The machine is located in the transit loop at the main entrance. The addition is one of several new machines at key transportation hubs across the province.

Visit the Go Transit website for more information:

As the City of St. Catharines gears up to host the world鈥檚 top rowers for the August 18-25, 麻豆直播 (麻豆直播) and the Niagara Home Builders Association (NHBA) unveiled a new addition to the Royal Canadian Henley Rowing Course that will guarantee a fair start for athletes and leave a legacy for future competitions.

On July 23, partner organizations and members of local government 鈥� Deputy Mayor Bill Phillips, Regional Councilor Tim Rigby, MPP Jennie Stevens, and MP Chris Bittle 鈥� gathered for a ribbon-cutting for the Aligner Hut on Martindale Pond which marks the rowers鈥� starting line. The hut will house the Aligner, the official who oversees lining up the boats uniformly to ensure no rower has an unfair advantage.

The 10 by 10 enclosed structure was built and designed by students and faculty in 麻豆直播鈥檚 Carpentry and Renovation Technician program, with materials donated by the NHBA.

鈥淲e are grateful to the 麻豆直播 students for their outstanding design and construction of the new Aligner Hut, and to the Niagara Homebuilders Association for their generous donation of materials,鈥� said Bill Schenck, Chair of St. Catharines World Rowing. 鈥淭his hut is a great addition to the Henley Rowing Course and a fantastic legacy for the venue, and we can鈥檛 wait to show it off at the 2024 World Rowing Championships.鈥�

鈥淭his project highlights 麻豆直播’s commitment to providing practical, impactful learning experiences that enhance our students’ skills and benefit our community,鈥� said Fiona Allan, Vice-President, Academic at 麻豆直播. 鈥淲e are grateful for the opportunity presented by the upcoming World Rowing Championships and for the Niagara Home Builders Association鈥檚 partnership in this initiative and their continued support of our skilled trades programs.”

鈥淭his project builds upon our longstanding partnership with 麻豆直播 and is a testament to what trades students can do,鈥� said NHBA CEO, Chuck McShane. 鈥淭he Niagara Home Builders Association is honoured to see this Aligner Hut permanently affixed on these waters, serving as a representation of the continual commitment to our partners and surrounding community.鈥�

Building the Aligner Hut

In May, 麻豆直播 carpentry professor Julian Ledonne, construction technologist Marco Giorgi, and students Manuel Perez, Kevin Huang, Linh Lawrenn, Rishi Loorkhoor and Landon Consonni spent several days building the parts in the lab in Welland. The cosmopolitan student team hail from Chile, Hong Kong, Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Catharines. Djalol Hurmatov, a student in the Skills Development Fund-Construction Skill Program offered in partnership with NHBA, joined the team to assist with the assembly and finishing touches.

Perez, a recent graduate who received the Dean鈥檚 Award for the School of Trades at 麻豆直播鈥檚 Spring 2024 Convocation, created the 3D CAD drawing according to World Rowing specs.

Once built, the individual parts were picked up by a boom truck and delivered to Henley Island where they were loaded by crane onto a floating barge and taken to the platform on Martindale Pond. The 麻豆直播 team then travelled by boat to assemble the structure, working within the confines of the platform surrounded by water.

Ledonne explained that the team wanted to create something long-lasting that could weather the elements. They chose a steel roof, durable and hearty wood panels, moveable panels in place of windows for function, and a steel door to ensure the structure can be used for years to come.

鈥淚t was a rewarding experience for the students to put their skills to the test in a real-world scenario,鈥� said Ledonne, who estimates the team spent nearly 100 hours on the project. 鈥淚t was a test of patience and their knowledge, and they felt a real sense of accomplishment from being part of the build from start to finish, from design to construction to execution on site on the water. They really wanted to be there and were happy to give their time to the project.鈥�

Ledonne commended 麻豆直播鈥檚 partners for making the project such a great experience for the students. 鈥淭he team at Henley were so welcoming, and the NHBA were great to work with.鈥�

Fourth term student Loorkhoor is grateful for the experience.

鈥淚t was amazing to be able to assist on the Henley Regatta project both on land and on the waters,鈥� said Loorkhoor. 鈥淚 appreciated the chance to utilize the skills and training given to me by 麻豆直播

Loorkhoor recognized his instructor Ledonne for making teaching moments out of mistakes. He learned the importance of space awareness, teamwork, and sharing tools when working in unique conditions of small platform surrounded by water.

Speaking to what drew him to carpentry, Loorkhoor said: 鈥淚 like working with my hands and the housing industry will allow me to do this. Niagara college is giving me the knowledge and practical experience to further pursue this dream.鈥�

Loorkhoor hopes to work under an experienced carpenter after graduation and credits his 麻豆直播 instructors for their mentorship.

鈥淭hey go above and beyond.鈥�

Broadcasting students, alumni to livestream the 2024 World Rowing Championships

Drawing from lessons learned from broadcasting the , program coordinator Peter 鈥楧utch鈥� VandenBerg tapped seasoned alumni Carter Hendriks (2022), Carter Vahrmeyer (2019), and Gabriel Klassen (2017) to lead a team of current Broadcasting 鈥� Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) students and alumni through the livestream production of the 2024 World Rowing Championships 鈥� an experiential learning opportunity of a lifetime.

鈥淭he challenge with rowing is that it鈥檚 the biggest field of play, but we have a pretty adventurous plan on how we鈥檙e going to cover it,鈥� said VandenBerg, whose students will also cover the 140^th Royal Canadian Henley Regatta beginning July 28.

For the Worlds, the crew of 20 students and alumni will oversee a production with 18 cameras 鈥� including eight robotic cameras and one mounted to the new Aligner Hut 鈥� and several production spaces to cover the entire event from start to finish.

鈥淭he real-world experience at this caliber of event 鈥� a world-class championship at a world-class rowing facility 鈥� in the students backyard is second to none,鈥� said VandenBerg.

From August 18-25, 2024, St. Catharines is set to welcome the world for the 2024 World Rowing Senior, Under 23 and Under 19 Championships at the historic Royal Canadian Henley Rowing Course. Known for its legacy in hosting major competitions, including two previous World Rowing Championships, the Henley Rowing Course will bring together 2,500 athletes from over 60 countries in what is the biggest and most important World Rowing event of the season.

麻豆直播 has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. 麻豆直播 is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada鈥檚 top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at .

Established in 1955, the Niagara Home Builders鈥� Association is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 155 member companies including: Builders, Developers, Renovators, Suppliers, Supplier/Trade Contractors, Manufacturers, and Allied Professionals. They continue to advocate on behalf of the residential building community, with a focus on promoting the skilled trades. For more information, visit: .

鈥撎�30 鈥�

Media inquiries, please contact:

Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant
麻豆直播
Cell: 905-932-1520
jtorok@niagaracollege.ca

Vittoria Wikston
Marketing, Communications & Events
2024 World Rowing Championships
Cell: 905-321-5979
vwikston@sportniagara.ca

Alicia Dimitrov-Lawrence
Executive Officer
Niagara Home Builders Association
Cell: 905-646-6281
alicia@nhba.ca

“Our Craft Distilling students are gaining the skills they need to lead and succeed in the industry at our Teaching Distillery, and it’s getting noticed at an international level,” said Steve Gill, General Manager of the College’s Learning Enterprises. “Winning these awards is evidence that our students are learning from the best and making their mark with the education they’re receiving at 麻豆直播.”

麻豆直播 received gold medals for its School Spirits Whisky and Tanzanite Gin. In the Anything Goes category, the Distillery’s Christmas Gin earned it a silver medal, and its Mediterranean Vodka was awarded a bronze.

“It’s really exciting for us to get the chance to submit these projects (for judging) because it really speaks to the hard work of the students and all the time we spend together developing these products,” said Head Distiller David Dickson. “(The awards) showcase not only these students, but all the products that we make and the capability of our graduates entering the workforce.”

It’s not the first time that Tanzanite Gin and Mediterranean Vodka impressed judges; earlier this year, both spirits were awarded medals at the 2024 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition as well.

Dickson said it’s the College’s first time winning at multiple competitions with the same entries.

Based off a highly rectified neutral spirit, Mediterranean Vodka includes several spices that are often found in Mediterranean cooking, including basil, mint, lemon and coriander. Meanwhile, Tanzanite Gin is a bright and refreshing spirt with some wood character in the background. It was inspired by the classic London dry style with some flavours of the new style of gin.

Christmas Gin was a new entry for the Distillery. It was a creative endeavor between Assistant Distiller Ian Bickle and graduating students of the Artisan Distilling Program. It’s a baking spice forward gin with a mix of cinnamon, cranberries, allspice and clove that uses a combination of techniques to give the gin flavour.

“The 2022 group was a smaller cohort, so we were able to do some more fun distillations,” Bickle said. “So I challenged them and said: ‘Let’s make a graduation gin. Everyone, give me one botanical for the gin.’ I created the recipe from what they gave me, and we distilled it on their final distillation day. There were some very interesting heavy botanicals, which inspired a gin reminiscent of Christmas cakes and cookies.”

He approached Dickson with the idea of a second batch of Christmas gin the next year, repurposing student gin. Dickson agreed and Bickle produced the 2023 batch release of Christmas gin, which was entered into the competition.

In another first for the competition, several 麻豆直播 Artisan Distilling alumni were invited to judge a portion this year’s event. They were not allowed to judge any of the College’s entries.

Dickson said it was the first time former students were able to volunteer at the U.S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship, though alumni have judged beer competitions in the past.

Mediterranean Vodka and Tanzanite Gin are available for a limited time at the College’s while supplies last, while a new batch of Christmas gin will be released closer to the holidays.

Students, employees, and visitors are reminded to use extra care and caution when travelling to and from campus and when outdoors in the elements.

The College remains open with scheduled on-campus classes and services continuing as normal. We will continue to monitor conditions.

Please see the College website, Brightspace, and social media channels throughout the day for updates.

麻豆直播 employees can continue to access services online via the my麻豆直播 Portal or at

They can also add the to their bookmarks.

Service options have been streamlined for users to submit tickets more quickly, browse the knowledge base of FAQ鈥檚, and more.

The most notable changes are when submitting requests when something is not broken, and where to find things to order.

The IT Service Desk continues to be available by phone weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (905) 735-2211 ext. 7642, and we look forward to serving you better through the improved IT Service Desk.

Wine Visitor + Education Centre:听The Wine Visitor + Education Centre, retail store, patio and indoor service听will remain open with regular hours of operation during the mid-term break week (June 24 鈥� 28) and Monday, July 1 from Monday to Sunday,听10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

麻豆直播 Teaching Greenhouse:听The Teaching Greenhouse will remain open with regular hours of operation during the mid-term break week (June 24 鈥� 28) from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be closed on Monday, July 1.

Campus access:听Both campus exterior doors will be locked on Monday July, 1 and will reopen on Tuesday, July 2 at 6 a.m. 听Should you require access to either campus, you must contact Security 905-735-2211 ext.6999 or email security@niagaracollege.ca.听Access to either facility will be at the discretion of security, or as previously communicated.

Athletics & Recreation:听Both campus fitness centres and gymnasiums will be open with reduced hours from Monday, June 24 to Thursday, June 27, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and will be closed on June 28 to July 1.

Bookstores:听During the mid-term break week break (June 24 鈥� 28), the Daniel J. Patterson Campus bookstore will be closed and the Welland Campus bookstore will remain open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both campus bookstores will be closed on Monday, July 1.

Community Employment Services:听(43 Church St. in St. Catharines): Community Employment Services will remain open with regular hours of operation during the mid-term break week (June 24 鈥� 28) from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be closed Monday, July 1.

Enrolment Services:听Enrollment Services will remain open with regular hours of operation during the mid-term break week (June 24 鈥� 28) and will be closed on Monday, July 1. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Food & Ancillary Services:

• 麻豆直播SAC cafes, The Shack (Welland Campus)听and听The Undergrounds (Daniel J. Patterson Campus)听will remain open during the mid-term break week (June 24 鈥� 28) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Monday, July 1.
• The Core will be closed during the mid-term break week and Monday, July 1.
• The Armoury will be closed during the mid-term break week and Monday, July 1.
• Welland Campus
  • Tim Hortons 鈥� open from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Monday, July 1.
  • Subway 鈥� open from Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Monday, July 1.
  • Grill/Chef Inspired 鈥� open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Monday, July 1.
  • Nourish/On the Go 鈥� open from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Monday, July 1.
  • Pizza Pizza 鈥� open from Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Monday, July 1.
  • Tim Hortons AHI 鈥� closed.
• DJP Campus
  • Tim Hortons 鈥� open from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Monday, July 1.
  • Main Cafeteria including all regular services 鈥� open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Monday, July 1.
  • Subway 鈥� open from Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Monday, July 1.

Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services:听HWAS will remain open with regular hours of operation during the mid-term break week (June 24 鈥� 28) from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be closed on Monday, July 1. Students looking for support can also access the following resources:

COAST Niagara / Mental Health and Addiction Help Line
COAST provides services to people in the Niagara Region who are in crisis and have a mental health concern. Ongoing telephone support and/or referral to appropriate follow-up services may be recommended to prevent further crisis.

Good2Talk
Good2Talk is a free, province-wide service for students in college/university and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It provides professional counselling, mental health information and connections to local resources. Students who are concerned about student life, health or mental well-being can contact Good2Talk via:
贰尘补颈濒:听info@good2talk.ca
Web:听
Phone:听1-866-925-5454
Text:听Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868

Indigenous Education: Indigenous Education Student Centres will remain open for in-person and online services during the mid-term break week (June 24 鈥� 28) with regular hours of operation from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be closed on Monday, July 1.

International Student Services: International Student Services will remain open with regular hours of operation during the mid-term break week (June 24 鈥� 28) from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be closed on Monday, July 1.

ncLibraries and Learning Commons: During the mid-term break week (June 24 鈥� 28), the Welland Campus Libraries and Learning Commons will remain open from Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the Daniel J. Patterson Campus Libraries and Learning Commons will remain open from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All services at both campuses will be closed on Monday, July 1.

麻豆直播SAC offices and Student Centres: 麻豆直播SAC offices and online chat will remain open with regular hours of operation during the mid-term break week (June 24 鈥� 28) from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be closed on Monday, July 1.

Student Services:听Student Services will remain open with regular hours of operation during the mid-term break week (June 24 鈥� 28) from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. 鈥� 4:30 p.m. and will be closed on Monday, July 1.

Teaching Salon:听The Pavilion will be closed during the mid-term break week (June 24 鈥� 28) and on Monday, July 1.

Transit:听Please check the听听website for the most up-to-date information and holiday schedules. Visit听听for information and Frequently Asked Questions related to student transit.

On June 11, Naomi Fox of St. Catharines received the CPRS Notified Student Award of Excellence from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) at the National Conference in Mont Tremblant, Quebec.

鈥淚t feels surreal to be receiving this award,鈥� said Fox, who accepted the award virtually. 鈥淚鈥檓 very proud to be the third winner the College has had since 2020鈥� It’s amazing to have my hard work validated, and it feels like this is a catapult for my career.鈥�

According to CPRS, the Notified Student Award of Excellence is awarded to the student who shows a clear understanding and application of the principles of PR theory, demonstrates professionalism leadership in scholastic activities and is committed to pursuing a career in PR. The student must also demonstrate an ability to contribute to the status and acceptance of the profession.

“On behalf of all of us at 麻豆直播, we鈥檙e thrilled to learn of Naomi鈥檚 achievement,鈥� said Charles Kopun, Associate Dean of the School of Media. 鈥淚t must be incredibly gratifying for her to receive national recognition, underscoring her unwavering commitment to the field of Public Relations.鈥�

鈥淭his also marks the third time since 2020 that a 麻豆直播 PR student has achieved such a prestigious honour, a testament to the exceptional talent of our students and the dedication of our faculty to student success,鈥� said Kopun.

CPRS National President Claire听 Ryan said Fox has set 鈥渁n admirable example鈥� for aspiring PR professionals in Canada.

鈥淣aomi’s recognition as this year’s winner of the CPRS-Notified Student Award highlights her dedication to the public relations field,鈥� Ryan said. 鈥淗er academic excellence, mentorship to her peers, as well as her active engagement with CPRS Hamilton, reflect her passion for the PR profession.鈥�

Fox joins 麻豆直播 PR alum Nicolas Mertens and Brenna McCutheon who were awarded the CPRS Notified Student Award of Excellence in 2021 and 2023, respectively.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a pleasure to recognize Naomi鈥檚 achievements with the CPRS Notified Student Award of Excellence,鈥� said Lisa Davis, Vice-President, Marketing at Notified. 鈥淗er passion for public relations, commitment to mentorship, and demonstrated academic excellence are evident and admirable, and we鈥檙e proud to celebrate her as a next-generation storyteller.鈥�

It was a big week for Fox, who graduated from 麻豆直播鈥檚 graduate certificate program at Spring Convocation on June 12.

Fox also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Western University in Media, Information and Technoculture.

鈥淚 came to the PR program because I felt like I had lots of theoretical knowledge but lacked the practical knowledge needed to start my career,鈥� said Fox. 鈥淚’m a big wine lover and got to collaborate with the 麻豆直播 Teaching Winery in planning a successful (and delicious) Wine Maker’s Dinner. I also got to meet inspiring industry professionals on a weekly basis which has been invaluable in growing my network.鈥�

Fox also interned at Creative Guild in Hamilton with 麻豆直播 alum Mertens, Senior Social Media Strategist, and Creative Director Jeff Blay (Journalism 2011; Public Relations 2015).

鈥淣icolas Mertens has been an immense inspiration to me as a student and budding professional, and receiving the same award is an incredible honour as a mentee,鈥� said Fox.

鈥淚n my internship, I got to collaborate with the amazing team and worked on brands like Arby’s Canada, Turtle Jacks Muskoka grill, and WOW 1 Day Painting. I wrote copy, shot and edited content for social media, wrote and pitched a press release, and landed coverage for the agency.鈥�

Fox is currently interning with Toronto-based PR agency Kaiser & Partners. A testament to the many 麻豆直播 PR grads making their mark on the industry, Fox met fellow 麻豆直播 alum Ray McIlroy (Public Relations, 2008), Senior Vice-President of Kaiser & Partners through mock interviews as part of her 麻豆直播 program.

鈥淚 hope to continue working in the agency world, and my long-term goal is to work as a digital marketing consultant!鈥�

In addition to guidance received through the CPRS Hamilton mentorship program, Fox credits her success to PR Program Coordinator Emily McInerney who nominated her for the award.

鈥淓mily McIneney’s dedication to the program and her students has been critical to the success of my peers and myself. I now feel fully equipped and confident in starting my career as a PR practitioner.鈥�

麻豆直播 has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. 麻豆直播 is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada鈥檚 No.1 research college. Learn more at .

Dr. Adrienne Galway, Executive Director of O麻豆直播AT was joined by Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, and Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO of Humber College, to announce focused on supporting post-secondary learner mobility.

Over the next year, O麻豆直播AT is distributing over $2.8 million to various colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario to support learner mobility projects. These projects aim to empower learners by recognizing previous education and professional experiences and facilitating smoother transitions between programs and institutions.

Seventy-five thousand dollars of this funding will support 麻豆直播鈥檚 MPOWER program that implements new strategies to facilitate a smooth transition to post-secondary education and create new pathway and transfer opportunities for Indigenous learners. The program also offers learners access to holistic and cultural Indigenous services, providing a safe and supportive learning environment for students.

鈥淲e are grateful to have received this funding from O麻豆直播AT to continue delivering the MPOWER program,鈥� said Fiona Allan, Vice-President, Academic at 麻豆直播. 鈥淲e know the impact education has on our communities. It builds confidence, hope and self-esteem in our students, and MPOWER has helped to demystify the college experience. We are truly excited to see this successful program continue.鈥�

“Empowering learners with accessible pathways to navigate their educational journey is key to helping them achieve their professional and academic goals,鈥� said Dr. Galway. 鈥淭he increased funding will promote improved transitions between institutions and programs, helping learners get where they want to go.”

鈥淭he Ontario government is proud to support O麻豆直播AT鈥檚 important work to make it easier for learners of all backgrounds to pursue their educational goals,鈥� said Minister Dunlop. 鈥淏y facilitating smoother transitions and recognizing the wealth of knowledge gained through previous experience, we are fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment to advance student success in Ontario.鈥�

In Fall of 2023, O麻豆直播AT initiated calls for projects for greater accessibility and impact within the post-secondary sector. This call was met with an unprecedented number of applications from post-secondary institutions, demonstrating a growing interest to support greater learner mobility, expand access to post-secondary opportunities and improve pathways to the labour market.

Established in 2011, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer plays a pivotal role in supporting learner mobility, working to reduce barriers for students seeking to transfer among the province’s public colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes.

For more information, visit . O麻豆直播AT is funded by the Government of Ontario.

View O麻豆直播AT鈥檚 June 17 press release .

麻豆直播 has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. 麻豆直播 is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada鈥檚 No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

-30-

Media inquiries, please contact:

Alyssa Milana
Cell: 905-329-0389
Communications Consultant (Acting)
amilana@niagaracollege.ca

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has awarded a $1.75 million renewal of Technology Access Centre (TAC) funding for WAMIC, part of the Research & Innovation division, for another five years, at $350,000 per year. The renewal grant is through NSERC鈥檚 College and Community Innovation (CCI) program.

The Honourable Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry on behalf of听the Honourable Fran莽ois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, announced funding of more than听$30 million to colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics across the country. The investment will allow these academic institutions to partner with local companies to provide them with unique technological or process solutions, laboratories and equipment, and highly trained students who are career ready.

鈥淲hether it鈥檚 through discovery or applied research, these recipients have the potential to reveal unexpected findings and have a significant impact on our society and well-being,鈥� said Professor Alejandro Adem, FRSC, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), in a press release from the Government of Canada. 鈥淭oday鈥檚 announcement provides funding for the full gamut of research impact, from the earliest stages of discovery to the final stages of bringing innovations to communities. It also provides support to inspire students in their most formative years, and to spur our research leaders to even greater success.鈥�

Housed at colleges or CEGEPs across Canada, and supported by the听听network, Canada鈥檚 64 Technology Access Centres (TACS) provide access to specialized technology, equipment, and expertise to local industry 鈥� particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) 鈥� with the goal of enhancing their productivity and innovation.

The WAMIC, located at 麻豆直播鈥檚 Welland Campus, has positioned itself as a leading-edge technology accelerator able to solve complex industry challenges. The team of experts in complex manufacturing technologies, Industrial Internet of Things, and precision measurement capabilities, alongside students, offer SMEs innovative solutions from concept to product or process improvement.

鈥淭his renewal ensures that our student research assistants, who work alongside our experts and industry partners, will continue to access and participate in trailblazing research and development at 麻豆直播 鈥� an opportunity that provides unparalleled career-ready advantages,鈥� said 麻豆直播 President, Sean Kennedy.

鈥淭his is exciting news, as it allows us to further our delivery of high-quality services to area SMEs, in order to enhance their global competitiveness,鈥� said Marc Nantel, PhD, Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Strategic Enterprises at 麻豆直播. 鈥淲e are able to better serve the innovation needs of these companies who may have had difficulty developing new products and services for lack of affordable research expertise, equipment, and facilities.鈥�

This is the third five-year grant for WAMIC, which has served approximately 275 businesses with more than 400 technical services and 150 applied research projects through its first two TAC grants. More than 170 students 鈥� from the College鈥檚 programs in Mechanical Engineering Technologist, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Programming 鈥� have gained hands-on research experience at the Centre to provide a wealth of innovative solutions to industry partners.

Thanks to the opportunities for such research project collaborations,听Airbus, a global leader in aeronautics, space, and related services, has partnered with WAMIC on . Not only have they completed work to help them keep their business running efficiently, but they also reap the benefits from 麻豆直播 as .

鈥淔or Airbus, it鈥檚 a capacity issue. We鈥檙e busy dealing with technical and manufacturing issues on a day-to-day basis, and these are the types of projects that can take a few weeks to complete,鈥� said Brock Husak, Manufacturing Project Engineer, Airbus and a 麻豆直播, Research & Innovation alumnus. 鈥淏y outsourcing projects like this, we can keep our focus on production as the tool/fixture is designed. I knew this was a perfect fit for WAMIC, so we called upon them to be our extra set of hands.鈥�

鈥淎t WAMIC, the learning never stopped, and I think that was the main fun factor,鈥� Husak added as he reflected on his time working with Research & Innovation. 鈥淚t can be overwhelming at times, but I feel like the most learning happens through those overwhelming times.鈥�

The offers a suite of services using leading-edge technology, including equipment and software, as well as expert staff to support industry innovation and commercialization of new products and processes. Current service offerings include digital manufacturing, precision metrology, prototype design and development, and process improvement. In all cases, the intellectual property developed during the project belongs to the industry partner.听

麻豆直播鈥檚 award-winning听听division provides real-world solutions for business, key industry sectors, and the community through applied research and knowledge transfer activities. Researchers conduct projects that provide innovative solutions, such as producing and testing prototypes, evaluating new technologies, and developing new or improved products or processes for small- and medium-sized businesses.

麻豆直播 has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. 麻豆直播 is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada鈥檚 No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

-30-

Video:

Quick Facts

• 麻豆直播 is home to two Technology Access Centres. The TAC at the at the Welland Campus was established in 2014 thanks to a grant from NSERC, with its first renewal granted in 2019. The TAC was established at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 2016 and was renewed as a TAC for another five years in 2021, thanks to a grant from NSERC.
• WAMIC has 7,000 square feet of dedicated lab space at the Welland Campus. Equipment highlights include 3D design software, a unique workshop with a small C麻豆直播 mill, an electronics workshop, Faro scanners, a Creaform HandySCAN black, Fortus machines, FormLabs machines and more.
• The research team at the WAMIC TAC works with faculty experts and students from several 麻豆直播 programs 鈥� including Mechanical Engineering Technologist, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Programming.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Alyssa Milana
Communications Consultant (Acting)
Cell: 905-329-0389
amilana@niagaracollege.ca

Michael Wales
Director, Corporate Communications
Cell: 905-328-4101
mwales@niagaracollege.ca

The College hosted a total of twelve convocation ceremonies throughout the week at the Welland Campus Simplii Financial Athletic Centre and via live stream, welcoming guests and viewers from around the world.

This week鈥檚 ceremonies saw a record number of 5,500 graduates join a proud community of more than 120,000 麻豆直播 alumni.

In his address to the Class of 2024, 麻豆直播 President Sean Kennedy shared an inspiring message emphasizing the importance of connection and kindness.

鈥淲e are at our best when we are welcomed and connected, when we feel we can be our authentic selves, when we are open and curious to learn about others and the world around us, and when we harness our connections and deep relationships to do more together, to innovate, and make a difference in the lives of others,鈥� said Kennedy.

He encouraged graduates to look ahead to their future careers in healthcare and remember to take an extra moment to be kind to patients and their families.

鈥淵ou will be helping individuals who are at some of the toughest and most vulnerable times in their lives,鈥� said Kennedy. 鈥淭hat kindness, both personally and professionally, is critical.鈥�

Vice-President, Academic, Fiona Allan praised the dedication and perseverance demonstrated by the graduates throughout their academic journey, culminating in this memorable convocation ceremony.

鈥淭his ceremony marks the achievement of a goal, through much hard work and determination,鈥� said Allan. 鈥淢ay you never forget or underestimate the magnitude of this accomplishment.鈥�

Each convocation ceremony featured a special performance by the Strong Water Singers, a local Indigenous-led women鈥檚 drum group. Their songs set the tone for each ceremony, celebrating the contributions and achievements of the graduates, and welcoming them to the next phase of their life journey through the sound of the drum.

Throughout the week, thirteen graduating students were honoured with Dean鈥檚 Awards for earning the highest GPA within their respective schools of study.

Additionally, the prestigious Governor General鈥檚 Academic Medals were awarded to two graduating students who achieved the highest overall GPA in a degree and diploma program. Among them were 麻豆直播 alumna and employee Becky Sciliberto, who earned a 94% average in the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration 鈥� International Commerce and Global Development program, and healthcare professional Julianna Pennings, who achieved a 98% average in the Recreation Therapy program.

The College also welcomed two honorary guests to its convocation ceremonies: prominent Niagara business leader, Wendy Wing, the Senior Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Rankin Construction Inc. and Port Colborne Quarries Inc., and President of Rankin Renewable Power Inc., and notable 麻豆直播 alumnus and Indigenous Elder, Dave Labb茅. Wing was presented with an Honorary Degree in Applied Studies 鈥� Business Administration for her significant business and community accomplishments. Labb茅 received a Distinguished Alumni Award for his transformative efforts in supporting the Indigenous community and his mentorship of 麻豆直播 students.

麻豆直播’s Spring 2024 convocation ceremonies culminated in a celebration of academic achievement, community spirit, and the inspiring journeys of its graduates.

All Spring Convocation ceremonies were livestreamed and will remain on 麻豆直播鈥檚 convocation website for later viewing. Visit the convocation website at niagaracollege.ca/convocation.

麻豆直播 has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. 麻豆直播 is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada鈥檚 No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

-30-

Related media releases:

• June 5 鈥� 麻豆直播 to celebrate largest-ever graduating class at Spring Convocation, June 10 鈥� 15
• June 7 鈥� 麻豆直播鈥檚 top grads to receive prestigious Governor General Academic Medals at Spring Convocation
• June 10 鈥� 麻豆直播 kicks off week of Spring Convocation ceremonies
• June 11 鈥� 麻豆直播 celebrates over 1,000 graduates at day two of Spring Convocation
• June 12 鈥� Media, Trades and Technology grads cross the stage at 麻豆直播鈥檚 Spring Convocation
• June 13 鈥� Governor General鈥檚 Silver Academic Medal winner recognized during day four of Spring Convocation ceremonies
• June 14 鈥� In-demand health grads among those celebrated on day five of Spring Convocation

Media inquiries, please contact:
Alyssa Milana
Communications Consultant (Acting)
905-329-0389
amilana@niagaracollege.ca

Michael Wales
Director, Communications
905-328-4101
mwales@niagaracollege.ca