On January 25, Niagara College’s Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) honoured the memory of Saundra Patterson, one of the College’s most beloved student champions, by officially unveiling the newly renamed Saundra Patterson Wellness Lounge.
Saundra, who passed away on January 27, 2021, was the devoted partner of long-time NC President Dan Patterson, currently President Emeritus. She was loved by the college community for her compassion and her unwavering commitment to the betterment of students.
At the dedication, NC President Sean Kennedy, NCSAC President Sam Jemison and past NCSAC President Tom Price (2019-2021) welcomed guests to the renamed student space and shared touching tributes to Saundra.
“Saundra leaves behind a legacy of building incredible connections that served to improve the student experience,” said Kennedy. “Saundra truly was a pillar of our NC community, and we are proud to carry on her vision and the important work of supporting students through initiatives like the Saundra Patterson Wellness Lounge.”
Reflecting on his time as NCSAC President, Price recalled Saundra’s thoughtfulness and dedication to NCSAC programs in support of students.
“Saundra embodied the passion we all have for student life, and the betterment of it. Whether it be her attendance at student or college-led events, announcements, convocations, or donations to the NCSAC Nourishing Minds Fund, if it was supporting NC students, Saundra was there.”
A special indoor space at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus, the Saundra Patterson Wellness Lounge is a place for students to drop-in and engage with trained wellness peers about common student challenges, such as feelings of loneliness, sadness, and stress, and to help them access resources on and off campus.
“This recognition of the Saundra Patterson Wellness Lounge by Niagara College’s Student Administrative Council is a wonderful tribute to Saundra and will be a permanent legacy and reminder of her tireless commitment to student success,” said President Emeritus Patterson, shared his appreciation to NCSAC.
President Emeritus Daniel J. Patterson shares memories of his wife, Saundra.
“As I reflect, I have many great memories of Saundra enjoying her time with students at convocations, student award nights and so many other student events,” he added. “One tradition Saundra particularly loved was welcoming the Student Council to her home every year to a summer dinner before the start of term. She had a special gift of listening and made everyone feel welcome and at ease in her company. Saundra would have been thrilled to have such a special place named in her honour for students to gather and to support their well-being”
NC also honoured Saundra’s memory last fall with the creation of the Saundra Patterson Memorial Garden at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The garden was designed and built by students and faculty from NC’s School of Environment and Horticulture and staff from the Teaching Greenhouse with whom Saundra forged a special connection with over the years.
To learn more about Saundra Patterson’s life and her contributions to Niagara College, please read her full bio.
