Rising up the ranks Meet Premier’s Award winner Captain (Navy) Rebecca Patterson
Just add water Aquaponics makes a splash at NC Greenhouse and beyond
In a Mann’s world Faculty member’s passion for skilled trades sparked right here at the College
Making the grade Proud staff and student achievements that put the ‘NC’ in excellence
encore APPLIED DREAMS.
THE MAGAZINE OF NIAGARA COLLEGE CANADA | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
Innovation lives here
New research centre powers up Niagara’s manufacturing scene
Teaching is our Passion. NC RESTAURANT
BENCHMARK
Learning is their Passion. Indulge your Passion.
NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING
WINERY
The Learning Enterprises at Niagara College’s beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake campus offer visitors a unique experience where food, wine and beer combine to treat your senses, a spa treatment will relax you and the aroma from the greenhouse will send you home smiling.
We invite you to experience Niagara College in a way NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING
BREWERY
you never thought possible - an oasis of hospitality and indulgence.
As we tell our students...
You’re going to like it here!
NIAGARA COLLEGE
SPA NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING
GREENHOUSE
niagaracollege.ca
14
myCollege
Encore is published annually by Niagara College Canada. Mailing address: Niagara College Canada 300 Woodlawn Road Welland, Ontario, Canada L3C 7L3
4
President’s welcome
5
At a glance
6 Guestbook 8
Making the grade
10
Recipe for success
11
CFWI stars shine at OHI gala
12
Dr. Amy Proulx pushes research boundaries
12
CFWI leading food and beverage innovation
Director Development Foundation and Alumni Relations Lyn Russo
13
NC story living on video
13
NC wins top environmental education award
Editors Julie Greco, Michael Wales
14
A new home for innovation
16
$1.2-million donation kicks off Achieving Dreams campaign
17
Celebrating athletic excellence
18
Aquaponics making a splash
19
Entrepreneurship takes off at NC
Photography Luke Gillett, Julie Jocsak, Julie Greco, Michael Wales, Sandra Ozkur
19
NC among Canada’s top research colleges
Graphic design Mark Hughes
myStory
Director Marketing and Communications Dorita Pentesco
Contributing writers Julie Greco, Michael Wales, Carolyn Mullin
17
My Connection writers Lyn Russo, Helen Armstrong, Wendy Dueck, Brianne McGrath
18
Comments are welcome. Contact encore@niagaracollege.ca
20
Grad profile: Rebecca Patterson
22
Faculty profile: Sarah Mann
24
Faculty profile: Janet Jakobsen
myConnection
22 26
26
Greenhouse projects go global
27
Me to We trip lays foundation for giving
27
The house that applied learning built
28
Niagara College Achieving Dreams campaign
29
Alumni council
30
Seafood Gala sets record
30
Niagara Casinos: 10 years of support
31
Scholarships support student success
32
Thank you to our supporters
34
Scholarships and bursaries
35
Alumni benefits and services
ON THE COVER Left to right: student researchers Ben Laurence and Stephanie Bucknall join NC researcher, professor and industry liaison Costa Aza at the site of the new Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre at the Welland Campus.
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 3
Welcome to the 2015 issue of encore. INNOVATION IS WEAVED THROUGHOUT THE FABRIC OF NIAGARA COLLEGE and it will soon have a new home at our Welland Campus. Construction is underway on the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, which creates a dedicated space for the faculty and student-led applied research projects that help our local manufacturers create new products and processes, and become more productive and competitive. Along with an expansion of our Canadian Food and Wine Institute, the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre is the first phase of our Capital Vision 2016 expansion project. The Centre is named for Niagara’s Walker Family and its company, Walker Industries Holdings Limited, which supported this project with a $1.2-million gift – the largest corporate donation in our college’s history. This generous gift marked the launch of our Achieving Dreams Campaign, which aims to raise $7 million in support of Capital Vision 2016. Learn more about our exciting plans and the campaign on pages 14-16 and 28 of this magazine. One of the great strengths of Niagara College is our faculty, whose commitment and expertise contribute greatly to our students’ success. Sarah Mann (page 22) and Janet Jakobsen (page 24) are wonderful examples of how our faculty’s wealth of experience and strong industry ties enhance the applied education that we provide. The Premier’s Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ontario’s college graduates and we at Niagara College take enormous pride in our nominees and recipients. We were extremely pleased that Captain (Navy) Rebecca Patterson (Nursing, 1987) was recognized with the 2014 Premier’s Award for Health Services. After graduating, Patterson joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1989, and now leads its 1 Health Services Group – as one of the highest ranking women in the Canadian military. Her fascinating story can be found on page 20. That’s just a small sampling of the exciting news, compelling stories and special achievements contained in this issue. I hope you enjoy the magazine and, as always, we’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to share your comments, feedback, questions or story ideas at encore@niagaracollege.ca.
Dan Patterson, PhD President, Niagara College Canada
myCollege
At A Glance RISE AND SHINE
GAME CHANGER
A new initiative by the Niagara College Student Administrative Council is helping to take a bite out of student hunger. Called Rise and Shine, the studentdriven initiative began last fall offering a free breakfast twice per week to students at The Core (Welland Campus) and The Armory (Niagara-on-theLake Campus). It is expected to return for a second helping in September.
NC and Brock University have agreed to launch a unique partnership that will allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree and an advanced diploma in game development in only four years – a process that would normally take seven. Under the GAME program, students will study at both institutions concurrently, and earn both an advanced diploma in Game Development from Niagara College, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Game Design or a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Game Programming from Brock University. The program will welcome its first cohort in September 2016.
PAM SKINNER APPOINTED VP CORPORATE SERVICES
BRANCHING OUT NC hosted its first-ever Earth and Arbor Day celebration on April 25 at the Welland Campus. The College community and the public were invited to attend a ceremonial tree planting for an edible orchard to be planted on the southwest end of the campus, and participate in a roster of activities and demonstrations focusing on sustainability. The event was organized by NC’s Office of Sustainability and was made possible through donations from the Niagara Community Foundation, while the edible orchard is being funded by Tree Canada’s Edible Trees program.
NEW CHEF MANAGER AT
benchmark
In April, the College welcomed Pam Skinner as the vice president, Corporate Services. Skinner arrived at the College from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities where she was chief administrative officer and assistant deputy minister, Corporate Management and Services Division. As a seasoned senior executive with the Ontario Public Service, she brings more than 30 years of public sector experience, including eight years as CAO and assistant deputy minister responsible for Corporate Services. As vice president, Corporate Services, she has executive responsibility for the operations of Facilities Management Services, Financial Services, Human Resources and Information Technology Services, as Teresa Quinlin moved to the newly-formed portfolio of Business Development.
College raises $40,000 for United Way
Alex White has joined the College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute team as the new chef manager at Benchmark Restaurant. White relocated to Niagara from Toronto. Working at Marben Restaurant with long-time friend Misha Nesterenko and Top Chef season two winner, Carl Heinrich, all meat and produce was ordered whole and processed entirely in-house. “Ingredient inspired and locally driven” became White’s nose-to-tail/farm-to-table passion which he has brought with him to Benchmark, and is reflected in the teaching restaurant’s new menu.
The spirit of giving is strong at Niagara College. As part of its 2014 United Way Campaign which wrapped up in December, the College donated more than $40,000 to the United Way of South Niagara. Funds were raised by staff and faculty pledges, and revenue from a variety of campaign fundraising initiatives since the campaign was launched in August 2014. Pictured: UWSN representative Deanna Pope (left) accepts a cheque from NC president Dan Patterson (second right), and NC’s United Way co-chairs Karen McGrath (second left), and Matthew Davies (right).
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 5
myCollege
Guestbook A glance at the special guests who have visited our campuses, strolled our hallways, toured our facilities and classrooms, and spoken with our staff and students since last fall.
U.S. Ambassador Bruce Heyman U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman visited Niagara College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus on May 15, 2015. Ambassador Heyman was accompanied by his wife Vicki Heyman and U.S. Consul General Jim Dickmeyer. His tour included stops at the Wine Visitor
Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell
+ Education Centre where he sampled the NC Teaching Winery’s Prodigy Icewine (2012), as well as the NC Teaching Brewery, and
As part of her first visit to the
culinary and research
Niagara region as Lieutenant Governor of
labs at the CFWI.
Ontario, The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell visited Niagara College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus on December 10. Her Honour toured the Wine Visitor + Education Centre and Teaching Winery, 40-acre teaching vineyards and the hops yard, the NC Greenhouse, as well as the Canadian Food and Wine Institute and CFWI Innovation Centre. She visited classrooms and discussed research and innovation projects with college students and officials.
Danny Raposo MasterChef Canada’s Danny Raposo made a special appearance at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus April 1, attending the World’s Largest Dessert Party. Hosted by students in the College’s Event Management (Graduate Certificate) program, the event was a fundraiser for the College’s Many Hands Project that supported renovations to Strive Niagara. Raposo wasn’t the only celebrity appearance at the event; a video message from Entertainment Tonight Canada’s Rick Campanelli was played for the crowd, to wish them well on an attempt to break the Guinness World Record. MasterChef Canada’s Danny Raposo is pictured (left) with Event Management student and event chair Madison Vine, Welland mayor Frank Campion, and Event Management program faculty Teri Canestraro.
6 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
Dan Gheesling
myCollege
Entrepreneur, author, and coach Dan Gheesling, who is best known as winner of the popular CBS Reality TV show Big Brother, visited NC on March 26. Gheesling spoke to guests about the importance of action-based leadership and motivation. The event was hosted by the College’s Centre for Student Engagement and Leadership, and the Niagara College Student Administrative Council.
Max Eisen Holocaust survivor Max Eisen delivered a powerful message to the
Ewald Notter and Paul Joachim
College and the community on April 8. His presentation, held in the Applied Health Institute auditorium at the Welland Campus, described the emotions of
Decadence 2015, the CFWI’s
those who, like him, experienced the horrors of the
celebration of chocolate and Icewine was held February 21-22. It featured a sweet roster of celebrity chefs who gave demonstrations at
Auschwitz-Birkenau camps. The event was organized by the College’s School of Justice and Fitness Studies.
the CFWI’s Hilton Culinary Theatre, including world-famous chocolate sculptors Ewald Notter and Paul Joachim. Joachim is pictured working on a sculpture of Culinary Management grad (2013) Megan
Jeff Leal
Proper, who is a member of Junior
On March 5, The Hon. Jeff Leal, Ontario’s
Culinary Team Canada.
minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, visited NC’s Wine Visitor + Education Centre to deliver good news for the province’s wine and grape industry. With local industry representatives in attendance, the minister announced two new programs aimed at increasing innovation in the wine and grape sector while growing sales of VQA wines and boosting tourism in Ontario’s wine regions. Following the announcement, the minister toured the Niagara College Teaching Winery, sampled its wines and learned about student projects.
Bernd Siener German chef Bernd Siener travelled across the Atlantic to visit the College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute. On March 21, he became the first European chef ever to be featured as part of the College’s Chef Signature Series. Siener combined techniques and food trends from his homeland with Canadian ingredients to produce a menu that wowed a soldout crowd. Siener was assisted in the kitchen by members of Junior Culinary Team Canada for the event. The team had the opportunity to meet Siener in Marburg, Germany in November when they prepared dinner at his restaurant – the Michelinstarred Marburger Esszimmer. Siener was also a guest speaker and gave demonstrations for the College’s culinary students during his time in Canada.
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 7
myCollege
Making the grade There has been plenty of ‘NC’ in excellence over the past academic year. Check out some of our College’s proud achievements.
Sweet success BREAKING A WORLD RECORD wasn’t just a pie in the sky idea for the College’s Event Management (Graduate Certificate) students. On April 1, they smashed the existing world record for the World’s Largest Dessert Party with 910 guests and more than 5,200 desserts – 4,100 consumed! – at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus. The previous record was set by Friendly’s Ice Cream in Wilbraham, Massachusetts in July 2013, including 794 people and more than 3,800 desserts. NC’s recipe for success proved to be a true testament to applied learning at Niagara College, involving hard work and extreme attention to detail. The event had to be tracked and counted meticulously and a video recording sent to Guinness World Records for official verification. An estimated $7,000 was raised for the College’s 2015 Many Hands Project which supported Strive Niagara – the icing on the cake!
Grape expectations A STUDENT-DESIGNED LABEL was selected by representatives from Pillitteri Estates Winery and the LCBO to appear on one of Pillitteri’s wines as early as this summer. The winning label, True North Riesling, was designed by Lisa Mancini (Graphic Design, third year), Nadia Dubeau (Winery and Viticulture Technician, first year), Paula Reile (Sales and Marketing, first year) and Warren Short (Wine Business Management). Four teams of NC students competed for the winning label for Pillitteri this year. “The future of wine branding, production, marketing and sales are in good hands with the students and graduates of Niagara College,” said Jeff Letvenuk, marketing manager at Pillitteri Estates Winery.
8 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
Raise a glass MADD VIRGIN CRAFT BREWED LAGER has been shortlisted for the Grand Prix New Product Awards of 2015. The alcohol-free craft brewed lager which was a collaboration between the College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute and MADD Virgin Drinks, was nominated by Tree of Life Canada in the Food Category. Released to the public last summer, MADD Virgin Craft Brewed Lager won a gold medal at the U.S. Open Beer Championships in 2014. Toronto-based MADD Virgin Drinks, which offers a full line of alcohol-free drinks and donates 10 percent of its net sales to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada, turned to Niagara College about three years ago to develop a recipe for a great-tasting craft lager with a 0 percent alcohol content, unlike similar products which contain up to 0.5 percent. The company tapped into the unique expertise and facilities of the College, which is home to Canada’s first teaching brewery as well as programs and capabilities in food and fermentation science, and sensory analysis.
myCollege
Picture perfect DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY GRAD (2014) KATIE WYATT captured first place at the 2015 Emerge Media Awards in April. Her photo, A Karsh Emulation of George Bernard Shaw, was completed during her time as a student at Niagara College as part of her second-year advanced portraits class. Her submission was among 30 entries in the photography category and three finalists shortlisted for the category were from NC. Eight NC students were shortlisted for this year’s EMAs: three for Digital Photography, three for Digital Design, and two for Audio Storytelling. Pictured above left: A Karsh Emulation of George Bernard Shaw. Pictured above right: Katie Wyatt (middle) with professors Stephen Dominick (left) and Grace Wileichuck-Smith.
Brighter smiles
Defining excellence THE COLLEGE’S TRADITION OF CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE continued on Niagara Day in August when three 2014 Awards of Excellence recipients were honoured. Winners included Fiona Allan, interim dean of Academic and Liberal Studies (Administrative Award of Excellence); Steve Collins, Pre-Health Sciences professor (Faculty Award of Excellence); and Jill English, academic advisor for the School of Environmental and Horticulture Studies, and Academic and Liberal Studies (Support Staff Award of Excellence). Pictured above from left: Jill English, Dan
SINKING THEIR TEETH INTO ORAL HEALTH earned staff and students
Patterson, Fiona Allan and Steve Collins.
from NC’s Dental Hygiene program an award from the Canadian Dental
Sparkling sensation
Hygienists Association. Last fall, Niagara College was announced as winner of the CDHA’s Oral Health Promotion Award in the Dental Hygiene
NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING
School category (sponsored by Crest Oral-B), for the promotion of oral
WINERY’S inaugural sparkling
health and the profession of dental hygiene in practice, schools and the
wine is giving three graduating
community through creative initiatives. It was granted for the efforts
students a new reason to
of Dental Hygiene professor Jennifer Turner and the graduating Dental
cheer. Chelsea Whipps
Hygiene class of 2014 who marked National Dental Hygienists Week with
(Graphic Design), Gaurav
a special event. Below, from left: Morgan MacLean, Hannah Vandelaar, Jessica King, Codie Peek
Ashwani (Wine Business
and Kimberley Mizzi celebrate the profession they are training to enter at the Applied Health Institute
Management), and
Feb. 27.
Christian Scagnetti (Winery and Viticulture Technician) designed the winning label selected by a panel of judges in March to appear on the Teaching Winery’s soon-to-be-released Sparkling wine. The label uses one of the Teaching Winery’s existing brands, called Balance, for the new product. Expected to hit the store shelves later this year, the College’s first-ever Sparkling wine marks a significant achievement for the Teaching Winery that serves to enhance the student experience and meet a need in the industry. Pictured (from left): Guarav Ashwani, Chelsea Whipps and Christian Scagnetti holding a bottle bearing their winning label design.
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 9
myCollege
Recipe for success Canadian Food and Wine Institute savours victory
NC’S OWN ‘IRON MAN’ TEAM CANADA RANKS FIFTH IN WORLD The World Culinary Olympics may be a year away but a team from Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute is already making its mark on the international culinary scene. Junior Culinary Team Canada – made up of CFWI students and recent graduates – won two medals at the Expogast Villeroy and Boch Culinary World Cup 2014, held in Luxembourg from November 22-26: a gold medal for its hot program and a silver for its cold program. While the gold and silver medals were awarded for points the team achieved in the hot and cold programs respectively, the team was ranked fifth in the world at the competition among 14 other countries. “It’s important to see where you rank in the world. I think that getting to the top five teams is exceptional,” said dean of the Canadian Food and Wine Institute, Craig Youdale. “I am proud of our team and look forward to moving that ranking up for the World Culinary Olympics and showing that the team from the CFWI can top the world.” This was the first international competition for Junior Culinary Team Canada. The team gained its title in a victory over culinary teams from Humber and Holland colleges at The Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs and Cooks Junior Culinary Team Selection Competition in October 2013. In addition to representing Canada at international competitions for three years, it won the distinction of representing Canada at the 2016 World Culinary Olympics in Germany.
DISHING OUT GOLD Benchmark Restaurant received the eighth annual Golden Plate Award from Les Clefs d’Or Niagara in December. The prestigious award is voted on by members of the local hotel concierge association, who select their top five restaurants adhering to strict guidelines pertaining to cuisine, service, atmosphere, guest feedback, and accommodations to a concierge calling for a reservation. In winning this award, Benchmark joins a list of some of Niagara’s finest dining establishments who were announced as previous winners including Peller Estates, Stone Road Grille, Toi Restaurant, Trius Restaurant at Hillebrand, AG Restaurant, Ravine Vineyard, and LIV Restaurant at White Oaks Resort. Pictured are Korey Rorison, public relations director, Les Clefs d’Or Canada (left); and Jamie Clarke, VIP concierge, Niagara regional director of Les Clefs d’Or (right); presenting the Golden Plate Award to Craig Youdale, dean of Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute (second left); and Sarah Scott, manager of dining operations, Benchmark Restaurant (second right). 10 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
Master Brewers Association of America awarded the Iron Brewer trophy to college staff member Alan Brown last fall for his Highland Gale Highland Ale. The competition challenges competitors to create at least 10 litres of beer in any style from a bag of specialty ingredients including several varieties of brewing grains, hops and yeast. Brown, who is the support liaison for the college’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program, is also a graduate of the program (2013). It was the second Iron Brewer win for Brown, who won third place in 2013 for his Spiced Winter Ale. Brown is pictured left with Paul Dickey, event organizer and member of the NC Brewmaster Program Advisory Committee.
SWIMMING SUCCESS Students Junghoon You and Katherine Kidnie earned feathers in their cap after winning gold at the Great Amazing Duck Race on March 28. The farm-to-fork culinary competition hosted by King Cole Ducks in Newmarket had teams of secondyear students from Ontario colleges – including George Brown, Fanshawe, Durham, Fleming, Centennial, and Humber colleges – competing for the title of Great Amazing Duck Race Chef Champion and cash prizes. This was the third year for the competition and an opportunity for the Canadian Food and Wine Institute to prove it has its ducks in a row – three, to be exact – as first-place champion each year of the event.
MAKING EMERIL PROUD A team from the CFWI won bronze at a recent Research Chef Association’s Culinology student competition, a product development challenge held at its annual conference and expo in New Orleans on March 26. Led by chef professor Ted Reader (pictured right), the CFWI team – called Northern Exposure – included three third-year students from the College’s Culinary Innovation and Food Technology (co-op) advanced diploma program: Gaetano Pugliese, Scott McInerney (of Junior Culinary Team Canada) and Beatrix Princz. They were among six teams selected to compete in the finals in New Orleans. The team was tasked with creating a retail/consumer food item from Chef Emeril’s Barbecue Shrimp with Rosemary Biscuit recipe. On the day of the competition, the team prepared the gold standard original recipe, while the judging panel made the team’s retail food item, with the goal of creating the perfect match.
ALL HOPPED UP Third year Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management student Nick Bobas proved that his beer recipe can stand strong against professionals. In March, his recipe won third place at the Great Ontario Hopped Craft Beer competition. Hosted by the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, the event brings Ontario hop producers and the Ontario brewing industry together to promote the use of Ontario-grown hops. Bobas partnered with Collingwood area hops farm Clear Valley Hops for the competition.
myCollege
LUCK OF THE IRISH Irish eyes are smiling on Brewmaster Strong Ale, making it the latest award-winning beer on the scene at the NC Teaching Brewery. In February, the 7.5 percent strong-yet-subtle ale won a silver medal at the Alltech Dublin Cup. It was the first time the beer had ever been entered in a competition. Representatives from Alltech visited the Teaching Brewery in late March to present the award to College brewers and students. Brewmaster strong is available for purchase at the Niagara College Teaching Brewery, located at the College’s Niagara-onthe-Lake Campus (135 Taylor Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake). Pictured from left are NC Teaching Brewery head brewer Rob Doyle; Alltech’s North America coordinator for Educational Initiatives Victoria Liu; NC brewmaster Jon Downing; Alltech sales and marketing assistant Jami-Rose Laing; first-level Brewmaster student Vandra Ruppel; and NC Teaching Brewery lead brewer Tanner Hinrichson.
FLOUR POWER AT SKILLS ONTARIO CFWI students proved they were the best in the province at the 26th annual Ontario Technological Skills Competition with two gold medals and four overall in the Postsecondary Baking and Culinary Arts categories. Sophie Maille (Baking and Pastry Arts) won gold and Anita Armenti Nadon (Baker-Patisserie Apprentice) captured silver in Baking; while Ramel Fortes (Culinary Management) won gold and Jesse Wallace (Culinary Management) won bronze in Culinary Arts. The largest skilled trades competition in Canada, the event was held in Waterloo in May.
CFWI stars shine at Ontario Hostelry Institute gala THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF CFWI staff and grads
recognizes the growth and development here
as her former position as a marketing and event
were in the spotlight at the Ontario Hostelry
at NC and that what we are achieving is being
coordinator for California Wines.
Institute’s awards event on April 23. Held
noticed by those in our industry,” said Youdale.
“Winning this award is a real thrill and a
in Toronto, the annual event celebrates the
Youdale joins a cohort of industry leaders
very special honour. It was so nice to see my
achievements of professionals in the culinary,
who have been honoured as a Fellow of the
accomplishments being recognized among some
hospitality and tourism industries.
OHI including Donald Ziraldo, Anita Stewart,
superstars in Ontario’s hospitality industry,” said
Mario Pingue, Anna Olson, Del Rollo and Debi
Hawley, 27.
CFWI dean Craig Youdale was inducted as a
Another Top 30 Under 30 recipient was Ben
fellow of the Institute – a recognition program
Pratt; as well as other NC staff members such
for professionals in Ontario that show leadership
as Dave Taylor, Jon Ogryzlo, Jeff Stewart, Peter
Lillico, a graduate of the college’s Culinary
and vision in the Hospitality and Culinary
Rod, Michael Olson, Peter Blakeman and Mark
Management, and Bachelor of Applied Business
Industry. The honour is awarded in recognition
Picone.
and Hospitality programs (2014). Lillico, 21,
of professional achievements, dedication and contributions to the culinary, foodservice wine and hospitality industry. “Everything about being a fellow of the OHI
NC was also well represented among the OHI’s Top 30 Under 30 Rising Stars. Brianne Hawley, wine student liaison who also coordinates social media and is a part-time
is a member and current captain of Junior Culinary Team Canada and chef de partie at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel and Spa in Cambridge. “I am very grateful for this award and I
applies directly to Craig Youdale. He is one of
instructor at the CFWI, received a Top 30 Under
those people who does wonders for food and
30 award. Hawley is a graduate of NC’s Tourism
cannot thank everyone who helped me to where
wine management,” said J. Charles Grieco, chair
Management, Business Development Co-op
I am now enough,” he said. “Lots of hard work,
and president of the Ontario Hostelry Institute.
program (2008), as well as its Wine Business
training and networking combined helped
“Great things are happening at Niagara College.”
Management graduate program (2009). The
me achieve a level where I was eligible to put
award recognizes her work at the College as well
together a portfolio to represent for this award.”
“The honour is important to me in that it
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 11
myCollege
Food scientist pushes research boundaries SHE’S GAINED WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION FOR HER INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO RESEARCH, AND HAS BEEN A KEY INGREDIENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF THE COLLEGE’S CANADIAN FOOD AND WINE INSTITUTE INNOVATION CENTRE. Meet Amy Proulx, PhD, professor and academic program coordinator for Niagara College’s Culinary Innovation and Food Technology program. Last year, she was the only North American to be named among the world’s top young food scientists by the International Union of Food Science and Technology. “Her selection as one of IUFoST’s Young Scientists recognizes that Dr. Proulx exemplifies excellence in the food science and technology profession,” said IUFoST president Pingfan Rao, PhD. Proulx joined Niagara College in 2011 as a professor and academic program coordinator for Niagara College’s Culinary Innovation and Food Technology program. She is also technical research leader at the Canadian Food and Wine Institute Innovation Centre. She holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in food science from the University of Guelph, and a PhD in food science and human nutrition from Iowa State University. Before arriving at NC, Proulx worked as a visiting research scientist with the United States Department of Agriculture in Ames, Iowa, as a research fellow with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, as well as at the Guelph Food Research Centre, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Her work as part of NC has included tests for the award-winning recipe for MADD Virgin Craft Brewed Lager, a high-quality non-alcoholic lager created in partnership with MADD Virgin Drinks; as well as testing in the creation of a botanical beverage with Niagara Essential Oils and Blends. “I’ve always been someone to push boundaries and expectations. How we approach research in an academic setting here at Niagara College is very revolutionary. We take an industry-first approach where we focus on providing solutions to help industry succeed – very different than most academic research where the researchers assume their findings will advance knowledge in the industry and find an application in the long run,” says Proulx. “It really is science in service to the industry which is what good applied research should be.”
CFWI leading food and beverage innovation
and medium-sized businesses in the thriving
for a key sector while creating exceptional
field of food and beverage innovation.
real-world learning experiences that link our
AMONG THOSE CELEBRATING THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE CANADIAN FOOD
Since the initiative was first announced in 2012, the Centre has transformed into four fully operational labs with specialized
students and faculty to industry.” In addition to working with Vij, the Centre has been involved in a broad range of
equipment and infrastructure to conduct
innovative industry-based projects, including
projects involving, but not limited to,
a partnership with MADD Virgin Drinks to
microbiology, shelf-life analysis, food
develop a craft lager with zero alcohol. From
chemistry and sensory analysis.
recipe development to creating the label, the
The Centre offers a full suite of services
research team was an integral part of the
AND WINE INSTITUTE INNOVATION CENTRE
to support industry innovation and
this past fall was Vikram Vij – a chef and
commercialization of new products and
Lager has North American distribution and
entrepreneur whose celebrated restaurants and
processes, including new recipe development,
earned gold in its category at the U.S. Open
former high-profile role on CBC’s Dragon’s Den
shelf-life testing and nutritional labelling,
Beer Championships.
have made him a household name in Canada.
as well as sensory analysis and consumer
Speaking at the grand opening ceremonies in November, Vij praised the Centre and its
process. Today, MADD Virgin Craft Brewed
preference studies.
“
The Canadian Food and Wine Institute Innovation Centre, located at the Niagara-
Leading in research and innovation is a
”
on-the-Lake Campus, was supported with
team of student, recent grad and faculty
key strategic priority for Niagara College,
significant funding from the Government
researchers for its innovative approach.
said College president Dan Patterson. “The
of Canada through the Canada Foundation
Canadian Food and Wine Institute Innovation
for Innovation, the Ontario Research Fund,
Innovation Centre, located at the Niagara-on-
Centre leverages our expertise in food and
and the Natural Sciences and Engineering
the-Lake Campus, provides solutions for small-
fermentation sciences to provide solutions
Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
The Canadian Food and Wine Institute
12 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
NC story living on video THE NIAGARA COLLEGE STORY has come to life through a series of student-centred videos. The videos build on the College’s brand and tell captivating stories of how Niagara College
myCollege makes ‘Applied Dreams’ come true. The project is part of a coordinated social
2014-2015 student recruitment campaign. The videos were developed by the Marketing
media campaign that uses the #myNCstory
and Communications department last spring
hashtag which creates a searchable link to the
and summer, and represent hundreds of hours
videos across different platforms, and allows
of video shoots, interviews and editing. Thirty-
students, staff, alumni and others to share
eight videos have been launched so far, with
their own NC stories through social media.
more in the works covering all of the College’s
The videos also play a starring role in NC’s
main program areas. “The videos are an effective tool for helping students understand the full range of benefits and experiences that come with Niagara College’s unique approach to applied education. These are the stories that define our tagline of ‘Applied Dreams,’” said Dorita Pentesco, director of marketing, communictions and recruitment. “The videos also give the public an inside look at Niagara College life and allow us to share with the public our student and graduate success stories, which are the heart of Niagara College.” View the videos by searching #myNCstory on YouTube or visit niagaracollege.ca/video.
NC wins top environmental education award ONE OF CANADA’S LEADING
EECOM director and co-chair of the awards
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION NETWORKS
committee. “The variety of programs offered
has recognized Niagara College for its efforts
– that focus on energy, waste, carbon, paper,
in raising the profile and understanding of
water, biodiversity, student engagement and
environmental issues.
more – highlight just how much sustainability
The Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM) selected Niagara College as the 2014
has been integrated into all areas of the College.” NC was nominated for the award by the
recipient of its Outstanding Postsecondary
Niagara Sustainability Initiative (NSI) – a local
Institution Award at its annual EECOM Awards
non-profit organization with a mandate to
of Excellence Ceremony in Ottawa last fall.
connect government, industry, community and
The EECOM Awards recognize individuals
academic sectors. Niagara College is a partner
and organizations who have collectively
of NSI.
influenced Canadians, and helped implement
“Niagara College has demonstrated its
one of EECOM’s key goals – to advance
commitment to environmental education and
environmental learning.
awareness for students, employees and visitors
“Niagara College’s enthusiasm for
by actively implementing a variety of unique
protecting and enhancing the environment
projects at Niagara College,” said Katrina
was apparent through its operational efforts
Kroeze, NSI’s executive director.
and student life,” said Nadine Lafort, an
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 13
myCollege
A new home for innovation
The College’s Research and Innovation division has been doing great work supporting the small- and mediumsized manufacturers in our region.
The expertise, innovation and ideas that drive Niagara’s advanced manufacturing sector will soon have a new, bigger home.
Walker Industries shareholder Sheila Bonapace
THIS PAST MARCH, SHOVELS HIT THE GROUND on the Walker
“The manufacturing sector is critical to our prosperity and that’s why
Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre – a specialized facility that
we are investing in the sector’s future by helping to build the Advanced
will house the labs, equipment, and student and faculty research teams
Manufacturing Innovation Centre,” said Ontario finance minister Charles
that assist local manufacturers.
Sousa at the groundbreaking event in March. “We’re also investing
Through applied research projects facilitated by its Research and
in these NC students, who will go on to be highly skilled workers and
Innovation division, Niagara College has been helping Niagara’s advanced
contribute to Ontario’s success. Smart investments like these are part of
manufacturers innovate, compete and create new jobs. The College has
our economic plan to make Ontario a better place to live, work and invest.”
long had the expertise and equipment that advanced manufacturers need,
The Centre will specialize in engineering design, 3D digital scanning
but it has lacked the dedicated space. The Walker Advanced Manufacturing
technology, lean manufacturing processes and additive manufacturing.
Innovation Centre changes that and will significantly enhance NC’s capacity
Research teams work with small- and medium-sized manufacturers to
for research projects that help manufacturers innovate.
bring ideas to life from concept through to the development of working
“Manufacturing accounts for 16 percent of Niagara’s GDP, with more
prototypes.
than 900 companies employing 21,000 people – or one in nine Niagara
The facility will offer 15,000 square-feet for innovation. The ground
workers,” said Marc Nantel, Niagara College’s associate vice president of
floor will include specialized labs with 3D printers, scanners, and other
research and innovation. “We’re committed to helping them grow their
equipment along with office space for student and staff scientists, and
business and with growth comes opportunities for new jobs.”
researchers. It will also offer flexible lab space that can be used by
The Centre has been named in recognition of a $1.2-million contribution from Niagara’s Walker family and its company, Walker
industry partners as incubation space. The top floor will house Niagara College Research and Innovation
Industries Holdings Limited. The contribution is the largest corporate
offices, and space for ncTakeOff – the College’s entrepreneurship hub.
donation in Niagara College history.
Research and Innovation’s digital media and web solutions group will also
“The College’s Research and Innovation division has been doing great work supporting the small- and medium-sized manufacturers in our region,” said Walker Industries shareholder Sheila Bonapace. “We see our gift as enabling many more success stories by supporting the next generation of innovators who will impact the prosperity of our region.” First conceived in 2008, the vision for Niagara College’s Walker
be on the second floor, along with meeting and conference space. While advanced manufacturers are the obvious beneficiary, it’s great news for faculty, students and the community. “I always say that the beneficiaries are the students, who get a better education through hands-on experience with real problems, with real deadlines, real budgets and real industry partners; the faculty, who get
Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre has evolved with the industry
professional development and who get to teach in a different way; and the
itself. And what those seven years have shown is that there is a great
company that’s getting a solution to its problem, a new product, a new
need for the expertise, equipment, and resources that NC’s Research and
process or a new service,” said Nantel. “It benefits the College, which
Innovation division brings to the table.
strengthens its role in economic development, and it benefits society in
It’s a need that has been recognized by the Province of Ontario, which stepped in with a $4.2-million investment toward the development of the Centre.
14 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
general by creating jobs and increasing productivity.”
myCollege Artist’s rendering of the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre at Niagara College’s Welland Campus
Innovative solutions for industry BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT NIAGARA have been able to boost their
the challenge of dealing with the increasing demand for a 10-tonne
productivity and competitiveness by working with NC researchers.
aluminum gantry crane, they tapped into the expertise and resources of
The Brauweiler Group is one of them. The company turned to
the College’s research team. Using the existing five-tonne gantry crane
NC’s research team after designing an all-metal foldable medical
as a benchmark, College faculty and student researchers worked with
compression stocking donner, a device used to help people with mobility
the company to design a new 10-tonne aluminum gantry crane that
issues. The challenge was to reduce the cost per unit on the product.
incorporates many of the parts currently used in the five-tonne model.
The College’s student-faculty research team improved the design and
College researchers also provided engineered drawings for new parts,
the cost per unit was reduced by more than 36 percent. The research
along with stress analysis reports for the new crane, validating its usability
team also produced a folding, injection-molded donner prototype that
and safety. Thanks to this work, the company has secured a $25,500
could further reduce the price-per-unit, along with engineered drawings
purchase order for a new crane and hired a new staff member.
and a 3D printed working prototype that Brauweiler Group can use to showcase to potential distributors. “It has been truly inspiring working with the research team,” noted
“We now have the sense that we have a resource with the Innovation Centre. We can take the resource to our engineer and we can have confidence that when we build the prototype, it will work the first time,”
Ted Beaudoin of the Brauweiler Group. “They have shown us a lot of
said company president Mike Flynn. “It’s not seat-of-your pants any
impressive techniques and abilities from which we have gained valuable
longer for us. They were professional, they were open and when they said
knowledge on product design and how to improve our product.”
they were going to do something, they did it. And the results speak for
Niagara Falls-based Easily Moved Equipment (EME) is the only
themselves.”
crane fabricator that offers a five-tonne aluminum gantry crane. Facing
Real-life research enhances applied education WORKING AS RESEARCHERS, NC STUDENTS are able to gain valuable real-world experience working with industry partners.
By working on industry projects, such as designing a specialized cleaning machine for a landscape company, Bucknall is able to gain
Stephanie Bucknall is in the middle of a several research projects
relevant experience in 3D design and related software programs, while
with the College’s Research and Innovation division. While her previous
learning the subtler art of business relationships, meeting clients, and
studies involved the culinary arts and welding, the Mechanical Engineering
dealing with their wants and needs.
Technology student says that time spent in the working world helped her see herself pursuing a different path. “I was looking at the types of jobs and where I could take my career.
“Some days it’s experimenting, some days it’s working on the computer, some days it’s meeting with the industry partner to get over the hump of some stumbling block. I enjoy being able to design, to
I didn’t want to be just a labourer; I wanted to be a little more creative,”
create, but also to learn the administrative side of business as well. It’s a
she said, noting that she has not only found that creative outlet through
well-rounded experience.”
her current studies, but through her project work at the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.
Ben Laurence’s long-term goal is to pursue aerospace engineering, but in the meantime, he has been gaining valuable experience with
>>>
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 15
myCollege
continued the short-term goal of helping industry clients in need of advanced manufacturing solutions. The research associate graduates this spring from the Mechanical Engineering Technology program. While he has been with Research and Innovation for the past two-and-a-half years, he recently took on a supervisory role overseeing aspects of all projects, while maintaining
$1.2-million
donation kicks off Achieving Dreams Campaign NIAGARA’S WALKER FAMILY, AND ITS COMPANY, Walker Holdings Limited, announced this spring that it will provide $1.2 million – the largest corporate donation Niagara College has ever received – in support of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.
a full course load and consulting with industry to keep his skills and knowledge up to date. “I love that there is something new to pursue every day. Every few months we are working on a completely different project that challenges us,” he says. “Because of my work with Research and Innovation, I have absolutely fallen in love with everything research and development and I now know that I’m going into design work – whether in prototypes or in designing novel things. I’ve found my calling, you could say.” “Having the students work with us in the Centre gives them great opportunities to work directly with industry, to gain that real-world experience they just can’t get in the classroom alone,” says Costa Aza, researcher and industry liaison. “As a faculty member, I can also keep current with what industry wants and needs, and then go back and integrate that into the curriculum to share with all the students.”
Allan Schmidt, president and CEO of Vineland Estates Winery and chair of the Niagara College Board of Governors; Dan Patterson, Niagara College president; Marc Nantel, Niagara College associate vice president of Research and Innovation; Niagara College students Dave McKechnie, Nahieh Toscano Miranda and Ben Laurence; Sheila (Walker) Bonapace; and John Fisher, president and CEO of Walker Industries.
The donation was announced at the Niagara College Foundation’s Seafood Gala in April, in front of a crowd of more than 650 business,
A homecoming for centre manager
education and community leaders. It marked the launch of the
THE WALKER ADVANCED MANUFACTURING INNOVATION CENTRE
million in support of the Capital Vision expansion project.
will be managed by Jim Lambert, a graduate of Niagara College’s Mechanical Engineering program who knows the capability of the College’s researchers first-hand. Lambert comes to NC after a 33-year career with local manufacturer Bosch Rexroth Canada, where he rose from a designer-draftsman to CAD administrator and design engineering manager. Lambert calls his new position a homecoming. In addition to being a grad, he’s been actively involved in the mechanical engineering program advisory committee and alumni board. In addition to government- and industry-funded research projects, the Centre offers a way for industry to access the equipment and services through a fee-for-service program. Lambert will be responsible for overseeing this program. While at Bosch Rexroth, he saw first-hand how NC faculty and student research teams can help a company solve challenges – in his case it was through leading-edge 3D technologies. “I really connected with what the College is doing for those in manufacturing in our region,” he said. “I understand the challenges that exist with smaller companies in the region, wanting to have a competitive edge but being too small or not having the resources to gain the needed traction. “The Centre and the College infrastructure allow us to offer industry this new technology and to give them a competitive edge.”
foundation’s Achieving Dreams Campaign, which aims to raise $7 “All of us at Niagara College are extremely grateful to the Walker family and Walker Industries for their generosity,” said president Dan Patterson. “While this is a gift to Niagara College, it also supports innovation and economic development in the Niagara region. It’s a true cause for celebration.” Walker Industries is a fifth-generation family business with its roots in Niagara, and facilities across Canada and the U.S. It is comprised of a diversified group of companies, including aggregates and road building, emulsions and waste management businesses. The company’s head office is in Niagara, as well as several of its operating facilities. “On behalf of our family and our employees, we are incredibly proud to invest in Niagara College through its Achieving Dreams Campaign,” says Sheila (Walker) Bonapace, a Walker Industries shareholder. “For businesses like ours that depend on skilled workers that our college educates and trains, it’s important that we support this campaign. The future of our region depends on it.” Named the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Centre in recognition of the Walkers’ generosity, the Centre will significantly enhance NC’s applied research projects, where faculty and student research teams work with small- and medium-sized manufacturers to innovate and solve operational challenges. It is a key element of the College’s Capital Vision 2016 expansion project – the first phase of which will also include an expansion of the Canadian Food and Wine Institute, to help meet a growing demand for Niagara College’s culinary, wine and brewing programs. Learn more about Niagara College’s Achieving Dreams Campaign on page 28.
16 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
myCollege
Celebrating Athletic Excellence IT WAS A BANNER YEAR FOR THE NIAGARA COLLEGE KNIGHTS. The 2014-15 intercollegiate athletics
The women’s volleyball program also enjoyed a dominant 2014-15 season. The team finished the regular season with an
season saw NC teams capture five national
impressive 15-3 record, and headed to
and provincial medals, including the 32nd
Redeemer University College in Ancaster
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
looking for its first medal since 2003.
provincial and seventh Canadian Colleges
After dropping the opening match, the
Athletic Association national championships
Knights dominated its next three opponents,
in school history.
including an emphatic three-set sweep over
In October, women’s golfer Lorelle Weavers won the 2014 CCAA women’s golf national
the Trent University Excalibur to capture the OCAA bronze.
championship in a rain soaked affair at the
The Knights also enjoyed a fantastic
Club du golf Lorette, just outside of Quebec
year in regard to academic performance,
City. Weavers’ two-round score of 154 saw
as a record seven Niagara College student-
her finish two strokes ahead of the second-
athletes received a prestigious Academic
place competitor.
All-Canadian award. The recipients included
The win capped off one of the most
program (Bailey Cochrane, Steve Stone
En route to the CCAA Championship,
and Aaron Vanderlugt), two members of the
Weavers was nearly perfect, shooting the
women’s soccer program (Jackie Lawther and
lowest women’s score in eight of her nine
Nicole Forbes), women’s volleyball player
competitive rounds. She captured three
Lucy McLay, and women’s golfer Lorelle
invitational tournament championships and
Weavers.
In recognition of her athletic
Weavers’ selection marks the second has been named an Academic All-Canadian
the seventh CCAA All-Canadian in Niagara
and All-Canadian in the same season, while
College history.
Cochrane is the fourth Knight to be named a two-time Academic All-Canadian.
in 2014-15 was the Niagara College men’s season with an impressive 12-6 record, the
The 2014-15 intercollegiate major awards winners include:
Knights captured the OCAA men’s volleyball
Jeff Scott, Male Athlete of the Year/men’s
provincial championship in emphatic
volleyball; Lorelle Weavers, Female Athlete
fashion, defeating the top-seeded Mohawk
of the Year and Top Female Scholastic/golf;
Mountaineers, along with the Fanshawe
Anthony Stranges, Male Top Scholastic/
Falcons and host St. Clair Saints to secure
men’s soccer; Courtney McPherson, Female
provincial gold. The win marked the first
Rookie of the Year/women’s basketball;
team sport OCAA Championship for the
Delroy Grandison, Male Rookie of the Year/
Niagara College Knights since 2004.
men’s basketball; Miranda Ross, Female
volleyball program. After finishing the regular
The Knights then headed to Charlottetown, PEI for the CCAA national championship.
Men’s Volleyball CCAA Nationals
time in NC history that a student-athlete
accomplishments, Weavers was named
Joining Weavers on the medal podium
Men’s Volleyball OCAA Champs
three members of the men’s volleyball
dominant golf seasons in CCAA history.
the OCAA women’s golf silver medal.
Lorelle Weavers CCAA women’s golf national champion
Men’s Volleyball CCAA Bronze Medals
Women’s Volleyball OCAA Bronze win
Leadership/women’s basketball; and Steve Stone-Male Leadership/men’s volleyball.
After an upset in its opening match, the team rattled off three straight victories to capture the first-ever team sport CCAA national medal in Niagara College history.
Intercollegiate award winners
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 17
myCollege
Aquaponics makes a splash
Having fish travel a short distance to your plate... makes it a very attractive project to pursue.
WHAT STARTED OUT AS ONE STUDENT’S
and can be challenging to be successful, but
“The majority of tilapia come from foreign
class project has turned into a teaching and
it is certainly worth pursuing if we can expand
waters where water conditions are questionable.
research focus across several areas of learning at
our local food sources and choices,” notes
Having fish travel a short distance to your plate
the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus.
Blankenburg.
from a closed and controlled system where
Joshua Petzold, a student in the Greenhouse
By the following term, Blankenburg had
water quality is a high priority makes it a very
Technician co-op program, put together an
integrated teaching the system into her
aquaponics project in the winter of 2014 for one
Sustainable Food Production course, and
of his courses. Aquaponics is the combination
assisted the Innovation Centre with a successful
new system, while offering a living teaching tool
of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics
federal funding grant to put a bigger, proper
for both horticulture and culinary courses. The
(growing plants without soil) into one closed-
system in place.
Innovation Centre team is also actively recruiting
loop, sustainable system that uses the fish
In March 2014, the Natural Sciences and
attractive project to pursue,” Blankenburg notes. Blankenburg will continue fine-tuning the
research projects with industry partners, by
waste to provide an organic source of nutrients
Engineering Research Council of Canada
exploring the production of different, potentially
for hydroponically grown plants. In other words,
awarded Niagara College funding from the
higher-value crops than leafy greens, as well
sustainable food production happens both in the
Applied Research Tools and Instruments
as studying the possibility of raising koi, trout,
water and above it.
Grant to purchase and install two independent
bass or other fish using this system. Trout
aquaponics systems, including four 110-gallon
could potentially be used to recharge natural
system remained in the greenhouse, tucked
fish tanks and eight grow beds with a total of
areas, while this type of research would also
away in a corner reserved for the projects of
144 square-feet for hydroponic growing, along
work in concert with yet another program at the
the College’s Agriculture and Environment
with aquariums for breeding.
College: the Ecosystem Restoration (Graduate
When the project concluded, Petzold’s small
Innovation Centre. Tanya Blankenburg, Horticulture and
Today, the bright blue fish tanks and pale blue growing boards filled with leafy greens take up
Certificate). Petzold’s experience in the classroom and
Greenhouse professor and a researcher with
a little more room in the main greenhouse. The
through research projects with the Innovation
the Innovation Centre, took over the feeding
greens are being harvested on a regular basis
Centre helped him land a job offer before
and care once the school term was over, and
to be prepped by the students of the College’s
graduation. He will be working with Great
began researching how to further incorporate the
Canadian Food and Wine Institute, and served in
Northern in Leamington in the very near future.
aquaponics system into the College.
Benchmark restaurant. Eventually, tilapia will be
“Managing both sides (aquaculture and
grown in the tank to be harvested and served at
hydroponics) together is new for most people
Benchmark – the College’s teaching restaurant.
18 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
Pictured above: Professor and researcher Tanya Blankenburg works on aquaponics in the NC Greenhouse.
myCollege
Entrepreneurship takes off at NC
A NEW ENTREPRENEURSHIP HUB is weaving a spirit of entrepreneurship throughout NC. Called ncTakeOff, the initiative expands the College’s entrepreneurship activities across all
facilitating connections between student
programs, while increasing student access to
entrepreneurs and off-campus service providers.
experts, mentors, events and on-campus and
ncTakeOff launched an on-campus think
community opportunities.
tank earlier this year, and joined the College’s
“ncTakeOff strengthens the spirit of entrepreneurship that exists at Niagara College
partners to showcase the Niagara region at this
and across the Niagara region,” said president
year’s Ontario Centres of Excellence Discovery
Dan Patterson. “It benefits students and
conference.
local business, and it reflects our College’s
ncTakeOff is funded by Niagara College and
commitment to providing unique learning
the On-Campus Entrepreneurship Activities
environments directly linked to our regional
(OCEA) program. OCEA is an initiative of the
economy, driven by entrepreneurial thinking.”
Government of Ontario, under the Youth Jobs
Led jointly by the College’s Business, Hospitality and Environment and Media, Trades
Pictured: Rachel Crane, project manager of ncTakeOff, addresses the crowd at the launch on Feb. 4.
Research and Innovation division and other
Strategy, and is managed by Ontario Centres of Excellence.
and Technology divisions, ncTakeOff leverages
Ontario is investing $295 million over two
synergies with NC’s Research and Innovation
years in the Youth Jobs Strategy to help 30,000
division and collaborates with existing resource
more young people connect with the tools,
centres for entrepreneurs in Niagara.
experiences and entrepreneurial support they
Since its launch in February 2015, ncTakeOff
need to find employment or start their own
has hosted programming on campus including
businesses. More than 20,000 jobs have already
mentor presentations, networking events and
been created under the Youth Jobs Strategy.
entrepreneurial education workshops, while
NC among Canada’s top research colleges
Research & Innovation
FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR, Niagara
to partner with small- and medium-sized
College is among Canada’s top 15 colleges for
businesses in the region to conduct projects
research funding, according to a new national
that provide innovative solutions for industry.
study released earlier this year.
These include producing and testing
In its report, Top 50 Research Colleges,
prototypes, evaluating new technologies, and
Research Infosource Inc. ranked Niagara
developing new or improved products and
College 12th based on total research funding
processes.
numbers for 2013. This represents one move
President Dan Patterson noted that
up from the inaugural report in 2014, which
supporting economic development in Niagara
placed the college at 13. For the second
by leading in research and innovation is a key
year in a row, Niagara College was also fourth
strategic priority for Niagara College.
among Ontario’s five leading colleges. The study also shows that Niagara College’s research funding increased by more than
Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre
“This report shows that we’re making important progress in that regard. The research funding we’re able to attract funds
Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Ce
24 percent between 2012 and 2013, up to
projects that help local companies innovate
$4.036 million in 2013 from $3.246 million.
and create jobs, while connecting our students
The 2013 figure represents a 52 percent
and faculty to industry,” said Patterson.
increase from two years previous, when
“We’re grateful that the provincial, regional
research funding totalled $2.644 million in
and federal governments have made these
2011.
important investments in innovation in
Research funding allows the College
Agriculture & Environment Innovation Centre
Niagara.”
Agriculture & Environmen Innovation Ce
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 19
myStory
Grad profile
Rising up the ranks
Rebecca Patterson WHETHER IT’S THE THREAT OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL
served her and her country well over the course of her career. “That’s when
WEAPONS, the thundering boom of a grenade just steps away, or
I realized, ‘I can do this. I’m actually good at this,’” she recalls.
conditions so severe there is no clean water to help the injured – none
Patterson excelled at NC, rising to the top of her class. She earned the
of these could stop Captain (Navy) Rebecca Patterson from tending to
Top Student award when she graduated and became the valedictorian
patients and serving her country since she enrolled with the Canadian
for the Class of 1987. She still remembers how she felt addressing the
Armed forces as a young navy nurse. They’ve only made her stronger.
auditorium crowd on convocation day, wearing her little white dress and
Now, this self-professed “navy girl,” who graduated from NC’s Nursing
lace-trimmed nursing cap. “I was terrified,” admits the now frequent public
program in 1987 and has had a series of deployments in war zones
speaker. “My message to the graduates was that it’s OK to question what
overseas, is at the heart of the Canadian Armed Forces – and one of the
you’re doing because it will make you better in the long run.”
highest ranking military women in western Canada. As the Commander of
As a top student, Patterson was selected for a placement at St.
1 Health Services Group with the Canadian Armed Forces headquartered in
Catharines General Hospital and continued her work in the Intensive Care
Edmonton, AB, Patterson leads all military medical units located between
Unit there after earning her Nursing diploma. She continued to work at the
northern Ontario to British Columbia and including the Northern Territories
hospital as well as a job as an occupational therapy nurse at Fraser Paper
up to the Arctic, and is responsible for the delivery of healthcare to all
in Thorold until joining the Canadian Armed Forces as an officer in 1989.
army, navy and air force personnel located in the area as well as ensuring
After completing her basic officer training, basic nursing officer training
all military medical personnel are fully trained and ready to deploy overseas
and military training courses, she was sent to the National Defence Centre
or in Canada for any type of military mission or operation.
in Ottawa as a ward and critical care nurse. The Cold War had just ended
Patterson’s highly successful career has earned her several military
and then Iraq invaded Kuwait, marking the beginning of the first Gulf War
commendations from 1991 to 2013, as well as civilian awards, including
(the Gulf and Kuwait Conflict) in 1991. The young navy nurse did not shy
the prestigious Premier’s Award in Health Sciences in November 2014 and
away from the prospect of working in a war zone.
a Global Edmonton Woman of Vision award in December 2014. Daughter of a Canadian submariner and British navy nurse, Patterson
“We did a happy dance,” she says, recalling how she and her friend felt when they received news of her first overseas deployment to Saudi Arabia
(nee Gowthorpe), has had her course set on adventure since childhood. A
with 1 Canadian Field Hospital. “I’m an adrenaline junkie. It’s the thrill
“vagabond child,” she was in high school when her family moved to St.
and the excitement of youth and people who seek out the unusual. This is
Catharines. She attended Lakeport Secondary before travelling to Australia
me and who I am. It was like, ‘I’m so privileged and honoured to be there
as part of an exchange program with the Rotary Club of St. Catharines. It
under the Canadian flag.’”
was her love for travel led her to pursue nursing, after a visit to a Canadian
Patterson was among the only Canadian ground troops during the Gulf
Forces recruiter told her that her first choice – becoming a pilot of a ship –
and Kuwait Conflict, and was part of the medical team sent to augment a
was not an option for women at the time. “They said, ‘you can’t be a sailor,
British Army field hospital. As a 23-year old critical care nurse, she found
you can be a nurse,’” she recalls. “I always had a very adventurous spirit.
that NC had trained her well. She was completely prepared with the skills,
And I loved M*A*S*H… it was my favourite show.”
nursing knowledge and patient-centred approach needed. “The challenge
She enrolled in NC’s Nursing program which was a three-year diploma
wasn’t how to provide basic nursing care in that environment, it was the
program that ran out of the Mack Centre of Nursing Education in St.
type of threat from the enemy and what could happen to us while we were
Catharines. For Patterson, NC was not only where she acquired the skills
trying to do our jobs,” she said. “As a young nurse, I had to protect myself
that laid the foundation for a highly successful career, it is where she
against the threats that would kill me in a flash and at the same time be
discovered her niche. The more she succeeded in the classroom and clinic,
able to continue treating casualties and get them to a safer place and out
the more confidence she gained, along with a can-do mentality that has
of further harm’s way. You have to have the basic nursing skills there so you
20 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
myStory can focus on your protection in order to protect the life of your patient.” That was just the beginning of Patterson’s overseas missions. She
Armed Forces Academy of Medical Sciences where she led a multinational team of medical advisors who assisted the Afghan Army and police force
was deployed to Somalia where she was in charge of a section of
to re-establish their medical education and training system which had
medical technicians who provided medical and surgical care to the
been destroyed by the Taliban. Under her leadership, her team worked
Canadian Airborne Regiment. She also voluntarily provided humanitarian
collaboratively with their Afghan counterparts and among many educational
development work at a Somali hospital. The mission changed her
programs, succeeded in developing the medical curricula for seven
profoundly. From an ethical standpoint, she says, Somalia grounded her.
physician medical specialties which were subsequently adopted as a
It was where she became aware that, as a nurse, she could express what
national standard of education for Afghanistan in 2012.
she believed as a professional, as well strongly advocate on behalf of her
Being away from her family for more than a year was difficult. Even at
patients or reduce their suffering and ensure optimum outcomes. She
home however, as a mother of two teenaged children, a “hockey mom,”
learned how best to protect her subordinates from things that could hurt
and the wife of an air force logistics officer who is currently posted in Cold
them psychologically or professionally in the long run. Later, while pursuing
Lake, AB, Patterson admits it can be challenging to juggle the demands of
her BScN and nurse practitioner degree in Ottawa, she was asked to testify
her career with those of parenthood. “Work-life balance, I think, is a myth
at the federal Inquiry into the Somalia mission and was asked to participate
created by some sociologist,” she says. “I think it means being able to
in a cultural assessment of the Canadian Airborne Regiment that was
make priorities with a vision of the long term – to weigh the impacts of the
completed as part of the Inquiry process.
professional decisions of a job I love doing, based on the love I have for my
Even with the threat of danger around her as she worked in the austere
family and the fact that they will be with me forever,” she says.
desert conditions in Somalia as a member of the Canadian Airborne
It’s a challenge only few in the military can relate to. With women
Regiment, or while she was tending to the local critically injured Somalis
representing only 14 percent of the military, Patterson has always found
while doing humanitarian work in the civilian Belut Heun hospital
herself in the minority – overseas or at home. In Somalia she was among
emergency room, Patterson’s sense of duty and confidence in her soldier
only nine women of the 2,000 deployed. In her current post, there are no
and nursing abilities outweighed her sense of fear, allowing her to rise to
other females of her rank. Consequently, she has become the Edmonton
any challenge. “I have always done better when it’s complex and chaotic. I
Regional Champion for the Defence Women’s Advisory Organizations.
have learnt in retrospect that I have an ability to create order out of chaos. It sounds crazy but I think it’s what critical care nurses do,” she says. “I
“From when I joined in 1989 to now, I have never been limited by my gender in any way,” she says.
They said, ‘you can’t be a sailor, you can be a nurse.’ think at the base root of me, I always want to save people. I feel fear like
She finds the challenges of her occupation well worth the rewards –
everybody else but I trust my training to protect myself and my patients.”
the greatest of which has been the opportunity to serve her country by
After Somalia, Patterson was hand-picked for additional leadership
providing the best care possible to those that serve.
positions, including training medical personnel for overseas action and
“Because we [in the military] have what is called unlimited liability in
supervising the care for Canadian Forces personnel injured during conflicts
the work we do, which means we are expected to do our jobs up to and
in Bosnia, Croatia and Rwanda. She became the head of training at the
including the point to which our life can be lost in order to achieve the
Canadian Forces Medical Services School for all non-commission members
mission given to us by the Canadian people, I firmly believe that if we
(such as paramedics, preventative medicine technicians and physician
want to put Canadians into harm’s way to protect Canadian interests at
assistants) then progressed to chief instructor and eventually commandant
home and abroad, that they have the right to have access to the best care
of the school, where she led the project to accredit the Canadian Forces
possible,” she says.
physician assistant training program to become nationally recognized by
Even though she no longer works as a nursing officer in the Canadian
the Canadian Medical Association, which has subsequently become the
Armed Forces due to her leadership position, Patterson says she will always
standard for all civilian physician assistant education in Canada.
remain a nurse at heart, just like back in her days at Niagara College.
In July 2011, Patterson was deployed on what has become the most important overseas mission of her career in Kabul, Afghanistan. She
“It’s always been my frame of reference. It’s how I do my job and it’s what brings credibility to what I do,” she says. “I still think like a nurse.”
spent 13 months as the team lead and command advisor to the Afghan
MILITARY AWARDS The Gulf and Kuwait Medal with Maple Leaf (1991) for deploying as a member of 1 Canadian Field Hospital to Saudi Arabia after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait during Operation SCALPEL Canada 125th Anniversary Medal (1992) for exemplary performance as a Nursing Officer in the Canadian Forces
KEY APPOINTMENTS Chief of Defense Staff Commendation (1993) for saving the life of a critically injured Somali during Operation DELIVERANCE, Belet Huen, Somalia, 1993 The Somalia Medal (1993) for deploying as a member of the Canadian Airborne Regiment during Operation DELIVERANCE South West Asia Medal with Bar (2012) for deploying as the Team Lead with the NATO Medical Training Mission – Afghanistan under Operation ASSURANCE
Meritorious Service Medal (2013) for exceptional work in helping the Afghan Army Armed Forces Medical Services School re-establish a medical training and education system in order to improve the quality of medical care to the Afghan Army and Afghan Police Forces
Edmonton Regional Champion, Defence Women’s Advisory Organization Vice Regal Escort, Royal Canadian Navy Representative, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 21
myStory
Faculty profile
Sarah Mann
In a Mann’s world ELECTRONICS AND INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION MAY BE FIELDS
“I remember going in the first day with my coveralls and hardhat
of work and study traditionally occupied by men, but that has never
and my boots, no makeup on, and one guy said to me, ‘are you even
short-circuited Sarah Mann’s ambitions; it has only sparked an intense
old enough to be here?’ There were no other women there and it was a
desire to succeed.
challenge because the guys expect you to prove yourself to them,” she
As the College’s Electrical Engineering Technician coordinator, Mann enjoys passing her passion and expertise in the field to the next
said. “When another guy comes in they don’t always expect that.” Once she did prove herself however, she found that being a minority
generation. She still sees few females in her classroom – a situation
often worked in her favour. As she showed an interest in expanding her
which hasn’t changed much since her days as a student.
skills, more opportunities opened up to her.
As a young girl, Mann had never considered a career in technology.
During her eight years at Jungbunzlauer, Mann earned the respect
After a summer job in a law office made her realize her long-held
of her colleagues and accumulated varied skills. As the process
dream of being a lawyer wasn’t for her, she enrolled in Niagara
technician, she oversaw the process of production and was involved
College’s computer engineering program. It was there that she first
in the initial testing for commissioning and programming. She
became exposed to the world of electronics. College sparked a passion
became interested in learning more about how power was produced
for the field within her, leading Mann to switch into the Electronics
at the cogeneration facility. She helped to commission the plant’s
Engineering Technology program, opening the door to a new career
expansion. She also earned her fourth-class stationary engineering
path.
ticket (certificate) which built upon her electrical qualifications. She
“I discovered that I loved taking things from a design side to
also became part of the plant’s hazmat team. Because she could crawl
building it to fixing it, troubleshooting it,” she said. “People don’t
more easily into narrow spaces that colleagues could not, she was the
understand what they do in electronics, thinking they just fix TVs and
one to squeeze into boiler drums to inspect for cracks and volunteer
component levels, but they do some very advanced and cool stuff,
for space rescues.
especially when it comes to communications.”
“I found that because I was the only female, people took more of
Unlike many of her male classmates, Mann had so little previous
an interest because I stood out. Because I was interested in learning,
exposure to electronics and with little background in math or science –
they wanted to teach me,” she recalled. “I remember one of the men
she had always focused on social sciences in high school – she found
said to me, ‘when you’re here the plant runs better.’ That was a huge
the program challenging, driving her to work extra hard to catch up.
compliment.”
“A lot of the males in my classes had been tinkering around since
The varied experience she gained led her back to NC, where she has
they were 10 years old, but as a girl I hadn’t even considered doing
been applying it to instruct students in Electrical and Electronics, as
something like this,” she recalled. “But I got here and found out it
well Industrial Automation. Mann is particularly passionate about the
was all very cool, and I found that people wanted to see me succeed
latter – a specialty she gained in working at Jungbunzlauer. About five
because I was the minority.”
years ago, she helped the College develop a course in an interactive
Mann’s efforts paid off. She not only graduated with honours, but
training simulation system for programmable logic controllers. The
with job prospects. The ink was barely dry on her diploma when, at
games-based technology program, known simply as ITS PLC, exposes
age 21, she set off to her first full-time job at Jungbunzlauer, which
students to manufacturing applications they would encounter in a
was then a new chemical plant in Port Colborne. Being the minority in
real plant. NC was among the first educational institutions in Ontario
the classroom was nothing compared to what she encountered in the
to introduce this technology and Mann notes how beneficial it has
workforce.
been for the students. Students enter the course with no programming
22 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
myStory
While a part of her misses the ‘dirty work’ at the plant, Mann finds it rewarding to pass on her skills and watch her students progress. The fact that she has the opportunity to do this at a leading-edge college that is also her alma mater makes it even better.
knowledge of the software but, at the end of the 14-week term, they
Sometimes a lot of women look at fields such as engineering and think
gain skills they may use to help troubleshoot or work on baseline
it’s just not a traditional role for them,” she said. “As women, I think
programming. “It’s a very lucrative career for students to get involved
we bring our own skill sets to this field like being multitaskers and
in. Companies need instrumentation techs and process techs,” she
thinking outside the box ... and use them to our advantage.”
said. “Students can use skills to do different things like the wiring,
She believes that misconceptions about women in technical fields
the inputs and outputs, to the programming, or the troubleshooting.
are not intentional. “Once I was able to break through those fallacies,
There’s really no limit for those who have the skills.”
opportunities flooded me and I wholeheartedly felt that people wanted
Mann enjoys witnessing ‘a-ha moments’ as students click into
to see me succeed,” she said. “I really just want people to see that
the logical mindset that automation programming requires. “These
when we succeed as women in our field, it is not just a celebration for
students come in with no programming knowledge at all of this
ourselves but for those whose footsteps we followed and those who will
software and at the end of this 14-week term they’ve all gained
follow in ours.”
something out of it,” she said. “They all have that moment where they get the sense of pride … even if they struggled all the way along.” While she would like to see more female students in her class, the numbers are still low. She hopes to encourage more girls to enter skilled trades and technology programs – a message she tries to
While a part of her misses the ‘dirty work’ at the plant, Mann finds it rewarding to pass on her skills and watch her students progress. The fact that she has the opportunity to do this at a leading-edge college that is also her alma mater makes it even better. “I couldn’t have routed my life any better. I don’t know anybody
instill as a mother of three young daughters, as well as professionally.
I went to school with who wouldn’t say the time we spent Niagara
Earlier this year, she spoke to girls from high schools across the
College wasn’t the best time of their lives, and I get to come back
Niagara region to promote these fields of study, sharing her story and
here,” said Mann. “I feel like I hit the jackpot. I hope I can do as
experiences. “I told them it shouldn’t matter what gender you are.
much for my students as my professors did for me.”
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 23
myStory
Faculty profile
Janet Jakobsen’s
professional course set at birth JANET JAKOBSEN WILL TELL YOU SHE HAS AN MBA AND AN MVA: a graduate degree earned at Queen’s University, and her “most valuable asset” – her Rolodex. Jakobsen, a professor in Niagara College’s Bachelor of Applied Business – Hospitality Operations Management (BABH) and Event Management (Graduate Certificate) programs, brings a world of hospitality knowledge and experience to the classroom, but it’s her network of industry contacts – built over more than 30 years in the industry – that serves her students so well. It’s through her wide web of industry connections that she secured a unique opportunity for 14 BABH and Event Management students this spring: working alongside industry professionals at the AmericanIsraeli Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. Even for an industry veteran like Jakobsen, the event was large-scale, drawing more than 16,000 delegates. With Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu among the speakers, security measures included a secured and total buy out of a major downtown hotel – something Jakobsen had never seen. The opportunity was supported through the college’s Be World Ready program, which promotes international learning experiences for students and staff. “It was phenomenal and I was pleased that so many students participated,” she said. “The students were treated like employees. They were given a lot of responsibility and they worked with seasoned professionals.” The students were part of the “blue shirts” assembled for the conference, taking on a variety of roles that ranged from greeting delegates and answering questions, to checking room sets, audio visual assistance, catering, VIP handling, and even holding umbrellas for delegates walking in from the rain. “(Organizers) loved our students – they never dropped the ball.” A self-described “hospitality brat,” Jakobsen’s professional course was set at birth as a fifth-generation hotelier whose fondest memories are built around the family hotel in the Muskokas. After earning a hospitality and tourism diploma, she started the way many hospitality
24 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
myStory
professionals have: through the Student Work Experience Program (SWEP) at CP Hotels in Lake Louise. From 1980 to 2008 she was on active duty, working positions with Fairmont Hotels, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Delta Hotels and Resorts and others. In 2001, while she was a working mother in her 40s, she earned her MBA. She also worked as a consultant, providing services to several high-profile organizations, including the Schulich School of Business, York University and Metropolitan Hotels.
Part of the satisfaction I get is the linkage I can create between the students and industry.
For the next phase of her professional life, Jakobsen chose to follow her father – a hotelier and accountant who finished his career teaching
Foundation, and she’s currently a mentor for the organization’s Board
in the University of Guelph’s hotel and food program. A teaching
of Directors. She’s served the Professional Convention Management
opportunity at Niagara College came along and was a perfect fit: her
Association in a variety of capacities and she was the first supplier to
new husband lived and worked in Niagara, and it was a chance to
chair the PCMA’s education committee, which she did in 1998. She
help prepare the next generation of hospitality professionals. To use a
was also one of the first Canadian suppliers to earn a Certified Meeting
phrase coined by her longtime colleague David Berry, she wanted to
Professional designation.
help make hospitality grads “Monday morning ready.” “I took a page out of my dad’s book and thought that maybe this
By staying connected, Jakobsen keeps her lessons current. The hospitality game is always changing: it’s become much more
would be a next step for me,” she said. “It speaks to my philosophy of
globalized and opportunities are growing beyond the traditional core to
being a mentor.
new areas like extended living.
“I’m not an academic; I bring my passion for the industry and my
It’s also a connection that goes both ways: just as industry partners
experience into the classroom,” she added. “Part of the satisfaction I
support the hands-on nature of the program, Jakobsen also acts as a
get is the linkage I can create between the students and industry.”
conduit that connects the industry with the emerging talent that NC’s
Jakobsen prepares her students for the world of hospitality by setting expectations that mirror the standards in the workplace. She expects her students to dress for success – the student uniform of hoodies and jeans doesn’t cut it – especially for guest lectures or
programs are producing. “It’s about industry engagement and getting people into the classroom,” she said. “It’s definitely a win-win.” Jakobsen’s contributions were recognized in 2014 when she was
industry events. She’s famous for assigning hand-written thank-you
inducted into Meetings + Incentive Travel’s Hall of Fame as the 2014
notes – the cards she has her students write to industry reps and
Industry Mentor. The honour recognizes an individual whose expertise,
alumni who give of their time and experience.
professional influence or academic position has provided others with
“When our industry colleagues come in to speak to us, the business of their business is ongoing, so you can imagine how many emails
the opportunity, inspiration or ability to pursue excellence. “To be recognized by industry colleagues and former team members
they’ll have by the end of the day,” she explains. “But how many
was both humbling and gratifying,” she said. “Mentoring to me is a
thank-you notes do you think they’ll have?”
form of philanthropy and, like philanthropy, the reward is actually
Her involvement in the industry is ongoing. She was the longest
enjoyed more by the giver than the receiver.”
serving member of the Meeting Professionals International Canadian
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 25
myConnection Pictured: A group of students travelled to the Dominican Republic in February as part of an International Field Studies trip and brought a form of aquaponics to help locals boost their sustainable food production.
Greenhouse projects go global NIAGARA COLLEGE’S ON-CAMPUS
as a personal food source, but could be sold
GREENHOUSE ISN’T THE ONLY PLACE
at restaurants, helping to get their plans of
since he began visiting in February 2014. On
STUDENTS ARE WORKING ON AQUAPONICS.
ecotourism off the ground.
the earlier trips, the students brought treadle
This was MacDonald’s third visit to the area
In February, School of Environmental and
“We had to improvise in the field,” said
Horticultural Studies professor Bill MacDonald
MacDonald who noted that after they arrived,
taught locals how to build. The foot-powered
and a group of students brought a form of the
they found out barrels were in short supply,
treadle pumps which resemble makeshift
sustainable food production system that is going
despite what they had been told prior to the
elliptical machines are a method of irrigation
strong at the NC Greenhouse to the Dominican
trip. “We had to use five-gallon buckets instead.
in greenhouses – particularly beneficial where
Republic. Their mission: to help boost the
Everyone used their innovation and it worked.”
power is scarce and cost prohibitive.
greenhouse industry in an area outside Los
For students like Andrew Menezes, in his
Cacaos. As part of a 10-day International Field
pumps they had learned to build – then
“Our students have had a huge impact there,
second-year of the Environmental Technician
and we also learn so much,” he said, noting that
program, it was a positive experience. “I had
he plans to keep returning to the area twice per
Studies trip, 16 students from a variety of
never done aquaponics before and it turned
year.
programs not only gained a new cultural
out really well. It was a good team-building
MacDonald and a group of students
experience and an opportunity to participate in
experience,” he said. “It feels really good to
have also established a NGO called Global
a several activities in the Dominican Republic,
know that I played a role in an initiative that will
Community Growers to continue their efforts
they also combined their efforts to help make a
help this community and continue to grow.”
in the Dominican Republic as well as other
difference. They had planned to use 55-gallon barrels to
In addition to the ‘bucket’ ponics, the group
developing countries. They plan to put together
laid the groundwork for building a greenhouse
kits for treadle pumps as well as for small
create a barrelponics system, similar to one set
using a metal-framed structure donated by local
15-square-meter greenhouse structures that
up at the NC Greenhouse that uses waste from
greenhouse manufacturer Growers Greenhouse
would enable individual families to grow produce
fish to help fertilize plants. This would allow the
Supplies. They also organized sporting activities
for their own consumption and to sell. The
residents of a local compound to raise fish and
and developed strategies to teach English at a
kits would also include compost teas that help
grow greens that would not only be beneficial
local school.
control disease on crops.
26 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
myConnection
Me to We trip lays foundation for giving
The house that applied learning built
Pictured: Police Foundations coordinator Jim Norgate and a group of Justice Studies students spent Reading Week in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest as part of a Me to We travel experience.
LIKE MANY COLLEGE STUDENTS, they packed their bags for warmer climates during the February Reading Week, but for a group of NC students their mission wasn’t catching rays on the beach. Jim Norgate, program coordinator from NC’s Police Foundations
Pictured: NC students who worked on a Habitat for Humanity build gather in front of the completed home on Martin Street in Welland.
program, led a group of 21 students to Ecuador. The trip was part of a
IN SEPTEMBER, A FAMILY WILL HAVE PLACE TO CALL HOME,
Me to We volunteer travel experience to help empower young people to
thanks to the efforts of Habitat for Humanity Niagara and Niagara
change the world. In the heart of the remote Amazon Rainforest, NC
College.
students worked to help rebuild a medical clinic which had fallen down,
From September to April, more than 70 students from the College’s
leaving access to a medical clinic a day’s journey away. The new clinic
Renovation Technician and Construction Techniques programs worked
will be used by several surrounding communities.
on building the home at located at 236 Martin St. in Welland.
The students spent their days in the intense heat and humidity, digging through clay and sand to lay the foundation for the clinic. Materials to use also had to be gathered. Students travelled by canoe up a river to collect
The house equips construction students with real-world learning experience. “The Habitat partnership has become an integral component of
rocks and sand, filling up 100 canvas sacks with the makeshift gravel,
our programs and we take great satisfaction from the fact that our
before loading them in the boat and returning to the build site.
Niagara students have helped to construct 10 homes for deserving
“I could see their lightbulb moments as the students began to realize the extreme poverty that people live in and the lack of opportunities given to them,” he said. “I think it’s impossible for an experience
area families,” said Colin Robinson, Construction Techniques program coordinator. The house is not being given away but thanks to a unique
like this to not be life-changing. I think it will impact each individual
arrangement with Habitat and its partners, it is sold to the family
student’s life and inspire them to make changes in their lives.”
at fair market value at a zero percent mortgage. What makes
The group’s focus on helping others began months before they packed
Habitat’s homes affordable is that the total payments including
their bags. They raised $12,000 to help finance the trip for participants
utilities, mortgage and taxes, is within and below 30 percent of the
who wouldn’t have been able to afford the trip. Each student in the
homeowner’s total income. The family has also contributed 500
group was involved in fundraising, regardless of his or her own financial
hours of ‘sweat equity’ in the home which is one of the key criteria for
situation. This was the second student volunteer trip Norgate has led.
participation.
In February 2014, a group of students travelled to Nicaragua where
“Each year our relationship with Niagara College produces a
they helped construct a Grade 2 classroom for a school. A follow-up trip
well-built, quality house for a family in desperate need of a safe and
is already in the
permanent place to call home. This year is no exception,” said Alastair
works; 28 students have signed up for the next trip to Nicaragua for Reading Week 2016.
Check out #myNCstory video Niagara College Me to We: Nine day trip, life changing experience
Davis, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Niagara. “The students and instructors have worked very hard in this ‘living classroom’ to ensure that our partner family can start fresh and build a better future in this beautiful home. All of us at Habitat thank everyone involved for what they have accomplished and can’t wait to start our 11th home with Niagara College in the fall!” A home dedication ceremony for is scheduled for September. 2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 27
myConnection
Niagara College’s Achieving Dreams Campaign THE CAMPAIGN’S AIM IS TO RAISE $7 MILLION in support of the Capital Vision project, including: > $4 million to support campus redevelopment; > $2 million to provide student scholarships, bursaries, study-work abroad and student leadership development opportunities; and > $1 million to purchase instructional equipment and learning resources to help make students work ready. The first phase of the project includes the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre at the Welland Campus, and a significant expansion of the facilities housing the Canadian Food and Wine Institute at our Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, which will begin in the summer of 2015, scheduled for completion in fall 2016. Modeled on best practices from around the world combined with strong applied research programs, our culinary programs, together with our Learning Enterprises, put our students at centre stage of an increasingly popular Canadian culinary tourism industry.
Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre
Canadian Food and Wine Institute
THE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING INNOVATION CENTRE is a key
THE EXPANSION OF THE CANADIAN FOOD AND WINE INSTITUTE
element of the College’s $55-million Capital Vision 2016 expansion
supports Niagara College’s position as Canada’s premier college for food
project which will provide new and expanded facilities at the Welland
and fermentation sciences, and will help meeting growing demand for its
and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses to support growth, enhance
culinary, wine and brewery programs.
the student experience, and expand Niagara College’s research and innovation capabilities. Capital Vision 2016 is funded by the provincial government, Niagara
This expansion will provide additional space for full-time postsecondary programs, training for industry professionals and continuing education offerings. It will allow us to increase enrollment and build on existing
College funds, and the Achieving Dreams Campaign which will raise the
diploma/apprenticeship programs in culinary, bakery, viticulture and
community portion of the project.
brewery operations, as well as an advanced diploma in Culinary Innovation
The $1.2-million commitment from the Walker Family and Walker
and Food Technology, a new program in Baking and Pastry Arts, and
Industries Holdings Limited brings the total raised to $3 million
planned programs in Sommelier graduate certificate, and Distilling
towards the $7-million goal thanks to generous support from more than
Sciences certificate.
400 donors to the Achieving Dreams Campaign.
Enhanced spaces for Academic Support and Student Life, Health and Wellness SUBSEQUENT PHASES OF CAPITAL VISION 2016 will include enhanced spaces for academic support and student life, and support Niagara College’s enhanced model for student services. The plan features inspiring learning spaces and environments and new fitness and recreation spaces that support students’ health and wellness.
BECOME PART OF THE ACHIEVING DREAMS CAMPAIGN NC educates and inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators and we support the local economy by providing highly-skilled graduates who benefit from our unique approach to applied education. With your help, the Achieving Dreams Campaign will take NC – and our students’ experience – to a new level of excellence.
Join us in investing in our students – the next generation of employees, employers, entrepreneurs and innovators.
donate.niagaracollege.ca 905-735-2211 ext. 7569 28 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
myConnection New Members
NC Alumni Council
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
OUR MEMBERS ARE ENTHUSIASTIC AMBASSADORS for NC and remain engaged through a variety of activities, such as class visits, recruitment and orientation activities, and mentoring graduating students. We welcome eight new members who joined our dedicated alumni volunteers. NEW MEMBERS 1 Anna Cobian Web and New Media Co-ordinator, Niagara Health System. Owner, Anna Cobian Designs. New Media Web Design Diploma 2011 2 Lori Laird Community Services Co-ordinator, Town of Lincoln Recreation & Leisure Services 2000 3 Colleen Lowe Manager, Communications, Canadian Red Cross Public Relations Graduate Certificate 2002. 2005 Premier’s Award Nominee in Recent Graduate category 4 Dave Maciulis Principal, Natural Landscape Group Horticultural Technician Diploma 1991. 2014 Premier’s Award Nominee in Creative Arts & Design category 5 Orel Ruiz Manager, Funded Projects, Workforce & Business Development, Niagara College Business Administration-International Business 2011 6 Chris Sinclair Vice President, Business Development, Brand Blvd Inc. Business Administration-Marketing 2004 7 David Tsang Technical Services Consultant, City of Welland and Sales Representative, Peak Performers Realty Survey Technician Diploma 1981 2007 Premier’s Award Nominee in Technology category 8 Jennifer K. Warren Ecommerce Co-ordinator, CAA Niagara Business Administration-Operations Management 2008
ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS 9 Lindsey Aubertin Human Resources and Communications Coordinator, Procon Constructors Inc. Public Relations Graduate Certificate 2011 10 Lauri Brady Manager, Development, YMCA of Niagara Early Childhood Education 1983 11 Catherine Kuckyt Registered Nurse Care Co-ordinator, Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) Nursing 1978 and Nursing Refresher 2004 12 Jim Lambert Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, Niagara College Mechanical Engineering Technician 1983. 2008 Premier’s Award Nominee in Technology category 13 Daryl Ledwon Senior Account Manager, Group Sales for Venngo Business-Sales and Marketing 2007 14 Julie Linton Constable, Hamilton Police Service Environmental Management & Assessment 2006 15 Anthony Luongo Producer, TVCOGECO North Halton Broadcasting - Radio, Television and Film 2009 16 Flavia Orvitz Registered Social Worker, Brick by Brick Therapy & Wellness Inc. General Arts & Science 2001 and Social Service Worker 2003 17 Shelley Schaubel Hotel & Restaurant Administration, 1989 18 Matthew Wilson Border Services Officer, Canada Border Services Agency Police Foundations 2007 19 John Clark President, Niagara College Retirees Association 20 Shane Malcolm President, Niagara College Student Administrative Council Bachelor of Applied Business Hospitality Operations Management 2014 EMERITUS MEMBERS 21 Liz Aldrey Library Technician 1971 22 Doug Willford Library Technician 1972 23 Joanna Zalewa Library Technician 1976 and Library Computer Network Operations 1996
Alumni Volunteers 9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 29
myConnection
Seafood Gala sets record raising $ 160,000 THE NIAGARA COLLEGE FOUNDATION’S 26TH ANNUAL Seafood Gala on April 11 set a record raising $160,000 for equipment and learning resources to help
Mark Lalama opens the Seafood Gala playing his original song ‘Beautiful’ accompanied by Chorus Niagara.
make students work ready, and scholarships and bursaries to ease the financial burden of a postsecondary education. “The support that we receive through the Seafood Gala is truly remarkable,” said Sean Kennedy, vice president of student and external relations and the chief executive officer of the Niagara College Foundation. “It plays a significant role in the ongoing success of our students, and enhances our ability to provide the high quality, innovation-rich educational environment that is directly linked to our
From left, members of the Niagara College Junior Culinary Team Canada: Scott McInerney, David Ross, Jeremy Gilligan, Ben Lillico, Daniella Germond, Trevor Littlejohn with Craig Youdale, team manager and dean of the Canadian Food and Wine Institute; Dave DiFelice of Canadian Tire Financial Services; and team member Megan Proper.
Guests enjoy the sumptuous buffet featuring seafood and more.
regional economy.” The sold-out event was attended by 680 guests at the Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls. The evening featured exciting
array of silent and live auction packages and
The Welland Tribune were presenting media
a sumptuous buffet.
sponsors and Rankin Construction Inc. was
Fallsview Casino Resort was the presenting
entertainment by singer, songwriter Mark
sponsor for the Gala; The St. Catharines
Lalama and Chorus Niagara, an amazing
Standard, The Niagara Falls Review and
the Admiral sponsor. Mark your calendar for the next Seafood Gala on Saturday, April 9, 2016.
Thank you for 10 years of support NIAGARA CASINOS HAS BEEN A MAJOR supporter of Niagara College and the Niagara College Foundation. This year marks a big milestone for the partnership as it is the 10th year that the casinos have supported the Seafood Gala. Over the past decade, Niagara Casinos’ corporate giving program has invested close to $1-million into Niagara College Foundation initiatives. “As one of the largest employers in the region, Niagara Casinos has a vested interest in highly-skilled graduates entering the workforce, especially in the areas of hospitality, culinary and tourism – many who go on to have successful careers at Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort.” said Greg Medulun, director of communications for Niagara Casinos. This long-standing partnership has helped more students From left: Allan Schmidt, president and CEO of Vineland Estates Winery and chair of the NC Board of Governors; Greg Medulun, director of communications for Niagara Casinos; Dan Patterson, Niagara College president; Sean Kennedy, CEO, Niagara College Foundation; and Bob Watson, CEO, PenFinancial Credit Union and chair, NC Foundation Board.
unleash their full potential by making postsecondary education more accessible and affordable. Once again, Niagara Casinos continues its legacy of giving with another donation of $25,000 to fund equipment and learning resources, and scholarships and bursaries to support student success.
30 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
myConnection
Livingston Award LIVINGSTON INTERNATIONAL HAS A TRADITION OF HIRING NIAGARA COLLEGE STUDENTS FOR ITS NATIONAL SERVICE CENTRE IN FORT ERIE. Livingston established a scholarship to highlight top talent and provide students the opportunity to pursue their career goals. The scholarship recognizes the most promising graduating student of the Protection, Security and
SCHOLARSHIP FUND SUPPORTS TECHNOLOGY AND TRADES The Niagara Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry presented a $50,000 gift to Niagara College to establish the Niagara Valley Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scholarship Fund.
Investigation – Customs
“As the educational wing of masonry, and given the connection
Brokerage program, based
to historical stonemasons and the building trades of Europe, it
on academic excellence,
was deemed appropriate that the Scottish Rite here in Niagara
leadership skills, com-
establish a scholarship fund at Niagara College to aid students
munity and co-curricular
in the Schools of Technology and Trades,” said Mike Palmer,
activities.
principal officer of Elgin Lodge.
Focused on customs brokerage and compliance, Livingston also offers international trade consulting, global trade management and freight forwarding. LivSome of the NC grads working at Livingston International include, front row left: Leah Bremner and Emilee Keus; centre: Justin O’Brien, Ben Erb, Petar Vidak, Emily Lampman and Kevin Osztermayer; and back row: Daniel Boughner and Taylor Dolan. Other NC grads on the Livingston team include: Taylor Blanchette, Shannon Bremner, Cory Cunningham, Jonathan De Jager, Colin Fear, Paige Garvey, Tayler Genders, Michael Lacroix, Christian Mancuso and Tim Marshello.
Meridian scholarships will promote a spirit of entrepreneurship
ingston employs more than 3,200 staff at 125 key border points, seaports, airports and other strategic locations across North America, Europe and Asia.
FRONT ROW LEFT: Peter Klotz, principal officer, Rose Croix and Michael Palmer, principal officer, Elgin Lodge of the Scottish Rite; Andrey Rudakov, scholarship recipient; Misheck Mwaba, dean, Media, Trades, and Technology, Niagara College; and Fred Hutchison of the Scottish Rite. BACK ROW, LEFT: Randy Bezo, Thomas Lewis and Keith Lay of the Scottish Rite; Gilles Laroche, Civil Engineering Technician program coordinator, Niagara College; and Adel Esayed, associate dean, School of Technology, Niagara College.
MERIDIAN HAS DONATED $100,000 to Niagara College’s Achieving Dreams Campaign to support students and promote a spirit of entrepreneurship in the School of Business and Management Studies. The donation will create the Meridian Scholarship, which will provide more than 100 scholarships over the next four academic years, ranging from $1,000 to $1,200. The scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership and volunteerism. Small businesses and entrepreneurs play a critical part in fostering a prosperous and vibrant economy. Meridian’s donation not only provides important financial assistance for students, but it also benefits the broader community by helping to create the business leaders of tomorrow. “Entrepreneurial and leadership skills and perspectives are crucial in today’s economy,” said Vivian Kinnaird, dean of Business, Horticulture and Environmental Studies. “Our business programs foster these important characteristics and help transfer student ideas and skills to the marketplace.” The scholarships will be renewable, which means Meridian Scholars will have the opportunity to receive this support through to graduation. The dean of Business and Management Studies will also nominate Meridian Scholars to participate in Niagara College’s Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) program. Offered through the College’s Centre for Student Engagement and Leadership, the LEAD program equips students with the experience and knowledge required to develop as leaders. The first Meridian Scholars will be awarded in November 2015. With more than 70 years of banking history, Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, helping to grow the lives of its more than a quarter of a million members, including more than 21,000 business members. Meridian has $11-billion in assets under management and delivers a full range of financial services online, by phone, by mobile and through a network of 67 branches and seven business centres. Meridian has contributed to student success at Niagara College in many ways over the years, and the College is very grateful for the ongoing support. 2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 31
myConnection
Thank you To the following donors and supporters who gave $100 or more between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015. Your financial investment helped support student success. Organizations Academica Group Inc. Adidas Group Advantage Fitness Sales Inc. Algoma Central Corporation Ann Volk Optometry Professional Corporation Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc. AOS Group Applied Electronics Limited Aquicon Construction Co. Ltd. August Restaurant Avaya Bayshore Groups Baking Association of Canada Beatties Basics Bell Benchmark Restaurant Best Western Plus Cairn Croft Hotel Best Western Plus Rose City Suites Big Kahuna Sport Company Blue Mountain Resorts Blue Skies Cottage Blake Communications Boston Pizza, Welland Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse Brock University BTY Group Business Education Council of Niagara Campus Living Centres Inc. Canadian Bureau for International Education Canadian Federation of University Women - St. Catharines Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society Canadian Motor Speedway Canadian Tire Bank Canadian Tire Financial Services Limited Canadian Tire, Grimsby Canadian Tire, Niagara Falls Associate Stores Canadian Tire, St. Catharines Associate Stores Chartwells, Compass Group Canada Chateau des Charmes Winery Chesher Equipment Ltd. Cianfarani Dentistry Professional Corp. Christie’s Dairy Ltd. City of St. Catharines City of Welland CN Tower TV Cogeco Cole’s Florist & Garden Centre College Employer Council Colleges Ontario Combat Networks Coppola’s Ristorante & Banquet Facility Courtyard by Marriot CTC TrainCanada D. McMaster Investments Inc. Dell Canada Deloitte LLP DirectCash Payments Inc. Design Electronics Distinctive Designs District School Board of Niagara
32 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
Dom’s Pasta & Grill Doug Forsythe Gallery Dr. Charles Daly & Associates Dreamwinds The Duncan Family EAInfoBiz Inc. Eclipse Technology Solutions Inc. Edgewater Manor Restaurant Edson Packaging Machinery Embanet ULC Fairmont Royal York Falls Corporate Finance Fallsview Casino Resort Feastivities Events and Catering Fieldpoint Service Applications Inc FirstOntario Credit Union Limited Flat Rock Cellars Flett Beccario Barristers & Solicitors Four Point Travel Framecraft Ltd. Franczak Enterprises Ltd. Garland Canada GM Canada - St. Catharines Golf Association of Ontario Golf Management Institute of Canada Gow Hastings Architects Great Estates Niagara Great Wolf Lodge Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce Green Ink Greg Frewin Theatre guard.me International Insurance Gym-Con Ltd. Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa and Nature Park Hallex Engineering Ltd. Harmony Jewellers Ltd. Henley Honda Henry’s Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie Holiday Inn & Suites Parkway Conference Centre Holt Renfrew Honeymoon City Toastmasters Hospitality Fallsview Holdings Inc Howard Equities Inc. Human Resources Professional Association of Niagara Jack Link’s Jeffery’s Greenhouses Inc. John Howard Society of Niagara Johnny Rocco’s Italian Grill Joseph C. McCallum Barrister & Solicitor Julie Snider Art Knowledge First Foundation Koprash Inc. KPA Advisory Services KPMG Krahn Music L.J. Barton Mechanical Inc. Landscape Ontario Golden Horseshoe Chapter Lepp Farms
Lincoln Garden Club and Horticultural Society Livingston International Inc. M.T. Bellies MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects MADD Virgin Drinks Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation Martin Farms Ltd. MBNA McMaster University Degroote School of Medicine Mele Trattoria Mercer Culinary Meridian Credit Union Metro Ontario Inc. Metro Toronto Convention Centre The Moran Family Mori Gardens Design & Garden Centre Mountainview Homes N. M. Bartlett Inc. The Nantel & Ward-Smith Family Natural Landscape Design Nella Restaurant Supply Niagara Area Business Women’s Network Niagara Bruce Trail Club Niagara College Athletics Department Niagara College Dental Clinic Niagara College Canadian Food & Wine Institute Niagara College Greenhouse Nursery Niagara College Hair Salon Niagara College Marketing Department Niagara College Retirees Association Niagara College Teaching Brewery Niagara College Teaching Winery Niagara Community Foundation Niagara Construction Association Niagara Falls Horticultural Society Niagara Health System Airbus Helicopters Canada Niagara Holiday Rentals Niagara Parks Commission Niagara Region - Economic Development Niagara Region Wind Corporation Niagara Restaurant Supply Niagara Symphony Orchestra Niagara University Niagara Waters Spa Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed and Breakfast Association Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club Nikon Canada Inc. Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists Oban Inn and Spa Ontario Small Brewers Association Inc. Ontario Wine Society - Niagara Chapter The Overholt Family P.W. Leopard Paragon Security PenFinancial Credit Union Peninsula Lakes Golf Club Peto MacCallum Ltd.
Performance Hyundai Equus Pier 61 Bar & Grill Protec Property Maintenance Pinder’s Security Products RATIONAL Canada Inc. R.A. Shaw Designs Rachel Delaney Insurance Agency Ltd. Raimondo + Associates Architects Inc. Rankin Construction Inc. Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery RBC Dominion Securities Inc. RBC Royal Bank Reif Estate Winery Regional Municipality of Niagara Ricoh Rogers TV Romano’s Macaroni Grill Rotary Club of Niagara On the Lake-Lewiston Rousseau House Restaurant & Lounge San Marco’s Ristorante Scotiabank ScotiaMcLeod Seaway Mall Shaw Festival Sheraton Centre Toronto Skills Canada Ontario Skylon Tower Steelite International St. Catharines Horticultural Society StoneHill Grille & Taps Strategic Charitable Giving Foundation Student Administrative Council Sullivan Mahoney LLP Sunshine Building Maintenance Inc. TD Bank Telcon Datvox Inc. Teva Canada Ltd. The Baron Company Corp. The Brass Bell Bed & Breakfast The Hair Gallery Salon The Irish Harp Pub The Outlet Collection at Niagara The Standard, The Review, The Tribune The Tourism Partnership of Niagara The Urban Steakhouse & Lounge The Watermark Restaurant Timbro Design Build Contractors TJX - Winners, Marshalls & HomeSense Tonnos & Culver Chiropractic Professional Corp. Toronto Sun Treschak Enterprises Ltd. Tri-Flame Natural Gas Services Limited Trius Winery at Hillebrand Two Sisters Vineyards Corp. Urban and Environmental Management Valange Inc. VIA Rail Canada Vineland Estates Winery Vineland Research & Innovation Centre Vintage Hotels VMWare
myConnection
Walker Industries Holdings Limited Welland Horticultural Society Welland Hydro-Electric System Corp. Wellport Broadcasting Ltd. WestJet Westmont Hospitality Group White Oaks Resort & Spa YMCA of Niagara Individuals Anonymous (13) Lucas Adamson Fiona Allan Gary Allen Malcolm Allen John and Kathy Anstruther Theresa Anzovino Helen Armstrong Joanne Bakker Ahmad Bashir Michael Belcastro Christine Blane Dr. Nicholas Bodo Kristy Boersma Jeanie Bourque Deborah Boutilier Jim Bradley Jamie Bras Jim Briggs Kathie Briggs Roy Brunner Judy Calvin Denise Camire Michelle Carile Dan Chalmers Jordan Charron Diane Chivers Clutterbuck Family Robynne Cole Patricia Coleman Shannon Collison Sean & Rachelle Coote Lynn Corbey Carmela & David Costiniuk Joanne and Michael Cousineau Bill Crumm Dorothy Davey Rachel & Brian Delaney Marilyn Dickinson Gary Dolch
Kevin Dover Wendy Dueck Adam Dusome Estate of Eva Mary Lewis Dennis & Leslie Edell Stefane Filion Dr. Brian Findlay Joy Flegg Cindy Forster Robert Foster Janet Fraser Loretta Fraser Alanna Galeota Rene Galipeau Richard Gark Jim Garner Barbara Glass Alan & Margaret Goddard Peggy Gordon Katerina Gonzalez James Gossifidou Damian Goulbourne Valerie Grabove & Brian Green Christian Guay Greta Haanstra (deVries) Cole Hayes Phil Hayes Trisha Haynes Sandy Herkimer Jacquie Herman-Wing Michael Hoekstra Jennifer Hoyle James Howden Steven Hudson Bob & Amy Jackson Lois Johnson Mary Jane Johnson Dr. Robert Josefchak Sean & Kerry Kennedy Maureen Kerbel Dr. Mary Kilmer-Tchalekian Vivian Kinnaird Frank Krahn Eleanor Lancaster Daryl Ledwon Esther Lee Erica Lepp James Letwin John & Dot Levay Darlene Levinski
Please help by supporting student success
Jamie Levitt Gord Lewis Angela Lynch Allan & Betty Magnacca Father James Maher Vince Malvaso Virginia Marr Bob Martin Diane McClemont Karen McGrath Shelley Merlo Lora Miani Jacqueline Miller Jayne Moffat Misheck Mwaba Robert Neill Angelo Nitsopoulos Terrence J. O’Malley Jamie Oresar Flavia & Stevan Orvitz Wing Pak Dr. David Pampena David Pastirik Dr. Daniel & Saundra Patterson Ursula Pelissero Dorita Pentesco Henri & Nicole Perreault Dr. Christina Plaskos Blair & Lynne Pollard Teresa Quinlin Robert Rawle and Family Janis Rawle Jacqueline Robarts Frank Roberts Paul & Jane Robinson Patrick Robson Dr. Bonnie Rose & Dr. Walter Kubiski Graeme Ross Lyn & Dan Russo Jim & Dora Ryan Allan Schmidt Michael Scott Clarence & Sandy Showalter Gillian & Patrick Shriner Pamela Skinner Howard Slaney Jo Szabo Lucia Szeplaki David Taylor David A. Thomas
Jay & Barrie Tober Gary Lee Torraville Phil Tregunno Mike Trojan Dean Tudor Allan Turner Alan J. Unwin Nicola Varalli Ernst Vegter Harry Voortman John H. Walker & Family Rob Walters Washington Family Cathy Watson Jeffrey Webb Paul Weerdenburg Thomas Whitelaw Edmund Wilson Craig Youdale Tatiana Young Peter Zulauf In Honour/Celebration Junior Culinary Team Canada Chris & Jillian Russo Bill & Sylvia de Vries In Memory Janet Arnott Barbara Bartok Alex Bartok II Alex Bartok III Gino Cieri Jody Clark Randy Cole Jacob DeVries Kate Dixon Medard “Chuck” Frigault Edward Hoekstra Mark Johns Celia Liu Chantel Millet Maria Uribe de Piedrahita Jeff Smith Elena Turroni Carolyn Weaver Len Yust
Donate online or call 905-735-2211 ext. 7840 to pay by credit card. Cheques payable to Niagara College can be mailed to: Foundation & Alumni Relations, Niagara College Canada 300 Woodlawn Rd., Welland, ON L3C 7L3
niagaracollege.ca/giving
2015 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 33
myConnection
Grad gives back
Mandarin Scholarship
KORY LIPPERT SAYS HE WAS A TYPICAL STUDENT in the Business Administration-Marketing program. That all changed with an eight-month co-op placement, when he worked as part of the NC’s recruitment team. “Life opened up for me with that experience. I was involved in orientation, open houses, just about anything going on. I met lots of people and had so many opportunities,” he said. Lippert graduated in 2013 and through a chance meeting with someone at the University of Guelph, was hired as a student recruitment coordinator, and then as a communications and
Song Zhang, right, managing partner of the
alumni project coordinator. He recently joined
Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation,
Ridley College as a development officer raising
presents the company’s annual scholarship to
money to help students.
Jason Baker of Burlington. Baker is finishing the second year of the Culinary Management
“This job has really opened my eyes on how important it is for alumni to give back. Niagara
Co-op program and will graduate in June.
College needs support to help students, and with expansion and renovations,” he said. Lippert set up a monthly donation to support the Student Opportunities Fund for Business
The award is given to a student who shows a
students to take part in activities, such as the Ontario Colleges’ Marketing Competition that brings
flair and commitment to Asian cuisine and is
together the best and brightest marketing students from across the province.
in good academic standing. They are shown
“Niagara College shaped me into the person I am today, helped me develop leadership skills and confidence. Niagara College gave me a lot and it is time for me to give back to help other
at the Canadian Food and Wine Institute’s awards reception.
students,” he said.
Celia Liu Memorial Bursary
THE LEN YUST MEMORIAL BURSARY is awarded to a student in the Ecosystem Restoration and Geographic Information Systems-Geospatial Management programs. Len Yust (1952 – 2014) was a dedicated conservationist, passionate about the preservation and
AS A GRADUATE OF THE ECOLE HOTELIERE
restoration of Ontario’s cold water resources. He was
DE LAUSANNE IN SWITZERLAND, a leading
renowned as a fly angler whose pursuit of trout was
international business school for the hospitality industry, Celia Liu understood well the value of an excellent industry-specific education and
Erica Lepp, left, and her older sister Celia Liu shared a special bond. Photo by Stephen Dominick
training. She applied her training, her passion for the industry, and her global perspective to making her family business, the Oban Inn, Spa and Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Liu was a tireless promoter of the Niagara region. Sadly missed by her family and many friends and industry colleagues, Liu passed away in July 2014, but the wonderful memories of her will live on and be honoured each year with the awarding of the Celia Liu Memorial Bursary. Liu’s sister, Erica Lepp, a graduate of NC’s Business Administration-Marketing
closely aligned with his professional interest in the preservation of their delicate environment. The director of operations in Eastern Canada with Trout Unlimited Canada for eight years, he was responsible for the establishment of many chapters of that organization throughout Ontario, including the Niagara Chapter. This bursary was established in his memory to help a new generation of professional conservationists to continue the work he cared so deeply about.
program, donated $20,000 to establish the Celia Liu Memorial Bursary as an ongoing celebration of Liu’s life and dedication to the industry and community she loved so dearly. The Celia Liu Memorial Bursary will provide two awards of $1,000 each year for 10 years. The bursaries will be awarded to students in Hospitality and Tourism Studies: Bachelor of Business Administration - Hospitality; Hospitality and Tourism Management; and Hospitality Operations - Hotel and Restaurant. This is a very special legacy for Liu and a very fitting way to honour a generous and compassionate person, as many students will benefit from this generous legacy gift. 34 encore | niagaracollege.ca | 2015
From left: Brian Green, secretary of Niagara Chapter Trout Unlimited Canada; Jennifer Yust, Len Yust’s wife; Davor Alisic, award recipient; and Dan Patterson; Niagara College president.
NIAGARA COLLEGE FOUNDATION
Golf Classic 2015 Proceeds will support scholarships and bursaries for student athletes! GOLF PACKAGE: 18 holes of golf, golf cart, golf
clinic, special golf competitions, lunch by the Canadian Food and Wine Institute and banquet dinner.
Peninsula Lakes Golf Club 569 Hwy #20, Fenwick, Ontario
200/person
$
Tuesday, Sept 15 12:00 p.m. For registration and sponsorship contact us at email: aburgoyne@niagaracollege.ca web: niagaracollege.ca/golfclassic phone: 905-735-2211, ext. 7551
Discounts & special offers Benefits and services for NC grads Free access to OptimalResume™
Alumni Relations provides free access to OptimalResume™, a comprehensive career management platform with a variety of tools to help you create, present, manage and share your professional credentials. › Generate a professional resume in a variety of formats with Resume Builder › Create an online gallery of your work with Portfolio Manager › Refine interviewing skills with real-tolife, multi-media interview scenarios with Optimal Interview Visit niagaracollege.ca/optimalresume to obtain the alumni access code.
NC frames available
Foundation & Alumni Relations has frames in stock for a certificate, diploma, degree or photo. For more information and/or to place an order, visit: niagaracollege.ca/alumni or call 905.735.2211, ext. 7551.
We have a loyal group of affinity partners, which offer competitive group discounts for NC grads. For every client that signs up, these companies provide financial support to help fund equipment and learning resources for students.
NC GRADS
As a graduate of Niagara College, you become a member of our alumni community, which is more than 70,000 strong. We encourage you to stay connected and tell us about what you are doing now. Please update your contact information at niagaracollege.ca/alumni › Share your career success story › Free access to online OptimalResume TM › Receive monthly e-newsletter with successful grad stories, events and news › Encore magazine mailed to you annually › Order a frame for your certificate, diploma, degree or photo › Add your name to the list for grad volunteer opportunities, such as class visits › Mentor a graduating student › Network with other grads through NC Alumni LinkedIn › Keep in touch through NC Alumni Facebook
Have a story to share?
We’re looking for grad stories to share with the NC community. Send your profile to us and we may include it in a future edition of encore.
Stay Connected
Visit and follow our social media pages and stay connected with news and events.
Home and Auto Insurance › Monthly premium payments with no interest or service charge › Access to scholarships and academic grants › Personal priority attention, 24 hours a day
MBNA Mastercard › No annual fee › Credit limit up to $100,000 › Around-the-clock fraud protection › Emergency replacement within 48 hours
Life, Dental and Health Insurance › Low cost coverage term life plan that pays a tax-free lump sum payment of up to $250,000 › Select a health and dental plan to optimize your coverage › Get a no-obligation quote online
RHM.5.15