A message from Vincent Van Schaik, Dean, Media, Trades and Technology division:

It is with mixed emotions that I announce the well-deserved retirement of Joanne Sutherland. After 15 dedicated years of service to Niagara College, Joanne is retiring on April 30, 2022.

While we wish her the best in her new adventures, she will be truly missed by the College community.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Joanne sincerely for her numerous and varied contributions to Niagara College’s success over the years. While it’s challenging to sum up Joanne’s notable career dedicated to student and program success, the following summary provides some insight into the significant impact that she has had on the College.

Joanne joined Niagara College in April 2007 in the Workforce Business Development Centre working with Niagara Region employers on human resources and workplace skills development. She then transitioned to a full-time assistant for John Levay in the ITS department for 10 months before becoming the first Academic Business Manager at the College for the School of Environment, Media and Technology division (now the Media, Trades and Technology division) in 2010.

Joanne has been a dedicated member of the Media, Trades and Technology family for 12 years and has had a profound impact on the success of our division. In this role, Joanne was instrumental in the transformation of the Pavilion building (bringing our hairstyling program to the Welland campus), construction of the Green Technology Automotive building, renovation of third floor Simcoe for the School of Media, creating the Marilyn I. Walker Centre of Excellence in Visual Arts & Technology, as well as updating of the broadcasting film and TV studios.

Over the years she has been a strong advocate for our students, working tirelessly to secure new opportunities focused on student success and academic equipment, including a new TV broadcasting truck, cameras, printing presses, robotics and automation equipment, renewable microgrid, electric vehicles and much more. She is well-respected, hardworking, supportive and has made significant contributions to the division, while offering knowledge and helpfulness. She will be greatly missed around the College.

Retirement holds excitement for Joanne as she plans to travel around the world and spend time gardening, biking, and enjoying the company of her friends and family.

Please join me in congratulating Joanne and wishing her the very best in her next chapter.

Joanne’s last day of work will be Thursday, March 24. We hope that in the future, we’ll be able to have an in-person celebration to honour Joanne’s career.