Scholarship Created in Honour of Murdered Niagara Winemaker

Tuesday, 20 June 2023 12:09

By Linda Morgan

Niagara College alumnus Paul Pender is being honoured with a scholarship to help new winemakers

A local winemaker is being recognized by his alma mater.

A new Niagara College scholarship has been created in memory of award-winning winemaker Paul Pender.

Pender was murdered last year outside his cottage near Selkirk.

At the time of his passing, he was the Director of Viticulture and Winemaking at Tawse Winery in Vineland.

A gift of about $200,000 was made by founder Moray Tawse, in order to create "The Tawse Winery Paul Pender Memorial BIPOC Student Award."

"Paul was one of our brightest alumni who always had his door open for mentoring the next generation," said Gord Arbeau, NC’s Vice President Advancement. "It’s fitting that a scholarship in his name will support future professionals in the wine industry."

The award will give $10,000 scholarships for people who are underrepresented in the beverage alcohol industry, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, people with disabilities, first generation Canadians, LGBTQ2S+ and non-binary gender diverse people.

Tawse says by donating the money, he hopes to expand access into the Winery and Viticulture Technician program, which Pender graduated from.

"Paul’s passion for winemaking was unmatched and his talents directly contributed to our winery’s success early on," said Tawse. "We will be forever indebted to Paul for his dedication and friendship, and we look forward to supporting Niagara College students in his honour."

In 2011 and 2022, Pender was named Winemaker of the Year at the Ontario Wine Awards.

Pender kept close ties with the school over the last several years, and participated in advisory committees for the Winery and Viticulture Technician program and consulted with the College regarding its Artisan Distilling program.

Scholarship Created in Honour of Murdered Niagara Winemaker

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