As members of Niagara College’s Board of Governors convened for their annual retreat, they had the pleasure of welcoming a very special guest to the College for the very first time.
On Sept. 19, the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s new Minister of Colleges and Universities, stopped into the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake to get a taste for the College.
The brief visit centered around NC’s culinary and hospitality expertise, which is fitting for Minister Quinn who is both a restaurant owner and graduate of the Ontario College system.
In Benchmark Restaurant, Minister Quinn was greeted by President Sean Kennedy, Board Chair Lora Tisi, and members of the Executive Team and Board of Governors.
“Minister Quinn has a first-hand understanding of the strength and transformative power of a College education, and we are thrilled to have him here at Niagara College,” said President Kennedy.
“I am a very proud graduate of the College system in Ontario,” said Minister Quinn. “With the huge skills shortage we have in Ontario, I am very excited to be in this role. Whether it be in health care, skilled trades, distribution, we truly do need the college system to help achieve the goals that Ontario wants to achieve.”
Hearing from each of the Board Members, the Minister remarked on the breadth and depth of experience and accomplishments. He thanked them for their commitment and dedication as volunteers.
President Kennedy highlighted members of the NC Sustainability team who were presenting to the Board about the College’s new Sustainability Plan and their alignment with NC’s strategic commitments.
The Minister engaged with the team of culinary students at Benchmark, enjoying their signature iced tea and wine produced by students in the NC Teaching Winery.
Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies, Craig Youdale, alongside President Kennedy and Chair Tisi, led the Minister through the newly renovated Benchmark kitchen and into the lab where students were making charcuterie with Chef Avi Hollo.
The Minister enjoyed conversations with the students and had a chance to sample their culinary creations.
The College looks forward to welcoming Minister Quinn back to our campuses in the near future to learn more about NC.
