NIAGARA COLLEGE
Largest gifts in college history celebrated at 2025 NC Gala

Niagara College celebrated two transformational gifts at its 33^rd annual gala on April 5 at Fallsview Casino Resort a $5 million donation from the Myhal Family Foundation, the largest individual gift in college history, and a $2 million donation from the Segal Family and GuardMe International Insurance, the largest individual gift toward a student program.

A $5 million gift from the Myhal Family Foundation - the largest individual gift in Niagara College history - was announced at the Niagara College Gala on April 5 at Fallsview Casino. Niagara College students and staff celebrated the gift along with, from right, Shannon Boeckner, Niagara College Senior Director, Development and Donor Stewardship, Lora Tisi, Chair, Niagara College Board of Governors, Sinéad McElhone, Niagara College Dean of Health Sciences, Gord Arbeau, Niagara College Vice President, Advancement, George Myhal, Rayla Myhal and Niagara College President Sean Kennedy.

As part of the Together campaign, the $5 million donation from the Myhal Family Foundation supports the College's plans to meet the significant shortage of healthcare practitioners. The gift includes:

• $3 million to support the 75,000 sq. ft. expansion of the Applied Health building at the Welland campus, creating new classrooms, labs, and community spaces for nursing students, personal support workers, and others.
• $1.25 million to create new scholarships for Bachelor of Science Nursing students at the College. The 4-year BScN program launched in 2024.
• $750,000 to create new scholarships for Indigenous students studying in healthcare programs.

"This historic gift directly addresses the challenges and shortages facing our healthcare sector and workforce. Thanks to the generous support of the Myhals, the next generation of healthcare practitioners are being empowered, and doors are being opened for underrepresented individuals," said NC President Sean Kennedy. "We are honoured to welcome Rayla and George to our growing community of valued donors and partners supporting students through the Together campaign."

In recognition of the gift, the College is naming its nursing school the Myhal School of Nursing.

"As recent newcomers to Niagara we are excited to enhance this wonderful community in a way that will have a direct, positive impact," said Rayla Myhal, President of the Myhal Family Foundation. "We know that Niagara College is the engine that drives frontline healthcare in our community. We're pleased to support access to education for students who will fill critical roles in our hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities."

George and Rayla Myhal are prominent philanthropists and owners of Featherstone Winery in Vineland. Through their family Foundation, they are committed to advancing education, healthcare, social services, arts and culture, as well as causes that support the Ukrainian-Canadian community.

The evening also featured a $2 million announcement from long-time supporters Keith and Sharon Segal and GuardMe International Insurance toward the College's award-winning Be World Ready program.

"Niagara College has long recognized the need for skilled and knowledgeable graduates with the competencies and perspectives that only a truly global experience can provide," said Keith Segal, President and CEO of GuardMe International Insurance. "Our family and GuardMe are thrilled to support Be World Ready, a truly unique program in postsecondary education that helps create globally-minded, world-ready graduates who will drive key sectors in Canada and beyond."

Be World Ready offers short-term international field studies, study abroad exchange programs, summer institutes, and work abroad opportunities. Since 2012, more than 1,500 students and employees have participated in life-changing experiences across 33 countries.

"The Segal Family and GuardMe International Insurance have had a lasting impact on NC students through scholarships, learning resources, and the Segal Family International Centres at our Niagara campuses," said Gord Arbeau, NC Vice President of Advancement. "We are deeply grateful for our continued partnership that will equip even more graduates with the global experiences needed to make a difference in an interconnected world."

Since 2008, the Segal Family and GuardMe have contributed more than $1.7 million to student success initiatives at NC. The latest gift brings their cumulative support to over $3.7 million.

The record-breaking Niagara College Gala celebrated the success of the Together campaign, which launched during last year's gala. More than 625 donors, community leaders, business partners, and supporters enjoyed fine dining, entertainment, and live and silent auctions. The event also funded 34 new scholarships and bursaries for students. Over its 33-year history, the gala has raised almost $4 million in support of student success and Niagara College.

A $2 million gift from Keith and Sharon Segal and GuardMe International Insurance was announced at the Niagara College Gala on April 5 at Fallsview Casino. Niagara College students and staff celebrated the announcement along with, from right, Niagara College Vice President, Advancement Gord Arbeau, Lora Tisi, Chair, Niagara College Board of Governors, Niagara College President Sean Kennedy, Keith Segal and Sharon Segal. 

With strong community support, the multi-year Together campaign continues to raise funds for scholarships, capital expansions, innovative teaching, and research. As the second year of the campaign begins, Niagara College remains focused on addressing critical workforce shortages in skilled trades and healthcare, making education more accessible, creating diverse learning environments, and fostering research, creativity, and innovation to help close Canada's productivity gap.

Community partners and donors are invited to learn more about the important priorities of the Together campaign by visiting niagaracollege.ca/together.