For Deborah Bourdages, a fourth-year student pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Human Resources, studying at Niagara College was made possible with the generous help of the Niagara College Retirees’ Association (NCRA) Bursary.
“Receiving this bursary helped ease the burden of my financial obligations,” she said. “I work full-time and study full-time, so this support really helped me breathe a little easier.”
Rick Demers, Director-At-Large of the NCRA, believes in the power of subtle impact. “I’ve always felt very thankful that I was able to work [at Niagara College] to help students through what I was doing then, and now with the NCRA I can continue to do so through our bursary.”
Bourdages credits her time at NC for helping nurture her self-development and leadership skills as she prepares for a career in human resources. Looking ahead to graduating in the spring, she said, “I have my heart set on working locally, within the Niagara Region, because I live here and feel strongly about supporting my community.”
This type of transformative effect is what motivates the NCRA to donate. “The students are our lifeblood, and it’s such a privilege to see all the young faces doing well,” said Demers.
Recognizing the financial hurdles college students face, the NCRA began providing support in 1993. Since then, the group has contributed nearly $30,000 to empower students to excel in their studies and beyond.
“When you retire, there is such an itch to try to help and give back,” said Demers.
And give back they have. As avid, long-term supporters of NC students, the NCRA has directed funds from memberships, special events, and memorial gifts to support those in financial need. In addition to the annual bursary that supports two students, the group has also supported:
– NC Family Bursary
– SAFE Fund/Needy Student Fund
– Special Needs testing Equipment for students with visual impairments
– Wetlands Signs Project – Horticulture Bench
– Nourishing Minds Fund
– Giving Tuesday
“I am very grateful to the Niagara College Retirees’ Foundation for their continued support of me and my education,” said Bourdages. “Thank you for investing in students, these bursaries make such a difference to us.”
Annually, more than 800 Niagara College students, like Bourdages, receive financial support through donor-funded scholarships and bursaries. Strong community partnerships, like the one established with the NCRA, help invest in student futures and growth opportunities. To learn more about contributing to Niagara College student success, visit visit niagaracollege.ca/giving.
