A Lasting Gift from a Beloved Professor

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.

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.