Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal Winner Recognized During Day Four of Spring Convocation

‘Persevering is a choice you make on your own,’ top grad tells Class of 2024

Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – International Commerce and Global Development graduate Becky Sciliberto (centre) is presented with her Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal by Niagara College President Sean Kennedy and Fiona Allan, Vice-President, Academic. /Niagara College photo

Nearly 1,000 graduates from programs within the School of Business and Management were the latest to join Niagara College’s alumni community during the fourth day of Spring Convocation ceremonies inside the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus, Thursday, June 13.

Among them was Becky Sciliberto, the recipient of the Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal, whose 94% average was the highest of all students studying in a degree program at Niagara College.

This is only the second year that an NC student was awarded a Governor General’s Academic Medal at the Silver level. Governor General’s Academic Medals are presented annually to the student graduating with the highest average from a high school, as well as from approved college or university programs.

Earlier in the week, Recreation Therapy graduate Julianna Pennings was presented with a Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Medal in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement (98% average) in a diploma program.

Already a Niagara College alumna (Business Administration-Accounting, 2007), Sciliberto graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration in International Commerce and Global Development program. As she was writing her speech to her fellow graduates, she said she was inspired by an art piece by street artist and political activist Banksy that reads, ‘Be someone who makes you happy.’

“I realized that over my lifetime, that has always been my goal,” she said, and she offered three insights that have guided her.

“One, you will not always receive the validation and support you need from others. To succeed, persevering is a choice you make on your own every day. Two, we all have a unique path ahead; make sure you’re proud of the one you’re on. And three is simple: Be kind. Be kind to yourself, others and the planet. Generosity through kindness goes a long way and is proven to have a multiplying effect.”

It was a sentiment Niagara College President Sean Kennedy also shared in his address to the Class of 2024.

“I hope that you’ll always remember the power and importance of kindness,” Kennedy said. “Be kind to your family, your friends, your colleagues, your neighbours and to total strangers. Small acts of kindness can be a strong antidote to life’s struggles and challenges, to all of the bad news that we are so often surrounded by.

“Strive every day to make a difference in the lives of others through being kind. And, perhaps most importantly, remember to always be kind to yourself.”

NC’s Spring Convocation will continue on June 14 with two more ceremonies for the Schools of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, Academic and Liberal Studies, Business and Management, and English Language Studies.

On June 15, the week will conclude with two final Convocation ceremonies for the School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker.

This year’s graduating class marks Niagara College’s largest ever – 5,500 – warranting an extra day of Convocation ceremonies.

A full schedule and list of programs graduating within each School is available in the ‘Ceremony Schedule’ section of Niagara College’s Convocation website. All ceremonies will be livestreamed and available for later viewing.

For more information, visit niagaracollege.ca/convocation.

Niagara College 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. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

(Attribution: Niagara College media release)

Barky’s Billboard

Please support/attend this celebratory Welland event

Barky’s Billboard is a recurring feature on the blog./Supplied graphic

Who Will Win The Cup? Read The Scribe’s Prediction

By WAYNE REDSHAW

    The Stanley Cup finals open tonight and it should be a dandy series between the Florida Panthers, the Eastern  Conference champions, and the Edmonton Oilers, the Western champs.

   With the Panthers, it marks the fifth straight year a team from Florida has represented  the Sunshine State in the finals. The Tampa Bay Lightning earned the right three consecutive years (2020, 2021 and 2022) winning the coveted Cup the first two years before bowing to the Colorado Avalanche the third time around.

   Meanwhile, the Panthers qualified last year but lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games and now they are back again

   So you ask what is so special that Florida teams have  qualified five consecutive years for the BIG Dance? Is it that Florida Sunshine that has given these two NHL clubs extra energy come playoff time? Or is it some smart trades or some excellent free agent signings that sealed the deal for the two clubs?

   No question numerous trades plus free-agent signings paid dividends for the Lightning during their three-year run to the finals and the same can be said about the Panthers.

   What I also considered a contributing factor was head coaches for both clubs. Jon Cooper seemed to push the right bottoms at the right time in guiding Tampa Bay three straight years. And Panthers’ Paul Maurice has been very patient at the controls to lead his squad the past two seasons.

   As for the Oilers, there’s a few questions that have to be answered too. First and foremost, can the Oilers end the Canadian drought of winning the Cup? It’s been 31 years (1993) since the last Canadian-based team (Montreal Canadiens) won the Stanley Cup.

 A big question mark for the Oilers is goaltender Stuart Skinner. He looked out to lunch in round two against the Vancouver Canucks. He surprised me in round three against the Dallas Stars, especially in the sixth and deciding game. He delivered in a big way to carry the Oilers into the finals. Now, can Skinner keep it up against the Panthers?

 Back in mid-November the Oilers stood 31st as a result of disastrous 3-9-1 start. The Oilers brass fired head coach  Jay Woodcroft and replaced him with Kris Knoblauch, who had coached the New York Rangers farm club, the Hartford Wolf. Under Knoblauch’s direction Edmonton went 46-18-5. In the playoffs Oilers have compiled a 12-6 record so far.

 Now the question is can the Oilers win four more? Being Canadian, I would like to see the Oilers end that 31-year drought. They certainly have plenty of scoring power and have the top four among the Cup point leaders. That foursome includes:  Connor McDavid 31 points, Leon Draisaitl 28, Evan Bouchard 27 and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 20. The Oilers also have the top sniper in Zach Hyman with 14 goals. Bouchard I feel, has been the Oilers best defenceman. He’s been solid going both ways.

  In special teams, the Oilers have the edge, especially with a potent power play. In the playoffs to date Edmonton has scored 19 times with a man advantage on 63 attempts. Their penalty kill is outstanding as they haven’t allowed a power play goal in the past 10 games.

   So can Edmonton do it? With the Panthers losing out to the Golden Knights last year, I think that experience they gained is very vital this time around. Last year if you recall the Panthers had some injuries and that hampered them. This time around, they are healthy.

   Florida has good balance and depth. So far in three rounds 14 different players have contributed in the scoring department. They have a good blend of two-way forwards in the likes of Matthew Tkachuk (5 goals 14 assists). Aleksander Barkov (6 and 11), Carter Verhaeghe (9 and 8), Sam Reinhardt  (8 and 4), and Sam Bennett (6 and 4).

  On the blueline,  the Panthers are solid led by Gustav Forcling, Brandon Montour, Aaron Ekblad, Oliver Emmanuel-Larson and Dimitry Kulikov.

  And in goal, Florida has Sergei Bobrovsky whose 12 wins so far tops all playoff goaltenders. And he has been outstanding and he’ll have continue that in facing the likes of McDavid, Draisaitl and Hyman.

  In the three previous playoff rounds the Panthers did an excellent job of shutting down the big guns with Tampa, Boston and New York. Now with Edmonton, they will need a repeat performance, especially with McDavid and Draisaitl.  And while the Panthers  like to play a physical style of hockey, they have to cut down on taking penalties. So far, the Panthers have been assessed 69 penalties in three rounds. The potent Edmonton power play can be trouble if afforded the opportunity.

 Prediction: Panthers in seven games. Overtime may be necessary a couple of games. 

 Overall Record: 9 for 14. 

Recap: Round One: 6 for 8 Round Two: 3 for 4 Round Three: 0 for 2

(Wayne Redshaw covered the NHL for 40 seasons. He was named a Life Member of the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association in 1987 and was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hockey Hall of Fame as a media member in 2000).

Niagara College To Celebrate Largest-Ever Graduating Class At Spring Convocation, June 10 – 15

NC graduates: A group of Niagara College graduates at a Fall 2023 convocation ceremony./Supplied photos Niagara College

Niagara College’s Spring 2024 Convocation is approaching with the most exciting ceremonies yet as the College celebrates a record number of 5,500 graduates. This year’s events will highlight the achievements of the Class of 2024 and honour two distinguished guests, including a prominent Niagara business leader and a notable NC alumnus and Indigenous Elder.

The Spring Convocation ceremonies will be held at Niagara College’s Welland Campus in the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre from Monday, June 10 to Saturday, June 15.

“Spring Convocation is a time of pride and celebration at Niagara College,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “We are thrilled to honour our Class of 2024 and their remarkable achievements. This year, we are particularly excited to recognize two outstanding individuals whose exemplary contributions to their fields and communities embody the welcoming, trailblazing, and passionate characteristics of NC and will inspire our graduates as they embark on their own journeys.”

Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies – Business Administration: Wendy Wing

Wendy Wing, the Senior Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Rankin Construction Inc. and Port Colborne Quarries Inc., as well as President of Rankin Renewable Power Inc., will be presented with an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies – Business Administration. Recognized for her leadership in business and construction and her community stewardship in Niagara, she will be honoured during the ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 at 3 p.m., which celebrates new graduates from the College’s School of Technology and School of Trades.

Wing’s career at Rankin Construction spans over 30 years, during which she has led numerous real estate and renewable energy projects, including wind and hydro power developments. Her expertise in finance and administration has been pivotal in the successful completion of various heavy civil construction projects, such as roads, bridges, and marine work. Wing’s strategic role in the company involves analyzing new business opportunities and assessing their long-term financial impact.

Wing and her family are valued supporters and advocates of Niagara College, contributing to student success by funding scholarships and awards and by helping expand and improve campus so that students have the best teaching, learning, and gathering spaces. Across Niagara, Wing and her family founded the Rankin Cancer Run, which has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and support for patients. They have generously supported the Niagara Health System and many other community organizations.

Demonstrating her commitment to enhancing education, Wing was a dedicated member of Niagara College’s Board of Governors from 2016 to 2021, serving as Chair from September 2021 to August 2022 and as Vice-Chair from 2020 to 2021.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful to Niagara College,” said Wing. “I found my time on the Board of Governors enriching, and I am so excited to be back to celebrate with graduates on their special day. I wouldn’t be accepting this honour without the strength and support of our team at Rankin.”

Distinguished Alumni Award: Dave Labbé

Dave Labbé, a member of the Innu from Northern Quebec, will be presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award during the ceremony on Monday, June 10 at 3 p.m., which celebrates new graduates from the College’s School of Community Services.

Labbé was part of the first class of students at Niagara College in 1967, graduating from the Electronics Engineering Technology program in 1971. Decades later, he returned to the College as an Elder, drawing on his own education to impart knowledge in a way that mirrors the unique learning he experienced as an NC student.

In 1995, Labbé became a Powwow Coordinator at the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, a role that aligned with his calling to help people. He eventually became the Centre’s Youth Coordinator and soon after managed the youth program full-time, dedicating his efforts to supporting young men in overcoming addictions.

Labbé’s dedication to helping others led him back to Niagara College after his retirement, this time as an Elder. In this role, he mentors students, shares wisdom, and participates in college ceremonies.

In 2023, Labbé received the Celebration of Nations Outstanding Achievement Award for Empathic Traditions, recognizing his transformative work and dedication to supporting Indigenous people within Niagara and beyond. Known as “The Eagle that Flies,” Labbé is celebrated for his ability to connect with students, make them feel at ease, and foster a sense of belonging and support.

Twelve Spring Convocation Ceremonies

NC will host 12 Spring Convocation ceremonies at its Welland Campus, marking a record number of ceremonies for the College. Ceremonies include:

• June 10, 10 a.m. (School of Justice and Fitness and School of Allied Health)
• June 10, 3 p.m. (School of Community Services)
• June 11, 10 a.m. (School of Culinary Arts and School of Environment and Horticulture)
• June 11, 3 p.m. (School of Hospitality and Tourism and School of Wine, Beer and Spirits)
• June 12, 10 a.m. (School of Media and School of Trades)
• June 12, 3 p.m. (School of Technology and School of Trades)
• June 13, 10 a.m. (School of Business and Management)
• June 13, 3 p.m. (School of Business and Management)
• June 14, 10 a.m. (School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, School of Academic and Liberal Studies, and School of Business and Management)
• June 14, 3 p.m. (School of Academic and Liberal Studies and School of English Language Studies)
• June 15, 10 a.m. (School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker)
• June 15, 3 p.m. (School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker)

A highlight of Spring Convocation will be the presentation of the prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medals to two graduating students who have achieved the highest overall grade-point average (GPA) – one from a diploma program and another from a degree program. Additionally, thirteen graduating students will receive Dean’s Awards for earning the highest GPA within their school of study.

To view the schedule and list of programs graduating within each School, visit the ‘Ceremony Schedule’ section of NC’s Convocation website. NC’s in-person Spring Convocation ceremonies will also be livestreamed via the Convocation website and ceremonies will remain on the website for later viewing.

Niagara College 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. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

(Attribution: Niagara College media release) 

Taste A Piece Of History With Niagara College Teaching Brewery’s Commemorative D-Day Beer

In honour of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Professor Jon Downing and the second semester students from Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program have crafted a special beer rooted in history called Juno 6.6.44. This brew is an interpretation of the wartime Pale Ale originally produced by the St. Austell Brewery in Cornwall, England, on June 6, 1944.

Historical inspiration

On that historic Tuesday in 1944, St. Austell brewers began their day as usual, preparing to brew batch 98 of the year amidst the backdrop of World War II. They sourced their grains from Tucker’s Malting in Newton Abbot, supplemented the brew with flaked barley and sugar due to malt shortages, and used caramel colouring to maintain a normal appearance. Despite government restrictions limiting the strength of beer to around 3% ABV, they persevered.

The hops for the original brew came from Kent farms (Tipples and Day) and a Herefordshire farm (Pudge), with Tipple’s and Pudge still growing hops today. Ian Tipple believes his family farm supplied the Fuggles hops, while Day provided the Kent Goldings. On that fateful day, as the first wave of Canadians landed on Juno Beach at 7 a.m., the St. Austell brewers began their mash process. By 2:25 p.m., coinciding with the Canadian Third Division securing objectives in Normandy, the brewery had completed two boils and filled two fermenters with 144.6 barrels of hopped wort.

Brewing process

The brewing process aimed to replicate the original as closely as possible, incorporating improvements in technology and control. The brew includes heritage malt varieties from Bairds Malt, as Tucker’s Malting is no longer in business. Students used East Kent Goldings hops and hoped for Herefordshire Fuggles. Light demerara sugar and Black Treacle from Tate and Lyles were added for caramel coloring.

Modern day tribute

The Brewmaster students, guided by Professor Downing, followed the historical timeline with modern adaptations, aiming to finish the brewing process by 2:30 p.m.

Roger Ryman, former Director of Brewing at St. Austell, encapsulated the spirit of the project: “I guess a normal day in the brewery – a case of ‘keep calm and carry on brewing.’” This tribute beer not only honours the brewers’ role in the war effort but also commemorates the sacrifices of those who fought on D-Day, highlighting the efforts on both the home front and the battlefield.

Juno 6.6.44 retails for $3.95 per can and will be available at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre until supplies last.

(Attribution: Niagara College, Campus Update)

Celebrating Seniors With A Month Of Engaging Activities

June is Seniors Month in Ontario, and the valued contributions of this community is underscored by this year’s theme: working for seniors. The City of Welland is recognizing its senior residents with a range of activities, programs, and services to celebrate their achievements and enhance their quality of life.

City staff have designed a calendar of events tailored to the varied interests and needs of Welland’s senior population. From wellness programs and educational workshops to social gatherings and recreational activities, these offerings promote physical and mental well-being while providing opportunities for social connection and lifelong learning.

“Our seniors have laid the foundations of our community with their hard work and dedication,” said Fraser Mowat, recreation and culture coordinator. “Seniors Month is our opportunity to give back, showing our appreciation and ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive.”

To kick off the month, a flag-raising ceremony will be held at the Welland Community Centre at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4. Featuring light refreshments and live music by Pat Serre, this event symbolizes Welland’s commitment to ensuring seniors remain active, engaged, and respected members of the community.

The Seniors Month activity calendar is available at the Welland Community Centre, 145 Lincoln Street and online at https://www.facebook.com/wellandrecandculture.

(Attribution: City of Welland media release)

Gadabout Gardener: Sunday Potpourri

Caption: Gadabout Gardener is my gardening photo feature, this being the first of the season. The bud, second row from bottom, left image, opens into an Itoh peony, shown in various stages in the subsequent two images. Gadabout Gardener will appear on the site once or twice monthly (perhaps more?) until fall./ Joe Barkovich photos.

NHL Playoffs: Can The Scribe’s Crystal Ball Stay Hot Through Round 3?

By WAYNE REDSHAW

First there were four, now we’re down to one.

When the Stanley Cup playoffs opened in late April there were four Canadian-based teams — Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks — in the hunt for Lord Stanley’s spittoon. Now there’s only one —Edmonton — still standing.

The Oilers are Canada’s last hope for this season of bringing the Cup back to Canadian soil. The last Canadian-based team to accomplish that feat was the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.

Can the Oilers do it? Well, they first must get through Round Three before the finals.

Here’s my fearless forecast for Round Three of the Stanley Cup playoffs

Oilers vs Stars

The Oilers needed seven games to get past the Vancouver Canucks. Now they face the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference finals.

Being Canadian I would like to see the Oilers go all the way. However, their goaltending is suspect. Stuart  Skinner in my opinion is not capable of taking them to the promised land. He’s a hot and cold backstop and in the playoffs hot goaltending usually decides a series. Furthermore, he can’t match what is at the other end of the rink in Dallas’ Jake Oettinger .

I will admit, the Oilers have a potent offence. In fact, they hold down the top four positions in the Cup scoring race with Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, Zack Hyman and defenceman Evan Bouchard leading the way.  And their power play has been very productive. The Oilers proved that in the first rounds.

For the Oilers to make it to the next round they will require all hands on deck. They also must keep the puck outside their own blueline as much as possible to have a chance.

While the Oilers are strong offensively they are facing a very defensive-minded team that thrives on shutting down the opposition. It may be boring at times to watch but so far the Stars have got the job done.

In fact, you could label them as giant-killers. Afterall, in the first round, they dethroned the defending Stanley Cup champions — the Vegas Golden Knights — in seven games. Then in round two they eliminated the 2023 Cup champions — the Colorado Avalanche — in six games.  The Stars have a good blend of players with season veterans like Ryan Sutor, Joe Pavelski, Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn combined  with youthful talent in the likes Wyatt Johnston, Jason Robertson and Logan Stankoven.

It should prove to be a highly entertaining series and one that should go the distance.

Prediction: Dallas Stars in seven games.

Panthers vs Rangers

 This series should also be an entertaining one with the President’s Cup winners — the New York Rangers— facing the Florida Panthers, who reached the Cup finals last season only to lose out to the Golden Knights. It could also go the limit of seven games. Unlike the other series this one is going to be physical as both teams like to hit.

It will also feature red-hot goaltending at both ends of the rink with Sergei Bobrovsky between the pipes for the Panthers and Igor Shesterkin protecting the cage for the Rangers.

 Both teams have talented lineups both offensively and defensively. I think the Rangers have a slight edge offensively and that could be the difference in the end. But don’t sell the Panthers short with going to last year’s final. That experience could pay off in big dividends.

 Prediction: Rangers in seven.

Record So Far: First Round, 6 for 8. Second Round, 3 for 4.

(Wayne Redshaw covered the NHL for 40 season and in 1987 was named a Life Member of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. He was also inducted as a media member of the Buffalo Sabres Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000. He can be reached at wredshaw@icloud.com.)

Landscape And Safety Enhancements Continue At Chippawa Park

WELLAND – The City of Welland’s commitment to the improvement and enjoyment of its public green spaces continues with ongoing landscape rejuvenation and safety enhancements at Chippawa Park

.This long-standing project is progressing through its third phase, which includes the removal and replacement of aging and unsafe cedar trees. This process involves removing the old trees and stumps, grading the area, replanting native trees, and seeding the remaining area.

“As stewards of Chippawa Park, we recognize the importance of balancing conservation efforts with the safety and enjoyment of our residents,” said Dave Steven, manager of parks, forestry, cemeteries, operations, and development. “This project has been carefully planned with a thoughtful, environmentally friendly approach to preserving the park’s natural beauty.”

A primary reason for removing the cedar trees is that they were nearing the end of their natural lifespan. Removal of the trees also addresses concerns raised by residents, community groups, and law enforcement. The new landscaping design aligns with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, promoting a safer and more open environment for park visitors.

Earlier this year, Welland’s Green Advisory Committee reviewed the project and staff implemented feedback based on their review. Native trees were selected as replacements, underscoring the City’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The City of Welland looks forward to this project furthering the long-term vision for Chippawa Park.

(Attribution: City of Welland media release

If It’s Wednesday, It Must Be Family Fitness Day

Caption: Spotted this family outing today, Wednesday, May 15 while on my way for a visit to Merritt Island. Their stroll was followed by a scamper down the bank and into the water for a brisk, refreshing swim. You know the old saying: the family that plays together stays together. / Joe Barkovich photos