2024: Reflecting on a Year of Community and Impact

Nipissing University has received a $2 million gift from The Joyce Family Foundation to establish an endowed bursary fund that will provide crucial financial support for students who face socio-economic barriers to pursuing post-secondary education. The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary Fund will provide annual bursaries of $5,000 to three qualifying students each year. The bursary, renewable for up to four years, will be awarded to full-time, undergraduate students entering their first year at Nipissing University who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Eligible recipients must be residents of Northern Ontario who have graduated from a Northern Ontario high school within the last three years and demonstrate significant financial need as well as perseverance in overcoming obstacles. A distinctive feature of the bursary program is its focus on mentorship. As a condition of receiving the award, recipients must commit to participating in a mentorship program each year throughout their studies. Nipissing University will provide guidance and resources to connect students with meaningful mentorship opportunities, helping them gain valuable skills and networks to support their academic and professional growth. The Joyce Family Foundation, established by renowned Canadian entrepreneur Ronald V. Joyce (1930-2019), is dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth by providing opportunities that empower them to succeed. Best known for his role in building the Tim Hortons franchise, Joyce’s legacy of philanthropy continues to make an impact on education and communities across Canada. As a small, northern institution, Nipissing University prioritizes accessibility and student success. This gift builds on the University’s existing scholarships, bursaries, and awards program while advancing its commitment to fostering an accessible, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.

On March 17th, Nipissing University announced the receipt of a $1 million donation from The Peacock Family Foundation in support of student research, Indigenous initiatives, and Rare Dementia Support Canada (RDS Canada). Drs. John and Adrienne Peacock, who received honorary doctorates from Nipissing in 2023, are passionate advocates for post-secondary education across Canada and have made this gift to enhance opportunities for students and faculty at the University. “This generous gift from John and Adrienne Peacock will have a lasting impact on our University community,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor of Nipissing University. “Their investment in student research, Indigenous initiatives, and Rare Dementia Support reflects their deep commitment to education and to fostering meaningful change in communities. We are grateful for their vision, generosity, and support.” The donation will be allocated to three key areas: Undergraduate Research Fellowships and Giving Tuesday Matching Funds ($600,000) : This funding will expand opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in hands-on research. A portion of the funds will also be used to match donations made to Nipissing University’s 2024 Giving Tuesday and End of Year Appeal, in support of the Student Research Opportunity Fund . Rare Dementia Support Canada ($250,000) : This funding will strengthen the work of Rare Dementia Support Canada . Based at Nipissing University, RDS Canada uses a translational research model to provide meaningful support for Canadians impacted by rare and young-onset dementias. Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation Efforts ($150,000) : This portion of the gift will contribute to the creation of a wampum belt as part of Nipissing University’s strategic planning process, as well as provide funding to support Reconciliation events on campus. The Peacock’s history of supporting higher education across the country reflects their belief in the power of education to transform lives. “Nipissing University is a leader in fostering student success and driving innovative research,” said John and Adrienne Peacock. “We are honoured to contribute to these important initiatives that will provide students and faculty with valuable opportunities to make a meaningful impact in communities across Canada.” The Nipissing University community expresses its deepest gratitude to the Peacocks for their generosity and their ongoing support of higher education and student success.

Since its initiation in 2022 the Mino-Bimaaziwan Cultural Development Bursary at Nipissing University has become an essential resource for Indigenous students, fostering cultural connections and academic growth in alignment with the university’s commitment to supporting Indigenous education and heritage. This bursary, established by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) and generously financed by Chris Braeuel, KPMG and Giving Tuesday donors, supports students in cultural revitalization while balancing academic pursuits, an objective that remains at the heart of Nipissing’s vision for holistic student success. “It's the first fund of its kind dedicated to supporting Indigenous students wanting to revitalize traditional skills and cultural practices,” bursary founder, Braeuel shared. “I created this bursary to support Canada's broader truth and reconciliation efforts, particularly to encourage the development of cultural appropriate curriculum. And to support student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.” Emily Couchie, Manager of the OII department, highlights the importance of the bursary in promoting cultural preservation through education, explaining that it provides students with the means to reconnect with and celebrate their heritage. “This bursary allows students to connect with meaningful Indigenous cultural practices throughout their academic journeys, which is a vital part of overall Indigenous student success,” Couchie stated. By bridging the academic and cultural experiences of students, the bursary facilitates a path to self-discovery and community empowerment. Indigenous students may face financial barriers that can hinder their access to engage in cultural activities, an issue that the bursary directly addresses. Couchie acknowledges that limited understanding of university resources and financial challenges can deter some students from pursuing cultural experiences that are essential to their personal and academic growth. By alleviating these barriers, the bursary ensures that students can engage fully in these practices that continue to strengthen cultural connections. “Cultural development is important because it empowers Indigenous students to proactively connect with, learn about and ultimately preserve their heritage,” Braeuel emphasized. The bursary’s impact is evident in the experiences of students like Ivory Towegishig, a current recipient, whose journey demonstrates the profound influence the Mino Biimaadzwin Bursary can have on an individual’s life. A fourth-year student of Indigenous Studies with a minor in Gender Equality Studies, Towegishig has used the bursary to reconnect with her culture in meaningful ways. Growing up in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, she was raised by her grandparents, who were residential school survivors. While they passed down traditional skills like crafting parkas and mukluks, the trauma of their school experiences left them hesitant to fully share their cultural knowledge. It wasn’t until adulthood, when Towegishig enrolled in Canadore College’s Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention (IWAP) program, that she began to reconnect with her roots. There, she encountered Indigenous mentors who encouraged her journey of cultural and personal discovery. “Initially, I had insecurities about going back to school,” she shared, but support from mentors and programs like the Mino Biimaadzwin Bursary helped her find the confidence to continue her education at Nipissing University. Towegishig used the bursary to attend a Winter Pow Wow, an experience she describes as pivotal in her cultural reawakening. “Many Indigenous students face financial barriers when trying to attend cultural events like Pow Wows or Round Dances,” she explained. “I know people who pack six into a car to share gas money, or cram into a single hotel room just to make it possible.” For Towegishig, the bursary provided essential financial relief, enabling her to focus fully on the cultural experience rather than the logistics. Towegishig’s story demonstrates the powerful impact of reconnecting with her heritage, made possible in part by the support of the Mino Biimaadzwin Cultural Development Bursary. Her story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and the invaluable role of community, showing how resources like this bursary allow students to overcome barriers and celebrate their heritage with pride. Through these opportunities, Nipissing University fosters an environment where Indigenous students can thrive academically while embracing their cultural identities, building a foundation of knowledge and experience they can carry forward to inspire future generations. The future of the Mino Biimaadzwin Bursary holds promising possibilities, with the OII looking to expand its scope to support more students in larger, community-driven cultural projects. Couchie envisions increased funding and outreach efforts to ensure that more Indigenous students can benefit from the bursary. “We hope to broaden the scope of this bursary to help more students engage in cultural initiatives, strengthening not only individual students but the community as a whole,” she said. This vision is further supported by the bursary’s infusion with other programs at Nipissing University, which together offer a comprehensive approach to Indigenous student support that includes academic mentorship, cultural workshops, and personal guidance.

Nipissing University’s School of Business has received a generous donation of $11,500 from Enterprise Mobility™. This contribution marks yet another significant show of support from Enterprise Mobility, whose ongoing commitment to fostering education and innovation within our community continues to make a lasting impact. Enterprise Mobility, a leading provider of mobility solutions, is renowned for providing a comprehensive range of services, including car rental, fleet management, transportation technology solutions and more. This latest donation is a testament to the organization’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and the value it places on nurturing the next generation of business leaders. “We are incredibly thankful for Enterprise Mobility's unwavering commitment to our students and programs,” said Dr. Graydon Raymer, Interim Dean of Faculty of Education and Professional Studies. “Their generosity enables us to provide invaluable resources and opportunities that will shape the future of our students and the broader business community.” The donation will be instrumental in advancing several key initiatives within the School of Business. These funds will support student activities and initiatives, enhance experiential learning opportunities, and facilitate research projects that address real-world business challenges. The donation will also enable the program to strengthen its community engagement efforts, fostering closer ties between students and local businesses. Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor of Nipissing University, emphasized the importance of the donation. “Enterprise Mobility's ongoing support underscores their dedication to education and community development. Their partnership with Nipissing University enhances our ability to deliver high-quality, impactful education and create opportunities for our students to excel,” he said. Nipissing University extends its gratitude to Enterprise Mobility for its continued support and looks forward to a lasting partnership that will benefit both students and the community.

Left to right: Dr. Susan Hay, Dr. Vicky Paine-Mantha, Dr. Corina Moore, Cheryl Sutton, Dr. Penny McIntyre, and the Honorable Jody Wilson-Raybould

Left to right: Agnes Hilkene and Victoria De Luca (George and Helen Vari Foundation); Dr. Graydon Raymer (Interim Dean of Education and Professional Studies); David Smits (Chair, Nipissing University Board of Governors); Dr. Kevin Wamsley, (President and Vice-Chancellor, Nipissing University); Cheryl Sutton (Vice-President, Finance and Administration), Renée Haquard (Assistant Vice-President, Finance and Infrastructure); Dr. Karey McCullough (Interim Associate Dean, School of Nursing).

Nipissing University’s dedicated donors play a key role in the success of the institution as well as its students. On Thursday, March 21, Nipissing’s Advancement team welcomed donors and students to the NUSU Student Centre for the 20th Annual Donor Social to celebrate the impact of philanthropy. This annual tradition invites donors to the University to learn more about the people, places and programs that have directly benefitted from their contributions. The event also provides an opportunity for recipients of student scholarships, awards, and bursaries to meet and thank their donor in-person for their role in supporting their academic success. Each year, over 370 scholarships and awards are awarded to Nipissing students with donor generosity being the heart of what makes this support possible. Over the past year, donors contributed $576,000 to Nipissing students through annual and endowed awards and have helped to make a meaningful and lasting difference through the establishment of seven new student awards. “I am grateful to be surrounded by individuals who share a common vision: to create a brighter future for our students and our region,” shared Steven Smits, Manager of Alumni and Advancement at Nipissing University. Nipissing’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Kevin Wamsley, opened the event by speaking to the importance of donors and the impact their philanthropy has on small universities and communities. Fran Couchie, a member of Nipissing’s Board of Governors acknowledged the importance of Indigenous education, the University’s responsibility to Truth and Reconciliation, and how fundraising efforts impact the Indigenous community at Nipissing. She shared how various Indigenous scholarships, bursaries, and learning spaces like the Enji giigdoyang tipi were made possible by the generosity of donors. Attendees also heard from Dr. Barbi Law, Interim Associate Vice-President of Research, Innovation, and Graduate Studies at Nipissing who reflected on the impact philanthropy has on the research community at Nipissing. She emphasized how donors continue to support the determination and curiosity of student researchers as well as faculty research projects like Rare Dementia Support (RDS) Canada . Guests were invited to explore the Evolution of the Mind, Body, and Soul exhibit by artists Katelyn Adams and Caitlin Tremblay in the Reflections Gallery and to join Cheriian Pearson, student at Nipissing, and Indigenous artist Amanda Bellefeuille, as they continued their construction of a replica wampum belt from the Treaty of Niagara, 1764. The event also included a tour of Nipissing’s new Centre for the Study of State Violence – War, Atrocity and Genocide, led by Dr. Hilary Earl. Nipissing University is committed to providing a personalized and supportive learning environment that enables students, graduates, and faculty to strive for excellence, realize their potential, and make a positive impact locally, nationally, and internationally.

As an undergraduate student, John Long studied anthropology at the University of Waterloo before heading to North Bay to complete his Bachelor of Education. He then moved to Moose Factory, working as a teacher and principal while completing his master’s and doctoral degrees through the University of Toronto. Following many years teaching in Moose Factory, Moosonee and Kashechewan, Dr. Long found a new home at Nipissing University. He joined the Faculty of Education there in 2000 and taught new generations of educators the lessons he learned throughout his career. In 2010, Dr. Long published his ground-breaking book Treaty No. 9: Making the Agreement to Share the Land in Far Northern Ontario in 1905 . Dr. Long’s career as an educator and researcher took him across the country, but the Mushkegowuk people and Treaty 9 territory held special place in his life and work. For this reason, he established the Treaty No. 9 Bursary which supports students who are pursuing research in partnership with an Indigenous community located within the Treaty No. 9 region. Tragically, Nipissing lost a dear friend, colleague, and educator when Dr. Long passed in March 2016. It was Dr. Long’s wish that a portion of his estate be devoted to supporting Treaty research and helping students along their educational journeys. We continue to honour and remember him through this special endowment and are truly grateful his work will live on for generations to come. ‘Your generosity has highlighted my success which was made possible by all the support from my professors. Thanks to recognition from donors, I am motivated to continue building professional relationships while striving for excellence.‘ - 2023 Treaty No. 9 Research Bursary Recipient

Aamil Mohammed Ferhath always believed in giving back and has done so passionately at every opportunity. He feels he has been blessed in life and that it is his responsibility and duty to pay it forward and help as much as possible. Aamil enrolled at Nipissing University in 2019 as an international student from Chennai, India and graduated in 2021 with a Post-baccalaureate diploma in Business Administration. As a student, he was actively involved in the Nipissing community as a volunteer Student Recruitment Ambassador and a mentor and advocate for international students. He continues his mentorship role today by sharing his experiences and offering guidance to new international students. Having travelled halfway across the world, Aamil said the Nipissing community was very welcoming, and that he learned a lot through shared experiences. “I am what I am today because of the volunteerism and the community involvement I engaged in,” said Aamil. When it came to completing scholarship applications, Aamil found that despite his eligibility on all other criteria, there weren’t any awards that international students would qualify for since international students are not considered residents of Ontario as defined by OSAP. This gap inspired him to later establish the Aamil Mohammed Ferhath Award, believing strongly that change starts from within. The Aamil Mohammed Ferhath Award is awarded to a Nipissing University international student pursuing a business degree or diploma and who demonstrates a commitment to volunteerism and on-campus community involvement. “Today, I am happy that I was able to make that change happen,” he shared. “I hope this encourages more people to contribute towards this cause.” Aamil is now an International Student Advisor at Canadore College and is currently working to complete his Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) designation as well as the Real Estate Salesperson program at Humber College. He hopes to one day open a restaurant in North Bay and spend his time cooking his favourite meals.