College names NOTL campus after Patterson
Honour announced during retirement gala for college president
Niagara College president Dan Patterson was “shocked” to learn the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus is being named after him.
The surprise announcement was made Friday night at an event attended by more than 600 people at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines.
The evening celebrated the accomplishments of Patterson during his 25 years at the helm of the school. He announced his retirement in May and will stay on until next year.
The campus on Taylor Road has now been proclaimed the Daniel J. Patterson Campus, a decision made by the college’s board of governors.
“It really was the highlight of my career — to see the outpouring of affection, recognition and celebration of my leadership,” Patterson said Monday.
Patterson, 71, grew up in Toronto and has a PhD in higher education and administration from University of Toronto.
Under his leadership, enrolment at Niagara College grew from 4,500 students in 1995 to more than 11,000 full-time students in more than 130 programs, including the NOTL campus opened during his reign.
The proclamation made by the college takes effect immediately, but will be a “phased in” approach, said the college’s communications manager, Michael Wales.
In a news release, the college referred to itself as “one of Canada’s most unique learning environments,” a description that in part comes from its teaching winery, brewery and distillery, and respective programs.
“There’s no other institution in the country that has that classroom environment and work-integrated learning experience,” said Patterson.
He also said the commercial cannabis production program is a key component in the diversity of what the college offers.
Niagara College was recently named top of the class in Research Infosource Inc.’s Top 50 Research Colleges report.
The centre for advanced manufacturing at the Welland campus is a “hub for industry-educational partnerships,” with involvement from many small to medium-sized enterprises, said Patterson.
“When you see robust programming, particularly in colleges, it’s a result of a lot of engagement by industry to help build the curriculum, teach the courses, donate the equipment and hire the students,” he said.
Before taking over as lead administrator of the college in 1995, Patterson held senior roles with the federal and provincial governments.
One of those positions was with the Department of Indian Affairs, now called Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
The college has partnered with Indigenous communities on a number of projects during Patterson’s tenure. A memorable moment during Friday’s celebration was Patterson receiving a welcome from elder Gary Parker, who performed an honour song.
“It was magical,” said Patterson, adding that his partner Saundra — he met while working on Indigenous issues when they were both employed by the government — also holds First Nations people close to her heart.
One of Patterson’s first initiatives upon his arrival 25 years ago was the creation of an Aboriginal management education circle, providing direction on addressing the needs of Indigenous students.
Also, at Friday’s gathering, St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik presented Patterson with a key to the city, joining a small group of leaders who have received the same accolade.
“Dan has been a passionate and energetic champion of Niagara. Through his infectious energy and passion, Dan has inspired generations of students, entrepreneurs and local leaders to pursue their dreams,” said Sendzik in a news release.