Niagara College News and Media

Niagara College’s Business Administration – Professional Golf Management (Co-op) students are promoting healthier lifestyles by helping local children hit the links.

The college students have raised funds to sponsor the National Golf in Schools program by organizing and hosting the inaugural PGM Invitational fundraiser. The event, held on Oct. 24, brought together about 60 students, faculty members, college staff and alumni for a round of nine holes at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club.

PGM Invitational proceeds will support Gold Canada’s National Golf in Schools program. Developed with Golf Canada partners Physical Health and Education Canada, and PGA of Canada, the program brings the sport to elementary schools. It helps young children get active while developing their golf skills and a greater appreciation for the game.

Money raised by Niagara College students will be donated specifically to students at Oakridge Public School in St. Catharines.

On November 24, 2011, Scott Simmons, CEO of Golf Canada, will visit Niagara College’s third-year Professional Golf Management – (Co-op) students to accept the donation of $475. The presentation will take place at 1:30 p.m., room E205 at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus.

Grant Fraser, Professional Golf Management (Co-op) professor said he was honoured to welcome Simmons, one of the most influential people in Canadian golf, to the college. In addition to accepting the donation, Simmons will also speak to the Golf Management class.

Fraser said he is proud of his students for holding the tournament and sponsoring the Golf in Schools program.
“It was a lot of work and they pulled it off in a very short period of time,” he said. “It’s great because all the students came together and we found a worthy cause related to our industry. The students know they’re giving back and it’s great for the game.”

Fraser said the plan is to hold the PGM Invitational annually and grow the Golf in Schools program throughout Niagara.

Niagara College’s Business Administration – Professional Golf Management (Co-op) three-year program is a unique academic opportunity, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers as golf assistant professionals, associate professionals or golf course directors. Facilities include a state-of-the-art golf lab with swing simulator. Students hone their skills by hitting the tees several times a week and by participating in two paid co-op terms.

Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and aesthetics. For more information, visit NiagaraCollege.ca.

MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

What:
Niagara College Business Administration – Professional Golf Management (Co-op) students to present donation to Golf Canada’s National Golf in Schools program.

Who:
Scott Simmons, Golf Canada CEO, Niagara College Professional Golf Management (Co-op) faculty and students

Where:
Niagara College, Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, room E205

When:
Thursday, Nov. 24, 1:30-3 p.m.
Photo-op at 1:30 p.m. with Simmons, followed by remarks to class.

Grapes for Humanity Canada has committed $26,500 to establish the Geddy Lee endowed scholarship, which will be matched by the provincial government’s Ontario Trust for Student Support program.

The income will be used to provide an annual scholarship for a student in the second year of Niagara College’s Wine and Viticulture Technician program who intends to pursue a career path in winemaking after graduation.

“Niagara College is thrilled that Grapes for Humanity Canada is making this significant investment to support student learning and success, and the wine industry,” said Sean Kennedy, CEO of the Niagara College Foundation and acting vice-president, Academic.

“We are very pleased to support students in winemaking in recognition of this Canadian icon’s magnificent contribution as a director of our charitable foundation,” said Tony Aspler, president & CEO of Grapes for Humanity Canada. “We hope that the annual recipient of this scholarship will bring to his or her calling the same dedication to quality and to public spiritedness as Geddy Lee has brought to Canada’s musical legacy.”

The Grapes for Humanity gift is part of the Building Futures Campaign, which supports student learning and success through new facilities, equipment and learning resources, applied research, and scholarships and bursaries.

Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and aesthetics. For more information, visit NiagaraCollege.ca.

About Grapes for Humanity
Grapes for Humanity Canada was established in 2001 to raise funds, with the assistance of the international wine community, to benefit humanitarian causes around the world. The foundation’s goal is self-sufficiency and human dignity for victims and survivors of disasters and personal tragedies. Funds are raised through various international wine events, wine auctions, special wine projects and personal website donations. (grapesforhumanity.com)

About Geddy Lee
Geddy Lee is an award-winning musician best known as the lead vocalist, bassist and keyboardist for the legendary Canadian rock group Rush. Mr. Lee has played a crucial role in the success of Grapes for Humanity since its inception in 2001 and continues as a Board member today. He launched the Grapes Under Pressure Rock Memorabilia Charity Auction. The Geddy Lee award is established in recognition of Mr. Lee’s outstanding contribution to the organization, and to the dedication to quality and public spiritedness that he brings to Canada’s musical legacy.

Event details
What:
Gift presentation with Grapes for Humanity Canada and Niagara College

When:
Friday, November 25, at noon

Where:
Niagara College Wine Visitor + Education Centre – Niagara College, Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus
135 Taylor Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake

Who:
Niagara College and Grapes for Humanity’s co-founder, Tony Aspler.
including:
Steve Hudson, NC acting president
Sean Kennedy, CEO, Niagara College Foundation and NC acting vice president Academic Jon Ogryzlo, dean, Canadian Food & Wine Institute Steve Gill, general manager, NC Learning Enterprises Lyn Russo, director of Development and Alumni Relations Helen Armstrong, Student Awards officer