GRAPEVINE FEBRUARY 13 2014

 Registrar's report :

 

 Don reported 18 Grimsby Rotarians present and guest speaker Sean Kennedy 

 Announcements: 

 
 Four candidates for Paul Harris Fellowships are to be awarded by our club. President Wayne announced that Jeanette Murphy had been selected as a Paul Harris Fellow by our club.  Congratulations Jeanette.  

 

Paul Harris Fellowship Dinner; May 1, 2014 
 

 
  Sergeant-At-Arms:  Gerry

  

Gerry had enough to earn with a second dinner

Sandy has had lots of her grandson’s basketball games to enjoy

Jeanette enjoyed her Fresh Air Conference in NYC

George was glad he did not have a daily morning commute after the trip to Guelph 

Bob Martin and I share the same dream

Sharon is cheering on her team

Pam enjoyed a sunny day

Grant used twisted logic to declare himself the winningest skip at the Guelph bonspiel

Mike played doubles tennis with a 90 year old partner

Dick had good news by telephone that he wasn’t sharing, we will all use our imagination
Marshall is enjoying the Olympics

Bill rink scored 18 points in one game today

  

   

  

 

 

  

 Bob Martin introduced Sean Kennedy, who is  Vice President, Student & External Relations at Niagara College. He oversees Marketing & Communications, Enrolment & Registration, Student Services, Alumni Services and International.  He is also CEO of the Foundation Board.  

Sean is very proud of Niagara College and it’s achievements and successes.  Niagara’s budget is supported by less than 50% by funding from the Province of Ontario.  The remainder comes from strong community support and from Niagara’s unique learning enterprises.  The learning enterprises give students an entrepreneurial and real life business experience. The enterprises include the Winery, Brewery, Restaurant, the Greenhouse and the Spa.  These enterprises help Niagara produce Work Ready Graduates.

Sean talked about the international aspect of Niagara College. The world cone to Niagara in the form of International students who pay full tuition costs without any government subsidy.  This year there are 2000 international students from 70 countries who add diversity and a global outlook to  the College.  Niagara goes to the world with programs that allow students to study in another country.  Most popular are programs in International Business.

The employment rate for these work ready graduates; 90% of the students have jobs within 6 months of their graduation.

The students at Niagara have voted their college Number One in Student Satisfaction in Ontario in eight of the past nine years.

Sean talked about the success of the Canadian Food and Wine Institute at Niagara College whose team have been selected as the Junior Canadian Culinary Olympic Team.  Sandy informed us that our past Rotary Exchange Student Rebekka Schmitt is a member of the team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sean asked that the Rotary Club of Grimsby consider being part of the community support for the College.  

Members could attend the annual Seafood Gala on April 5 and enjoy a spectacular evening with 700 other college supporters.  This year is the 25th anniversary of the Gala and a very special evening is planned.  You can follow this link for more information.

 

 

Since many college students come from lower income families, finances can be a barrier to opportunities to study abroad.  Sean suggested Rotary might consider donating to a student opportunity fund which would provide a bursary towards travel expenses for study, work or volunteering abroad.  He felt this might compliment Rotary’s international commitments.