The energetic and likeable president of Niagara College is also a founding director of the Niagara Economic and Tourism Corporation, and contributes his time and energy to a number of projects including the Niagara Gateway Project, the Business Education Council and the Niagara Immigrant Employment Council, to name a few.

Patterson's perseverance towards ensuring everyone in Niagara has a shot at education and life-improvement is why he was named a recipient of this year's Canadian Red Cross Power of Humanity Award in Niagara.

"I was very honoured, and like most Canadians, probably a little shy about receiving an award like this," said Patterson, now in his 13th year as president, from his office at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, which was constructed at a cost of $38 million during his tenure.

"Being associated with the Red Cross, and it being a humanity award, was a very moving and very grateful honour to be bestowed upon me."

The master networker used the recognition as an opportunity to promote Niagara College. A true believer in education, Patterson sees Niagara College as a gateway of opportunity for residents of this region and beyond to get an edge in what he calls a "hyper-competitive, global marketplace."

"This award is really about the important role Niagara College plays in the economic development of our community, in that we're preparing the next generation of young people to take their place in the world of work," he said. "The college just completed 40 years of celebration and is about to launch the next 40 in terms of major capital expansion at the Welland campus. This has been a major year of accomplishments."

The Power of Humanity award recognizes Niagara residents who have met a distinct need in the community by successfully involving and moving community members into action to support a worthwhile cause, according to the Red Cross.

Patterson's action is getting people to support, and invest, in themselves. With a genuine tone, he talks about how Niagara's greatest asset is its "human capital," and his work is based around maximizing that resource.

"My career focus has always been on the importance of helping develop the human resources within people and organizations," said Patterson. "I think I've always been passionate about education and been interested in sharing my experiences with others.

"I'm a real believer that education never stops," he continued. "It opens your mind, develops your intellect and encourages you to set higher goals."

Of course, personal development is a team effort, and Patterson has nothing but good things to say about Niagara College's staff ("They're truly the best.") and his wife, Saundra ("She's the best advisor.")

But great teams follow great leaders. Patterson's inter-personal skills are truly to be admired.

"I love listening to people, encouraging them," he said. "It's part of who I am. I get up in the morning and love going to work."

Love might not describe it enough. Patterson's resumé is enough to make the biggest overachiever envious.

"It's very important in life to have goals and to stretch goals," said Patterson. "Once you achieve these goals, its very satisfying and it encourages you to do more. My philosophy is that we're all here to do something for the better."

But it's not all gravy on the plate for Patterson. As a community leader, he knows he is burdened with the heavy responsibility of guiding the region through a faltering local economy, as well as many other social and environmental problems.

Motivation on that front is a little closer to home.

"I look at Sean (Patterson's 10-year-old grandson) and say what type of world will he face 10 years from now?" he said. "And what responsibility do we have as community leaders to create new opportunities to keep people like Sean in the region, where he can live a fulfilling life?"

Patterson, along with fellow 2008 recipient Doug Rapelje, will receive his award Sept. 6 at the Royal Niagara Golf Club in Niagara-on-the-Lake.