Pink Boots 2023: NC Brewmaster Students Kick Up Support For Women In Brewing

On International Women’s Day, Niagara College rolled out five small batch brews as part of its Pink Boots Series: Smash Beer, Mash vs. Evil Dead, Box of Chocolates, Double Double, and Smash Mash. /Supplied photos

Pink Boots brews were the perfect way to raise a glass to International Women’s Day at Niagara College’s Teaching Brewery.

On March 8, five new student-crafted Pink Boots beers debuted at NC’s Teaching Brewery – three of them featured recipes created by female students enrolled in NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program – while a group of Brewmaster students took part in a ‘brew day’ for another soon-to-be released Pink Boots beer.

A group of students, staff and faculty from NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program stand in front of the Teaching Brewery on Pink Boots brew day, March 8.

While the College has been involved with the Pink Boots initiative since 2020, this was the first year that multiple Pink Boots brew days were held at the Teaching Brewery – up to and including on March 8 – involving various classes of Brewmaster students. It was also the first time that Brewmaster students were able to celebrate their Pink Boots beers being released on International Women’s Day.

“It is such a pleasure to know the students and faculty are actively engaged in keeping up this important tradition,” said Maija Saari, Associate Dean for the Division of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies. “Events that celebrate the accomplishments of women and non-binary people in the brewing and fermented beverage industries are a great way to highlight the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion and why we must persevere to create working spaces safe for all.”

Leading the charge this year was third-term Brewmaster student Marye Anne Chisholm (of Stevensville, Ontario). She wanted to get involved with the Pink Boots initiative at NC to shine a spotlight on those who identify as women and to highlight diversity in the program by putting “faces to the beers.”  

“The best way to do that, was to have women in charge of creating a beer to be released,” said Chisholm, who enrolled in the Brewmaster program as a recent graduate of NC’s Artisan Distilling program and after retiring from her previous career.

“It is important for the College to support Pink Boots to highlight the fact that there are very capable people who identify as female in the brewing industry, and they should be recognized for their talents.”

The newly released Pink Boots beers, which debuted on March 8, include Box of Chocolates Raspberry Porter led by second-term Brewmaster student Jessica Wiseman, a Double Double (double IPA) led by second-term Brewmaster student Medea Romani, and a Mash vs. Evil Dead (black IPA) by third-term student Jenny Lukasiewicz – which were all brewed earlier this Winter Term. Smash Beer and Smash Mash – two pale ales brewed earlier this year by first-term students from recipes created by Brewmaster Professor Jon Downing – were also released as part of the Teaching Brewery’s Small Batch Brew Pink Boots Series.

For Romani (Pickering/St. Catharines), the Pink Boots Double Double was the first beer recipe she has ever created. She calls it a “love letter to women in brewing.”

“It is very empowering that the beers will be released on Women’s Day. I think it will help pay homage to the women in brewing before us, and support and uplift women in the future generations of the brewing scene,” she said. “I feel fully unstoppable. I’m so proud to have my first beer mean so much to the ever-growing community of women in the beverage industry.”

“It’s a beautiful day to come together with like-minded women who love beer and who support one another in our journeys,” said Lukasiewicz (Oxford County).

Lukasiewicz enrolled in the Brewmaster program after a variety of jobs and hopes to find her place as a brewer and explore her creativity with beer-food pairings. Her black IPA recipe was her first experience designing a beer “kettle to can.” She wanted to create a beer allowing each individual ingredient to shine.

“It was meaningful for me as it was my first time participating in Pink Boots at NC and I had the pleasure of brewing with an all-female crew,” she said. “The women who brewed this beer are very skillful, meticulous and hard working. What has been accomplished would not have been possible without them and I am thankful to have shared this experience with such great company.”

On their March 8 brew day, Brewmaster students who participated in the Pink Boots brew day worked on a recipe for a raspberry pomegranate wheat beer created by third-term student Kyla Dewey (Toronto/Niagara-on-the-Lake). To be called ‘Herstory,’ the beer brewed on International Women’s Day is expected to be released in early April.

“It’s important to me to participate in the Pink Boots brew days because women continue to be a minority in the brewing industry. I feel supported by my male classmates and instructors, but I know the brewing industry is still male dominated,” said Dewey. “I strive to support, encourage and promote women and non-binary folks in the brewing industry and brewing with the Pink Boots hops blend is an awesome way to raise awareness within Niagara College and outside of it.”

In January, visitors from Bhutan, South Asia had a chance to participate in a Pink Boots Brew Day at the College’s Teaching Brewery alongside first-term Brewmaster students. NC has been involved with a Crafting Women Brewmasters in Bhutan Project to support female brewers and the development of a gender-inclusive, sustainable craft brewing employment sector in the country since 2020.

NC Brewmaster students have been promoting diversity, equity and inclusion through their involvement with Pink Boots since 2020 in an effort to support gender equity in the beer industry. Pink Boots beers incorporate an official Pink Boots blend of hops from Yakima Chief Hops. A portion of sales from Yakima’s Pink Boots hops blend is donated to the Pink Boots Society, which creates scholarships for women and non-binary individuals to continue their education in the alcohol industry.

NC’s Pink Boots Series beers are available for purchase (while supplies last) at the Teaching Brewery retail store and the Wine Visitor + Education Centre, located at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, alongside products from NC’s Teaching Brewery, Teaching Winery, and Teaching Distillery. Visit ncteachingwinery.ca.

NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program was launched in 2010 as the first of its kind in Canada. The award-winning, two-year program offers extensive hands-on training at an on-site, state-of-the-art Teaching Brewery to prepare students for employment in the expanding brewery, microbrewery and brewpub industries. Located at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, students learn from award-winning faculty and have access to on-site hop yard and local farm products to brew a full range of beer styles. Visit ncteachingbrewery.ca.

Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management students Jenny Lukasiewicz, Ceri Thibert, Jessica Wiseman, Medea Romani and Kyla Dewey hold up newly released beers from the Teaching Brewery’s Pink Boots Series that they worked on creating.

(Attribution: Niagara College media release.)

Niagara College And Niagara University Create New Pathways For Students

NC students from eight programs will gain guaranteed acceptance to NU

 Niagara University President Rev. James Maher and Niagara College President Sean Kennedy sign two new agreements on February 23./Supplied photo.

They may be on different sides of the border, but two new agreements will bridge the distance between Niagara College and Niagara University for many current and future students.

Representatives from the two postsecondary institutions – Niagara College (NC), based in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada, and Niagara University (NU), located Lewiston, New York, U.S.A. – met on February 23 to sign a Dual Admission agreement and an Academic Articulation agreement. The two new agreements create more opportunities for students from diploma programs at NC to seamlessly transition to a degree program at NU.

“As a binational university, Niagara University has a legacy of education in Ontario, and a great history of working closely with Niagara College in providing educational pathways that lead to career opportunities for their students,” said Rev. James J. Maher, President of Niagara University. “This partnership advances our strategic collaboration, creates a seamless application process for students, provides a dual admission scholarship, and gives students a clear direction into an academic pathway.

“We are excited to bring this program forward for these students, and we are proud to continue to call Niagara College our partner in education.”

“Niagara University has been a longstanding friend and partner of Niagara College, and we are thrilled that these new agreements further extend our collaboration and creates new pathways for our students to study at both institutions,” said NC President Sean Kennedy.

“The Dual Admission agreement with Niagara University gives students the assurance that, provided they maintain a good standing within their program at Niagara College, they will be guaranteed acceptance to Niagara University after graduation,” said Fiona Allan, NC Vice-President, Academic. “These well-defined pathways will serve our students well as they continue to explore degree completion opportunities.”

Thanks to the Dual Admission agreement, students from eight Niagara College diploma programs will gain guaranteed and automatic acceptance to Niagara University – as long as they graduate from NC with a grade-point average of 65% or higher. Those who opt to continue their studies in a corresponding NU bachelor-degree program will also receive a $500 scholarship for up to two years of study at NU and will be guaranteed an internship, or a similar high-impact experience if they completed the NU pathway program (where applicable).

Students who are accepted into a NC pathway program will be admitted automatically into the associated program at NU. Programs which are a part of the Dual Admission Agreement include:

• NC’s Early Childhood Education program, to NU’s Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts;

• NC’s Child and Youth Care program, to NU’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology;

• NC’s Social Service Worker program, to NU’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work;

• NC’s Sport Management program, to NU’s Bachelor of Sports Management – Sports Operation;

• NC’s Police Foundations program, to NU’s Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice;

• NC’s Business Administration – International Business program, to NU’s Bachelor of Science in Management;

• NC’s Business Administration – Marketing (Co-op) program to NU’s Bachelor of Science in Management; and

• NC’s Business Administration – Supply Chain and Operations Management (Co-op) program, to NU’s Bachelor of Science in Management.

Students currently enrolled in the eight NC programs, as well as those who will begin their studies at NU from fall 2023 to fall 2025, will be eligible for dual admission.

The Academic Articulation agreement will create pathways from 16 NC diploma programs to 39 degree programs within NU’s College of Business, College of Education, and College of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management.

Students currently enrolled at NC, and those who will begin their studies at NU from fall 2023 to fall 2027, will be eligible for Academic Articulation which offers guaranteed acceptance into a corresponding degree program at NU with the assurance that they may complete all the requirements of a corresponding baccalaureate degree.

To be eligible for pathways that are part of the Academic Articulation agreement, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 65%. Upon completion of their NC program, students will continue their studies at NU. Half of all major coursework and the last 10 courses of the program must be completed at NU. NC students follow normal procedures for transfer admissions.

Dual admission and pathways created through the new agreements are open to both domestic and international students at NC, although they do not guarantee admission to the U.S. Students are responsible for securing their own student visas and immigration documents as required.

Details about available pathways for NC students are available at niagaracollege.ca/pathways/.

About Niagara College

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 9,500 students from over 80 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.

About Niagara University

Founded by the Vincentian community in 1856, Niagara University is a comprehensive institution, blending the best of a liberal arts and professional education, grounded in our values-based Catholic tradition. Its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management, and Nursing offer programs at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral level.

As the first Vincentian university established in the United States, Niagara prepares students for personal and professional success while emphasizing service to the community in honor of St. Vincent de Paul. Niagara’s institutional commitment to service-learning has led to its inclusion on the President’s Honor Roll for Community Service every year since its inception in 2006, and its recognition with the Carnegie Foundation’s Classification for Community Engagement.

(Attribution: Niagara College media release)

Niagara College Hosts REDress Project February 14

Niagara College Access & Inclusion Supervisor, Jessica Strite, hangs a red dress at the Welland Campus in honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) people. The dresses will be on display until Feb. 16. (Niagara College photos)

Starting on February 9, Niagara College will hang red dresses across both the Welland Campus and the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake to raise awareness for the REDress Project. The initiative is dedicated to honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) people.

The REDress Project began in 2011 as an art installation at the University of Winnipeg by Métis artist Jaime Black and has since evolved into a national movement. This is the third year that the College will host the REDress Project and hang dresses on its campuses.

A red dress hangs in the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake to raise awareness for the REDress Project.

Participating in the REDress Project is a way to support the College’s Indigenous community members and to encourage learning and discussion around MMIWG, noted Leah Hogan, Associate Director of Indigenous Education at NC.

“We continue to draw attention to the reality of our community’s experience with gender-based violence against our women, LGBTQ+, and two-spirited people by hanging red dresses,” said Hogan. “We all must keep the dialogue going on this national and human rights issue.”

Dresses will be on display at both campuses until Feb. 16 as powerful visual reminders of the violence and injustices suffered by MMIWG and 2SLGTBQQIA+ people.

In addition to red dress displays on campus, the NC button – a life-size logo located at the main entrances at both campuses – will be illuminated red on Feb.14 in support of the REDress Project.

“Valentine’s Day is known for celebrating love,” said NC Indigenous Student Success Leader Emily Schutt. “That’s why it is the perfect day for the College to bring awareness to our MMIWG2SGBTQQIA+ and to let those spirits who the dresses are representing, know that they are loved and not forgotten.”

Niagara College is also encouraging community members to hang a red dress of their own as a show of solidarity and commitment to supporting our Indigenous community.

“The REDress Project is a powerful movement that has the ability to bring people together,” said Schutt. “We are proud to participate in this important initiative in support of our community partners who bravely advocate for change and supports for Indigenous communities across the country.”

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 9,500 students from over 80 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)

Teaching Winery Wins Global Gold For Icewine

Niagara College’s Teaching Winery has turned its ‘liquid gold’ into a gold medal at the world’s most exclusive fine wine show.

Judges from the 2022 Global Fine Wine Challenge awarded a gold in the Dessert Wines category to the NC Teaching Winery’s Dean’s List Savant Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine 2019.

Exclusive to nations of the new world – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States – the annual invitation-only competition is open to the top 120 wines of each competing country. The best selections across 22 classes are made by representatives from each participating country, and the selected wines are transported to Sydney, Australia for blind judging.

“It was truly an honour to be invited to participate in the 2022 Global Fine Wine Challenge,” said Steve Gill, General Manager of NC’s Learning Enterprises. “To learn that our wine has been listed as a gold medal winner among the finest wines in the new world is a testament to how Canada’s first and only commercial Teaching Winery continues to raise the bar for wine education.”

Dean of NC’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division Craig Youdale applauded the achievement.

“The practical elements of our programs are the hallmark of what we are all about here at Niagara College,” said Youdale. “There is a strong tradition of Icewine production in Niagara and at our Teaching Winery, and to see their hard work being recognized with a gold medal is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our staff and students, and we could not be prouder.”

Dean’s List Savant Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine 2019 comes from the Teaching Winery’s 2019 Icewine harvest, picked by NC wine students at a College-operated vineyard on Concession 5 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, then pressed in a student winemaking lab.

“I am proud to be a part of this team, where pushing the envelope and finding new exceptional ways to raise the bar continue to be at the forefront, said Allison Findlay, Winemaker at NC’s Teaching Winery, who is also an alumna of the College’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program (2014). “It is an honour to be recognized as a top contender on the world stage.”

Professor Gavin Robertson, who was Head Winemaker at the Teaching Winery from 2014 until he took on a full-time faculty role with the College’s School of Wine, Beer and Spirts this fall, recalled leading the production of the award-winning Icewine.

“We were striving to achieve a specific style within the Icewine category with this bottling: a single-vineyard, barrel-aged, complex, age-worthy dessert wine that would balance sweetness with acidity and grape and oak tannin structure, and which would evoke the true varietal character of the estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon we picked that cold night in December rather than being reduced to a more monotone, honeyed sweet wine which can happen with this style,” he said.

While the Teaching Winery has won several national awards for a variety of Icewines over the years, Robertson pointed out that this win was significant; it marked the Teaching Winery’s first invitation to enter the Global Fine Wine Challenge where it had an opportunity to compete against dessert wines “from a large swath of the wine-producing globe.”

“To stand out to a panel of Masters of Wine and other prominent wine judges and critics in that context is fairly remarkable,” said Robertson, who is an alumnus of NC’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program (2011) and a Nuffield Canada scholar. “It speaks to the quality we strive for, not just in winemaking but in education at the only Teaching Winery in the country, and it demonstrates to the students who picked and processed the fruit with us that they are all capable of forging a path to greatness in the global wine industry in their own right.”

The NC Teaching Winery’s gold was one of 12 awards listed in the Dessert Wines category at this year’s Global Fine Wine Challenge (view the 2022 results here). For information about the Global Fine Wine challenge visit globalfine.wine.

This isn’t the first award for the 2019 Dean’s List Savant Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine. In June, it won bronze at the 2022 All Canadian Wine Championship.

Products from NC’s Teaching Winery are available for purchase at the College’s Wine Visitor + Education Centre (Daniel J. Patterson Campus: 135 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake) or online at ncteachingwinery.ca while supplies last. Proceeds from sales support student learning.

NC’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program is a two-year diploma program within the College’s School of Wine Beer and Spirits.

Niagara College’s Teaching Winery was the first and only  commercial teaching winery in Canada and is the only facility of its kind in the country today. It is located at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, along with the NC Teaching Brewery and – the latest addition in September 2018 – the NC Teaching Distillery which were also the first of their kind in the country.

(Attribution: Niagara College media release)

Niagara College’s Teaching Distillery Rolls Out First Student-Crafted Whisky

A group of Artisan Distilling students hold up bottles of the Teaching Distillery’s first whisky release as Head Distiller David Dickson holds up a barrel./Supplied photos.

Good things come to those who wait at the NC Teaching Distillery, which has recently released its first whisky.

After three years of aging, Spirits 101 Single Malt Whisky is now among the Teaching Distillery’s growing list of small batch spirits crafted by students from the College’s trailblazing Artisan Distilling program.

“Following the success of our School Spirits products over the past three years, we are very excited to release the highly anticipated first whisky from Canada’s first Teaching Distillery,” said Steve Gill, General Manager of NC’s Learning Enterprises. “Each spirit from our Teaching Distillery gives the public a taste of what Canada’s future leaders in the growing craft distilling industry are producing.”

Single Malt Whisky is bottled at NC’s Teaching Distillery.

Head Distiller David Dickson noted that the NC whisky has not only been long awaited, it marks a significant milestone for students, staff and faculty.

“We are always being asked when we would have our first whisky release and it has been a major goal of ours,” he said. “We try our best to produce a diversity of products to give a diversity of student experiences, but whisky is one of those cornerstones.”

Whisky production takes a long time, said Dickson, which allows students to see the transformative process of the spirit in the barrel over time.

“To have this get to the shelf, we have to build on student knowledge, go through many production processes – creating labels, government approval and testing, acquiring casks and aging the spirit for a long time – the waiting feels like the hardest part.”

While Scotch may only be made in Scotland, Dickson said the Teaching Distillery’s Single Malt Whisky attempts to mirror that production.

Made from 100% malted barley, the Teaching Distillery’s Single Malt Whisky was mashed, fermented, and distilled by students in pot stills. Aged for at least three years in oak casks, Dickson said that the whisky retains its character from the grains and steps taken at the Teaching Distillery.

Single Malt Whisky differs from most Canadian whiskies which use corn and rye and are distilled in columns, noted Dickson. A traditional ‘brewing style’ of enzyme breakdown was used, without external enzymes. The addition of smoked malt gives a different character to the final product.

“It is most similar to the classic, historic production of Whisky across the Atlantic,” said Dickson.

Most of the spirit was made by NC’s Class of 2020 Artisan Distilling students. A smaller amount was from the Artisan Distilling Class of 2019 – the first class of students to graduate from the program since it was launched in September 2018. The Class of 2019 also produced spirt that will become Canadian Whisky (not yet released).

While Single Malt Whisky is the NC Teaching Distillery’s first whisky release, it is just the beginning. Every class has and will create whisky, noted Dickson, and a future Canadian Rye Whisky-style release is on the horizon as well.

Students are currently distilling the next batch of whiskies at the Teaching Distillery, Dickson said.

“The students have been mashing and distilling the base spirit, but their whiskies won’t be released until three years after the production, due to whisky aging requirements,” he said.

Alumnus Lokesh Khismatrao, who is currently Head Distiller at Tumbleweed Spirits distillery in Osoyoos, B.C., worked on the whisky as an Artisan Distilling student (2020).

“I feel it’s my honour to be part of the first ever NC whisky creation,” he said. “When we got a project to create the first whisky for NC, with the guidance of David [Dickson], every single student was not only excited but was very focused.

“This whisky is a great example of how NC is moving successfully towards enriching the alcohol industry.”

Alongside Single Malt Whisky, the Teaching Distillery has also introduced Spirits 101 Spiced Rum and Christmas Gin in time for the holiday season.

Products from the NC Teaching Distillery are available at NC’s Wine Visitor + Education Centre, at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake (135 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake) or online at ncteachingwinery.ca while supplies last. Proceeds from sales support student learning.

The Niagara College Teaching Distillery is a 2,500-square-foot facility located at Niagara College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is home to NC’s Artisan Distilling program. Students produce a variety of distilled products including vodka, gin, brandy, rum, whisky and other spirits. The program and the Teaching Distillery launched in September 2018 as the first of its kind in Canada, following the footsteps of NC’s trailblazing Teaching Winery and Teaching Brewery. Visit NC’s School of Wine, Beer and Spirits for program information.

 Attribution: Niagara College media release.

Sip, Savour And Bundle Up For Project Brew ‘Parkas ‘n’ Pints’

NC Brewmaster students to host outdoor beer festival December 10

Excitement is brewing as a class of final-term Brewmaster students prepare to host Project Brew Parkas ‘n’ Pints on Dec. 10. Students are pictured outside of NC’s Teaching Brewery, at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake./Supplied photo.

Niagara College Brewmaster students are ready to host the coolest outdoor beer festival in town and offer the public a chance to sample their unique craft beer creations.

The student-led outdoor beer festival, Project Brew ‘Parkas ‘n’ Pints,’ will be held on Saturday, December 10, from 4-8 p.m. at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake (courtyard).

Project Brew is hosted at the end of each term by graduating Brewmaster students who cap off their studies with an event that showcases their brewing and event planning skills.

“It’s a lot of pressure for incoming students to know what the finish line for this program entails,” said Maija Saari, Associate Dean for the School of Wine, Beer and Spirits. “Four semesters goes by very quickly, but the program team is with them every step of the way. It’s always a joy to come together to cheer them over the finish line and hear the stories behind their signature beers. Project Brew is such a perfect way to celebrate that success.”

For Brewmaster students, planning Project Brew is a key component of their Beer Sales and Promotions class, which covers everything from marketing and social media, to licensing, layout and design for the event – which are vital skills to those entering the beer industry.

Sarah Scott, Manager, Foodservices Operations for NC’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies Division, who co-teaches the class, noted that Project Brew is an essential applied learning experience for the Brewmaster students. As they learn about event promotion in class, and how to give events a ‘wow factor,’ they plan and host their own beer festival – giving them a chance to put their what they’ve learned to the test.

“The students are responsible for planning the entire event – everything from ticket sales and marketing promotions to recruiting sponsorship and students to help with the event,” said Scott, who noted that students have been working on Project Brew since September.

“The students are amazing, and they have been extremely engaged. They launched a really great social media plan – and even created their own video – to promote the event.”

For the public, attending Project Brew is chance to get a taste of unique student brews and meet the students who created them. Most of the beers on offer are individual capstone brewing projects for Brewmaster students, along with a few collaborative class creations. The upcoming event is expected to draw more than 400 guests.

“For Project Brew, the students have free rein to develop a beer in their favourite style, using unique ingredients, or to create a beer they may be interested in developing in their future brewing careers,” said Brewmaster Professor Jon Downing, who noted that some previous Project Brew beers have gone on to be featured at breweries where students work after they graduate. “Project Brew is a great experience for our students.”

Student Alanna Scully, who grew up in Goderich, has brewed a Coconut Black Lager for Project Brew. She used real graham crackers and fresh coconut flakes to create her Project Brew beer, which was inspired by a cookie her grandmother used to make. She has also been involved with ticketing, social media, and online marketing for the event.

“Project Brew has pulled everything we have learned in the program together, and we really got to experiment,” said Scully, who enrolled in the Brewmaster program after studying public relations at a university. “There are some really creative beers that were made by our class and it’s going to be really exciting to see everyone present their passion projects at the event.”

Student Chase Miller, who is originally from Winnipeg, shifted his focus from his theatre and film background to the beer industry to enroll in the Brewmaster program, after working at a popular Toronto brewery.

In preparation for Project Brew, Miller has taken on marketing, photography and videography.

“It’s nice to kind of ‘put on a show’ and we’ve got a ‘great cast’ so it’s a lot of fun,” said Miller.

His beer is ‘Tis’ the Saison – Candy Cane Saison’ which was made with his long-time favourite holiday tea.

“I wanted to make sure it was something really special. It’s a French Ale and you can expect traditional seasonal flavors with a little peppermint and real candy cane, as well as some cinnamon and vanilla,” said Miller. “I am most looking forward to seeing everybody enjoying the beers at Project Brew. That’s why I got into it; I just love the camaraderie.”

Matt Grenier, from Brampton, is creating a French Vanilla Black Lager for his Project Brew, inspired by his long-time favourite coffee flavours. In addition to creating his Project Brew beer, he has enjoyed working on the social media team to spread awareness for the event.

He said he was most looking forward to his family attending Project Brew.

“They haven’t tried any of our Niagara College beers before,” he said. “I’m really excited to see what they think.”

Project Brew also involves students from NC’s School of Culinary Arts, who are preparing for the event, led by Chef Professor Justin Downes, who also taught the brew students the sales and marketing theory portion of the course. Students will be preparing a variety of food which will be available for purchase at the event.

“An event like Project Brew is great for culinary students to participate in, giving the students an understanding of what is involved with every aspect of the event from food prep, set up, execution and clean up,” said Downes. “They are able to experience these actions with a chef beside them to guide them through the entire process. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to working beside all of them.”

The Project Brew menu includes Dill Havarti Grilled Cheese, Smoked Tomato and Coconut Bisque; Poutine, Albert’s Leap Brie, Gravy; Braised Pork Belly Poutine with Albert’s Leap Brie; and S’mores – Marshmallow, Graham Cracker, Cranberry Plum Sour Dark Chocolate Ganache. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available.

Tickets for Project Brew are available in advance via Eventbrite or at the door (until capacity is reached) for $25.12 including a sample glass and four drink tickets. Additional drink tickets may be purchased for $2 at the event.

Following the event, Project Brew beer may be purchased through the NC Teaching Brewery retail store or Wine Visitor + Education Centre (located at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus) while supplies last.

Proceeds from event ticket sales will be donated to the Matt Soos Scholarship. The scholarship, in honour of Matt Soos who passed away just a few months after he graduated from the program in 2015, is awarded to the student who brews the best beer in the annual Brewmaster competition each year.

NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program was launched in 2010 as the first of its kind in Canada. The award-winning, two-year diploma program offers extensive hands-on training at an on-site, state-of-the-art Teaching Brewery to prepare students for employment in the expanding brewery, microbrewery and brewpub industries. Located at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson in Niagara-on-the-Lake, students learn from award-winning faculty and have access to on-site hop yard and local farm products to brew a full range of beer styles. Visit ncteachingbrewery.ca.

Attribution: Niagara College news release

Niagara College’s Fall Open House Returns ‘In-Person’

November 12 marks the College’s first in-person Fall Open House since 2019

Caption: Niagara College staff and students participate in a lab at the College’s 2019 Fall Open House. /Supplied photo.

This week, for the first time since 2019, Niagara College will open its doors to prospective students interested in pursuing a college education at the College’s Fall Open House.

On November 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., prospective students, parents and friends can explore all Niagara College has to offer at both the Welland Campus and Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Students can speak to faculty and students, tour the innovative campuses, observe demonstrations, take a lab tour, and explore Niagara College’s unique academic programs.

“After two years, we’re thrilled to welcome students and their families back to campus for our Fall Open House,” said Ian Aikenhead, Director, Student Recruitment. “This is the perfect opportunity for students who are considering a college education to experience the “NC” difference. With more than 130 innovative programs to choose from, there’s something for everyone at Niagara College.”

Niagara College’s Fall Open House will feature its popular ‘Academic Marketplace,’ a place for visitors to explore the many full- and-part-time program offerings available at each campus. Students can also chat one-on-one with faculty, staff and students from the College’s various program areas to learn more about life at Niagara College and career opportunities after graduation.

After exploring the Academic Marketplace, students are invited to tour Niagara College’s various labs that will be open to visitors. Students can tour labs from 13 schools of study at the College including; Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, Beer, Wine and Spirits, Environment and Horticulture, Business and Management, Academic and Liberal Studies, Allied Health Studies, Community Services, Media, Nursing and PSW, Technology, Trades, Justice and Fitness as well as the Food and Beverage Innovation Centre and Research and Innovation.

Guests will also have the chance to visit the Student Services Fair where they can learn more about the outstanding student supports offered to Niagara College students. Admissions and Financial Aid and Enrolment Services staff will also be on site and ready to facilitate student applications.

Finally, visitors to Fall Open House are encouraged to participate in a campus tour. Departing every 30 minutes beginning at 10 a.m., current NC students will escort participants across campus, highlighting learning and study spaces, common areas, student services and labs and sharing their experiences at college.

“Choosing a career-path after high school, or retraining for a new career, can be daunting,” said Dorita Pentesco, Senior Director, Marketing & Student Recruitment. “That’s why NC’s Open House is the perfect opportunity for students to explore different career opportunities available to them. Now, more than ever before, NC’s real-world experiential learning model is helping students find success after graduation.”

Open House visitors can register for a chance to win a $3,000 credit towards their NC tuition for the 2023-2024 school year. Students can also enter to win one of 10 $100 Amazon gift cards by registering for NC’s Fall Open House before Thursday, Nov. 10 at 11:59 p.m. Registrants must check in to the Open House using their ticket to be entered into the draw. Pre-registration is not mandatory to attend Fall Open House, but only those who pre-register will be eligible for the gift card draw.

While visitors are welcome to attend both campus open houses, those who are unsure of where their programs of interest are located are encouraged to visit the College website here: openhouse.niagaracollege.ca/infosessions/schools.

Free parking is available at all lots at both campuses during the event. For directions and campus info visit niagaracollege.ca/openhouse/directions.

For more information about the Fall Open House and schedules, visit niagaracollege.ca/openhouse.

Attribution: news release.

Niagara College To Host Fall Convocation Ceremonies

Local resident Doug Hamilton to receive honorary diploma

Doug Hamilton

Student success will be in the spotlight as Niagara College celebrates almost 1,200 new graduates this fall.

On October 28, the College will host Fall 2022 Convocation with two in-person ceremonies at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre.

The morning ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., dedicated to 534 new graduates from its schools of Allied Health, Nursing and Personal Support Worker, Community Studies, and Justice and Fitness.

The 3 p.m. ceremony will celebrate 664 graduating students from a variety of program areas within its schools of Academic and Liberal Studies; Business and Management; Environment and Horticulture; Culinary Arts; Hospitality and Tourism; Wine, Beer and Spirits; Technology; and Trades.

“Convocation is truly the highlight of the academic year for our College community, and we look forward to celebrating this significant milestone with our graduating students and their supporters,” said College President Sean Kennedy. “Our latest class will join our alumni community of more than 100,000 graduates who can be found succeeding and leading – not only in Niagara, but across Canada and around the world.”

Fall Convocation will include a special recognition for St. Catharines resident Doug Hamilton. The former Olympian and World Champion rower, with a 30-year career as an environmental lawyer, played a central role in the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games as Chair of its Board of Directors. An Honorary Diploma in Sport Management will be conferred upon Hamilton during the afternoon ceremony, in recognition of his leadership role in the Games.

“Through his leadership, Doug Hamilton played a key role in the success of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, which put our region in the national spotlight and created numerous experiential opportunities for students,” said Kennedy. “We look forward to recognizing his important contributions to our College and the community at Fall Convocation.”

In addition to hosting convocation ceremonies on campus, the College will continue offering graduates and their families an option to celebrate their special milestone virtually this fall. Ceremonies may be viewed in the moment via livestream through NC’s convocation website.

Graduates who opt to watch via the virtual livestream may connect to their in-person ceremony by using the hashtag #NCGrad2022 in their social media posts. Public social media posts using the dedicated convocation hashtag appear on screen during in-person ceremonies and are incorporated into ceremony livestreams.

Free on-campus parking will be available for graduates and guests during convocation ceremonies.

For full details regarding Fall Convocation, or to view the schedule and livestreamed ceremonies, visit NiagaraCollege.ca/convocation. 

Alumni reunion for virtual graduates 2020-2021

Before the pomp and circumstance begins for Fall Convocation, NC will welcome recent graduates from its classes of 2020-2021 to campus for a Virtual Graduate Alumni Celebration. While the event is not intended to replicate in-person convocation ceremonies, alumni who graduated with virtual convocation ceremonies in 2020 and 2021 will have an opportunity to return to campus, reconnect with their classmates, hear from speakers, and pose for photos in convocation gowns.

The invite-only event will be held at the Welland Campus on October 27.

: President Sean Kennedy and the platform party applaud Class of 2022 graduates on the convocation stage (file photo, Spring Convocation 2022).

(Attribution: Niagara College media release)

Record Hiring To Support Planned And Anticipated Growth At Niagara College

“We’re positioning our College for growth, and to play a lead role in the period of economic recovery that lies ahead”: Kennedy

Niagara College is poised to make key investments in people over the next two years, with record hiring of faculty, staff, administrators, and counsellors and student support staff since the spring.

Hiring for new and replacement positions began over the summer and the College filled more than 100 positions before the Fall Term began in September, with a further 100 employees anticipated in the coming year.

Emerging from one of the most challenging times in the College’s history and buoyed by an ambitious strategic plan, these positions will serve students in key learning and support areas at NC’s Welland Campus and Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Current full- and part-time openings include entry-level to senior management positions in academic schools, Human Resources, Facilities Management Services, ncLibraries, Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services, Indigenous Education, and Research.

“We’re positioning our College for growth, and to play a lead role in the period of economic recovery that lies ahead,” said President Sean Kennedy. “We look forward to welcoming a record number of new people to our team, where we offer an outstanding, welcoming, and student-focused workplace culture, flexible work environments and opportunities to innovate.”

The work of new hires – who span all employee groups – will be tied to the College’s interconnected areas of focus for the next five years: a wholistic student experience; academic excellence; global reach, alumni and partner engagement, social inclusion and environmental sustainability, and organizational excellence. Their contributions will support significant growth and change on NC’s mission to advance student learning.

“Our employees enjoy competitive compensation and a highly engaged workplace where they are inspired to do their best work and have a strong sense of personal accomplishment,” said Pam Skinner, Senior Vice President, College Operations.

As one of the region’s largest employers, Niagara College currently employs more than 1,600 full-and part-time employees.

This September, NC introduced a Remote Work Policy that incorporates many of the lessons learned over the past two years of College operations and work and provides employees with flexibility through a balance of on-campus and remote work. As a place-based organization, all positions will involve some degree of on-campus work.

New positions will be posted regularly on NC’s Human Resources website via the Job Posting Portal, and prospective employees can sign up to receive alerts.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

Orange Shirt Day Founder Leaves Legacy With College Visit

New Dr. Phyllis Webstad scholarship to support Indigenous students

President Sean Kennedy and Phyllis Webstad participate in a tree planting at the Indigenous Garden (Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake), where a Norway spruce was planted in honour of Webstad’s visit./Niagara College photos.

Like the tree freshly planted on campus in her honour, the impact of Phyllis Webstad’s visit to Niagara College will root and flourish for years to come through her powerful message in pursuit of truth and reconciliation for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, as well as a new scholarship to support Indigenous students.

The Founder and Ambassador of the Orange Shirt Day movement visited NC’s Daniel J. Patterson in Niagara-on-the-Lake on September 22 to share her story with students, staff and faculty – many were clad in orange as a show of support.  

“As a long-time supporter of Orange Shirt Day, we were thrilled to welcome Phyllis to NC to share her powerful messages with our College community,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “Phyllis inspires us to open our minds and our hearts – to strive to learn more about the devastating impacts of the residential school system in Canada, to consider new perspectives, and to continue engaging with truth and reconciliation initiatives, while honouring residential school victims and survivors.”

Phyllis Webstad (middle) stands with Jamie Consoli (Indigenous Counsellor, Health, Wellness and Accessibility), Leah Hogan (Associate Director, Indigenous Education), Aria D’alimonte (Indigenous Education) and Deane McGean (Indigenous Education)

A survivor from St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School (Williams Lake, B.C.), Webstad has made it her mission to honour survivors of the Indian residential school system – including intergenerational survivors – and to remember the children who never made it home.

Webstad spoke about the impacts of the residential school system in Canada and the origins and importance of Orange Shirt Day, which coincides with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation later this month. She read an excerpt from one of her books, Beyond the Orange Shirt Story, and recounted her first day at residential school as a six-year-old girl, when her shiny new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her.

“It didn’t matter how much I protested or told them I wanted it back.  They didn’t’ listen. This was the beginning of that feeling like I didn’t matter,” she said.

The feeling went on to inspire the slogan, ‘every child matters.’

“That’s where ‘every child matters’ comes from …  we could be sick, hungry, lonely, sad, and it didn’t matter, our feelings didn’t matter,” said Webstad, who pointed out that today’s survivors are now adults and elders, “but they were children then.”

Family and friends travelling with Webstad’s group – including her mother Rose Jack and her aunt Theresa Jack – spoke out about how their experiences at residential schools severely impacted their lives. Another member of Webstad’s group, Ron Murphy, spoke of how bullying and sexual abuse he faced at residential school led him to life on the streets as a young teen, and the challenges he faced as a male survivor.

Jamie Consoli, Indigenous Counsellor, Health, Wellness and Accessibility, was instrumental to Webstad’s visit to the College and spoke at the event. Consoli was excited and honoured that Webstad reached out with an interest in visiting NC.

“Not only has her story has inspired so many, but it is a conversation starter to spread awareness on the impacts of the residential school system,” said Consoli. “As Indigenous faculty at NC, the opportunity to meet her and hear her speak is one in a million.”

In addition to her speaking event, Webstad met with Indigenous students during her time at the College and visited the on-campus Indigenous Garden where a Norway spruce was planted in her honour.

Dr. Phyllis Webstad Indigenous Scholarship

President Kennedy announced NC’s new Dr. Phyllis Webstad Indigenous Scholarship to support Indigenous students during Webstad’s speaking event.

The scholarship was initiated by Indigenous Education at NC as a tribute to Webstad’s momentous visit and her important work through the Orange Shirt movement. It is intended to recognize Webstad’s name as well as her story of strength and resilience, which have not only inspired the community to give, but will be meaningful for future scholarship recipients.

“Thanks to the Dr. Phyllis Webstad Indigenous Scholarship, more Indigenous students will receive the support they need to achieve their dreams,” said Kennedy. “We are proud to name this scholarship in Phyllis’ honour, in recognition of her tireless pursuit of truth and reconciliation for the Indigenous peoples of Canada through the Orange Shirt movement.”

The scholarship announcement was met with applause and was well received by Webstad who thanked the College.  

“It was education that got us into this mess and education will get us out of it,”  said Webstad, paraphrasing a quote from Truth and Reconciliation Commission Chair Murray Sinclair, regarding education being the key to reconciliation.

While an initial fundraising goal was set for $20,000 to launch the scholarship, total funds raised exceeded expectations at more than $41,000. Contributors include CIBC, Scotiabank, Niagara Community Foundation, United Way Niagara, OPSEU Local 242, and individual donors from the community.

To start, four students will receive a $1,000 scholarship every year, beginning fall 2023.

Fundraising is still underway, with a goal to grow the Dr. Phyllis Webstad Indigenous Scholarship until it can be offered to every Indigenous student entering NC.

To apply for the new scholarship, through the Financial Aid section of the NC website, students will be asked to submit a written statement outlining how the scholarship would assist them, and recipients will be selected by a team of College representatives from Indigenous Education and Financial Aid.

Those who wish to contribute to the Dr. Phyllis Webstad Indigenous Scholarship at NC are asked to visit donate.niagaracollege.ca.

Learn more

Webstad’s visit to NC kicks off several upcoming events where she will be speaking across Niagara, including an Orange Shirt Day Recognition of Survivors event to be held at Niagara Parks Power Station in Niagara Falls on September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.  Visit Facebook: Beyond the Orange Shirt Story—Niagara Falls 2022 for event details.

For information about Webstad or Orange Shirt Day visit orangeshirtday.org. The site also features a list of official orange shirt suppliers which help to support Indigenous communities or organizations.

Phyllis Webstad and Sean Kennedy (NC President) hold a symbolic ‘cheque’ for the Dr. Phyllis Webstad Indigenous Scholarship. Standing (from left): Suzanne Veenstra (Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Niagara Community Foundation), Frances Hallworth (Executive Director, United Way Niagara), Phyllis Webstad, Deane McGean (Indigenous Education, NC),  Aria D’Alimonte (Indigenous Education, NC), Leah Hogan (Associate Director, Indigenous Education, NC), Sean Kennedy, Noelle Urquhart (District Vice President, Scotiabank), Meaghan Bowler (Market Vice President, CIBC) and Rick Anderson (NC VP, Student Affairs).

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

Attribution: Niagara College news release