A message from John F.T. Scott, Chair of the Niagara College Board of Governors:
On November 22, the Niagara College Board of Governors hosted an evening in celebration of the career and accomplishments of President Dan Patterson. At that time, we were pleased to share the decision of the Board to rename the current Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus to the Daniel J. Patterson Campus. We did so in in recognition of Dan’s unwavering dedication and substantial contribution to Niagara College over his remarkable 25-year tenure.
The renamed Daniel J. Patterson Campus is unique in its representation of Dan’s accomplishments.
The first significant challenge that Dan faced when he assumed his leadership role in 1995 was the decision by the Province to cut funding for the new campus. Dan facilitated an aggressive and ultimately successful advocacy initiative to re-establish that funding, thus providing the foundation for what has become one of Canada’s most unique learning environments.
Since the Campus opened in 1998, it has been a living reflection of the innovation and tenacity that has defined Dan’s leadership of the college. From the introduction of NC’s unique learning enterprises, to the growth of the College’s applied research capabilities, to the housing of trailblazing programs that meet the current and future workforce needs of Niagara and beyond, every step in the campus’s history can be traced back to Patterson’s vision for the College.
Naming the Daniel J. Patterson campus will ensure that every student who sets foot in this unique learning environment will recognize the legacy of a truly iconic leader.
While the naming proclamation takes place immediately there will be a lengthy period of transition during which time signage and College material will be updated. Information on the evolution of the process will be provided to the College community. We particularly look forward to unveiling new signage at an appropriate event in the spring.
