Celebrating Philanthropy

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.

The Nipissing University Alumni Advisory Board (NUAAB) is a stalwart supporter of Nipissing students, contributing to many meaningful and impactful causes that help support student success. In 2020, NUAAB was instrumental in establishing the Student Support Fund, formally known as the Student Emergency Fund, by contributing an initial $100,000 to support Nipissing students in need. This fund was initially established in response to the financial hardship felt by Nipissing students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the Student Support Fund continues to provide urgent financial assistance to Nipissing students unable to cover immediate, essential expenses as a result of an emergency. The fund is also the focus of Nipissing’s Giving Tuesday and end of year giving campaign with the hope to establish this as a permanent fund for students. For NUAAB, donating to the Student Support Fund was a direct way to support future Nipissing alumni when they need it most. “NUAAB has always been committed to supporting students and enhancing the student experience, especially in times of need,” shared Melissa Larochelle, Vice-President of NUAAB. “Through our donation to the Student Support Fund, we hope to inspire Nipissing alumni to make their own contributions. Together, we have the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of students and support their ongoing success.”

Nipissing donors recently supported the installation of a permanent tipi outside the Learning Library. The Enji giigdoyang tipi is an important space for students at Nipissing and we recognize its significance as we work towards reconciliation. The tipi poles were harvested locally and constructed by Nipissing staff, alumni, and community members. It provides students with the opportunity to sit with elders and faculty in a space that is decolonial in nature and grounded in Indigenous Knowledge systems and Indigenous ways of being. The tipi is a symbol for Indigenous students and communities, and a sacred outdoor learning space for all students.

In collaboration with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, donor Chris Braeuel recently established the Mino-Bimaadiziwin Cultural Development Bursary. This bursary is designed to support Indigenous student cultural revitalization as a way of creating space where balance can be pursued through Indigenous ways of knowing and learning. Funds from this bursary will be used to support any Indigenous cultural engagement which will positively impact the student experience. The term "cultural engagement" is inclusive of land-based activities, Indigenous arts, ceremony, and more as directed by the student and their individualized needs. By applying for this bursary, Indigenous students will regain traditional skills and cultural practices, pursuing a holistic pathway toward academic success and mino-bimaadiziwin ("a good life") in the process.