Nipissing University receives transformational gift to expand and enhance rare dementia research, support and education nationally

Fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) students Ricardo Neves and Carlexia Gauthier are wrapping up their time at Nipissing University with a legacy of leadership, generosity, and impact. As executives on the Nipissing University Business Community (NUBC), Neves and Gauthier spearheaded the creation of the Neves-Gauthier Award, a new student-led bursary that recognizes academic excellence and meaningful volunteerism among their peers. The award, valued at $500 and funded annually through fundraising and club operations, marks the first time a student group has established its own award at Nipissing. “We wanted to do something that would last,” said Neves, who served as NUBC’s Director of Operations and is graduating with a concentration in Finance. “As an international student, I’ve seen how limited award opportunities can be, especially for students like me. Creating this bursary was a way to give back to others who are working hard and making a difference.” To be eligible, students must be full-time BBA students in second or third year with a minimum 80% average and a strong record of volunteerism. Applicants are also required to submit a short essay reflecting on how their community involvement has helped them grow personally. Gauthier, who specialized in Marketing and also served on NUBC’s executive team, said the goal was to recognize students who balance academic success with a commitment to their communities. “There are so many students doing amazing things both on and off campus,” she said. “We wanted to celebrate that and encourage others to get involved. Volunteerism is a big part of how Ricardo and I grew during our time at Nipissing.” The duo led the planning of a fundraising event to support the award, teaming up with local spin studio REVolve and securing food donations from Good2Go. Although the event evolved from an ambitious full-day fitness festival into a single, high-energy spin class, it was a resounding success, both in turnout and in funds raised. “The week leading up to the event, we started to feel the excitement building,” said Neves. “Seeing donations come in, signing the contract for the award, and knowing we were making something permanent was a high point of my academic career.” For Gauthier, the experience was a powerful reminder of what student leadership can accomplish. “This is the first time a student group has created an award like this at Nipissing,” she said. “It shows what’s possible when you care about your community and want to make things better for those coming after you.” Their collective hope for future NUBC leaders and student groups across campus is that they draw inspiration from the initiative and continue finding creative ways to give back. Learn more about how donors are supporting students at giving.nipissingu.ca/celebrating-philanthropy

On Thursday afternoon, Nipissing University’s Small Cafeteria was filled with warmth, conversation, and heartfelt appreciation as the Alumni & Advancement Team hosted Celebrating Generosity: In Appreciation of Staff & Faculty. This informal yet meaningful gathering offered colleagues the chance to come together, share in light refreshments, and reflect on the deep-rooted culture of giving that shapes our campus community. Far from a traditional recognition ceremony, the event was a tribute to the collective spirit of generosity that quietly powers so much of what makes Nipissing special. Whether supporting students directly, championing campus programs, or contributing financially, staff and faculty play a vital role in creating opportunities and driving impact across the University. “This isn’t about individual recognition, it’s about celebrating what we can achieve together,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor. “Each gift, no matter the size, reflects the deep care our faculty and staff have for our students and this institution.” And the numbers tell a compelling story. Over the past year, 57 staff and faculty members gave back as donors, making a total of 426 individual contributions. These gifts added up to more than $22,000, generating resources that have gone directly to work supporting students, programs, and projects that advance the University’s mission. Many of these contributions supported two key initiatives: the Student Support Fund and the Student Research Opportunity Fund. These funds are lifelines for students navigating financial strain and are catalysts for those taking their first steps into research, discovery, and academic exploration. “One of the most inspiring things is knowing that a number of our colleagues give every pay period,” said Steven Smits, Manager of Alumni & Advancement. “That kind of quiet, consistent generosity says so much about the culture we’re building at Nipissing. It’s not just about giving, it’s about integrating generosity into the very rhythm of our work lives.” These gifts go far beyond numbers; they enable emergency aid for students in crisis, fuel ground-breaking research, advance Indigenous initiatives, and create welcoming spaces for learning and community. They send a powerful message: our students are surrounded by people who believe in them.

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.

Dear Donors, Alumni, Students, Staff, Faculty, and Community Members, As 2024 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect and thank you for the incredible impact our community has made this year. At Nipissing University, everything we do begins and ends with our students. Your generosity empowers them to grow, aspire and achieve. This year, we have witnessed the transformative power of a caring community. Whether through gifts of time, resources, or simply showing up, you play a vital role in shaping the future of Nipissing students. Every gift, no matter the size, creates opportunities to change lives. When our community comes together, powerful things happen. For instance, students facing unexpected challenges have found stability thanks to our community raising over $630,000 for the Student Support Fund . Every act of generosity counts. It’s the collective effort of all of us that drives change and ensures students can access the tools they need to succeed. This year also brought opportunities to connect and celebrate. From the annual Homecoming weekend and Alumni Awards to celebrating philanthropy at our Donor Social, your presence made all the difference. Together, we made memories, celebrated achievements, and built the foundation for an even brighter future. If you’re looking for a way to support the University this holiday season, I invite you to consider making a gift to th e Student Research Opportunity Fund . T his year, a generous donor is matching all gifts made before December 31, doubling the impact of your support. Your contribution will open doors for students to engage in meaningful research, shaping their futures and driving discovery. As we look ahead, we are excited about the future. The completion of our Academic and Operational Plan represents a pivotal step towards realizing the goals of our Strategic Plan. If you’re curious about our ongoing initiatives or would like to play a role in shaping Nipissing’s future, we’d love to hear from you. Our Alumni and Advancement team is here to keep you informed and engaged. We would love to hear your feedback, share updates on exciting projects, or help you connect with events and initiatives that align with your interests. Whether you’re an alumnus interested in giving back, a community member eager to get involved, or a donor looking to learn more about the impact of your contributions, we’re just a call or email away. Please feel free to reach out to us at giving@nipissingu.ca . Once again, thank you to our incredible community for your unwavering support and the many ways you contributed to student success this year. Your generosity, passion, and commitment inspire us every day. From all of us at Nipissing University, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with happiness, gratitude, and rest. Happy holidays, Steven Smits Manager, Alumni & Advancement Nipissing University

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).