George Brown College welcomed Ontario's new minister of colleges and universities with campus tours

Quinn met with GBC leaders, faculty, employees, and students, and experienced how we deliver applied learning in our health sciences and culinary facilities. During his November 21 visit, he checked out incredible health-care simulation environments, enjoyed delicious desserts prepared by our students, and got details about our partnership with Niagara College to create, brand and serve the student-developed wine Trillium Cellars. 

"We were pleased to meet Minister Quinn and proud to show him the incredible things happening at George Brown College – from new teaching and learning technologies to class projects – all aimed at fostering student success and meeting labour market needs," George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon said. "This was an excellent opportunity to showcase how we prepare students for bright futures and develop top talent to grow the Ontario economy and workforce."  

High-tech health care learning

Quinn's visit started at Waterfront Campus, where he was welcomed by Dr. Fearon and other senior college leaders. The minister got a firsthand look at the final stages of construction at Limberlost Place with an exterior site tour.  

Next, at the Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences, he visited the WAVE Dental Clinic to see students gaining real-world experience working with clients. Then, it was on to the Sally Horsfall Eaton School of Nursing's Simulation Centre, which spans nearly 24,000 square feet. (George Brown was Canada's first college, nursing program, and simulation centre to earn accreditation from the International Society for Simulation in Health Care in teaching and education.) The minister learned about the technology and equipment used to train personal support workers and nurses, including high-fidelity mannequins. After completing an immersive digital simulation, he was presented with a personalized GBC lab coat. 

Real-world hospitality and culinary arts learning 

At the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (CHCA) at St. James Campus, Dr. Fearon and Niagara College President Sean Kennedy discussed Trillium Cellars wine with the minister. The project is the result of a partnership between GBC and Niagara College. Niagara students developed the wine, GBC design students created the label and branding, and hospitality students will serve it at The Chefs' House, our student-run restaurant. 

Quinn then visited students creating and plating desserts in a culinary lab and ended his visit at The Chefs' House, where students prepared for an evening event. The minister was impressed at how the facility and programming are "setting students up for the real world." 

Dr. Fearon wrapped up the visit by presenting the minister with items from GBC's IN Store, an operation led by student designers, and student-made chocolates.