Niagara College’s President Emeritus Dr. Dan Patterson has been honoured with a prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship Award from the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The Award, named after Rotary founder Paul Harris, is one of one of the highest honours Rotary can bestow on an individual. Recipients are community members or Rotarians who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their community and exemplify Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.”
Patterson was one of three community members and five individuals overall, who received Paul Harris Fellow recognition at a Rotary event held on November 9.
Patricia Murenbeeld, President of the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake, was among the Rotarians honouring Patterson that night.
“It was an honour to host and recognize Dan Patterson at our Paul Harris Award Celebration,” said Murenbeeld. “Dan truly is a man who has and continues to ‘Serve to Change Lives’.”
Patterson, who led NC for 25 years before concluding his tenure as president in 2020, was recognized for his dedication to the Niagara community and to the College, contributing to its exceptional growth over the years and demonstrating a commitment to student success.
During his tenure, Patterson oversaw significant enrolment growth, the construction of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, the creation of innovative learning enterprises, including Canada’s first teaching winery, teaching brewery, and teaching distillery. He helped introduce trailblazing programs, including Canada’s first post-secondary credential in Commercial Cannabis Production and Commercial Beekeeping, responding to the needs of emerging industries, and advocated for experiential learning opportunities for students preparing for the work world.
Murenbeeld thanked Patterson for his leadership while at the helm of NC and commended the College’s innovative spirit. “As a newer resident of Niagara, arriving here in 2017, I have been so impressed with the ingenuity and entrepreneurship of Niagara College,” she said.
“Over the years I have often turned to Niagara College to support and take part in: the hospitality and food at Benchmark, purchasing plants, wine, beer and spirits; and even enjoying spa treatments. I don’t know of any college so integrated with the community. I was thrilled to meet Dan Patterson and to personally thank him for his innovation, courage and leadership.”
Patterson’s volunteer efforts, including his support of Gillian’s Place, the Rankin Run and Community Care Food Drives, were also noted among his many contributions that have helped strengthen the communities within Niagara.
Dan Patterson receives the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake President Patricia Murenbeeld and Rotary District Governor Frank Adamson
Dan Patterson (middle) is pictured with fellow 2021 Paul Harris Fellowship Award recipients and representatives from the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Dan Patterson is pictured with Patrica Murenbeeld, President of the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake (right), and Lynne LeGallais (left), who provided an introduction for Patterson at the event. LeGallais is also a generous contributor to student bursaries and scholarships at NC.
