After a three-year hiatus, Niagara College’s annual gala returned in full force to support student success, with record attendance and a surprise $1-million pledge for student scholarships.
The College’s 31st annual gala drew more than 700 guests to the Fallsview Casino Resort on April 15. ‘Celebrating Dreams’ was the theme for the elegant evening event – a reflection of the College community’s dedicated supporters who gathered to celebrate students, their goals and ambitions – and to help ensure that students have the support they need to achieve their dreams.
“It’s great to be back with a reimagined gala after three years, and it’s clear that our community has missed this event as well, given the record attendance this year,” said NC President Sean Kennedy, who attended the first NC gala since he became president. “Our annual gala is at the heart of what our College is all about: helping students achieve their dreams. We are so grateful for our generous supporters.”
Representatives from the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), an organization run bystudents for students, announced a pledge of $1 million to support NC scholarships at the event.
Outgoing NCSAC President Sam Jemison announced the donation and spoke about the importance of financial support for students.
“For many students, the cost of attending college can be insurmountable … this is why scholarships play a crucial role in creating opportunities for students to not only overcome financial barriers, but to realize their dreams,” said Jemison.
“Investing in scholarships is not only an investment in the future of our society but a celebration of the dreams of those who will change the world for the better, and they ensure students have the support they need to achieve their goals.”
The Dan Patterson Legacy Fund was also celebrated at the Gala. Named for Niagara College’s President Emeritus, the $1-million fund supports bursaries and scholarships, as well as global student experiences through the College’s Be World Ready program.
“During my 25 years-plus at Niagara College, student success was at the core of what (my late spouse) Saundra and I believed in,” said Patterson. “I’m truly humbled and honoured to have this fund created as a legacy in my name.”
Organized by NC’s Advancement team, the event featured a silent auction in support student scholarship and bursaries, speeches, a buffet dinner and live entertainment.
“It’s clear the community was looking forward to coming together in person to celebrate Niagara College and to support our students. Our College values include a commitment to being welcoming and student focused, and the Gala clearly demonstrated these values in action,” said Gord Arbeau Vice President, Advancement.
Niagara College thanks sponsors and supporters who made the event possible including Niagara Casinos (presenting sponsor), guard.me International Insurance (reception sponsor), Rankin Construction Inc., TD Insurance, Simplii Financial/CIBC and Global University Systems Canada (diamond sponsors), Niagara Dailies, Bell Media, COGECO, Design Electronics, Ron Shaw, as well as all those who donated to the silent and live auctions and attended the event.
Save the date: NC’s 32nd annual gala will be held on April 6, 2024 at the Fallsview Casino Resort.
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 9,500 students from over 80 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 consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.
