Benchmark guests scan QR code to donate in lieu of tips
Whether they’re preparing meals in the kitchen or serving guests in the restaurant, Niagara College students are at the heart of every event and charitable activity rolled out by the Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division – and now there’s a way for guests who enjoy the fruits of their labour to help give back.
A new Student Experience Scholarship Fund has been launched at NC. Funds raised will support scholarship awards for select students from the schools of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, and Wine, Beer and Spirits. Students who are highly engaged outside of the classroom and demonstrate exemplary leadership and teamwork skills – through their work at Benchmark restaurant or as a volunteer for the numerous events and charitable activities hosted by the division – may be eligible for the awards.
In lieu of leaving a gratuity for service at Benchmark restaurant or special event hosted by the Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, guests will be encouraged to donate to the Student Experience Scholarship Fund.
Currently, Benchmark does not accept gratuities at the end of a patron’s dining experience to ensure the focus is kept on the learning and educational opportunities for students. With this new fund, patrons who receive great service or those looking to support students have a vehicle for giving back.
Donations may now be made by scanning a QR code which will appear on menus or through an online donation form.
The initiative was introduced front of a sold-out crowd for A Chef’s Journey dinner event at Benchmark restaurant on November 28. Craig Youdale, Dean of the Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, who was also the featured chef at the event, highlighted the importance of supporting students through the new Scholarship Fund throughout the evening.
“Financially supporting students is always top of mind for us here at the College. The financial obligations that students face today continue to get tougher and finding ways to help is important,” said Youdale. “Our division has so many events and community activities and we want to encourage our students to get involved and enrich their time at Niagara College. We hope this funding will get even more students involved and part of the amazing opportunities for the students.”
“This fund is such a wonderful addition to the many great awards that we offer at Niagara College,” said Development Officer Emily O’Connor. “Now, we’re able to celebrate the students who contribute to campus life and strive to make Benchmark and NC a positive leader in the community.”
The new initiative is already a hit at Benchmark restaurant.
“I love the opportunity to be able to reward our highest achieving students,” said Victor Oliveira, Manager, Catering and Special Events. “They pour their heart and soul to our guests while working very hard to learn the ins and outs of restaurant operations.”
Frequent guests Dan and Colette Totino were among the first to support the new Student Experience Scholarship Fund and noted they were excited to learn that NC will be offering it.
“During all the years we have dined at Benchmark, we have watched many wonderful students enter and graduate from the program. Teamwork and leadership skills are qualities that are so important in anyone’s career and should be recognized in deserving students,” said Totino. “We are also pleased that both front of house and back of house students will be recognized with this award.”
Niagara resident Victoria Morley, Benchmark patron and supporter of the new fund, said it was a wonderful idea that could provide additional motivation for students, as well as a “pat on the back” for recipients.
“Scholarships can provide additional ability or opportunity for prospective students to gain entry to education programs which some students may not be able to quite afford without outside financial provision,” said Morely. “And scholarships are an additional way to commend and reward a student for comparatively higher academic achievement and provide incentive for continued higher education.”
Students will be selected by managers and faculty to receive the new award each term, once enough funds have accumulated – expected by Fall 2025.
Making college education more accessible is a pillar of NC’s Together campaign which launched during the spring of 2024. The multi-year $50-million fundraising campaign aims to expand scholarships and bursaries so that every student can access support. In addition to empowering student success, it seeks to address worker shortages in trades and healthcare, create equitable and diverse learning environments, equip graduates with cultural awareness and global competencies, and foster research, creativity, and innovation to help close Canada’s productivity gap. Visit niagaracollege.ca/together.
NC’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, includes the schools of Culinary Arts; Wine, Beer and Spirits; and Hospitality and Tourism. The division hosts weekly pop-ups as well as signature academic events throughout the year. Visit niagaracollege.ca/culinaryarts/events/.
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.
Photo: Dean Craig Youdale (left), Chef Justin Downes (middle) and Victor Oliveira (right) introduce the new Student Experience Scholarship fund at an evening dinner event, A Chef’s Journey with Craig Youdale, held on November 28 at Benchmark Restaurant.
