encore - Winter 2012

THE MAGAZINE OF NIAGARA COLLEGE CANADA | NiagaraCollege.ca | WINTER 2012

Interns without bordersStudents go the distance for global citizenship

Innovation unlimitedCollege-industry partnerships spark real-world solutions

Cooking for Will and KateCulinary grad’s stint in England leads to royal wedding gig

Legacy gift unveiled$1-million announcement makes NC history

Virtual dreams come true at Niagara Research3D models, green roofs & more

Niagara Waters SpaSensational and relaxing spa services

GreenhouseBeautiful student grown plants and flowers

Teaching WineryWine tasting, tours and retail boutique

Benchmark RestaurantSavour delicious & fresh Niagara food5 great

reasons to come back to college...

Teaching BreweryDelightful brews from first to last drafts

NiagaraCollege.ca

The enterprise operations at our Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus now include the Niagara College Teaching Brewery, Canada’s first and only. Cheers!

APPLIED DREAMS.

encore

ON THE COVER Craig Babin’s image is imposed onto an image of his 3D model work of downtown St. Catharines.Photo by Julie Jocsak

Encore is published twice annually by Niagara College Canada, the Niagara College Foundation and Alumni Relations.

Mailing address: Niagara College Canada 300 Woodlawn Road Welland, Ontario, Canada L3C 7L3

Acting Vice-President, Student and External Relations Gordon Hunchak

Manager, Marketing and New Media Dorita Pentesco

Director of Development, Niagara College Foundation and Alumni Relations Lyn Russo

Editors Julie Greco, Michael Wales

Contributing Writers Julie Greco, Michael Speck, Michael Wales

Photography Stephen Dominick, Luke Gillett, Julie Greco, Julie Jocsak

Graphic Design Mark Hughes

Comments are welcome. Contact [email protected].

academics

7

18

24

12

8

myCollege2 President’s message

3 At a glance

4 Orientation 2011

5 President’s sabbatical

5 Onley visits NC

5 NC Teaching Brewery wins awards

6 New programs for 2012

7 Rankin Technology Centre

8 NC Child Care Centre

10 Internship investment

11 FedDev investment

11 Niagara College Knights

myStory12 90.1 FM The Heat

14 Awards of Excellence

14 Student video award

16 Dr. Marc Nantel

18 Niagara Research innovation

20 Food innovation

22 International co-op

myexperience24 Tanner Murray

25 Chef de Luca joins CFWI

myCommunity26 Habitat for Humanity

26 Many Hands project

27 Convocation

27 NC attends festivals

myConnection28 Mountainview donation

28 Foundation donors give generously

29 TD investment

29 Legacy gifts

30 Alumni benefits and services

31 NC Golf Classic

31 Curling Rocks

32 Premier’s Awards nominees

Winter 2012 | NiagaraCollege.ca | encore 1

2 encore | NiagaraCollege.ca | Winter 2012

myCollege

THERE’S ALWAYS

Something New

Dr. Steve Hudson >

TO DISCOVER AT NIAGARA COLLEGE.

It is in this spirit that I am pleased to present you with the latest edition of Encore magazine. This

issue showcases some of the people, programs, and events that contribute to our college’s success

and make it a truly inspiring place to be.

Don’t miss our cover story that unveils one of the biggest hidden gems at our college – Niagara

Research. The feature introduces us to some of our students and faculty taking part in innovative

projects that are so vital to companies in our region.

You’ll also hear about the exciting funding announcements that are opening doors to even more

opportunities for our students through research projects, the creation of new internship positions, and

the college’s biggest-ever private donation that has given our technology centre a new name.

Tune in to what’s heating up at our college radio station and saunter into our on-campus child care

centre that has played such a vital role for so many local families. Learn about the new programs

lined up for fall 2012 and venture around the world through the eyes of our students who took part

in international internships.

Raise a glass to our Teaching Brewery which has already earned award-winning status during its very

first year, and meet one of our culinary grads who cooked his way to Buckingham Palace for one of

the biggest events of the decade — the royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Rest assured, all the flurry of college activity has not bypassed the president’s office. Find out what

Dr. Dan Patterson has been up to now that his sabbatical is well underway, and why we will be

expecting a postcard from Oxford University in the near future.

It’s my pleasure to serve as acting president of one of the most enterprising colleges in Canada until

Dr. Patterson’s return in June 2012. I hope that reading this issue of Encore and learning more

about the exciting happenings all around us will make you feel as privileged to be a part of the

Niagara College family as I do.

STEVE HUDSON.ACTING PRESIDENT, NIAGARA COLLEGE CANADA


myCollege

AT A GLANCEPASS ME A PINT, EH! It’s a brew with roots from sea to shining sea.

The team at Niagara College’s Teaching Brewery has made a true and

native ale fit for the proudest patriot. NC, along with industry partners

Sawdust City Brewing and Taps Magazine, launched an all-Canadian, all-

natural beer, named Great Weiss North. The recipe included ingredients

from each province, featuring maple syrup from Nova Scotia, Canada

Malting wheat malt from Saskatchewan and Niagara Falls water from

right here in the brewery’s backyard. College brewmaster Jon Downing

described the beer as a full-bodied wheat brew with a slight taste of honey and herbs.

Great Weiss North made its debut at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto this past

summer, with remaining stock sold off at the Teaching Brewery’s on-campus retail store.

NC launches new career portal

mycareer.niagaracollege.ca is a recent project of

the college’s Co-op and Graduate Employment

Services team. It features everything from

career postings to job document-building

services. Job-seekers can book appointments

with college counsellors and keep tabs on

upcoming job fairs. It is also a great tool for

employers looking for new recruits.

NEW GREEN AGREEMENT FOR NC Niagara College’s commitment

to a green future is stronger

than ever.

The college was announced

as a new pilot member of

the Niagara Sustainability

Initiative’s Carbon Project.

By participating, Niagara

College will be monitoring and

taking big steps to reduce its

greenhouse gas emissions and

carbon footprint.

The non-profit Niagara Sustainability Initiative, or NSI, works with the region’s

stakeholders to advance the area’s environmental performance. Its executive director

Evan DiValentino is a recent NC graduate and part-time professor.

Key sustainability projects at the college include the 18-acre educational wetlands area

at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, the student-led Niagara Environmental Corps group,

and the implementation of geothermal, solar and grey water efficiencies at the Welland

campus. In addition, the college launched a Renewable Energies Technician program

this fall that will prepare students for Ontario’s rapidly growing green energy sector. This

was just the beginning. With a plan in the works and more key initiatives on the horizon,

expect sustainability to play an even greater role at NC in the near future.

Load up on deliciousness Great cuisine is now just a swipe away at the Canadian Food and

Wine Institute. The college recently launched the Benchcard, a re-

loadable payment card that can be used at Benchmark restaurant

and Bench to Go, where students showcase their skills at the

Niagara-on-the-Lake campus.

Benchcards make great gifts, so pick some up for yourself and for

your friends at either Benchmark or Bench to Go. Bon Appetit!

Pick up your passport to global citizenshipWhether it’s partying for Diwali or advocating

for the hungry, Niagara College is committed to

helping its students ‘Be World Ready.’

NC’s International department launched its

new Be World Ready program this fall, a

campaign to help students become more aware

and compassionate global citizens, and more

competitive as they enter the workforce. The

campaign focuses on opportunities students

have to broaden their cultural horizons, both on

campus and in the community.

A highlight of the program is the Niagara

International Passport. Students can pick up

a passport from the International office at

either campus. The passport contains different

activities or events students can participate in

that have a global focus, such as lectures or

cultural celebrations.

After participating in enough events, students

earn a signed letter of reference recognizing

their achievements, which can be added to their

academic portfolios.

“There is a lot of professional and personal

fulfillment to be gained by participating in

international activities,” said Jos Nolle, the

college’s chair of International Development.

Charmaine Kissmann, chair of NC’s sustainability committee, is pictured with Evan DiValentino, NSI executive director.

myCollege

New students kick off NC experience at OrientationIT WAS A BUSY START FOR MORE THAN 4,500 FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS who began

their NC experience on September 6 with a full slate of orientation activities. There were

information sessions, free barbecues, campus tours, free concerts – including headliner

Dragonette – and outdoor movie nights at the Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses.

Orientation 2011 was designed to give first-year students the information and tools they’ll

need to succeed academically, while providing an opportunity meet new friends and enjoy

the social aspects of college life.

New students weren’t the only addition to the college this fall. Several exciting new programs

are opening doors to new career opportunities in some of the hottest sectors in Niagara

and across the country, including diploma programs in Art and Design Foundation, Game

Development, Culinary Innovation and Food Technology, and Retail Pharmacy Assistant.

There was a 2.5% increase in the number of first-year students in fall 2011 compared to last

year. The college also continued its record growth in full-time enrolment. There were 8,117

registered full-time students marking a 4.4% increase from fall 2010.


myCollege

Accolades pour in for NC Teaching Brewery IT’S ONLY IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION

and there are plenty of reasons to toast to NC’s

Teaching Brewery.

More than 70 types of beer have been produced

since the brewery first opened in April 2011

and three of them are now international award

winners. In July, the college brewery brought

home three medals from the 2011 United States

Open Beer Championships held in Atlanta,

Georgia. The competition featured 1,500 beers

from professional and award-winning home

breweries around the world. NC won two silver

medals — in the Bitter category for First Draft

Ale, and in the Old Ale category for Stomp —

and a bronze in the Barley Wine category for

Rudolph’s Red Nose Ale.

“Our students made a great impression there,

and their knowledge and experience from just

one year of college certainly enhanced the whole

event,” said college brewmaster Jon Downing,

who also helped judge the competition.

In August, the brewery seeped into the spotlight

once again for its distinctly Canadian Great Weiss

North beer which made its debut at the Canadian

National Exhibition. Created in collaboration with

Sawdust City Brewing and Taps magazine, the

full-bodied, natural wheat beer included at least

one ingredient from each Canadian province and

territory.

“To my knowledge, it’s the first beer of its kind

brewed by a craft brewery in Canada – another

first for the college,” said Downing.

First Draft Ale was also named in an article

featured in The Grid magazine, “The Ultimate

two-four” by Crystal Luxmore, as one of “24

Canadian beers you need to drink now.”

Beer produced by NC’s Teaching Brewery can

be purchased at the Brewery Retail store at the

Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus. Visit firstdraft.ca.

SABBATICAL LEADS PATTERSON TO OXFORD UNIVERSITYNIAGARA COLLEGE PRESIDENT DR. PATTERSON is spending the academic

year researching and writing about college leadership, the importance of industry-

educational partnerships, and the role colleges play in economic development as part

of a nine-month sabbatical that began in September 2011.

“This professional development time will allow me to gain new insights and a fresh

perspective as I reflect on Niagara College, and the challenges and opportunities that

lie before us in positioning NC for future growth and advancement,” said Patterson.

Patterson will spend part of the sabbatical at Oxford University in the U.K. as a visiting

research fellow.

“I am looking forward to returning to Oxford, where I studied many years ago,” he said. “I

am very honoured to share our experiences — in transforming Niagara College as a leader

in higher education in the Canadian college system — with their learning community.”

“We have one of the best college presidents in the Canadian college system,” said Len

Crispino, chair of the Niagara College Board of Governors. “Dan’s leadership over the

past 16 years has been fundamental to Niagara College’s amazing transformation. We

know that Dan’s work during his professional development will be of immense value to

Niagara College and the broader college system.”

Dr. Steve Hudson, most recently the college’s vice president Academic, is serving as

acting president until Patterson returns in June 2012. Sean Kennedy has moved from

the Student and External Relations portfolio to serve as acting vice president Academic

during Patterson’s sabbatical, and director of Marketing and Communications Gord

Hunchak will serve as acting vice president, Student and External Relations.

Lieutenant Governor raises a glass to Ontario wines

THE COLLEGE’S CANADIAN FOOD AND WINE INSTITUTE celebrated a new award to recognize the province’s top wines with a vice-regal visit. Ontario Lieutenant Governor David C. Onley visited the CFWI last summer when the college was selected as the host location for judging the inaugural Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines. He met with a panel

of independent judges from across Ontario for a dinner event at Benchmark restaurant, marking the beginning of a two-day judging process.

To participate in the annual competition, Ontario wineries are invited to enter a maximum of four Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines produced in Ontario. The award honours the best wines overall from across the province, rather than selecting them according to category or price. Only the top selected wines are permitted to bear the special award logo on their bottles. Awards are presented at each winning winery location.

Dean of the CFWI Jon Ogryzlo noted that the college wasn’t only the host location for judging this year, but had been working with the Lieutenant Governor’s office to help establish the awards.

“Niagara College and the CFWI are honoured to partner in this new and unique approach to celebrating the top wines in our province as well as linking the awards directly to agriculture by recognizing the role of the growers in this success,” he said.



myCollege

ELECTRICAL TECHNIQUES will provide

on-site hands-on training to prepare graduates

for work in the electrical industrial sector. The

program also meets apprenticeship curriculum

standards and prepares students to challenge

the provincial exemption exam for level one of

the electrician trade.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION - MEDICAL is

designed to help students develop strong

basic office skills while providing them with

a comprehensive knowledge of medical

terminology and human anatomy. Graduates

will be trained to work effectively in a medical

office environment.

SPORT MANAGEMENT will prepare students

for managing the business of sport. Its

graduates will be ready to pursue careers

with a variety of sports organizations –

from professional sports, community and

recreational organizations, to governing

bodies and sports facilities.

ADVANCED LAW ENFORCEMENT AND

INVESTIGATIONS will help graduates

of policing or justice studies programs

build on their credentials, preparing

them for work in policing, adult and youth

corrections, private security, or government

agencies.

AUTISM AND BEHAVIOURAL

SCIENCE will train students to work with

individuals who have Autistic Spectrum

Disorders (ASD). Graduates can work as

part of a treatment team, supervised by

a psychiatrist.

EXERCISE SCIENCE FOR

HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE

will help students develop the skills and

knowledge necessary to counsel and prescribe

programs for high-performance athletes or

individuals who have chronic health issues.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NIAGARA

COLLEGE PROGRAMS AT NiagaraCollege.ca.

NC unveils new programs for 2012NIAGARA COLLEGE WILL INTRODUCE

SIX NEW PROGRAMS in September 2012,

including three post-secondary programs and

three graduate certificate offerings.

The post-secondary programs include

Electrical Techniques (one-year certificate),

Office Administration – Medical (two-year

diploma), and Sport Management (three-year

advanced diploma).

New graduate certificate programs include

Advanced Law Enforcement, Autism and

Behavioural Sciences, and Exercise Science

for Health Performance. Graduate Certificate

programs are intensive one-year programs

designed for people with college or university

credentials, or for those with extensive

career experience.


The gift that keeps on giving

Known for his leadership in the construction and renewable energy

sectors, the CEO of Rankin Construction Inc. and Rankin Renewable

Power Inc. announced a $1-million gift to NC’s Building Futures

campaign. It was the largest gift from a private donor that the college

had ever received.

Rankin said he wanted to invest in the college when he heard about

its Renewable Energy Technician program – a field which is close to

his heart.

“Through its master plan, Niagara College has transformed itself

and greatly enhanced its ability to support industry and innovation

in Niagara, and created a sense of renewal in our community,” said

Rankin. “We’re very pleased to play a leadership role in supporting

this transformation.”

Steve Hudson, acting president, said he was grateful for Rankin’s

leadership in the community as well as his contributions to NC.

“The gift that we’ve received today greatly enhances our ability

to provide state-of-the-art learning environments that support our

integrated approach to applied learning,” he said.

College president Dan Patterson, who

returned from his sabbatical to attend the

event, said the legacy gift is significant

not only for the college but for the region’s

economic development.

“It sends important signals to prospective

companies who are thinking of relocating to Niagara that industry/

educational partnerships thrive here,” he said.

Renewable Energy Technician student Karl Dockstader thanked Rankin

for his donation on behalf of his class and all students at the college.

He noted how the college is helping to shape the industry with state-

of-the-art innovation and that, with the advantage of a NC education,

students will move on to become leaders and benefit future generations.

“At the turn of the last century, we changed the world for the better with

green energy,” he said. “Now, at the turn of this century, the Niagara

region and Niagara College will change this world again.”

In recognition of Rankin’s generosity and leadership, Niagara College’s

technology building was named the Rankin Technology Centre.

RENEWABLE ENERGY PIONEER TOM RANKIN DONATES $1 MILLION

The spirit of giving was in full force at Niagara College in

late October, thanks to a generous gift from Tom Rankin.

“Through its master plan, Niagara College has transformed itself and greatly enhanced its ability to support industry and innovation in Niagara, and created a sense of renewal in our community.”

APPLIED DREAMS.

myCollege

A child’s centre, a mom’s heart

Children attending the Niagara College Child Care Centre have fun while learning. Left: Kiser-de-Pagter and her son play with other children, pretending to prepare a meal.

Right: Pat Eversden helps a young boy build a structure out of blocks.

Pat Eversden (left) and Darlene Kiser-de-Pagter (right) stand in front of the work of art Kiser-de-Pagter created.


myCollege

Colourful depictions of marine life swimming in aqua blue waters offer a cheerful welcome to all those who enter the Niagara College Child Care Centre.

SINCE THE MURAL WAS COMPLETED IN EARLY 2011, it has been

enthusiastically embraced by children, staff and parents. For Darlene

Kiser-de-Pagter however, the work of art is much more meaningful.

Not only did she, a local artist, create the mural, she poured her heart

into the project. As a mom who has entrusted the centre with the care

of her two young sons, the mural was a way to give back.

“I wanted to do something to show my gratitude for the exceptional care

my children have received at the centre,” she says. “When a mother has

to go to work, she wants to make sure her kids are well taken care of, and

to be able to go about my day and know that my kids are safe and well

loved means everything.”

Her two sons were only toddlers when she first brought them to the centre

about five years ago, and it has been a fixture of their lives ever since. She

recalls the emotional experience of the first time she had to leave them

behind, and the relief she felt when was assured by staff that they would

be well taken care of.

She was grateful when staff pointed her to a room where she could watch

her boys settle into their new environment without them becoming aware

that she was watching them, thanks to a one-way window. Observing them

as they became engaged in group activities and made new friends with

others eased her concerns before she left.

“Having a feature like that at the daycare centre is great for parents who

might be nervous about leaving their kids,” she recalls. “It can be a very

emotional experience.”

It wasn’t long however, before there were no more tearful partings. In fact,

Kiser-de-Pagter soon found it more challenging to tear her children away

from the centre at the end of the day. They came to enjoy the time they

spent learning and having fun with their friends there.

Bonds formed at the centre aren’t only made among children. Kiser-

de-Pagter soon began to connect with other mothers. Before long,

acquaintances became friends.

“It’s a community here,” she says.

Her love for the centre goes well beyond social connections she and her

children have made. For Kiser-de-Pagter, it’s all about the vital role it has

played in her family life – particularly when it comes to her children’s

development.

Now that her boys are at school during the day and visit the centre for

only after-school care, Kiser-de-Pagter knows they will soon outgrow the

centre altogether, but she takes comfort in the thought that she was able

to give back to the place that has come to mean so much to her over the

years through the mural.

“I’ll always be tied to this place emotionally knowing that my sons were in

good hands,” she says. “Being able to leave the centre with a piece of me

is a nice feeling.”

Pat Eversden, manager of the NCCCC, is no stranger to how meaningful

the centre is for the children and parents. She witnesses it every day –

in the crayon drawings that she posts around her office, to the grateful

smiles and conversations she has with parents.

“Parents couldn’t go to school and get an education, or couldn’t go to

work if they didn’t have child care,” she says.

The NCCCC has been in operation since 1969 and the current facility

since 1995. Licensed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services,

it provides full-day care for children from three months to five years of

age, a half-day program with lunch for children in Kindergarten, and

before- and after-school programs for children six to 12.

Providing quality childcare is the focus on NCCCC. Adults don’t simply

mind the children, they nurture a learning environment. All teachers

are NC graduates who have ECE credentials and are registered. They

participate in professional development and receive ongoing training.

For students enrolled in the college’s ECE program, the centre is also a

training ground where they can gain hands-on learning experience.

“Keeping our quality and good reputation is what drives people to come

here. It provides parents with a good feeling, a feeling of ease,” she says.

“They see their children develop, that they’re blending in and reaching

their potential, and it makes them feel very good that their children are in

good hands and that they’re learning through play.”

Eversden oversees the centre and ensures the children are developing at

their maximum potential and are preparing for school. Here, high-quality

educational care is the focus. The centre fills a significant role in the

region where there is an increasing demand for its services, particularly

for infant care. It has curriculum plans, environmental rating scales and is

involved in the Quality Childcare Niagara committee – an advisory group

that strives for a standardized approach to quality childhood and equips

ECEs with a framework to develop their programs.

Eversden takes great pride in the centre and is passionate about her

work there. She graduated from NC’s ECE program 1975 and has

worked in the field ever since. For her, it’s about helping children grow

and helping families.

“The key is to not only love the kids but to love what you do. You feel a

sense of satisfaction when you see the children progress and see happy

families,” she says. “It’s very rewarding for me, the teachers and the

ECEs here. That’s what keeps us going.”


myCollege

Today’s internship, tomorrow’s opportunityMECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENT ALEX ROSE

UNDERSTANDS THE VALUE OF GAINING REAL-WORLD WORK

EXPERIENCE BEFORE HE GRADUATES.

The 19-year-old is banking on the fact that internships and co-op

opportunities – such as the eight-month job he will begin in January

– will build his resume. The second-year student hopes that it might

help him land full-time employment after he graduates from NC.

That’s why Rose was applauding in the crowd when a new $2.2-million

federal investment in Niagara College was announced in mid-October.

The funding is opening the door to 200 new internship opportunities

for students and recent graduates.

“This is good news for students,” he said. “Internships give you real-

world work experience – a good asset to have when finding jobs for

the future.”

The investment, as part of Federal Economic Development Agency’s

Graduate Enterprise Internship Initiative, aims at building a pool

of highly-skilled workers in Southern Ontario. By creating new

internship opportunities, it aims at equipping students and recent

graduates with businesses and management experience. It also helps

companies innovate by benefiting from the technical knowledge and

skills interns provide.

The new internships and structured mentoring opportunities are

being created for students and recent grads in programs such as

Broadcasting - Radio, Television and Film; Computer Programmer

Analyst (co-op); Game Development; Graphic Design, Ecosystem

Restoration, Environmental Management and Assessment;

Geographic Information Systems - Geospatial Management; as well

as in the fields of construction; electrical, electronics, mechanical,

and photonics engineering.

“It’s very exciting for the college’s students, graduates and employers

– and many of our employers are graduates,” said Fiona Allan, director

of Workforce and Business Development at NC. “This injection of

cash will help our economy grow and develop, will keep our graduates

employed and hopefully keep our talent in our region.”

An innovation funding initiative, the new internship opportunities are

aimed at working with graduates and students from specific programs

such as science, technology, engineering and math.

“What they’re looking at is trying to create more innovation and

inject a new talent pool in small and medium businesses,” she said.

“At the same time, students going into businesses are mentored

by management in the company, so they’re developing business

management skills and the company is benefitting from the recent

technology skills of our graduates.”

Allan noted that the funding, which will be used to help employers

support students through six-month internships, is critical for students

as a first step into the workplace. For some, the experience could lead

to full-time employment. While its success in job creation remains to

be seen, Allan said WBD will track the number of full-time jobs that

are created out of the program.

“We’re really excited about the information we’re going to get from this,

about the employers we’re going to work with, and how this can help

build the Niagara economy,” she said. “We know our economy could

definitely use it at this time.”

Welland mayor Barry Sharpe considered the announcement to be a

boost for the region of Niagara, as well as a vote of confidence for

Niagara College.

“It emphasizes what I think is fundamentally important about what

Niagara does and that it supports its students,” he said. “The

opportunity to have 200 graduates go out as interns, supported by

the federal government, will make a tremendous difference for those

students and for our city and the Niagara region.”

He pointed out local companies interested in hiring high-tech

graduates, such as those in electronics and mechanical engineering,

will be in a much better position to integrate recent graduates into

their companies with opportunities that help expand their businesses.

“It’s one of those wonderful triple-win situations where the college

wins, the student wins and local companies win,” said Sharpe.

The college’s WBD team finds work opportunities across Canada

for students enrolled in the college’s co-op education programs. In

addition to its on-campus Co-op Education and Graduate Employment

Services office, it runs the Employment and Training Solutions office

in downtown St. Catharines which helps match community job-seekers

with employers, and offers a variety of career advisement and support

services.

This fall, the WBD team also launched a new easy-to-use career

portal for both job-seekers and employers alike. Visit the new site at

mycareer.niagaracollege.ca.

Minister Rob Nicholson announces a $2.2-million federal investment that is creating more internship opportunities for NC students and recent grads.


myCollege

NC Knights host University of GlasgowIt was a very special game featuring visitors from across the pond, and a homecoming of sorts for a basketball pioneer in Scotland. The Niagara College Knights men’s basketball team hosted the University of Glasgow in a special exhibition game at the NC Athletic Centre on Sept. 23, winning 83-46. Glasgow is coached by Hamilton native Mike Lawton, who took his team on a tour of southern Ontario to play several OCAA and OUA opponents. Lawton has helped Glasgow secure its first British Universities and Colleges Sport title in more than 25 years.

14 LOCAL BUSINESSES are now working with NC to develop new

ideas for commercialization, thanks to an investment from the Federal

Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Up to $750,000 in funding under FedDev Ontario’s Applied Research

Commercialization initiative was announced this fall. Businesses

partnering with Niagara Research include WorkTech Inc., Ultimate

Kiosk, OASYS Healthcare, Warren DAC Investments Ltd., Abatement

Technologies Ltd., Yangaroo Inc., The Green Cricket, Norgen Biotek

Corp., Koppers Fishing and Tackle Corp., Pay 4 Performance, LineTech

Design and Manufacturing, Calhoun Sportswear, E.D. Products, and

Water Superstore.

Acting president Steve Hudson noted that companies were selected

through a rigorous process, to ensure a high expectation of growth and

strong possibility of positive outcomes. Each company also invested its

own money and resources into the projects. In return, they are able to

leverage the college’s resources, equipment, and facilities while working

with its students and faculty.

“The investment will support the growth of the companies involved in

creating new employment while, at the same time, it also provides our

students and faculty with a chance to work with real companies, learn

how to innovate in the real commercial world, and better prepare them

to join the workforce in the very near future,” he said.

The Hon. Rob Nicholson, Member of Parliament of Niagara Falls and

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, visited the college

to make the announcement.

“The Government of Canada is committed to investing in innovation

to create jobs and economic growth,” he said. “I am pleased that our

government is working with Niagara College and the local business

community to strengthen this region’s competitiveness.”

Federal funds rev up college-business partnerships

Second annual Peninsula Hoops ClassicIt was billed as a classic game and had the feel of an emerging rivalry, but in the end, the United Way was the big winner. The Niagara College Knights men’s basketball team fell just short of the Brock Badgers, 89-76, in the second annual Peninsula Hoops Classic fundraiser match on Oct. 1. Niagara and Brock lock horns once a year to showcase Niagara’s b-ball talent. Knight Alex Campbell led his squad with 21 points, including 11-for-12 free throws.

The women’s teams also squared off, with Brock taking home a 84-26 victory.

The special fundraiser raised $1,000 in donations for the United Way.

In other Knights newsThe Niagara College Knights Men’s Golf Team rolled to victory at the Niagara College annual Invitational Tournament at Lochness Links golf course. The team of Chad Currie, Chris Hargest, Cody Connor and Ryan Curran scored a total of 292, edging defending CCAA champion Humber Hawks by two strokes.

myStory

WITH MUSIC EMANATING FROM HIS HEADSET AND A SWITCHBOARD OF CONTROLS BEFORE HIM, THIRD-YEAR STUDENT TOMMY WEST LOOKS AT EASE IN ‘THE SHARK TANK.’

Just a few years ago, he had never even considered a career in radio.

Now, in this tiny room surrounded by windows, clearly visible to

passers-by in the hustle and bustle of the college’s cafeteria foyer,

this is where the magic happens for West and his fellow students.

Here, they are live, on the air at 90.1 FM The Heat.

The voice of Niagara’s new rock, the college radio station is broadcast

not only to North Welland and Pelham — soon to be joined by a

radius surrounding the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus in 2012 — it is

heard by listeners around the world via 24–7 online streaming.

Students are behind every sound broadcast on the radio and, as

program director of the station, West calls the tune. He’s joined

by fellow third-year students in the college’s Broadcasting: Radio,

Television and Film program who have taken on leading roles

directing sports, sales and music, as well as all the students who

produce their own features, host their own live shows, and become

sports and news anchors.

“What we do at school is what we would do in the real world, so

when we go out there, we’ll be ready,” says West.

The former Burlington resident first became interested in broadcasting

when he read about the program in the college’s course guide. During

his first year at NC he had the opportunity to get a taste of all three of

Students ride the radio waves at

90.1 the HeatThird-year Broadcasting student Tommy West is gaining valuable resume-boosting experience as program director of 90.1 The Heat.


myStory

the program’s streams — radio, television and film.

“It was great because I had a chance to try everything my first year, and

I fell in love with radio and television,” he says.

West has come a long way in confidence and skill since his inaugural

experience on the air as a first-year student. He can still recall his

initial nervousness.

“You’re by yourself and have to come up with everything you’re going

to talk about. It’s nerve wracking,” he says. “But you learn from it and,

after the first time, you want to get back on air because you know you

can do so much better.”

Putting first-year students on the air is a bold move, says Ron Tufts,

who teaches the Radio Presentation program, but he feels that giving

students experience from the get-go is critical to their development and

makes NC’s program stand out from the rest.

“We run our labs exactly like any radio station in the world runs their

newsroom, and production studio except, at first, these guys don’t know

what the hell they’re doing,” he chuckles. “To put first-year students on

as quickly as we do makes us a little crazy, but we think it’s the right

way to do it so they are really immersed in the environment.”

The students learn quickly. They host their own shows in the studio

a few times a semester. They conduct music galleries by producing

30-minute specials about their favourite music artists. They discuss

topics on This Week in Niagara and conduct guest interviews. Writing

and research skills are crucial, and they learn to transfer all the content

they develop into tight time slots. They also acquire production skills

on-camera and in the studio.

Their experience aims not only at helping them land a job in the

industry but making them valuable employees with a diverse repertoire

of broadcast skills. Graduates of NC’s broadcasting program are working

at radio stations throughout the country and many are well known in

their local markets.

Tufts is one of them. Before joining NC faculty, he worked at radio

stations throughout North America for more than 20 years. While he

has witnessed several seismic shifts in the industry through the years

— from vinyl, to CD, to digital audio tape to MP3s to server-based

stations — he has also helped the college station evolve right along

with them.

“We’ve been podcasting longer than anybody and always had our stuff

available online,” he notes. “As soon as a new technology is available,

we are out there doing it.”

Just as AM survived the advent of FM and radio survived the

introduction of video, Tufts is confident that the radio star is here

to stay. He notes how the industry has grown its audience and sales

during the past few years, driving people from on air to the website and

vice versa.

“Radio has stayed the course and I can’t see it not continuing because

we can do something that most others can’t, and that is to be local,”

he says. “We can localize everything which makes us an integral part of

the community we’re in.”

As program director, West embraces the local focus, making it his

mandate to immerse the station in the daily activities of not only college

life but the communities that surround it. The station covers local news

and supports its surrounding community through outreach projects such

as its annual 24-hour radiothon, Rock Around the Clock.

This highly-anticipated event, which supports The Hope Centre in

Welland, is now in its sixth year bigger than ever. In addition to its

annual live broadcast around the shark tank on Dec. 8-9 from 12:30

p.m. to 12:30 p.m., the station planned an event at the Seaway Mall

in late November with giveaways and a live-to-air broadcast at Ye Old

Squire. Students also drew more attention leading up to the event this

year with weekly live-to-air broadcasts at the station each Wednesday in

November.

Watching the students grow professionally and reach out to the

community is the ultimate reward for Tufts.

“They work their butts off to make sure we sound good and that we’re

involved in the community,” he says.

For West, who is enjoying his time at the station before beginning an

internship opportunity next semester, the appeal of a radio career is all

about those on the receiving end.

“It’s all about connecting with the listeners,” he says. “It’s tough, but I

like this program because we do that a lot.”

“What we do at school is what we would do in the real world, so when

we go out there, we’ll be ready.”

Instructor Ron Tufts shares his expertise with radio students.



BEHIND EACH OF THE COLLEGE’S SUCCESSES ARE DEDICATED

PEOPLE WORKING TO MAKE THEM HAPPEN.

To recognize their contributions, awards of excellence are given to

selected staff and faculty each year at the college’s Niagara Day event.

David Pastirik, Kim Saxton and Carolyn Triemstra found themselves in

the spotlight as recipients at this year’s event, held in August.

Pastirik, coordinator, second- and third-year International Business

diploma program, said he was humbled by the award, particularly since

there are so many others who he believes deserve the award as well.

“We come to work every day striving to do our best for our students

and this helps confirm that I’m taking steps in the right direction,” he

said. “I’ve been at the college since November 2004, and every day I’m

grateful for the chance to work with students to help change lives and

fulfill dreams.”

Saxton, administration assistant for the Registrar, said receiving the

award was a special surprise.

“I feel fortunate to work at Niagara College with such wonderful

co-workers and students,” she said. “They make coming to work an

enjoyable experience each day.”

Triemstra, chair of Allied Health, was honoured to receive the

Administrator Award of Excellence.

“There is no greater honour than to be recognized by your colleagues,”

she said. “I am fortunate to have an amazing, dedicated group of staff

to work with every day.

“Together we achieve great things for our students.”

Putting the ‘NC’ in excellence

myStory

David Pastirik (left), Kim Saxton (second left), and Carolyn Triemstra (right) are congratulated by college president Dan Patterson at Niagara Day.

Student video reels in regional recognitionTHE SPOTLIGHT WAS ON A NIAGARA

COLLEGE STUDENT PROJECT WHEN IT

WAS ANNOUNCED MUSIC VIDEO OF THE

YEAR AT THE NIAGARA MUSIC AWARDS

LAST JUNE.

The winning video, Imagine by local hip hop

crew Code Blue, was produced by Kristopher

Lloyd and directed by Corie Levitt while they

were in their third year of the film production

stream. They were asked to make a music

video in class and their project was one of

four videos selected to move forward. They

successfully pitched their ideas to Code Blue

who, in turn, gave them a budget to shoot it.

“I can’t explain the feeling you get when

you create something you are passionate

about and you are pleased with the finished

product,” said Lloyd, who now works as a

videographer/editor and travels around the

world shooting videos.

“When you are recognized by others, it just

makes it that much more rewarding to have

created something you love and love to do.”

Levitt said the win set his sights on larger

projects. He has since moved on to work

as a freelance producer, consultant and

shooter who promotes programming in the

Niagara Region.

“Looking back on that win, I feel it was a

great accomplishment and validation that I

am moving in the right direction creatively,”

he said.

Lloyd also attributes his success since

graduation to the support he received at

the college.

“Without the training I got at NC I would not

be where I am today,” he said. “Everyone at

NC was a great influence to me and helped me

mature in the media field.”

Levitt, who is still working with Code Blue

on concepts for a new music video, said he

feels the NMAs play a vital role in exposing

up-and-coming as well as veteran artists

who have been plugging away in the Niagara

underground.

“I am a strong believer that we have so many

talented individuals in Niagara that should be

able to secure employment in the broadcasting

industry locally, instead of being forced out

to Toronto,” he said.

BRTF professor Andrew Stevenson applauded

the achievement of his former students.

“The goal of our project-based curriculum

is to enable our students to produce work

that matches or exceeds the standards of

the broadcasting and film industry,” said

Stevenson. “I am very proud of this group of

Niagara students for proving that they are up

to the challenge.”

The Niagara Music Awards were held on June 14.

For event details and to order tickets online visit:NiagaraCollege.ca/seafoodgalaProceeds from the Seafood Galasupport student learningand success.

Friday, April 13, 2012Fallsview Casino Resort

$225 per person tables seat ten

reception: 6:00 pm dinner: 7:00 pmrsvp requested before Friday April 2, 2012

Scenesfrom 2011

Seafood Gala

For event details and to order tickets online visit:NiagaraCollege.ca/seafoodgalaProceeds from the Seafood Galasupport student learningand success.

Friday, April 13, 2012Fallsview Casino Resort

$225 per person tables seat ten

reception: 6:00 pm dinner: 7:00 pmrsvp requested before Friday April 2, 2012

Scenesfrom 2011

Seafood Gala

Dr. Nantel envisions culture of innovation at NCHE’S A SCIENTIST, highly respected researcher and, now that he’s

joined NC staff, he’s working to catapult Niagara Research to a

whole new level.

Dr. Marc Nantel, the college’s new associate vice-president of

Research and Innovation, has a vision for Niagara Research as

a growing area of focus at NC. Applauding the efforts of former

Niagara Research director Marti Jurmain and current senior manager

Natalee Tokar for building Niagara Research into what it is today,

Nantel is excited about expanding on its success.

“Niagara College Research is a well-kept secret even to NC itself,”

he said. “The internal dissemination of the magic of innovation is

one big goal I have.”

In addition to spreading the word among students and faculty, he

Man on a mission

Dr. Marc Nantel, the college’s new associate vice-president of Research and Innovation, is looking forward to expanding on the success of Niagara Research.

Special Feature


intends to take the message to industry partners and

beyond, increasing the college’s external bandwidth.

“I’d like Niagara College to be known for its applied

research and focused clusters of expertise,” he said.

“I definitely see us moving in that direction.”

His goal is to create a culture of innovation at NC

and to identify its centres of excellence.

“I want more faculty and more students involved in

research,” he says. “Ideally, any student who wants

an applied research experience at Niagara College in

any subject should be able to get it.”

While he is a new NC employee, Nantel already

has a track record of influencing change at NC. He

has had strong ties with the college for the past

12 years. In 1999, he was working for Ontario

Centres of Excellence where he was director of

Research, Commercialization and Talent programs,

the lead on Advanced Health Care Technologies,

and was responsible for its nanotechnology

interests, when it came to his attention that NC

didn’t have a laser program.

“At the time, with all those optics and

telecommunications companies going nuts trying to

find people, there was nowhere in Ontario for anyone

to get credentials below graduate school in optics,

photonics and lasers,” he recalls. “I wanted to do

something about it.”

The college, known as a centre for manufacturing

technologies, was thought to be a natural fit and

Nantel became instrumental in developing its

Photonics program. Its success, as well as the fact

that NC had a staff interested in doing research, is

what Nantel attributes as setting the stage for NC’s

growing research department. As a member of the

college’s Board of Directors since 2006, Nantel

witnessed how college research has exploded during

the past five years, thanks to government investment.

When he became aware of Jurmain’s retirement,

Nantel became interested in stepping in.

“My continued involvement in the research group

with Marti and Natalee showed me it was a great

place to be, and that it had even more potential than

had already been realized,” he says. “It became

obvious that it was a good time to look at what I

could bring to NC as an employee, not just as a

funder or board member, but from the inside.”

Visit NiagaraCollege.ca/research.

“I’d like Niagara College to be known for its applied research and focused clusters of expertise. I definitely see us moving in that direction.”

Applied Research

At this very moment,

millions of dollars of research projects are currently underway

at Niagara College. Projects involve computer virtual reality

visualization, mechanical engineering, horticulture, photonics,

culinary, applied health and much more.

Dr. Nantel notes that colleges have come to play a valuable role in

helping companies and businesses bring new products to market and

building prototypes. This can be challenging for those low on cash

and resources. It can also be difficult for profitable companies who

are unable to divert manpower from their production lines to do so.

“That’s where we can help with our faculty, equipment and students,”

says Nantel. “We can help them innovate on the side or, if they’re

not doing so well, we can bring resources to the problem and help

them bootstrap themselves into the position where they will have new

products on the market.”

The experience helps prepare students for the workplace with hands-

on, industry-relevant research, as they work on solving real problems.

It also encourages networking, helping them land jobs in their desired

fields and, at the same time, helps them become valuable future

employees for companies.

“The best technology transfer is to move students from the lab to the

company – to hire the brain that solved the problem,” says Nantel.

He points out that research also benefits professors and faculty who

gain professional development through working with the companies

and students. It enables them to offer better courses and course-

based research, and livens up their classrooms with real examples.

Research has enhanced NC’s reputation as one of the leading applied

research community colleges which, in turn, helps the college acquire

funding for even more research projects, says Nantel. It also benefits

the public.

“By helping to make companies innovative; by training grads who will

be more effective and productive when entering the workforce; and by

creating new products, processes and services; we’re contributing to a

healthier economy, better economic growth, and job creation — all things

that governments yell from the rooftops to happen,” he says.


Where innovation has no limitsStudents, grads tackle real-world challenges through research projects

WHEN CRAIG BABIN BECAME INVOLVED IN

3D MODELING RESEARCH AT NIAGARA COLLEGE,

THE COMPUTER BECAME A BLANK CANVAS

FOR HIS CREATIVITY.

Babin spends his days building virtual replicas of real-life spaces and

exploring new exciting new applications for the latest technology in the

process. His projects open doorways to new possibilities for him, his

clients and the entire industry. None of this would have been possible

without Niagara Research.

The former comic book artist was enrolled in Niagara College’s

Multimedia program and was in his first class on 3D modeling when

his teacher discovered his knack for the high-tech field of computer-

animated graphics and encouraged him to pursue it full-force. The next

thing he knew, he was introduced to Mike Duncan, chair of Visualization

Science, Research and Innovation, who hired him to build on his talent

through Niagara Research.

“Sure, it was kind of weird for a teacher in web design to tell me ‘forget

web design,’” says Babin with a chuckle, “but I just love the freedom

I’m given to do this research that lets me be creative. This is what I

want to do.”

Working under Duncan, his faculty lead, Babin took on the mission

of creating what has likely become one of the most sophisticated

Clockwise from left: Laura Vanderplas, Olga Pierdrahita with two research students, and Alan Munro.

Special Feature

models in the region — a computer-animated replica of downtown St.

Catharines. Intended to help the city of St. Catharines with economic

development for urban planning, the model features 500 buildings

on St. Paul Street and its surrounding downtown core. Each one of

the buildings was individually modeled, built to scale, and tied in

with its surroundings, allowing viewers to move through the streets via

their computer screens. With a simple click, buildings can appear or

disappear — a useful tool for site redevelopments.

Duncan explains that the research project allows Babin to tap into his

talent far beyond what would have been possible in the classroom.

The results do not disappoint. The lifelike computer model is a

testament to Babin’s skill.

“It’s stunning. It looks so real. He’s lit them all and balanced them

seamlessly and that’s really hard to do,” says Duncan. “He’s creating

stuff like Mozart — sheer brilliance.”

While the modeling aspect may be complete, the possibilities of what

can be done with it even beyond its urban planning function are just

beginning to be explored by the research team of Duncan and Babin.

The result not only exemplifies what the college can do for businesses,

but what research opportunities can do for the students.

“It’s an opportunity created by us having the tools, the city having the

need and the students having the skills,” says Duncan. “That’s the

definition of opportunity.”

With an increasing number of television commercials and films using

the technology, Babin’s skills are in high demand. While he originally

became interested in research to gain more experience 3D modeling,

Babin plans to continue working with Niagara Research and begin

a new career in January teaching the college’s Introduction to 3D

Modeling and Animation course.

“Now that we have an idea of where we can go with 3D modeling, we

can make great training programs for students coming into it. It’s just

something that has opened wide up and they’re seeing the potential in

it,” he says. “As a teacher, I will also be able to hand-pick students to

come in and do research.”

For Duncan, the St. Catharines project is one of many he oversees.

Last year, he won an Orion award for his Pragmatic agricultural

system. Through wireless sensors in the college vineyards,

temperature readings are taken, transmitted to a database and

displayed on computer screens in real time. Not only does this have

exciting applications in the wine and agriculture industries, but it has

given students a unique opportunity to learn database programming in

a real-time environment.

Duncan and a team of students are also building a quality assurance

tool for Yangaroo, a leading technology company, to ensure videos

are usable as they are sent through their systems to clients through

its patented Digital Media Distribution System. In addition, they are

working with Oasys Healthcare, which is developing technology to

capture, store and distribute medical content.

Duncan views the research in his division as sitting on the cusp of

commercialization. He anticipates that it will generate even more

opportunities for the students.

“We show more capabilities, people show more interest, and we begin

to do deals and bring things together. It’s that evolution — of us trying

new things and them supporting the idea of us trying new things —

that creates an environment where students get to expand their skills,”

he says.

“Opportunities will be created because of the presence of students,

the presence of business and because of our infrastructure.”

>

None of this would have been possible without

Niagara Research.

Craig Babin’s image is imposed onto an image of his 3D model work of downtown St. Catharines.

Applied Research


JASON VAN DE LAAR AND MICHAEL

HOLDERNEY DON’T TALK ABOUT THEIR

DAYS. THESE YOUNG RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

ARE ON THE FOREFRONT OF DEVELOPING

PRODUCTS FOR COMPANIES THAT HAVE

NOT YET COME TO MARKET AND THEIR

WORK MUST BE KEPT SECRET. THIS IS THE

WORLD OF THE MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH.

Van De Laar, a senior co-op student, and

Holderney, a recent graduate, are finding the

experience is equipping them with valuable skills

beyond anything they could learn in classrooms or

read in textbooks.

They are using equipment such as a FaroArm

to reverse engineer components and products,

and laser scan items into an image on computer

screens. Working with new clients, they have had

to learn about the new products and systems they

specialize in, and develop new procedures.

Beyond their technical skills, they are acquiring people skills in the

process as they deal with industry partners.

“When I first started out I didn’t know how to communicate with

someone who has no technical background, but now I do it every day,”

says Holderney.

Both believe that their research will help kick-start their careers.

Holderney feels his experience working with state-of-art technology will

help steer him toward his ultimate goal: race car engineering and car

design development. Van de Laar, who has his sights set on a career

in the clean technology field, points out that gaining experience as a

problem-solver will be valuable in this emerging area.

“When I graduate, I won’t be the one asking for answers, I’ll be the

one who will be expected to come up with the answers,” he says.

Mechanical research lead Alan Munro notes that their research helps

companies innovate — particularly small- and medium-sized ones who

would not have the funding to develop their concepts.

“The jobs we’re doing are providing engineering facilities for

companies that would never have the money or know where to start to

create the product,” he says.

Mechanical research allows students and graduates to gain experience

beyond their years by doing work that would typically be done by the

engineering group of a company, he notes. In the process, the funded

research projects give faculty and students access to cutting-edge

design equipment and advanced design software packages that are too

expensive for the typical classroom.

“We offer it to our clients first and then it comes into the classroom

so, when our grads leave, they’re at a high technology level,” he says.

“They take that into the workforce which leads right back to us.”

Jason Van de Laar and Michael Holderney work with the FaroArm as part of their research projects.

Special Feature

Food innovation on the menu It’s the tastiest research in town.THE CANADIAN FOOD AND WINE INSTITUTE isn’t only a top school

for culinary, wine and beer education, it is also a regional leader

when it comes to food research.

From exploring a new way to sanitize cutting boards to developing high

quality non-alcoholic beverages that taste like the real thing, there are

many exciting projects underway at the CFWI’s Food Innovation Centre,

where students and faculty partner with regional food businesses. The

projects, which are supported by the National Science and Engineering

Research Council’s College and Community Innovation Program, help

enhance business competitiveness by assisting them with new product

development and equipping them with technology to compete in the global

food sector.

With guidance from experienced faculty, students are involved in all

of the Food Innovation Centre’s research activity including product

development, raw ingredients innovation, sensory analysis, food

premise sanitation and regulatory affairs. One project, for example,

has students working with chef professor Michael Olson and industry

partner Tersano to test the effectiveness of the chemicals it has

developed that are designed to leave no harmful residues or odours.


THE GROWING SEASON MAY

BE PUT ON HOLD FOR THE

WINTER, BUT FOR OLGA

PIEDRAHITA AND MEMBERS

OF HER RESEARCH TEAM, THE

EXCITEMENT IS FAR FROM DORMANT. IT’S A

CRUCIAL TIME FOR THE RESEARCHERS WHO

HAVE BEEN TESTING NATIVE PLANTS FOR

GREEN ROOFS, TO SEE IF THEY ARE SUITED

TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND IF THEY WILL

SURVIVE THE COLDER MONTHS.

Piedrahita — professor and coordinator of the

college’s Greenhouse program and Horticulture

Research — and her team launched their research

project in 2008 when no one else in the region

and few others in the country were conducting

work in this area.

Their first project with Dramm Canada tested and

found that green roofs in Ontario require irrigation. They were then

approached by St. Williams Ecology Centre to test the suitability

of native plants for green roofs. Since green roofs are exposed to

both drought and extensive moisture conditions, they are challenging

growing environments. To address this, the research team began to test

pre-selected native plants which were thought to be able to withstand

the poor conditions. When compared to sedums, which are traditionally

used, the team found native plants to work just as well. So far, 16 types

of native plants that perform well have been identified by the team —

nine of which can survive over the course of two summers and winters

— and more continue to be tested. The team is also examining three

types of soils to see which works best on green roofs — organic,

inorganic, or a blend of the two.

About 60 students are currently working on various research projects

in the horticulture department. The research has been equipping

students with experience in areas of rapid growth in the industry,

preparing them for a competitive field.

“It really makes science come alive for the students,” she says.

Laura Vanderplas is one of them. In October, the second-year

Greenhouse Technician student who works as a research assistant

for Piedrahita presented some findings at the Canadian Greenhouse

Conference. This is something she never would have imagined doing

before her research began earlier this year.

“I have a lot more confidence now,” she says.

The fact that the research she does generates sought-after knowledge

in her industry is meaningful for Vanderplas, who has been involved

in green roof research as well as the testing of biological organisms

being used to manage pests such as the foxglove aphid.

“This is something that is becoming more and more important, and

it’s rewarding to know that there’s a demand out there for this type of

project,” she says.

Laura Vanderplas studies plant varieties that may suit green roof initiatives.

Applied Research

They are examining new ways to sanitize food contact surfaces in the kitchen and food processing environments.

In September, the college also launched the Culinary Innovation and Food Technology program, which added even more flavour to food research at the

CFWI. Geared to the food processing sector, the program combines traditional culinary training with science and technology. Students have formed a

product development team and are working on a variety of unique products for the Institute of Food Technology Product Development Competition.

They are also working on research projects. While beer students work with faculty brewmaster Jon Downing and partner MADD Virgin Drinks to formulate

non-alcoholic beverages that allow non-drinkers to enjoy the social aspects of sharing a beverage, CIFT students conduct sensory analysis and consumer

taste panels to identify which beverage formulations are most popular. The research group will also conduct a campus-wide consumer test to evaluate

the products.

Amy Proulx, professor and coordinator for the CIFT program, said the college campus is ripe for food research.

“Whether you consider the location, right in the heart of the agricultural and food processing hub of Canada; the faculty, who are intensely passionate

about producing quality food; and the unique skills development across the food and beverage sector from bakery, culinary, beer, wine and now food

technology; the CFWI is an exceptional location for applied food technology research,” she said.


myStory

Students build resumes and friendships through international co-op experiences

WHEN MAXINE SEMPLE FIRST SIGNED UP for an international

co-op placement, she knew it would be difficult to leave her husband

and cat behind, but she never thought the toughest part would be

coming home.

“I’ve never felt that kind of grief, knowing that I might never see again

in my life all the wonderful friends I got to meet,” said Semple, a

fourth-year applied business degree student from Welland.

Semple was part of a group of Niagara College International Commerce

and Global Development students who travelled to South Africa for a

curriculum-based co-op placement. A co-op placement is often the first

time a student works directly in the field of his or her chosen career,

gaining valuable real-world experience. International co-op goes a step

further, offering work experience that combines the thrill of travel with

an enhanced understanding of building prosperity and community on a

global stage.

Semple’s life-changing experience started in May 2010, when she,

along with fellow business students Jeff Sinclair, Keenan Gentry

and Ian Graham, departed for South Africa. For Semple, it began as

organized chaos.

“I packed the day before I left,” said Semple. “We had just finished

exams, and then I had a half-of-a-day with my family, and then I was on

a plane flying across the Atlantic.”

Semple’s co-op led her to the Eastern Cape region of South Africa

where she worked at the Chamber of Commerce for the community

Border-Kei. She spearheaded the development of the Invest in Buffalo

City website (investbuffalocity.com/page/why-invest-in-south-africa).

While the project would have been a significant accomplishment on its

own, completing it in an unfamiliar surrounding added extra credit to

her end result. The humid air was as thick as a brick, monkeys would

stop traffic as they crossed the roads and there were no hair dryers to

be found. The latter, was perhaps the most difficult adjustment for

Semple.

“I never had so much trouble in my life trying to find something I

thought was so easy to have access to,” she said. “Oddly enough, it was

the piece that really threw me.”

She viewed international co-op as a necessary experience, since half of

her program focuses on global development.

“I think there is a definite competitive advantage to be achieved for a

student graduating with a business degree, as commerce continues to

develop internationally on all levels. It was a clear way to diversify myself

in a pile of resumes,” she said. “The second motivation was to get to

travel and experience a different culture, life and business system.”

Monica Buczynksi also realized the value of an international co-op

placement. The Business Administration – Marketing (Co-op) student

made the trip to Peru, South America, to work for a small artichoke

company. She helped the business develop a marketing plan to increase

exports to Canada.

“My first thought of building my resume was, ‘if 100 people with the

exact same diploma were applying for a position after graduating, what

would be something on my resume that could set me apart?’” she said.

“An international placement was just that. Not only was it a challenge,

but it also allowed me to combine the joys of travelling with practical

work experience.”

Like Buczynksi, the biggest challenge many students who travel on the

college’s international development projects in Peru, South Africa and

Brazil face is the language barrier.

“In Peru, basically none of the locals spoke English, so from day one

almost everything became immediately difficult,” said Buczynksi.

“Not only could I not speak Spanish to anyone, I also could not

understand what anyone said or asked me. Taking a cab, ordering

food, asking for change or communicating with co-workers seemed

Going the distance for a global advantage


myStory

impossible at first but to overcome this I simply immersed myself in

Spanish as much as possible.”

Language difficulties got less difficult as the time went on and

Buczynksi developed her business plan, giving her industry host the

chance of a future competitive advantage while allowing her to display

her skills for both herself and future employers.

Business values weren’t the only ones she learned on the trip.

Buczynski learned to be sensitive and respectful of others and began

to view things differently.

“I also have a greater appreciation of Canada and our wonderful lives,

including our health-care and social system,” she said. “I feel like I

now look at things with an outside perspective.”

Completing an international co-op, work or study placement is an

educational experience without comparison, said Jos Nolle, Niagara

College’s chair of International Development. Business students benefit

greatly because of the increased importance of trade in today’s global

market.

Students from across the college can also find value in travelling

abroad for work or study, gaining global competency, increasing their

communication skills and becoming better problem-solvers.

“Students who participate in an international experience are far more

likely to become leaders in their careers and communities following

graduation,” said Nolle. “The compassion and discipline they learn

while on the job is impossible to find any other way.”

The college’s International department is spreading awareness about

gaining an educational experience with a global edge. The department

recently launched its Be World Ready campaign, a cross-media

promotion of ways students can gain global competencies on-campus,

in the community or travelling abroad. The Be World Ready campaign,

which includes a recently relaunched International Opportunities

website (international.niagaracollege.ca/content/opportunities), offers

information on how students can become globally engaged through

intercultural learning opportunities, with or without travelling.

A key component of the Be World Program campaign is its Passport

program, which awards students for participating in intercultural

programs, lectures and other opportunities in the classroom and

beyond. Students who fill a passport receive a certificate from the

International department. It’s a way of getting more students at the

college interested in global affairs — even those who are unable to

travel abroad.

While long trips may not be suited to everyone, Semple believes that

anyone who can take the chance should, not only for their professional

development, but for their personal empowerment.

“The thing I’m the most thankful for are the friendships that I

made and that I continue to maintain today,” she said. “It’s the

part of the voyage I cherish the most and what I’ll always keep next

to my heart.”

“If 100 people with the exact same diploma were applying for a position after graduating, what would be something on my resume that could set me apart?”

Monica Buczynski explores Peru as part of her international co-op experience.

Maxine Semple enjoys the scenery in South Africa.


myExperience

WHEN MILLIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD TUNED IN TO WATCH Prince William and Catherine Middleton say their ‘I do’s,’ last spring,

Tanner Murray wasn’t one of them.

This aspiring young chef, fresh out of culinary school, was far too busy

in the kitchen of Buckingham Palace that day preparing a feast fit for

kings — or, more specifically, a future king, his new bride, and hundreds

of their reception guests.

Working the royal wedding was an opportunity of a lifetime for the

Canadian Food and Wine Institute graduate, one that he was acutely

aware of for the duration of the grand event.

“The entire time I was thinking, ‘I can’t believe I’m here,’” he recalls.

“Then, in the middle of that thinking, I would remember that I had to

put out the food.”

Not only is Buckingham Palace a long way from his hometown of Port

Robinson, it’s the last place in the world Murray would have expected

to be while he was studying for his Level 2 apprenticeship at Niagara

College. While certainly no stranger to foodies and celebrity chefs as

a culinary student in the heart of Niagara’s celebrated food scene,

Murray has always had simpler tastes. For this self-professed lover of

basic comfort food, taste trumps presentation, and the satisfaction of

preparing a well-enjoyed meal is more tantalizing than the glamour of

celebrity chefdom.

“I never wanted to be the next Gordon Ramsey,” he says. “I just

want to cook.”

Just months before he was on track to graduate from the CFWI during

the spring of 2010, opportunity knocked, thanks to CFWI chef professor

Sam Seaver. Murray was eager to answer. Seaver informed Murray and

his classmates about the Chaine des Rotisseurs scholarship award

offered by one of the most respected gastronomic associations in the

world. Winners would earn a coveted four-month position in London,

England working for world-class chef Anton Mosimann. This ‘king of the

kitchens’ is as known for his Michelin-starred restaurants as he is for

being the official caterer to Charles, Prince of Wales.

With only a few days to write an essay and submit it, Murray wasted no

time. Murray’s chef hat was tossed in the ring, along with fellow student

Devon Pierce’s, when their essays were nominated to be considered

for the scholarship. They travelled to Toronto to be interviewed by a

panel of distinguished judges including executive chefs from the Royal

York, the York Club and the Toronto Golf Club. Weeks later at the CFWI,

Seaver made the announcement: Murray and Pierce were chosen for the

scholarship.

“I was shocked,” says Murray. “I was confident in a sense, but in

another sense I wasn’t — to be going to a completely different country

where I didn’t know the rules, the environment, what it’s like, and hardly

anybody there.”

From NC to Buckingham Palace

How culinary grad Tanner Murray’s internship landed him a job at the royal wedding.

Tanner Murray visits with professor Osvaldo Arila in the Benchmark kitchen.

Murray works with celebrity chef Anton Mosimann in London, England.


myExperience

In September 2010, Murray left the familiarity of his hometown for

London, England. It was his first taste of life away from home. Living in

a big city wasn’t the only adjustment Murray had to make.

Working as an internship trainee for one of London’s most elite chefs

meant hard work and grueling hours. In this new world, where a 12-hour

shift was considered a shorter day, it wasn’t unusual for tempers to flare,

voices to raise, or pans to fly across the kitchen — sometimes, in his

direction. He admits that there were times he would question whether

he would cut it in this lightening-paced world.

“If you don’t do things a certain way, you’re going to get fired or sent

home,” he said. “So I quickly adapted. I just had to go faster and get

my work done, to not ask questions, just do it.”

With his college-acquired skills put to the ultimate test, Murray’s

appetite for learning, passion for cooking and his willingness to work

hard egged him on. In the end, he says, it was well worth it.

Working for the prestigious Mosimann’s Club Kitchen and Mosimann’s

Party Service, he proved himself to be a reliable member of the

team. The position opened the door for him to work many high-profile

events such as the Prince of Wales Christmas Party and the British

Prime Minister’s dinner. His good work performance also gave him the

opportunity to work at Asprey and Olympic Stadium where he was part

of a team that catered to more than 1,000 people.

If it weren’t enough to gain experience working for a world-famous

chef at some of the most exclusive events in England, Mosimann being

announced as the selected chef for dinner service at the royal wedding

was icing on the cake. Murray found himself in the right place at the

right time. Although his internship would come to an end by January

2011, months before the April 2011 wedding date, Murray let his boss

know he was interested in the gig.

He had already returned home when Murray received the news

that he had been accepted to work the royal wedding. He flew

back to London to work the week of the event. While the job itself

was similar to preparing food for other events he worked during

his internship at Mosimann’s, the fact that it was for the royal

family added an extra dollop of stress. The finest details had to be

executed with extreme precision.

“This was the royal wedding. Everything really had to be centred, on-the-

dot perfect. No screw-ups,” he recalls. “I was nervous.”

While he didn’t have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the royals,

Murray became one of the privileged few with access through the long

palace corridors and into rooms where few outsiders had gone before.

As for details, Murray was sworn to secrecy.

“What happens in Buckingham Palace stays in Buckingham Palace,” he

says with a grin.

Now that the royal wedding is behind him, Murray has ventured to the

base of Blue Mountain in Collingwood, Ontario, where he works as an

apprentice for the ski resort’s The Pottery restaurant. As he looks forward

to the exciting career ahead of him, he is grateful for his training at NC’s

CFWI, which equipped him with the skills he needed to succeed — both

in London and beyond.

“People have said that the experience has changed me. They say that I

went a boy and came back a man,” he says. “I think it’s true.”

From NC to Buckingham Palace

De Luca, who is one of the most celebrated chefs in Niagara’s

growing restaurant scene, is one of the newest additions to the

Canadian Food and Wine Institute. He joined the CFWI as a full-

time chef professor in August 2011.

“We are very lucky to have a school like this in Niagara. With the

on-campus Teaching Brewery, Teaching Winery, Benchmark —

the teaching restaurant — and the vision of the whole program

at Niagara College, it was really a no-brainer,” said de Luca of

his decision to join Niagara College. “After 35 years of restaurant

experience, I really believe I can make a difference and impart my

knowledge on the students, to help train them for successful careers.”

The decades of success de Luca brings to the CFWI are a result of skills

honed in some of the most famous kitchens and in the company of some

of the most talented chefs in the world. He began his career in Toronto

as an apprentice at the Windsor Arms with Michael Bonacini. Since

then, he has worked for such reputable establishments as Bistro 990,

Taboo, and the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto; The Millcroft Inn in

Orangeville; The Watergate Hotel in Washington D.C., with Jen Louis

Palladin; and The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia. He

has also worked in Europe at the Chewton Glen Country House Hotel

in Hampshire, England; and Hotel Bayerischer Hof and Otto Koch’s

Michelin Le Gourmet in Munich, Germany.

De Luca has lived in Niagara since 1996 when he was hand-picked

to become the founding executive chef at Hillebrand Estates Winery

Restaurant. He is currently chef proprietor of de Luca’s Wine

Country restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake where he, until recently,

also ran the Old Winery Restaurant.

While his career as a restaurateur has been put on the backburner in

favour of imparting the mastery of his craft to the next generation

of chefs, de Luca hasn’t hung up his competition hat just yet. He

was invited to battle against the top chefs in Toronto as part of the

prestigious Gold Medal Plates competition this winter.

Craig Youdale, Academic chair at the CFWI, noted the talented staff

team at NC are not only key ingredients to student success but to

the college, as it strives to become a center of culinary excellence in

Canada.

“We have an amazing group of chefs and professors on our team, and

Tony is another piece of the puzzle moving toward our goals,” he said.

Chef de Luca adds teaching to his plateAs a chef, restaurant owner and cookbook author,

Tony de Luca has the recipe for culinary success.

Now he’s dishing it out to Niagara College students.



myCommunity

Many Hands reaches out to St. John AmbulanceA NEW YEAR WILL MARK THE BEGINNING OF A NEW PROJECT FOR

NIAGARA COLLEGE’S MANY HANDS PROGRAM.

The Lincoln County branch of the St. John Ambulance in St. Catharines,

which serves the entire Niagara region, has been selected as the latest

recipient of the initiative which provides renovations for a different non-

profit organization every year.

Now in its 15th year, the renovation effort is driven and executed

by students in the Event Management, and Renovation Technician-

Construction programs. Students are involved in planning and executing

the entire project, from raising awareness and involving the community

through volunteer recruitment to completing the desired renovations. The

renovations will be done by construction students from January until April

2012 however, they have been working on their renovation plans, project

costs and materials since the fall to prepare for their upcoming work. As

part of this year’s effort, they plan to improve the accessibility to the St.

John site and to make the space more functional.

“The Many Hands project is like a living lab. The Event Management

students apply their academic knowledge right away and gain hands-on

experience with a client,” said Shelley Merlo, professor/coordinator of the

Event Management, program who is an advisor for the Many Hands project.

“The students learn quickly the value of giving back to the community, the

importance of fundraising events, and what they can do for the community

and the Niagara region.”

Canadian Tire Financial Services has been the founding sponsor for Many

Hands for the past 14 years, contributing funds to the projects.

In addition, students are planning four fundraisers for the winter term.

St. John Ambulance is a vital community organization run by volunteers

and minimal staff. First Aid classes are taught and First Aid services are

provided for many community events.

In April 2011, students renovated the kitchen and expanded the food

storage and preparation areas at Salvation Army site in Fort Erie. Four

fundraising events were held, organized by the college’s Event Management

students on the Many Hands committee.

For more information or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, visit

manyhandsproject.wordpress.com.

FOR ABOUT 70 NC STUDENTS, the home

they have been constructing since September

isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about

honing their skills and cementing their

dedication to helping others.

The students, predominantly from the

Construction Techniques and Renovation

Technician programs, have been hammering

away on a project for Habitat for Humanity’s

Student Build program. The house, which is

taking shape on Martin Street in Welland, is

the college’s seventh project for Habitat for

Humanity since 2007.

“The project provides the students with

an opportunity to learn in a real-world

environment and to create a lasting legacy,”

said Colin Robinson, coordinator of NC’s

construction programs.

The project is a learning tool for Robinson and other professors not

only in construction and renovation, but in drafting, estimating and

building codes classes.

The students began working on the site —formerly a vacant lot owned

by the City of Welland, acquired by Habitat for Humanity — on the

second week of September. While Habitat brings in professional

trades for some tasks, such as plumbing, the students perform all of

the tasks suited to them.

Habitat for Humanity Niagara is an independent, not-for-profit home

builder that works in partnership with youth to construct safe and

affordable homes which are sold to those in need at no profit and with

no interest charged.

Laying the foundation for giving

NC students construct a Habitat home on Martin Street in Welland.

myCommunity

THE COLLEGE’S SPRING CONVOCATION was its largest to date, with almost 3,000 students

receiving their diplomas, degrees or certificates. The ceremonies featured a roster of distinguished

speakers including Gerald Butts, president/CEO of World Wildlife Fund - Canada; James Chatto,

food and wine writer; Sheila Jarvis, president and CEO of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation

Hospital; Dr. Jack Lightstone, president and vice-chancellor of Brock University; Bob McDonald,

author and science journalist; and Gary Whyte, president and CEO of the Canadian Restaurant and

Foodservices Association. Each guest speaker received an honorary diploma from the college.

Several student achievers also had their time in the spotlight. Meagan Schrader’s achievement of

a 99% cumulative averaged earned her a Governor General’s Academic Medal, one of the highest

awards a student can receive, as well as a Dean’s Award. The Office Administration student remains

part of the NC family — this time, as a staff member in the Educational Pathways, Development

and Quality Department where she completed her co-op program. Dean’s Awards were also granted

to Laura Ramik, from the Culinary Management (co-op) program; and Danielle Theresa Katherine

Gustaw, from the Environmental-Technician - Field and Laboratory (co-op) program.

An additional 550 students graduated in late October. Blair Pollard, vice president Talent

Management and Total Rewards, WestJet; and Dr. Karl Stobbe, regional assistant dean, Niagara

Regional Campus, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, gave inspirational speeches and

received honorary diplomas from the college.

A Dean’s Award was granted to Ryan Scott Gibson, from the Winery and Viticulture

Technician program.

The fall ceremonies marked the end of the college’s 2011 convocation ceremonies.

Congratulations graduates!

Caps off to 2011 gradsTHE WORLD GAINED ABOUT 3,550

MORE NC GRADUATES THIS YEAR.

Meagan Schrader receives the prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medal and a Dean’s Award for her whopping 99% cumulative average.

NC shines in festival spotlight Students, staff and

faculty participated in

the 2011 Niagara Wine

Festival and the Niagara

Food Festival. The

events gave the public a

chance to sample NC’s

student-crafted culinary,

wine and beer products.



myConnection

Welland Hydro-Electric System Corp. Welland Hydro-Electric System Corp. made a $20,000 donation

to the Building Futures Campaign to establish an endowed

award. The donation will be matched by the Ontario Trust for

Student Support. This scholarship is awarded to a student in

the new Renewable Energies Technician program, who lives in

Welland and graduated from a high school in the city.

From left: Ross Peever, president and CEO, Welland Hydro

Electric System Corp.; Bob Watson, secretary, Niagara College

Foundation Board; and Ben Cecil, dean of Environment, Media

and Technology Division.

Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation has committed $40,000 to the

Building Futures Campaign to be used to help fund the Technology Centre

expansion at the Welland Campus. This donation completes the group’s

$100,000 pledge, of which $60,000 was committed earlier to establish

the Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation Scholarship to support students in

Environmental programs.

From left: Dan McNiven, trustee Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation; Bob Watson, secretary, Niagara College Foundation Board; Ron Hartle, trustee,

Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation; Sean Kennedy, CEO Niagara College

Foundation and acting vice president Academic; Ben Cecil, dean of

Environment, Media and Technology Division; and Gordon Hunchak, acting

vice president Student and External Relations.

MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES INC. MADE A COMMITMENT OF $250,000 to support the facilities

portion of the Building Futures Campaign. A plaque was installed at the Fitness Centre at the

Welland Campus to recognize this generous donation. The company is the largest builder in the

Niagara Region with more than 30 years experience.

Back row from left: Steve Hudson, acting president, Niagara College; Rick Podrebarac, CA, controller, Mountainview; and Mike Memme, vice president, Operations, Mountainview.Front row from left: Amy Klassen, student in the Fitness and Health Promotion program; Mark Basciano, president and CEO of Mountainview Homes Inc. and co-chair of the Building Futures Campaign.

Mountainview donation adds muscle to campaign


myConnection

THE BUILDING FUTURES CAMPAIGN

has received donations totaling

$680,000 from four caring and

thoughtful individuals who left a

bequest in their will for Niagara College.

Two of the donations were matched by

the Ontario Trust for Student Support

increasing the total amount to $1.5

million from these four estates.

Luigi Setacci’s bequest was matched by

the Ontario Trust for Student Support to

establish the Luigi and Amalia Setacci

Bursary Fund, which provides bursaries

for full- and part-time students in any of

NC’s health-related programs.

Legacy gifts have $1.5 million impact

TD invests $150,000 in wine and viticulture

Pictured (from left) are Joe Tonin and Fred Tonin, co-executors of Amilcare Ramella’s estate; Sean Kennedy, CEO Niagara College Foundation and acting vice president Academic; and Adel Esayed, chair, School of Technology Studies.

Libraries manager Karen McGrath and John Kees flank a new plaque installed in the Welland library in memory of John’s parents, Stephen and Edith Kees. Stephen was Niagara College’s first librarian.

Amilcare Ramella, a retired Chemical Engineer

with Mobil Oil, lived in Welland after he

retired. He wanted everyone, no matter what

their circumstances, to have the opportunity to

pursue a post-secondary education.

Ramella’s bequest was matched by the Ontario

Trust for Student Support to establish two

endowed scholarships for full-time students

in Technology programs: the Remo and Ida

Ramella Memorial Scholarship Fund, in honour

of his parents, and the Amilcare Ramella

Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Edith Mary Kees fulfilled her husband’s wishes

in her will. Stephen Kees, who predeceased

his wife, was the college’s first librarian and

he wanted to leave some money to Niagara

College. The bequest was used to help fund

the renovations to the library and learning

commons at the Welland campus.

An estate gift from a donor, who wished

to remain anonymous, continued this

individual’s giving history. Financial gifts over

the years funded a bursary to help students

in any program, and the college received

donations for equipment and facilities for

Environmental programs. The bequest was

used to help fund the new Applied Health

Institute at the Welland campus.

For information about how to make a

legacy gift to Niagara College, contact

Foundation and Alumni Relations at

905-735-2211, ext. 7864.

TD BANK GROUP (TD) HAS COMMITTED $150,000 toward Niagara College’s Wine Visitor +

Education Centre at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus.

Completed in 2009, the Wine Visitor + Education Centre is part of Niagara College’s Master Plan, which

includes significant expansions and the construction of new buildings at both major campuses.

As a key component of Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute, the Wine Visitor +

Education Centre (WVEC) supports Niagara College’s role as a leader in wine education and is home to

the Niagara College Teaching Winery — the only commercial teaching winery in Canada. The WVEC is a

unique facility that serves as an educational resource for students, the public and industry, and supports

applied research in wine business, oenology and viticulture.

“Niagara College is very pleased that TD is making this significant investment to support student

learning and success, and the wine industry,” said Sean Kennedy, CEO of the Niagara College

Foundation and acting vice president Academic.

“We are thrilled to partner with Niagara College and help provide access to continued education and

learning,” said David Kissick, district vice president, TD Commercial Banking, Niagara Region. “Niagara

College is home to Canada’s only commercial teaching winery and to support specialized studies like

this for students is beneficial to the future of our youth and the overall industry in Niagara.”

A portion of this gift will establish the TD Scholarship, which will be endowed and matched by the

provincial government’s Ontario Trust for Student Support program. The annual income will be used to

provide scholarships for students in Wine and Viticulture studies.

Pictured at the Wine Visitor + Education centre are (from left): Steve Hudson, acting president, Niagara College; David Kissick, district vice president, TD Commercial Banking; David Drosky, manager, TD Commercial Banking; Sean Kennedy, CEO Niagara College Foundation and acting vice president, Academic; Jon Ogryzlo, dean, Canadian Food & Wine Institute; and Coby Hawkins, district vice president, TD Canada Trust.

We are proud to promote the following affinity partners who offer competitive group discounts for NC graduates:

Home and Auto insurance plan

Discounted rates on your next mortgage

Rebates on vehicle leases & purchases

Life, Health and Dental insurance

Competitive benefits for credit card subscribers

CAA NiagaraCAA Niagara waives the enrolment fee for new NC alumni members in

the Niagara region, plus an additional one-time discount on first-year

membership dues. Visit our website to obtain the promotion code.

2011-12 Alumni Council membersThese dedicated volunteers provide advice and guidance on alumni

programs and services, as well as assist at Foundation & Alumni

Relations events.

NC GRADUATES:Liz Aldrey . . . . . . . . Library Technician 1971Janet Bradley. . . . . . Electronics Engineering Technology

–Microelectronics 1997 John Darch . . . . . . . Business Administration Marketing 2005 Catherine Kuckyt . . . Nursing 1978 and Nursing Refresher 2004Jim Lambert. . . . . . . Mechanical Engineering Technician 1983Daryl Ledwon. . . . . . Business - Sales & Marketing 2007Julie Linton . . . . . . . Environmental Management and Assessment

2006Anthony Luongo . . . . Broadcasting- Radio, Television & Film 2009 Flavia Orvitz . . . . . . General Arts & Science 2001

and Social Service Worker 2003Jeff Tremblay . . . . . . Law & Security Administration 1995Doug Willford . . . . . Library Technician 1972Matthew Wilson . . . . Police Foundations 2007Joanna Zalewa . . . . . Library Technician 1976 and

Library Computer Network Operations 1996

APPOINTED MEMBERS:Kuda Mudyara . . . . . Student Administrative Council Eleanor Snider . . . . . President, NC Retirees Association and former

Nursing faculty

myConnection

Have a story to share? We’re always looking for

stories to share with the NC

community. Send your profile to

us and we may include it in a

future edition of encore.

Contact us!For more information on our

affinity partners and other

discount opportunities, please

visit: NiagaraCollege.ca/Alumni.

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-to-life, multi-media interview scenarios with Optimal Interview.

Visit niagaracollege.ca/optimalresume to obtain the alumni

access code.

Plan a class reunion If you are interested in spearheading a reunion for your class, please

contact Alumni Relations. Recent reunions have included a campus

tour, time spent in the library archives, meeting with faculty and

social time to catch up.

Staff will help initiate the planning process and provide tips for

organizing a reunion, including resources to assist with logistics

and marketing. Call 905-735-2211, ext. 7865 or

email [email protected].

NC frames availableFoundation & 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/alumni_benefits_services or

call 905.735.2211, ext. 7551.

Social networking with NC alumniJoin our Facebook fan page to learn about discount

opportunities and reconnect with other Niagara

College graduates. More than 1,200 people from 19

countries ‘like’ the Niagara College Canada Alumni

fan page.

Join our Linked-In group and learn about professional

opportunities and events, apply for jobs, post jobs

and network with NC grads in your field. The Niagara

College Alumni Linked-In group has more than 500

group members ranging from grads just starting their

careers to seasoned professionals.

Follow NC_Alumni on Twitter for updates on

NC Alumni and Niagara College.

More than 450 people/organizations are followers.

Benefits and services available for our grads


myConnection

5th Annual Curling Rocks BonspielOrganized by Foundation & Alumni Relations

› St. Catharines Golf & Country Club › Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. › Competitive and Recreational Divisions - no experience required › Event includes a minimum of three games, contests, prizes and

buffet lunch. All equipment provided. › Free clinic 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. for new curlers. Limited space

available for clinic, beginner teams only please. › Team Registration - $150 (team of four) › Corporate Team - $250 (team of four plus sheet sponsorship) › Cheering Section - $20 (per person includes lunch and fun only,

no curling) For more information and to register visit niagaracollege.ca/curlingrocks or call 905-735-2211, ext. 7775.

Bonspiel is limited to 18 teams so don’t delay!

NC Foundation Golf Classic THE NIAGARA COLLEGE FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC raised

$35,000 to support student learning and success. The 171

participating golfers enjoyed a great day of golf in September at

Peninsula Lakes Golf Course in Fenwick. The college’s varsity golf

team ran competitions and provided tips to the golfers. Students from

the college’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute provided snacks on the

course, and a wine and beer tasting at the reception.

Past chairs of the college’s Board of Governors continue to support the college by taking part in the Golf Classic. From left: Mike Scott (2008-09), Tom Gauld (1998-2002), Jim Ryan (2005-08) and Alan Goddard (2003-05).

Photo: Angie Griffith


Presented annually to six recipients, the Premier’s Awards for Ontario College Graduates celebrate the outstanding contributions

college graduates make to Ontario and throughout the world. This year, 103 nominations from Ontario’s 24 colleges were received

in six categories: Business, Creative Arts and Design, Community Services, Health Sciences, Technology and Recent Graduate.

The nominees were celebrated and the winners announced at the Colleges Ontario annual conference in November in Toronto.

A list of winners both past and present is available on the Colleges Ontario Premier’s Awards website at co-awards.org.

myConnection

Premier’s Awards Nominees 2011

Jennifer Blakeley – BusinessHuman Resources Management 2004

Jennifer is an award-winning entrepreneur with three successful businesses. Jennifer Blakeley Photography specializes in maternity and newborns, in spite of Blakeley’s vision loss in one eye. Sips & Suds features a Wi-Fi cafe within a laundromat. Alphabet Photography offers more than 1,000 photos of items resembling letters that make unique gifts. In 2010, Alphabet Photography generated more than $1 million. Blakeley received worldwide media attention for her innovative Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, and holds the YouTube record for most watched flash mob of all time with 33 million views. She graduated from Human Resources Management in 2004.

Cal Coons – Creative Arts & DesignBroadcasting-Radio, TV & Film 1984

As writer and producer of The Listener, Cal Coons continues to help raise the popularity of Canadian television. This writer, director and producer worked on The Republic of Doyle, Murdoch Mysteries, ReGenesis, and Blue Murder. Both international hits, Murdoch Mysteries received 25 Gemini nominations including Best Dramatic Series, while Blue Murder was nominated for 26 Gemini including Best Series and Best Writing in a Series. Coons co-wrote documentaries for Bravo and Discovery, one of which received a Gemini nomination for Best General/Human Interest Series. This self-proclaimed workaholic is a member of both the Writers and Directors Guilds of Canada.

John Osczypko – Community ServicesSocial Service Worker 1987

John Osczypko has focused his entire career on preventing homelessness. As executive director of Gateway Residential and Community Support Services, he oversees the building of housing projects providing safe and affordable shelter for individuals living with mental illness. Partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Gateway is now the largest provider of mental health housing in Niagara. Osczypko expanded his dedication to aid disadvantaged citizens and youth by founding the Housing Help Centre, and the Resource Association for Teens. He is a board member of Niagara Regional Housing and the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health.

Danny Kerr – Health SciencesAmbulance and Emergency Care 1991,

Advanced Care Paramedic 2007

Danny Kerr has always been devoted to the well-being of others. He graduated from Niagara College’s Ambulance and Emergency Care program in 1991 and the Advanced Care Paramedic program in 2007. As a paramedic and volunteer for Global Medic, Kerr saved lives by training medical personnel in Cambodia who work on de-mining teams. Kerr funds these missions 100% by organizing campaigns. After having a heart attack at 36, Kerr has been dedicated to fundraising for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. In 2011, Kerr and his Niagara EMS Ride for Heart team raised $24,000 to bring automatic external defibrillators to Niagara.

Jerry Howell – TechnologyComputer Engineering Technology 1988

Jerry Howell’s entrepreneurial spirit began at nine years old, selling pumpkins out of a wheelbarrow from the family farm. After graduation, he pioneered Howell’s Family Pumpkin Farm into an agri-tourism business from the ground up, promoting it as a Halloween destination with pumpkins and animatronics shows that draws thousands of locals and tourists. Combining farming with tourism and entertainment, Howell’s company, Chick-n-mation, uses state-of-the-art electronics and software to create and sell singing, talking and moving animatronics shows to farms worldwide. He received the International Amusement Parks Association Trade Show Award and the Premier’s Award for Agrifood Innovation Excellence.

David Pratt – Recent GraduateGreenhouse Technician 2007

David Pratt is the Head Grower at Sundrop Farms, the first commercial greenhouse worldwide to use the sun’s energy to desalinate seawater, which produces freshwater for irrigation. He graduated from Niagara College’s Greenhouse Technician program in 2007. Being the first grower worldwide to use this innovative technology for commercial purposes, and to grow tomatoes in the Australian outback with seawater and no chemical pesticides is a highlight of his already successful career. In 2008, Pratt set a world record for the production of yellow bell peppers per square metre. Pratt mentors Niagara College students in the Greenhouse Technician program.

Jennifer Blakeley

Cal Coons

John Osczypko

Danny Kerr

Jerry Howell

David Pratt


myFuture

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Invest in Niagara’s FutureTHE BUILDING FUTURES CAMPAIGN IS RAISING $16.5 MILLIONto support the college’s $90-million Master Plan

Significant investment has helped transform the Welland campus and enhance the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus to create more than 1,700 new spaces in programs where labour is in high demand in Niagara.

Thanks to the generous support from individuals, companies and organizations, we have achieved our goal for the facilities portion of the campaign.

Over the next few months we will continue to raise money through the campaign to fund: equipment and learning resources for excellent training environments; scholarships and bursaries to provide financial support to students; and applied research activities that engage students in real-world projects.

Please make your gift today to support student learning and success.

“We are empowering the next generation of employees and future employers of this region and that is vitally important. We are giving ourselves the tools to succeed.”

Anna Olson, Campaign co-chairCelebrity chef, cookbook author and host of Fresh with Anna Olson on the Food Network “I think that Niagara College historically, presently and certainly with this campaign going forward is not only underscoring its leadership position, it’s highlighting it and ensuring it for the future.”

Mark Basciano, Campaign co-chairOwner and President of the Mountainview Group of companies


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