended at the NOTL and
Welland campuses. On the intramural programming side, there was 35% growth in student participants. This was
highlighted by significant participation in newly added intramural offerings of bubble soccer and whiffle ball throughout
the semester.
Tech Report Night
TheSchool of Technology and the School of Academic studies will once again sponsor "Tech Report Night", an annual
event during which third year Construction Engineering Technology students present their technical report design
projects assigned in their final year Communication courses. Over the past two terms, student groups from the
Construction program have been working on design proposals for clients in the community. These comprehensive
proposals include a complete construction plan, a comprehensive budget, material take-offs, project management
information, and drawings. Project scenarios this year include new home builds, a major cottage renovation, and a
multi-purpose workshop/out-building.
The tech report project plays a critical role in the construction curriculum, serving as a capstone project combining
key construction and communication outcomes with instruction and guidance from Construction and English faculty.
The project has also proven instrumental in enabling the Construction Engineering program
to earn national accreditation. Students, clients, local industry partners, friends and family will be in attendance.
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NC Volunteer & Leadership Awards
Niagara College Volunteer & Leadership Awards (NCVLAs) were held on April 1st 32 students won at least one
award from numerous program areas across the College.
Project Brew
The senior class from NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program held Project Brew Springfest
on April 8th at the Market Square in St. Catharines. Project Brew represents the culmination of four semesters of
learning. Not only is the beer created by the students, but they also organize the festival. The theme this year was
the 500th anniversary of the German Beer Purity Law, the Reinheitsgebot. The festival featured 15 craft beers
individually created by NC students, starting at recipe design and ending in your sample glass. Traditional German
inspired class collaborative beer was also served from casks along with German inspired food.
Pillitteri Wine Label Project 2015
The LCBO is now carrying two bottles of wine featuring labels that were designed by Niagara College students!
Congratulations to Alissa Wright (Wine Business Management), Taylor Hulley (Winery & Viticulture), Jeff MacKay (Sales
& Marketing) and Telisha Mantini (Graphic Design) on their concept for the Pillitteri Blossom Rosé:
http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo/product/pillitteri-blossom-rose/441188#.Vt76UeYsBoN
Congratulations to Maura Casey (Wine Business Management), Jaclyn Harriman (Winery & Viticulture), Simon Price
(Sales & Marketing) and Alyssa Dressel (Graphic Design) on their concept for Pillitteri Revelry
Viognie: http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo/product/revelry-viognier/441170#.Vt76IuYsBoM
Me to We volunteer trip in Nicaragua
A group of Justice Studies students led by Police Foundations coordinator Jim Norgate rolled up their sleeves and
got to work as part of a Me to We volunteer trip this past Reading Week. The group departed on February 28th to El
Trapiche, in the Central Pacific Region of Nicaragua, where access to education has been a major challenge. They
spent 10 days of providing manual labour in the hot sun, in an effort to make a difference in a part of the world
dramatically different from their own. They were successful in preparing the ground for a new classroom which will
eventually be built on the land. The trip was supported by the College’s Be World Ready program, which offers
students’ opportunities participate in Study Abroad, Work Abroad or International Field Study experiences.
Staff
Janet Jakobsen – Honoured for Lifetime Achievement
Janet Jakobsen was recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement honour by the Professional Convention
Management Association (PCMA) as the 2016 Educator Honouree. Janet is a faculty member in the Event
Management program and is viewed in her profession as a trailblazer, being one of the first Canadians to obtain
the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation. She has always been a passionate advocate of industry
scholarships and her students have been awarded a variety of scholarships as a result.
VQA Promotors Award in Education at Cuvée
Staff and students from the Canadian Food and Wine Institute assisted at Cuvée held at the Scotiabank Convention
Centre on March 4th. Chefs Alex White and Sam Seaver worked together with student volunteers while NC winery
staff poured samples of “Balance Brut” during the gala and “Butler’s Bitter” and “Brewmaster Stout” at Après Cuvée
The VQA Promotors Award in Education was presented to Chef Professor Peter Blakeman in recognition of over two
decades of teaching. Peter has joined Professor Peter Rod and Jennifer Wilhelm who previously received this award.
Third Edition Textbook for Tom Keenan
Professor Tom Keenan recently had the 3rd Edition of his textbook “An Introduction to Child Development” published
by Sage Publishers. The popular textbook is aimed at university courses in Child Development and has been adopted
at post-secondary institutions in several countries including New Zealand, Germany, Australia, the USA, India, the
United Kingdom, and Canada. Tom co-authored the textbook with Subhadra Evans (Deakin University) & Kevin
Crowley (University of South Wales).
Western New York Advising Conference
Academic Advisors Jill English and Julie Stuart presented on ‘The Unique Advisement of the Non-Traditional and
Apprenticeship Student’ at the Western New York Advising Conference on February 24th. As the only Canadian
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advisors attending and presenting at the conference, the session was very well received and generated a variety of
questions and small discussion following the end of the presentation. The positive feedback from our American
colleagues and their genuine interest in our advising model at Niagara College made this a worth-while opportunity.
First Generation Conference
Staff Laura Cicchino (First Generation) and Lauren Smith (Peer Mentoring) attended the Annual First Generation
Conference in Ottawa and presented on Student Transition Supports offered at Niagara College.
Leap into Wellness Challenge
The Leap into Wellness Challenge ran throughout the month of February and encouraged NC staff to engage in eight
simple activities that will help them achieve balance in their workday. 122 employees participated in the challenge.
Wellness Day Event
The Wellness Watch Committee organized a Wellness Day event at each campus; March 7 at the Niagara-on-theLake campus and March 21 at the Welland campus. Over 200 employees attended the two events. These events
allow employees a chance to take time to reflect on personal wellness.
Economic Development – Research, Pathways and Partnerships
NSERC Funding for Second TAC
Niagara College was awarded a second Technology Access Centre (TAC) by the Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research Council (NSERC), this time for the CFWI Innovation Centre. As with our first TAC at the Walker Advanced
Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC), this $1.75M funding ($350,000/year for 5 years, renewable) will enable
NC to hire the staff necessary to offer technical services in food and beverage innovation, predominantly in food
safety, regulatory, analytical lab testing, and new product development. We will continue to expand our course-based
project offerings as well as longer, more complex co-funded applied research projects.
In other funding news, the Agriculture & Environment Innovation Centre received $135,710 from NSERC for its new
micrometeorology work, also supported through the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE).
Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre
On March 1st, Niagara College hosted members of the media at the Welland Campus for a hard-hat tour of the Walker
Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre building as it was nearing completion. Much press coverage resulted:
http://www.chch.com/niagara-colleges-walker-advanced-manufacturing-innovation-centre/
http://www.tvcogeco.com/niagara/gallery/the-source/7863-march-2016
Niagara College has now taken possession of the new building and the Research & Innovation Division will be moving
its Welland applied research and administration staff into it in early May 2016.
NC in full gear at Motorama
Niagara College and the Canadian Motor Speedway shared a booth at the recent Motorama Custom Car &
Motorsports Expo. The three-day event was held March 10th to 12th at the International Centre in Toronto.
Recruitment, Motive Power and the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre teamed up to showcase
programs and technology, along with the College's ongoing partnership with the Canadian Motor Speedway, to be
built in Fort Erie.
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NC at the CICan Research Symposium
Associate Vice President Marc Nantel and Manager of Dissemination & Outreach Carolyn Mullin participated in the
CICan Research Symposium in Winnipeg, in early March. Research Assistant, student Ryan Monkman,
accompanied them to present his project on the filtering of wine from lees. All three had the opportunity to meet
with Federal Minister of Science, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, who spoke at the opening reception. Marc Nantel
chaired and presented at the session entitled “Learning through Levity: Funny War Stories with Lessons Attached.”
School of Justice and Fitness Partnerships
Niagara Parks Police (NPP) has recently partnered with the Niagara College to offer ride-along and internship
opportunities. NPP was on campus March 14th for a recruitment drive to offer summer employment opportunities to
NC students as Provincial Offences Officers. NPP anticipates hiring up to 12 Provincial Offences Officers for the
summer.
Niagara Regional Police has expanded its volunteer program for Justice Studies, taking in students on a regular
basis in the Training Unit and the Dispatch Unit, as well as the Districts.
TriComm Security is presently engaged in discussions for potential partnering opportunities with NC. TriComm is a
large private security group with 55 locations across the country, including St. Catharines. They are offering
internships which may lead to job placement.
Niagara College has joined the ‘Exercise Is Medicine’ on Campus Canada’ initiative, led by Adam Upshaw, faculty
in the Fitness & Health Promotion program. Please see the following link for further information.
http://exerciseismedicine.org/canada/support_page.php?p=505
Constellation Brands Internship Opportunities
New global internship opportunities have been developed with Constellation Brands as a result of discussions with
senior Human Resources staff and a visit to the Canadian Food and Wine Institute.
Provincial / Federal Matters - Colleges Ontario
Dr. Marc Nantel Appointed as Chair of Heads of Research
Associate Vice President of Research and Innovation, Marc Nantel will be the Chair of the Heads of Applied Research
(HAR) in Ontario for the coming two years. This makes him a member of CICan’s National Research Advisory
Committee (NRAC), and includes him as HAR representative to implement the new $20M funding envelope for
college applied research announced in the Ontario Budget.
Simulation Equipment Funding Opportunity
23 proposals from Ontario colleges were submitted for Personal Support Worker (PSW) simulation equipment.
Collectively, a total of $1,965,000 worth of equipment was requested, while only $400,000 was available for
distribution. Niagara College received $10,995 to purchase equipment and supplies to enhance curricular delivery.
All purchases have been made and are currently supporting the PSW students in their lab class.
Speaker of the House Annual Tasting & Selection of Ontario Craft Beers
Staff from the Wine Visitor + Education Centre attended the Speaker’s Annual Tasting and Selection of Ontario Craft
Beers, held at Queen’s Park. Samples of Lager 101 and Bitter 101 from the Niagara College Teaching Brewery were
provided to guests.
Federal Government Announcement at Niagara-on-the-Lake Greenhouse
On Friday, April 8th, Niagara College was extremely pleased to host The Honourable Navdeep Singh Bains (Federal
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development) and Members of Parliament (MPs) Vance Badawey
(Niagara Centre) and Chris Bittle (St. Catharines) for a very successful event at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus
Greenhouse. Minister Bains announced that $34 million will be spent upgrading and improving broadband internet
service across Canada. Governors Del Rollo and Walter Sendzik were in attendance for the announcement.
Niagara College was also very fortunate to have the opportunity to provide a tour to Minister Bains and MPs Badawey
and Bittle of our Welland Campus, where the progress of the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre was
showcased, as well as some other Research & Innovation programs and facilities.
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Campus News & Initiatives
NC celebrates largest-ever personal donation
“Thank you, Eva.” That was the simple message expressed by hundreds of students, faculty and staff who gathered
in the Welland Campus Learning Commons on Monday, April 11th, to celebrate the largest personal gift in Niagara
College history. Eva Mary Lewis, a school teacher raised in Welland who had family ties to Niagara College, left $2.6
million to the college when she passed away in 2013 at the age of 99. The contribution will support the Achieving
Dreams Campaign, which is raising funds for Niagara College’s Capital Vision campus redevelopment projects,
scholarships and bursaries, and equipment and learning resources.
In honour of Lewis’s generosity, the heart of the Welland Campus has been officially named the Eva M. Lewis Library
and Learning Commons.
Lewis’s bequest followed years of generous giving to Niagara College that has already benefitted hundreds of
students. Her contributions to Niagara College began in 2000 when she gave a gift of $294,037 to Niagara College
to establish the Ellen and Patricia Lewis Memorial Scholarship in memory of her nieces, both of whom studied at
Niagara College, and both of whom passed away relatively early in life due to illness. Three Ellen and Patricia Lewis
Memorial Scholarships are awarded annually. In 2004 Lewis and her sister, Helen, contributed $170,790 – which
was matched by the provincial government for a total of $342,112 – to establish the Eva Mary and Helen Katherine
Lewis Bursary, through which 15 bursaries are awarded annually. Lewis’s $33,816 contribution to the College’s
Building Futures Campaign in 2008 supported the expansion and relocation of the Welland Campus library. To date,
almost 250 students have benefitted from the Lewis scholarships and bursaries.
Click the following link to view the Cogeco TV coverage of the announcement:
http://www.tvcogeco.com/niagara/gallery/the-source/7896-april/107118-26-million-gift
Left to right, Niagara College Student Administrative Council president Shane Malcolm; Marta Voege, cousin of
donor Eva Lewis and Niagara College president Dan Patterson with plans for the Eva M. Lewis Library and
Learning Commons at the Welland Campus.
OMAFRA Media Tour
On Sunday, March 6th, Niagara College had the honour of hosting 12 international journalists from 5 key markets
around the world (Germany, Brazil, Japan, the UK and the US) as part of an international media tour organized by
the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The journalists who attended write for trade
magazines and food/wine magazines, mostly geared towards executives and investors in the food and beverage
processing and production sphere. The goal of this tour was to precipitate media coverage of Ontario’s food and
beverage sector in global markets with a particular focus on this industry – coverage that reaches top decision makers
and investors and inspires them to invest in Ontario’s food and beverage sector.
The tour enabled us to showcase Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute (CFWI), including our Wine
Visitor & Education Centre (WVEC), Greenhouse, Teaching Brewery, CFWI Research & Innovation Labs and
Benchmark Restaurant. The journalists had the opportunity to sample some NC wine, beer and food, and left
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extremely impressed with their experience at Niagara College. The visit was a magnificent opportunity to promote
the NC brand to various markets around the world.
Spring Open House
Niagara College held its annual Spring Open House on Saturday, April 2nd from 10:00am to 2:00pm at both the
Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses. This important campus event is a key part of the conversion process
as applicants consider their final college choices. Niagara College also promotes this event to the public to encourage
members of the community to visit our campuses and learning enterprises. Program information sessions were
overflowing with interested prospective students and their families, while tours and academic displays also provided
opportunities for visitors to speak directly with Niagara College faculty, staff and students. Approximately 3,800
visitors attended the event and experienced Niagara College’s unique offerings and state-of-the-art facilities.
Matt Soos Memorial Scholarship
On February 19th, the Brewmaster Class of April 2015 gathered with the family of Brewmaster graduate Matt Soos
for a series of special cheque presentations. Matt succumbed to a brief illness last summer shortly after joining the
staff of Muskoka Brewing. As the sad news circulated, many people simultaneously had the idea of a memorial
scholarship. Matt’s classmates earmarked the profits from their very successful “Project Brew” event last April to a
scholarship fund. Gary McMullen of Muskoka Brewing brewed up a batch of Matt’s “Natterjack Toad” and donated all
proceeds to Niagara College. The Soos family held a fundraiser at Railway City Brewing, where Matt had worked
before attending Niagara College and also made a family donation. A grand total of $31,800 was contributed to the
Matt Soos Memorial Scholarship. This, along with an annual contribution of $1,500 from CFWI, will provide a
substantial annual scholarship to a graduating Brewmaster student.
Academic Support and Advisement Services
Academic Advising Services, represented by our Advisor from Trades and Technology, worked in partnership with
the Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSWD) in organizing four Apprenticeship Appreciation barbecues
throughout the month of March. These events enabled students to meet with other apprenticeship students, faculty
and staff and to highlight Student Services available to support them throughout their programs.
As part of the advising team’s work with Beacon (an academic early alert system) a series of workshops were
developed and delivered to target potentially at-risk students based on January student survey results. Topics
focused on developing skills in time management, note taking, test taking and achieving overall academic success.
Attendance is tracked as part of a student’s Co-Curricular Record and recorded within Beacon.
In addition to tracking workshop attendance within Beacon, Student Services is implementing a broader tracking
system to record student participation across various support services such as Academic Drop-In Sessions, Peer
Tutoring and Library Skills Sessions. This additional data provides the key information relating to the students they
see and will allow us to better evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Peer Mentoring
The Peer Mentoring Program has on-boarded the Hairstyling program as a full cohort. All students in their second
term will be trained and return in their next term as designated Peer Mentors to support transition and retention.
Incoming First Year Hairstyling students will be automatically matched with a mentor in September. This framework
is already in use in the Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant programs.
Leadership Exploration & Development Program
The Leadership Exploration and Development Program (LEAD) currently has 394 students receiving weekly updates.
Overall, 192 unique LEAD users participated in workshops this year, up 156% from last year.
Practical Nursing Program Receives Highest Ranking
On March 10th, the College of Nurses of Ontario's Council assessed the results of NC’s Practical Nurse (PN) diploma
program annual review. Based on the results, the Council awarded the Niagara College PN program an ApprovedCategory 1 status, meeting requirements for curriculum assessment and annual program metrics. This is the highest
ranking possible for the annual review.
Patient Safety Awareness Week
All Practical Nursing (PN) and Personal Support Worker (PSW) students were involved in 2016 Patient Safety
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Awareness Week (March 13th -19th). Sponsored by the National Patient Safety Foundation, Niagara College’s
PN/PSW programs partnered with the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and shared information about the Patient
Safety Awareness Week. This week was designed to mark a dedicated time and a platform to increase awareness
about patient safety among health professionals and healthcare students. As a result, the dedicated Lab Technologist
team in the simulation health lab (AH223) designated an area in the lab where students from each Clinical Class had
an opportunity to participate in the "Free from Harm Patient Safety Awareness Room".
Preparing and Networking for Work
The Educational Assistant & Special Needs Support program hosted a mini conference featuring information sharing
about community agencies as well as mock interviews to prepare students for upcoming job interviews. The event
was sponsored by numerous community partners such as the Niagara Children’s Center, Brain Injury Community
Re-Entry, Brain Injury Services Hamilton, District School Board of Niagara (DSBN), Niagara Catholic District School
Board (NCDSB), Bethesda Services, Christian Horizons, Community Living- St. Catharines, Fort Erie, and GrimsbyLincoln.
The Early Childhood Educator program also hosted a mini conference for all second year students. The conference
featured employers from NCDSB, DSBN and other private day care providers, as well as representatives from the
regulatory College of Early Childhood Educators.
Niagara Knights - Luciano Beradocco Memorial Award
The Niagara College Department of Athletics & Recreation introduced the Luciano Beradocco Memorial Award, at
the 47th Annual Athletics Award Banquet on April 8th. The award was dedicated to the memory of Luciano Beradocco,
affectionately known as ‘Luch’, after his sudden passing on October 19th, 2015 during a Knights soccer practice. Luch
was a key member of the Financial Services team at Niagara College, and was also a member of the coaching staff
for the Knights men’s soccer program. The award will be presented annually to an individual for outstanding
contributions to Niagara College Intercollegiate Athletics. Amy Olar, Athletic Therapist with the Knights, was named
as the inaugural recipient.
National Dental Hygiene Week
National Dental Hygiene Week (April 11th -15th) will be celebrated with on-campus festivities. Additionally, the Welland
Main Street Bridge will be illuminated purple for National Dental Hygiene week. The lighting occurred Wednesday
April 13th at dusk and stayed lit until midnight.
New Online Course - History of Brewing
History and beer enthusiasts will raise a glass to the latest online course offering from the College's Continuing
Education department: The History of Brewing. The new course is part of the College's Brewmaster and Brewery
Operations management program that has been developed for online delivery and made available to the public.
The course examines the relationship beer has had with humanity from the dawn of history to the present day. The
course explores the mystery of fermentation, beer’s central role in the development of ancient civilizations, the move
from medieval kitchens to commercial breweries, how beer shaped the New World, the link between location and
style, the development of a global beer style, and the current craft beer revolution.
Concierge Night
On April 12th, Concierge Night was held at Benchmark Restaurant. Attendees from local hotels came to see what
Niagara College has to offer with booths for Benchmark, the Greenhouse, and Niagara College Teaching Winery and
Brewery.
International Division
International Students
On March 15th, a variety of international exhibits were showcased at the Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland campuses
as part of our International Tuesday events, including cultural displays, ethnic foods and information about study and
work abroad opportunities.
International Partnerships
Niagara College International recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Roskilde Business
College in Denmark during a visit from their President, Dr. Jorgen Sloth. The MOU facilitates a co-operation between
both schools, starting with a group of their Global Business program student’s visiting Niagara College for ten weeks
this fall.
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Vietnamese delegation visit
Between April 4th and 15th, Niagara College (NC) had the honour of hosting a delegation of senior post-secondary
educational leaders from Vietnam’s Training Centers of Advanced Management (TCAM) in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.
This visit formed the first training activity of a two year leadership development project whereby NC is assisting the
TCAM management team in developing leadership and college management courses that will be offered to College
educators in Vietnam.
Niagara Falls Campus
A successful job fair was held at the Niagara Falls Campus on March 16. More than 40 employers participated and
600+ job seekers (students and community members) attended.
Upcoming Events
Niagara College Brewery Showcase Dinner
On April 23rd, the Niagara College Brewery Showcase Dinner will be held at Watermark Restaurant in Niagara Falls.
Brewmaster Jon Downing has select beers to be paired with the menu and will be presenting them throughout the
dinner. Niagara College Teaching Brewery’s Beer 101 series will be showcased.
Day of Reflection
Day of Reflection will be held on April 28th at the NOTL Campus this year. The day is focused on launching our
strategic planning process with our staff. Ken Steele, a post-secondary education futurist and president of Education,
will be our guest speaker.
Newfoundland Party: Chefs from ‘The Rock’
On April 30th, Top Chefs from ‘The Rock’ join us at the Canadian Food & Wine Institute for a truly Canadian, east
coast-inspired feast for the senses! 5 leading chefs from Newfoundland will create a feast of traditional east coast
foods with wine, beers and cider from across Canada and traditional Newfoundland music. Our Canadian Junior
Olympic Team will be supporting in the kitchen, as well.
The Chefs include: Murray MacDonald from Fogo Island, Todd Perrin from Mallard Cottage, Jeremy Charles from
Raymonds, Roary McPherson from Four Seasons and Roger Andrews from College of the North Atlantic.
The event begins with a reception with food & drinks from 6 pm to 7 pm, and from 7 pm to 9 pm, there is a family
style meal, including dessert. It all takes place in the college cafeteria, lower level at the Niagara-on-the-Lake
campus.
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