On May 9, Niagara College – in partnership with the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce – hosted the European Union Consul General group as part of a tour of NOTL to celebrate European Union (EU) day.
A day to commemorate peace and unity in Europe, delegates visited the Wine Visitor + Education Centre at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus to learn about cutting-edge innovation and the work of students and faculty in our learning enterprises.
The visit was attended by over 50 delegates from 20 EU countries, Regional Chair Jim Bradley, Regional Councilor Diana Huson, Lord Mayor Betty Disero of Niagara-on-the-Lake, CAO Ron Tripp, and Director of Niagara Economic Development, George Spezza.
“Niagara College is pleased to welcome the European Union Consul General group. We are proud to showcase the culinary and beverage expertise of our students and faculty, and our support for innovation here in Niagara and beyond,” said Dr. Marc Nantel, Vice-President, Research and External Relations, in his remarks.
“This is a very special place for those of us in Niagara,” said Chair Bradley, who explained that Niagara College is one of the most prominent in the college system, ranking highly for student satisfaction. “The students that you see working here – many of them compete in international culinary competitions and have been highly successful.”
Dr. Nantel, provided a warm NC welcome to delegates before they enjoyed a guided tasting of NC-made hors d’oeuvres and wine on the patio of the Wine VEC, courtesy of chef professor Mitch Lamb and a student team. Dr. Nantel discussed NC’s important function in the Region, our partnerships, specialized training, innovative research, global reach, and most importantly, our students.
“Many of our students come to us from Europe for our unique programming and our approach to applied, experiential learning. International students and their families contribute significantly to our culture and economy of our community, investing in their life in Niagara and often filling much needed employment gaps across many sectors of our economy,” said Dr. Nantel.
In support of students, NC graciously accepted a donation of $2,000 presented by the European Union Consul General in Toronto and the French European Union Presidency.
In Niagara, @tudoralexis1 and his 🇪🇺colleagues presented a scholarship to a 🇺🇦student at @niagaracollege then continued their visit at @SpiritinNiagara before heading to @Town_of_NOTL to raise the colours of Europe 💙💛
Many thanks @NiagaraEconomic for putting this together ! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/RGSgOWhsYW
— France in Toronto 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@francetoronto) May 10, 2022
“We are pleased to provide a modest contribution to this beautiful institution to give this to a student from Ukraine,” said Tudor Alexis, Consul General of France in Toronto.
“We are grateful for the remarkable generosity of the EU group and for their donation that will support NC students impacted by the war in Ukraine.”
Canada and the EU are strategic partners, with the EU being Ontario’s second-largest trading partner. With over 25 million people of European descent calling Canada home, our countries share close ties and values.
The EU delegation also enjoyed a tour and tasting at Spirit in Niagara Distillery, and took part in a reception at the Prince of Wales Hotel where dignitaries and Niagara-on-the-Lake business owners were given the opportunity to network and discuss European trade and market opportunities. The tour showcased the many benefits and advantages of investing and living in the Niagara Region.
Read the Niagara Region news release from May 10 here.
