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Queen’s Jubilee medal honours College president 2012 WAS A ROYAL YEAR FOR DAN PATTERSON. Not only did the College president welcome Sophie Rhys-Jones, the Countess of Wessex to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus in September, he was honoured with a prestigious Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal for his exceptional contributions to the province and country. St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley, who nominated Patterson for the medal which was presented to him at a ceremony in November, called him the perfect example of the kind of individual deserving of the honour. “Dan Patterson has provided outstanding leadership at Niagara College and has overseen impressive capital projects which have contributed immensely to the student experience,” said Bradley. “He has also proven to be a leader among his peers on the provincial scene, elevating the prominence and role of community colleges in postsecondary education.” “This important recognition is a further testimony to Dr. Patterson’s active involvement and leadership in community development, youth and strong institutions,” said Len Crispino, chair of Niagara College’s Board of Governors. “This award is most deserved and reflects excellence on many levels.” News of Patterson’s award was also applauded by Colleges Ontario, the organization that advocates for Ontario’s 24 colleges of applied arts and technology. “Dan Patterson’s passion and energy is infectious,” says Linda Franklin, president and CEO of Colleges Ontario. “Dan’s commitment to his students and the future of post-secondary education is unparalleled. We are thrilled he is receiving this honour.” Patterson said he was honoured and humbled to receive the medal. “It is a real privilege to lead Niagara College, an educational institution that is recognized as a leader in the Canadian college system. In many ways, this award is an affirmation of the work that I and members of the community college do, day in and day out, in order to
“Dan Patterson’s passion and energy is infectious. Dan’s commitment to his students and the future of post-secondary education is unparalleled.”
The Patterson family is no stranger to Queen’s Jubilee medals. In 1977, Patterson’s wife Saundra – who dedicated her career to working in the Federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development – was awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee medal for her work with Canada’s First Nations. Patterson is pictured above with his wife Saundra (left), his grandson Sean and daughter Christine.
contribute to student success,” he said. “On a personal note, it is very moving to be acknowledged in this way. It inspires me to work harder for a stronger Niagara and to ensure our students receive the best educational opportunities available.” The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal was created in 2012 to pay special tribute to the Queen’s 60 years on the throne. Sixty thousand deserving Canadians were recognized during the year of celebration. In October, Patterson was also honoured with the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership award. Part of the GNCC’s Niagara Business Achievement Awards, it recognizes an individual whose leadership has made a significant impact in the community.
NC prof honoured for exemplary service CHERYL TAYLOR was recognized with an Exemplary Service medal by the Association of Municipal Emergency Medical Services of Ontario in Ottawa in September 2012. Taylor is not only coordinator for NC’s Paramedic programs, she is one of its graduates. In 1984 she graduated from the College’s Ambulance and Emergency Care program. She was the first female to complete the Advanced Care Paramedic program in Niagara in the mid-1990s and has been working in the EMS field for the past 28 years. Cheryl Taylor receives her Exemplary Service medal.
22 encore | NiagaraCollege.ca | Winter 2013