Niagara College has 11 million reasons to be thankful.

The college announced Monday its Achieving Dreams campaign raised a total of $11,450,791 — its far surpassing the goal of $7 million.

A media release said the money was used to create 788 new student scholarships and bursaries and to help fund 203,000-square-feet of new and renovated learning spaces, including the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.

As well, $1.6 million was put towards purchasing up-to-date instructional equipment.

At a college event to thank donors Monday night, Niagara College alumni share their own personal stories of how the college helped shape their success.

Daniela Cortes Aristizabal was a student who benefitted from the state-of-the-art equipment and innovative learning opportunities provided through the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre — funded in part by a generous gift from Walker Industries and the Walker Family.

“Thanks to this on-campus, state-of-the-art facility, students like me have a place to apply the skills we learn in the classroom at a real job, with a variety of industry clients,” said Aristizabal.

Dan Patterson, president of Niagara College, said the college is “extremely grateful” to the many individuals and organizations who have so generously supported our students through the Achieving Dreams campaign.

“Whether it’s learning equipment, innovative learning environments or financial aid that helps students pursue their dreams, your contributions have made, and will continue to make, a lasting impact on the life and success of our students,” said Patterson.