The Student Commons at Niagara College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake has a new name to honour the generosity of a local family whose philanthropic spirit is far-reaching across Niagara.
On November 19, the vibrant student-gathering hub of the campus was renamed the ‘Rankin Family Student Commons’ to recognize the Rankin family for their lead donation of $540,000 to the College’s Dan Patterson Legacy Campaign.
The Campaign honours NC’s President Emeritus Dan Patterson, who led the College for 25 years before concluding his tenure as President in 2020. It is raising funds to support students in achieving their educational and career goals by funding needs-based bursaries, merit-based scholarships and travel bursaries for students participating in NC’s signature Be World Ready program.
The Rankin family’s generous donation established the Rankin Construction-Dan Patterson Legacy Bursary. This permanent endowed fund will provide annual bursaries – in perpetuity – to NC students in programs related to the construction and healthcare industries.
“We are delighted to contribute to a fund that honours the remarkable legacy of Dan Patterson and supports students financially at Niagara College,” said Tom Rankin on behalf of the Rankin family. “We strongly believe it is important to give back to the community in which we do business, and we are proud to provide support that enables greater access to education for students now and well into the future, supporting the next generation of industry professionals along their path to success.”
Earlier this fall, 10 students benefitted from the inaugural bursaries funded by the Rankin family – over the years ahead, countless more will benefit thanks to the family’s generous support.
During a small dedication event held at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus on Nov. 19, NC President Sean Kennedy thanked the Rankin family for their legacy of giving in support of student success at the College.
“Niagara College has enjoyed a close friendship with the Rankin family and Rankin Construction for many years, built on our shared desire to support students and ensure that they succeed in their educational goals,” said Kennedy. “This latest contribution will further support our students for years to come and we are incredibly grateful to the Rankin family for their continued generosity. It’s very fitting that our student commons, a space central to student life and the heart of our Daniel J. Patterson Campus, will bear the family’s name.”
This gift brings the Rankin family’s support to Niagara College to more than $1.7 million. The family has contributed to the enhancement of the Technology Centre at the Welland Campus, named the Rankin Technology Centre, supported many college events, including the Seafood Gala and annual Golf Tournament, and donated towards the creation of the Saundra Patterson Memorial Garden currently being built at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus.
This long-standing generosity has been witnessed first-hand by NC’s President Emeritus Dan Patterson, who attended the dedication event.
“Through my former role at the College, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the Rankin family and I am very honoured that they have chosen to make this significant gift to the legacy campaign,” said Patterson.
“We know that higher education is a proven pathway to opportunity, and that for many bright and capable students, funding their education can be a major barrier to attending post-secondary. This support from the Rankin family will help students come to college, stay in college, graduate, and meet their potential.”
To learn more about or contribute to the Dan Patterson Legacy Campaign, visit donate.niagaracollege.ca/dan-patterson-legacy-campaign.
