Students were in the spotlight when Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop visited Niagara College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake on February 1.
The minister and Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, were welcomed to campus by College President Sean Kennedy; Vice President, Academic Fiona Allan; Vice President, Research, Innovation and Strategic Initiatives Marc Nantel; Dean, Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies Craig Youdale; and other College representatives.
The Minister toured the Food and Beverage Innovation Centre research labs within the Marotta Family Innovation Centre, interacting with students working with faculty, research staff and industry partners on projects that solve challenges and bring products from concept to the shelf.
After enjoying a student-prepared lunch in Benchmark, the Minister visited the Wine Visitor + Education Centre and Teaching Distillery where Winemaker Allison Findlay led tastings of award-winning-wines from the NC Teaching Winery including Balance Brut Traditional Method Sparkling, 2020 Dean’s List Pinot Noir and 2020 Dean’s List Scholar Icewine.
“I was very pleased to see first-hand how Niagara College is supporting economic growth through unique programs tied to industry need, and sector-leading research activity,” said Minister Dunlop. “With expert faculty and students from around the world, Niagara College is driving innovation and growth in key industry sectors in Niagara and beyond.”
“We were honoured to host Minister Dunlop and showcase how our faculty, students and staff are supporting our economy through innovation and industry-connected programs at a time when the need for highly-skilled college graduates has never been higher,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy.
“It is always a privilege to host Minister Dunlop in Niagara, and it was especially important for her to see the important work that is ongoing at Niagara College,” said Oosterhoff. “Students and staff alike exemplify excellence in experiential learning, and I am grateful for the leadership and openness of the Niagara College team in sharing their expertise and knowledge with the Minister. It is institutions like Niagara College that provide the world-class academic and professional competencies that help make Niagara’s skilled workers some of the best in the province!”
Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop (left) and Parlimentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges and Universities Natalie Pierre visit research labs in the Marotta Family Innovation Centre where research staff and students showcase how equipment is used to enhance student learning and partner with industry.
