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Campuses Community and Culture Stories

Ashley Power
Welcome Ashley Power, NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations new Executive Director After 18 incredible years at NSCC, please welcome and congratulate Ashley Power as NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations’ Executive Director!
NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus
NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus receives $100K to enhance hearing accessibility NSCC's Sydney Waterfront Campus receives $100K grant for MobileConnect system, enhancing hearing accessibility in classrooms and labs for students with hearing impairments.
NSCC Electrical Technician student outside installing solar panel.
RBC funding powers up wind energy education at NSCC RBC Foundation funds enhancements to NSCC's Electrical Technician program, focusing on large-scale wind energy. New curriculum and equipment prepare students for Nova Scotia's growing renewable energy sector.
NSCC Construction Management students working on project.
Building tomorrow's workforce: $1.6 million per year in bursaries for skilled trades students at NSCC NSCC partners with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency to offer 320 bursaries of $5,000 each for skilled trades students, focusing on equity-deserving groups and high-demand construction programs.
Cheque presentation at gift announcement for the DGHF-Horizon Maritime Mi'kmaq Learners Healthcare Bursary.
$250,000 gift from Horizon Maritime to support Mi’kmaq learners pursuing healthcare careers at NSCC Horizon Maritime's $250,000 gift to NSCC creates Mi'kmaq Learners Healthcare Bursary, offering five $3,000 renewable bursaries annually to support Mi'kmaq students pursuing healthcare careers in Nova Scotia.
2023-24 Annual Report on Giving cover photo feature NSCC alums Mollie and Ben Campbell.
Evolving Together: NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations 2023-24 Annual Report on Giving Read Evolving Together: NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations’ 2023-24 Annual Report on Giving. Thanks to your generosity, $7.1M was raised to support NSCC students.
From left to right, Brad Totorewa, a Māori historian and leader at Rangiriri and Ethan Paul at the historical site of the Invasion of the Waikato in New Zealand.
Bridging Mi’kmaw culture and early childhood education: Ethan Paul’s story Ethan Paul, a Mi’kmaw student at NSCC, blends cultural heritage with modern education practices locally and abroad through the Mi'kmaw Early Childhood Education program.
Indigenous artifact used for 3D printing for project.
NSCC students bring Mi'kmaq artifacts to life through 3D printing NSCC students use 3D printing to recreate Mi'kmaq artifacts, bridging technology and tradition. Guided by Dr. Elder Gerald R. Gloade, they preserve Indigenous history and create educational materials.
Photo of Making Waves Competition's winning team, Ocean Savers. From left to right: Mary Mach, Hira Bari and Mirian Quispe.
Sensor Technology challenges NSCC students to champion sustainable solutions In collaboration with Sensor Technology, the Making Waves Competition at NSCC's Ivany Campus brought excitement and innovation by challenging students to foster sustainable solutions for our communities.
Photo of 2024 Marine Skills Competition winning team, Knots and Bolts. From left to right, John P., Caleb V.; Sean M., Pieter B., Natasha C., John H., Ryan M.
Career fairs, connections and competitions for NSCC students and alumni Thanks to NSCC's event sponsors and industry partners, the College hosted four events from January to March to help students from various programs prepare for the next steps in their careers.
Photo of donated canned food spelling "NSCC".
Fighting food insecurity at NSCC Food insecurity continues to be a rising issue across the province. But as a community, we come together to make sure that those who need it most can access the resources they need.
From left to right, a photo of NSCC President Don Bureaux and NSCC alum Judy Lewis at NSCC Ivany Campus' spring convocation.
NSCC accessibility supports ignites a student’s potential With accessibility supports, student awards, and perseverance, Judy Lewis thrived at NSCC and created her own award to support students like her.
Rob Sobey with NSCC Sobey Award recipients at the celebration event.
Celebrating a legacy: Five years of The Sobey Award On Nov. 7 at NSCC’s Ivany Campus, the NSCC Foundation hosted the Five Years of The Sobey Award Celebration, welcoming students, alumni, volunteers, community partners and College leadership to celebrate the milestone.
Photo of three NSCC award recipients holding a light blue sign saying "thank you" in white text.
Giving Tuesday 2023 – Thank you for giving back On Giving Tuesday, our community rallied together to support NSCC students. You helped in exceeding our fundraising goal for Rapid Response to fund cost of living bursaries and food security initiatives.
Andrew M. standing in front of the Mi'kmaq eight-pointed star.
Indigenous Student Support Program helps student reach their dreams Thanks to the Indigenous Student Support Program, Andrew M. received support from the Indigenous Students Immediate Needs Fund at a critical time for him to pursue his dream work placement.
From left to right, a photo of NSCC President Don Bureaux and NSCC student awards recipient and 2023 Paralegal Services alumni Judy Lewis.
NSCC Accessibility Supports ignite a student’s potential With accessibility supports, student awards, and perseverance, Judy Lewis thrived at NSCC and created her own award to support students like her. Read more in the Halifax Chamber of Commerce's Business Voice Magazine.
Photo of NSCC student awards recipient, Jordan B.
Awards supporting Mi'kmaq and Indigenous students at NSCC Thanks to donor support, NSCC offers dedicated awards for Mi'kmaq and Indigenous students, as well as many more open to equity-deserving groups.
Group photo of Cumberland Campus students enjoying breakfast through the Cumberland Campus Breakfast Program.
Five years of impact and more: Thank you Dr. and Mrs. H.E. Christie Community Foundation Over the last five years, the Dr. and Mrs. H.E. Christie Community Foundation has made an incredible impact at Cumberland Campus, helping with student issues like food insecurity, cost of living, transportation and more.
Photo, from left to right of Rocky Jones, Deanna Mohamed, and Chester Borden with white background.
NSCC awards to celebrate Black and African Nova Scotian community leaders Thanks to the generosity and endorsement of NSCC’s Black African Nova Scotian Employee Resource Network (BAERN), four new $2,500 awards have been launched to support Black and African Nova Scotian students at NSCC.
Photo of NSCC students and East Coast Credit Union staff in front of NSCC banner holding East Coast Credit Union promotional signs.
East Coast Credit Union tailors donation to support equity-deserving students NSCC proudly offers various programs and awards tailored to supporting equity-deserving students. We are dedicated to increasing support for equity-deserving students by partnering with donors like East Coast Credit Union.
Photo of music performance at Spark Creativity.
Sparking Creativity – Soaring talents and student support This spring, NSCC hosted Spark Creativity, a soaring success for its inaugural event spending the night celebrating student and alumni talent from NSCC’s Creative Industries programming.
Photo of D. Stuart MacLeod.
Playing for a better future The family of D. Stuart MacLeod, known fondly amongst his peers as Mr. Rotary, made a transformational $200,000 donation to Sydney Waterfront Campus.
Photo of Mark and Krista Paterson, Marconi Campus Culinary Arts Class of 2015.
A winning recipe Mark and Krista both joined NSCC’s culinary program in 2013. Today, the husband-and-wife team is well-known in Cape Breton for their three culinary businesses.
Photo of award recipient Tuma Stevens.
Reaching new heights through education Tuma, a multi-award recipient, will graduate from NSCC’s Business Administration program in 2023. Read how scholarships and bursaries made his dreams a reality.
Photo of Michelle Bussey
NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations Executive Director moving to a new role this summer After seven and a half years, Michelle Bussey, Executive Director, NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations, will step into a new role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency on July 31, 2023.
NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus
Construction Updates: NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus NSCC’s Sydney Waterfront Campus is on track to open for September 2024! The opening date is getting closer and closer, and the construction progress continues to excite the community and supporters.
Photo of Admiral, Women Unlimited staff and alum, and NSCC staff and faculty at Admiral's announcement.
Admiral provides financial aid to uplift women in trades and technology On April 25, Admiral announced a generous three-year commitment to support the Women Unlimited program at NSCC to establish the Admiral Women Unlimited Bursary and the Women Unlimited Urgent Aid Fund.
From left to right, a photo of Amber Cain (Prep), Ashley Hill (Prep), Bill Gunn (Jeannine Deveau Achievement Fund), Kaisen MacKinnon (Prep) and Vanessa Hartley (Prep)
Jeannine Deveau Achievement Fund gift supports $45K in awards for PREP alumni at NSCC The Jeannine Deveau Achievement Fund's $530,000 gift to the PREP Academy is supporting $45,000 in entrance and graduating awards for PREP alumni at NSCC.
Photo of NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations team with Board of Governors at NSCC's Centre of Geographical Sciences (COGS) Campus.
We want to hear from you – inform our new strategic plan The NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations team invites you to complete a survey for our new strategic plan to positively impact NSCC students and the province.
Photo of Antonia Wareham, a graduate of the first Pathways to Shipbuilding Program with Women Unlimited.
Empowering Black and African Nova Scotian students at NSCC February marked African Heritage Month. Learn more about news we shared of new initiatives and dedicated supports for Black and African Nova Scotian students at NSCC.
Group photo from left to right of Phil, Olivia, Nicole, Michelle, and Bern Byers at NSCC's Kingstec Campus making cheesecakes for cheesecake raffle winners.
Cheesecakes for Carpentry: Richard Byers Memorial Bursary During the holiday season, the Byers family hosted a nostalgic cheesecake raffle to fundraise for the Richard Byers Memorial Bursary, an award they established in their dad’s memory to support Carpentry students at NSCC.
Photo of the Mi'kmaq Eight Point Star
Continuing support for Indigenous students at NSCC Learn how donor funding to the Indigenous Student Support Program helps Indigenous students at NSCC through increased financial aid and on-campus support.
Photo of NSCC student award recipient, Isabel T.
NSCC awards inspired by women, for women Through the generosity of our donors and partners, NSCC offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries and awards dedicated to helping women pursue post-secondary education.
Photo of NSCC alumni Martina K.
Awards supporting Black and African Nova Scotian students at NSCC Learn more about NSCC’s seven dedicated awards, scholarships and bursaries for Black and African Nova Scotian students funded by our donors and partners and how you can support them.
From left to right, a photo of Barbara Roberts, Deanna Mohamed, Archy Beals, Bill Gunn, Augy Jones, and Don Bureaux presenting the $200,000 gift.
Jeannine Deveau Achievement Fund gifts $200K to support African Nova Scotian students at NSCC The estate of Jeannine Deveau, whose philanthropic vision is to make education more accessible for African Nova Scotian and Indigenous students, recently gifted $200,000 to the Archy Beals Legacy Award.
Photo from November 2022 of waterfront view of NSCC's Sydney Waterfront Campus under construction
NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus update Time is flying by with the construction of NSCC's new campus in Downtown Sydney! With the announcement of its new name and a recent campus tour with Engineers Nova Scotia, we are excited to see the changes it'll bring.
Photo of strategic plan cover
NSCC's Strategic Plan Our time is now is NSCC's new strategic plan that positions the College as a part of the solution to prepare Nova Scotia to prosper in a post-pandemic society.
Photo of NSCC student award recipient holding aqua coloured sign saying "thank you" in white text.
Emergency Hurricane Fiona Relief Bursaries The aftermath of Hurricane Fiona left many NSCC students in a vulnerable position. Thankfully, through donor support to Rapid Response, the College was able to jump to action.
3-panel photo of Archy Beals at the Archy Beals Dinner and Dance, two NSCC alumni at the alumni Farm Fun Day, and a photo of Margaret Mary Cook.
Back in community After two and half years, the NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations team is excited to be back to in-person events! Hear about our recent fundraising events, gift announcements, and alumni engagement events.
Photo of books featured in 25 books for 25 years giveaway
Giving back through community Throughout August, the Foundation held a 25 Books for 25 Years Giveaway for Nova Scotian non-profits through our partnership with Atlantic Book Publisher’s Bound for Good Program.
Photo of Archy Beals
Archy Beals Legacy Award Deanna Mohamed and Barbara Roberts created the Archy Beals Legacy Award to honour Archy's legacy and 27 years of service at the College while supporting African Nova Scotia high school students starting at NSCC.
Photo of the 2022 Reporting in Mi’kma’ki class in Eskasoni, with community members. Photo credit: George Paul
Journalism students learn responsible reporting in Mi'kma'ki Through donor funding, four second-year Radio Television Journalism students participated in the Reporting in Mi’kma’ki workshop. Students learned in class and in the Mi’kmaw community of Eskasoni to gain cultural competency when telling Indigenous stories.
On the left, a photo of Heather O'Brien, VON's logo in the middle, and to the right, a photo of Kristen Beaton
Heather O’Brien and Kristen Beaton memorial awards – celebrating their care and compassion Together, the families of Heather O’Brien and Kristen Beaton, the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) and NSCC Alumni Relations are celebrating the lives and legacies of Heather and Kristen by establishing awards in their memory.
Photo of NSCC's 25th anniversary logo
Wrapping up NSCC’s 25th anniversary We surpassed our goals for NSCC’s 25th year and we are excited to spend the next 25 celebrating with you. After this milestone year, we continue to celebrate and reflect on the achievements of NSCC’s community over the past 25 years.
Photo of Syrian refugee student Fadi, working on vehicle with NSCC automotive faculty member.
New beginnings for refugee and equity-deserving students at NSCC Continuing NSCC’s efforts to address financial barriers and increase opportunities for equity-deserving groups, new awards will be offered for the upcoming academic year. One of the newest bursaries being the New Beginnings Bursary for incoming refugee students.
Photo of cars donated by Honda
Honda donation to enrich automotive programming at NSCC Honda’s gift-in-kind of nine vehicles they donated this spring, valued at $128,000, will directly impact student learning at NSCC. The vehicles are a much-needed component of the hands-on learning in the College’s automotive programs.
Photo of donated lysol wipes on boxes of donated lysol wipes
NSCC and Lysol supporting health and safety across our communities Through the College’s partnership with Lysol, NSCC paid it forward and worked with the Truro and Ivany Campuses to distribute 80 pallets of the in-demand sanitizing wipes to community organizations across the province.
Photo of new quiet space at NSCC Lunenburg Campus
Lunenburg Campus is bringing quiet spaces to its students Thanks to donor support, NSCC’s Lunenburg Campus opened a much-needed quiet space on-campus. The space is a safe and quiet environment near campus support offices for students to take a break, whether it’s for personal, medical or religious reasons.
Photo of the Folk family.
Continuing a legacy in the trades through the Adam Folk Memorial Endowment The Folk family’s generous $1 million Adam Folk Memorial Endowment is funding its first two scholarships in the spring of 2022. The scholarships will support Plumbing students who embody Adam Folk’s legacy as a plumber and a community leader.
Photo of NSCC Music Arts student, Thaydra G., the first recipient of the Pathways to Rock Award
Pathways to Rock – supporting a mother’s passion and perseverance Chris Murdoch’s Pathways to Rock award is combating stereotypes that Black people face in the Nova Scotia music industry. Breaking barriers for Music Arts students like Thaydra G., a mother driven by her love for music, and especially her son.
Indigenous student playing the drum
Indigenous Student Support Program addresses financial barriers A new fundraising appeal is part of NSCC’s commitment to reconciliation and supports the Indigenous Student Support Program, which focuses on meeting everyday financial needs that can impact academic success.
NSCC 25 - Looking Back. Thinking Forward.
NSCC 25th anniversary celebrations in full swing 25 years of NSCC! Join us as we look back and think to the future. Tell your story, enter our contest, explore the history of NSCC, donate to our 25th Anniversary Fund, and more!
Student in a library
Indigenous book bundles donated to campus libraries in recognition of Mi’kmaq History Month In October, the NSCC Foundation celebrated by contributing book bundles with Indigenous authors and themes to all NSCC campuses.
Ford vehicle gift
Ford of Canada partners rev up learning with generous donation It’s hard to turn a natural disaster into something positive, but that’s precisely what Ford of Canada, Fairley and Stevens Ford, and MacPhee Ford managed to do for NSCC students.
Nicki Taylor at her desk
Leading by example – Nicki Backman Taylor Nicki Backman Taylor is part of a growing list of NSCC employee donors that are making a difference. She is leading a fundraising initiative for the NSCC eCampus College Readiness Fund that will provide eCampus students with access to additional financial supports.
Student checking water samples
AFNWA establishes Nujo’tmu’k Samuqwan Award The newly established award from Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA), titled Nujo’tmu’k Samuqwan Award (Taking Responsibility for our Water), will give Indigenous students enrolled at NSCC the opportunity to explore careers in the water sector.
Amanda Green with medal
Six NSCC grads receive Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Culinary Excellence This summer, six exceptional NSCC grads were selected to receive the prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Culinary Excellence, presented in July by The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, QC, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.
Music Arts students performing song
Music Arts students’ song is bringing hope and giving back In May, a group of students from the NSCC Music Arts class at Marconi Campus released their own single. The song – We’ll be Together Again, echoed our collective hope to return to a time where we can be with friends and family.
Fall update cover image
A new beginning powered by donor support It’s hard to believe that a new school year has started with many students returning to Campuses for the first time this fall. The last few months have been a time of change and growth at the College as we celebrated the official opening of the AVC-COGS campus housing and Innovation Centre, a new Centre of Forest Innovation at Truro Campus, and the opening of a new wing at the Institute of Technology Campus. These changes will create new opportunities for Nova Scotians and point to a bright future for our Province. In this update, we share news on exciting initiatives that are delivering change, stories of the resiliency and accomplishments of NSCC students, and inspiring stories of giving back. We continually hear from students that donor support is a source of inspiration for their success. Thank you for your continued commitment and encouragement of NSCC students. - The NSCC Foundation Team
Verb office
VERB Interactive launches NSCC bursary program for women in technology Through a partnership with VERB Interactive, the newly launched Women in Tech Award will support more women entering technology professions, including IT, Applied Media and Communications Arts, Digital Marketing, Business Intelligence Analytics, Cyber Security, and Graphic Design.
Pathways students at award annoucemeent
Recent grads paying it forward to empower future students The 2020 class from the Irving Pathways to Shipbuilding is paying it forward. Through their newly established award–The Black Empowerment to Success Award, two African Nova Scotian students will have the opportunity to receive much-needed financial support during their program at Akerley Campus. This initiative was born out of the group’s own experience being supported while at NSCC, and their desire to give back in the same vein.
Every child matters
Truth and Reconciliation, and the path forward On May 27, 2021, the residential school system - a shameful act in Canada - was once again brought into National focus. The bodies of 215 children, some as young as 3, were uncovered at the former site of the Kamloops Residential School, in British Columbia. Here is what NSCC is doing to move towards reconciliation.
Photo of Juno Keizer at Irving Shipbuilding.
Video: Finding community at NSCC Through the Irving Pathways to Shipbuilding Program, Juno Keizer reconnected with community and is on a new career path.
Pieter Johnstone at the workshop
Hope for a Fresh Start Pieter Johnstone from Kentville is on a new career and life path thanks to NSCC’s donor-funded Limitless Program.
Billy Upton gardening in summer
A season of hope When we hear the gratitude in our students’ and alumni’s stories and we see the impact that kindness can have on a community, we are reminded once again that there are reasons to remain hopeful. It can feel increasingly challenging to find the good as we are constantly inundated with horrific news and traumas from around the world and right here in Canada. But together, we will continue to advocate and work for positive change. In this update, we share the highlights from the last quarter including new partnerships, student success stories, and to introduce a new fundraising appeal. Thank you for your support, you are leading the way.
Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter
Gift of Sikorsky S-76 will boost Aviation Program Canadian Helicopters and EHS Lifeflight's gift of a retired Lifeflight medevac helicopter to NSCC's Aviation Institute is set to transform how students learn about avionics.
Juno Beals
Juno Beals: Finding Meaning in Community Juno Keizer Beals has had an interest in welding since high school. In 2018, after a ten-year career at a call center, he decided to make some changes. He joined the Irving Pathways to Shipbuilding Program and it changed his life.
Pamela Reid
Former staffer brings passion to Board Education is one of Pamela Reid's life passions. That's one of the reasons the former NSCC staffer has joined the Foundation's Board of Directors.
Photo of Linda and Jim Ross
Q & A with Linda and Jim Ross Catch up with Linda and Jim Ross, graduates of NSCC's predecessor school, the Nova Scotia Land Survey Institute, about what they've been up to since graduation and why they plan to be legacy donors to NSCC.
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