NSCC Foundation

09/25/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Gerry Post, a respected member of both NSCC's Board of Governors and Foundation's Board of Directors, accessibility advocate and champion for inclusion.

Gerry brought a wealth of knowledge and experience, and a passion for creating more inclusive and accessible communities. Nova Scotia is a better province because of Gerry.

Gerry was a force in helping advance conversations and action around equity, inclusion and belonging. Most notably, his leadership brought the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Program to Nova Scotia and NSCC, which raised the bar for more accessible spaces. He inspired us all to think differently, remove barriers and help build communities where everyone can participate fully and have access to education.

In collaboration with Gerry’s family, an award is being established in his name at NSCC to honour his commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible future. For those who would like to contribute to this legacy, donations can be made here: https://support.nscc.ca/gerrypost

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Gerry's family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy will continue to shape a more accessible and inclusive future for Nova Scotians.

09/11/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of David Saxton, a dedicated champion of NSCC and the NSCC Foundation.

David's commitment to education, student success and community service left a lasting mark. As Chair of the NSCC Board of Governors and later Chair of the NSCC Foundation, he provided thoughtful leadership, wisdom and unwavering support for students and communities across Nova Scotia.

A passionate advocate for accessible education, David played an active role in the College’s Make Way Campaign, helping raise more than $33 million to support student aid, innovation and programming at NSCC. His generosity also lives on through the Saxton Family Award, which supports Business Administration (Accounting) students at Burridge Campus.

Through his wit, integrity and dedication to giving back, David inspired everyone who had the privilege to work alongside him. His contributions to NSCC and the NSCC Foundation will continue to create opportunities for learners for generations to come.

On behalf of the NSCC Foundation community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and all who knew and loved him.

09/10/2026

NSCC Foundation and College representatives had the opportunity to visit Kraken Robotics this week. It's always inspiring to see the world-class innovation happening right here in Nova Scotia.

Partnerships with organizations that believe in the power of education help create opportunities for students, strengthen our communities and build the workforce of tomorrow. We are grateful for partners like Kraken Robotics who recognize the possibilities that emerge when industry and education work together to prepare future talent.

08/13/2026

We're incredibly grateful to share that, thanks to your generosity, $9.3 million was granted, and $6.1 million was donated for learner-focused supports at NSCC in 2025-26.

You support students at critical moments, helping ensure that talent and determination shape student outcomes, rather than financial circumstances.💙

To learn about the meaningful impact you make, read our 2025-26 Annual Report on Giving and Impact: https://info.nscc.ca/far/2025-26-foundation-alumni-relations-annual-report/

08/04/2026

Today, we're celebrating a $3.2 million investment from Irving Shipbuilding Inc. to modernize and expand our welding and metal fabrication shops at NSCC Akerley Campus. The investment adds:
➡️ 20 new welding booths
➡️ state-of-the-art equipment for metal fabrication training
➡️ upgraded mechanical and electrical infrastructure to support both programs

Irving Shipbuilding's significant investment will help the College in its work to support the demand for marine skilled trades professionals in Nova Scotia. Read more: https://www.nscc.ca/about/news/media/2026/irving-shipbuilding-welding-metal-fab-investment.asp

07/15/2026

06/30/2026

“I’m a proud q***r, trans African Nova Scotian – a drag artist for over 10 years, the 2025 Halifax Pride ambassador and someone who built their life around creating space for others. I was the first in my mother’s family to graduate high school.

At 19, I didn’t finish my first semester of university because I knew it wasn’t for me, and my alcoholism had begun to take over. As I got older, my mental health, alcoholism and addiction became harder to manage. Today, I’m grateful to be over 2 years sober.

I enrolled at NSCC as a mature student to study Continuing Care (CCA). Seeing my family navigate the healthcare system and living with my great grandmother who had Alzheimer’s inspired me to enter this field.

NSCC made me feel seen and heard. I learn best by doing, so I found it helpful how hands on the program was. It was honest about the highs and lows of being a CCA and showed the meaningful impact we can have on people’s lives.

At one point, I wasn’t sure I could continue, but getting support made all the difference. I accessed a range of supports, from accessibility services in the Testing Centre to the campus food bank during a difficult stretch and the Africentric Centre.

Financial awards and bursaries made it possible for me to finish my program, easing my stress so I could focus on school instead of bills and basic needs.

Student awards and bursaries truly give people a chance. Life happens, and finances shouldn’t stop someone from getting an education to build a career and contribute to society.

The 2SLGBTQ+ Bursary is especially important because many of us lack family or community support. For me, it offered hope, helped me get through, and made me feel seen as a Q***r student.

I had a career opportunity before finishing my program and now work in my field. I’m ready to give back what was given to me, and it means the world to support communities that are underrepresented.”
- Reign Dorfschmidt (CCA ’26, 2SLGBTQ+ Bursary recipient)

06/17/2026

Yesterday, at NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus, we proudly celebrated the first Entrepreneur in the Making - Mi'kmaq and Indigenous Cohort’s (EITM-MI) graduation.

Receiving seed funding and support through culturally responsive programming and mentorship to explore, launch or grow a business rooted in culture, community and innovation, this inspiring cohort of NSCC student and alumni entrepreneurs is ready to make an impact on their community through entrepreneurship. We’re looking forward to following their journeys.

EITM-MI is a newly launched initiative by NSCC Entrepreneurship and Mi'kmaq community partners to support business development and reduce barriers to participation for current and aspiring Mi'kmaq and Indigenous entrepreneurs in NSCC's community. This initiative is proudly supported through funding from NSCC Foundation donors, NSCC Alumni and the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia.

06/11/2026

Congratulations to our Scotiabank Entrepreneur in the Making Program recipients! Each recipient will receive up to $3,000 in seed funding, mentorship and business planning opportunities to start or grow a business in Nova Scotia.

➡️ View the 2026 recipients: http://nscc.ca/eitm

06/02/2026

Celebrate your grad in a meaningful way with a tribute card🎓💙

NSCC Foundation is piloting a new initiative at Cumberland, Truro, Kingstec, Lunenburg, Ivany, Institute of Technology and Akerley convocations. With a suggested minimum donation of $10, you can get an exclusive tribute card to mark their big day and represent a gift made in their honour.

All proceeds go to NSCC Rapid Response, helping the next wave of learners reach this important milestone. Not attending one of these convocations? You can still make a gift in honour of your grad at support.nscc.ca/rapidresponse 💌