Loyalist College looks back on 2022: a year in review 

Belleville, Ontario, Dec. 22, 2022  – Loyalist College launched into 2022 with a big vision and collective passion, ready to expand its commitment to champion regional growth, workforce development and community partnership in the Bay of Quinte.

This year, Loyalist engaged in a full-scale return to in-person operations with a packed calendar of vibrant student life activities, innovative partnerships and meaningful hands-on learning experiences. In returning to its pre-pandemic strengths, the College community also embraced the growth, change and innovation that is propelling it into the future. With its highest-ever enrolment this Fall, a new campus opening in Port Hope, and capital renovations transforming the College’s learning environments, Loyalist is truly a small college making a big impact.

As the holiday season approaches, the College reflects proudly on the year’s accomplishments, acknowledging the efforts of its dynamic network of learners, leaders, supporters and changemakers.

Take a look back at some of Loyalist’s proud moments in 2022:

Highest-Ever Enrolment
This fall, Loyalist College experienced its highest-ever enrolment as it returned to in-person academic program delivery and student services. A record 3,654 students are studying at Loyalist College, surpassing the pre-pandemic high of 3,518 in Fall 2019.

Top 50 Research College in Canada
In January 2022, Loyalist College was named one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, jumping 11 spots up from the previous year’s ranks to a regional best at no. 35.

New Brand Identity
The College officially launched a new brand that highlights the big impact of a small school and embodies the warm, people-first culture that defines the Loyalist College experience.

Return to Campus and In-Person Convocation
In anticipation of the return to in-person operations, Loyalist College launched a series of campus activations and events as part of its “Start of Something Big” campaign, delivered between March 1 – April 30. Events included Trivia Night, the Holi Festival and the Spark of Spring event, which featured food trucks, music, games and fireworks.

Loyalist also hosted its 55th annual Convocation celebration with a series of ceremonies from June 6 – 11. The College invited graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021, who were not able to cross the stage due to public health restrictions, to return to campus and attend a special ceremony of recognition.

United Nations Sustainable Development Accord
Recognizing the essential role of educational institutions as catalysts for change, Loyalist College officially signed the Sustainable Development Accord, committing to embedding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) into its education, applied research, leadership, operations, administration, and engagement activities.

The Janine Huff Nursing Simulation Lab and the Herbert & Ruth Young Pathway
On May 27, Loyalist College celebrated the naming of The Janine Huff Nursing Simulation Lab in recognition of the Huff family’s outstanding philanthropic leadership and continued support of Loyalist College and its students.

On July 28, Loyalist officially named its campus bike path the Herbert & Ruth Young Pathway in memory and recognition of the contributions of beloved community members and longstanding College supporters, Herbert and Ruth Young.

New Campus in Port Hope
In September 2022, Loyalist announced its plans to welcome students to a new campus in the Municipality of Port Hope, opening its doors in Fall 2023. As part of the College’s commitment to expanding access to education, Loyalist’s new campus in Northumberland County is an essential pathway for learners of all ages to pursue life-changing educational opportunities within their community.

Home Share Loyalist Launch 
In October 2022, the College launched Home Share Loyalist, which matches students with older adults as part of the region’s new intergenerational living initiative. Home Share Loyalist is an alternative housing model designed to generate many benefits in response to shifting demographics and community needs.

Student Competes at WorldSkills Competition in Bordeaux, France 
From October 19 – 22, recent graduate Spencer Chandu-Lall competed at the WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition in Bordeaux, France, representing Team Canada in the Mechanical Engineering CAD category.

Icebreaker Night with the Belleville Senators
On November 4, students, staff and alumni attended Icebreaker Night, a unique showcase of Loyalist College students and programs, hosted in partnership with the Belleville Senators.

MOU to Reduce Barriers for Military-Connected Students
In November 2022, Loyalist College, Nova Scotia Community College, and Portage College formalized a new partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the needs of military-connected students. As a Military-Connected Campus (MCC), Loyalist College is committed to providing specialized academic and social support tailored to the needs of military-connected learners.

Awards, Bursaries and Scholarships 
Loyalist College is committed to removing financial barriers for students to complete their post-secondary education and achieve their career goals. This semester, 202 Loyalist College students received 260 awards worth a total value of $222,975 distributed during the Fall Awards Mixer on November 17.

Santa Claus Parade 
Student volunteers represented the College with a float at the Belleville Santa Claus Parade on November 20, and at the Trenton Santa Claus Parade on November 27.

Fireside Chat with Arlene Dickinson Launches Loyalist Speaker Series
On December 1, more than 350 students, community members and College staff gathered to listen to the noted venture capitalist, author, speaker and Dragon’s Den star Arlene Dickinson in conversation with Jill Raycroft, CEO of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce. The fireside chat was the inaugural event in Loyalist College’s Speaker Series, an ongoing initiative bringing renowned changemakers and leaders to the Bay of Quinte region.

Phase One of Capital Renovations Complete
In December 2022, Loyalist College officially completed the first phase of its capital renovation projects. The College opened Unwind, a new campus spa that offers state-of-the art learning space for students to offer esthetics and spa services to the Bay of Quinte community.

About Loyalist College  

Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $396.3 million annually to the regional economy – based on an October 2021 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.

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Contact: 

Braden Root-McCaig
Director of Marketing and Communications
647-523-4300
brootmccaig@loyalistcollege.com