Nostalgia meets the next generation of craft brewing on Saturday, September 16 as collectors gather for the eleventh annual Niagara Brewery Collectibles Club (NBCC) Fall Trade Show in support of NC students.

To be held at Casa Dante Hall in Welland from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the show invites the community to explore a treasure trove of beer memorabilia. Attendees can buy sell and trade, connect with members, and learn more about the club. The event will feature grand prizes, a penny sale, 50-50 draw, a neon sign raffle and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Net proceeds from the event will support scholarships for students in NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program via the Niagara Brewery Collectibles Club Bursary. A $500 bursary is awarded to a student in the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program each semester who is in financial need and is a resident of the Niagara region or the Greater Toronto Area.

NBCC Club Founder Larry Lemelin said the show is a highly anticipated event for the club members to engage with the community and support NC students. Through the event, he also hopes to spread the word about the club, which is always seeking new members.

“The students at NC are the future beer of the beer industry. By supporting them as our Club does, we are helping them know that they have made a great choice for their future career opportunities,” said Lemelin.

Since 2017, the NBCC has donated $13,000 to NC for students awards.

“The Niagara Brewery Collectibles Club has been a wonderful and steadfast partner to Niagara College for many years,” said O’Connor. “Their enthusiasm for the College, commitment to our students and continued support through their bursary demonstrate the meaningful impact that community organizations can have on student success. Larry and the NBCC have consistently found ways to give back to our students and our community, and we are incredibly grateful for their longstanding generosity and support.”

The bond between the club and the college runs deep: Brewmaster Professor Jon Downing – who helped launch Ontario’s first brew pub, the Atlas Hotel in Welland and has opened more than 100 breweries around the world – is a member of the NBCC and has welcomed club tours at the Teaching Brewery.

Established in 2015, the NBCC is the largest brewery collectibles club in Canada with more than 180 active members. The Club offers collectors from across the globe an opportunity to meet, buy, sell and trade. Breweries and beers are showcased through monthly meetings and shows.

Visit the NBCC’s fall fundraiser.

Drop into the NBCC’s Fall Niagara College Brewmaster Student Scholarship Fundraiser on Saturday, September 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tables are $20 each and walk ins are free.The club is also welcoming new members for $10.

For event information, call or text Larry Lemelin at [email protected] or call 905-328-6209.

For club info visit  www.bccniagara.com/site/home

In 1974, what started as a modest recognition of student achievement, supported by just $212, was never about the dollar value of the award itself, but the commitment of Niagara College faculty to recognizing students in the Construction Engineering Technology and Civil Engineering Technician programs.

Professor Dino Morabito, who joined the College in 2007, said his predecessors were committed to expanding support for students.

“Recognizing the need to do more, our faculty began reaching out to our industry partners in the early 1990s,” said Morabito. “The response was outstanding, and many groups stepped up to help us expand our impact.”

Morabito said groups like American Institute of Constructors, Canadian Asphalt Association, Construction Specifications Canada, General Contractors Association of Niagara, OACETT, CIQS, and StuCor Construction were among the first to support NC Technology students.

“These awards are provided to students to assist them in achieving success in their studies and in many cases providing the means to be able to continue their studies in the form of tuition assistance,” said Morabito.

As school-specific award ceremonies at NC evolved, faculty in the School of Technology preserved the tradition, creating an opportunity for students to be recognized and network with local industry.

Recipients of the Estimating Excellence Awards.

On June 17, the 27th annual Construction and Civil Student Awards recognized student achievement through 57 awards made possible by 26 donors contributing more than $60,000 in support.

Over nearly three decades, the number of awards has grown more than fivefold, underscoring the strong and growing support of donors, many of whom are College alumni.

“It is especially inspiring to see past graduates – some of them second-generation alumni – returning to fund the very same awards they won as students,” said Morabito. “Today, our annual Awards Night is more than just a ceremony; it is a premier networking event where students and industry leaders come together to celebrate success and build the future.”

NC President Sean Kennedy, Vice-President, Advancement, Gord Arbeau, and Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie, and Associate Dean of Technology, Maura Lecce, attended the recent ceremony, welcoming donor organizations, families and individuals.

Jacob Haist from Thorold just completed his first year in the Construction Engineering Technology program. Haist won several awards: the Hans Miethig Founder award, an Estimating Excellence award, and a Drafting Excellence award.

“The event was a great opportunity to meet people in the industry,” said Haist. “It was not only a chance to put myself out there and connect with employers and industry veterans, but also an opportunity to chat with them, hear about their experiences and career journeys, and gain insights that will help shape the direction I pursue in the future.”

Haist, whose decision to attend NC was inspired by meeting program alumni, said donor support plays a transformative role in students’ lives.

“This program requires a great deal of time, dedication, and hard work,” he said. “Any financial assistance that helps relieve my financial burden and allows me to focus more fully on the program makes a significant difference.”

“Generation after generation there is a lovely ongoing support and relationship that exits,” said Maura Lecce, Associate Dean of the School of Technology.

From student to dedicated Enrolment Services team member, Marissa Ditto’s NC story spans more than two decades with consistent contributions that have helped students achieve their educational goals.

Marissa is an alumna from the College’s Office Administration – Executive (Co-op) program (2006). As a student, she completed her co-op at NC’s Info Centre, which led to a part-time position in the Admissions office, a temporary role with the Recruitment department, and in 2007, she was hired full-time in Financial Aid.

In her current role as Financial Aid Advisor, Marissa guides domestic students through various funding sources, providing assistance and support on the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), scholarships and bursaries, faculty awards, and other external financial aid resources.

Recently, she contributed to the Student Scholarships and Bursaries Online Portal Project – a modernization of how NC collects and awards student funding opportunities. Working collaboratively with the Donor Stewardship and Development and ITS teams, she balanced big-picture thinking with attention to detail to ensure the project’s success.

Whether helping students navigate complex policies or contributing to college projects that enhance the student experience, Marissa is driven by an unwavering commitment to compassion, fairness and representation, making her an exceptional advocate for students.

Over the years, Marissa has supported Student Awards ceremonies and banquets to celebrate student success and has volunteered at NC’s annual Golf Classic, a fundraiser supporting scholarships and bursaries for Knights student-athletes.

She is also a current member of NC’s Advisory College Council and contributes to the larger postsecondary sector as the Western Regional Representative for the Ontario Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Marissa was honoured last December for her outstanding contributions to the College, receiving NC’s 2025 Support Staff Award of Excellence. Learn more about her below.

What does it mean to you to be recognized by your colleagues and the College with this award?

MD: This award has been a truly humbling experience. I work with such an amazing team in Financial Aid and Enrolment Services and would not be able to do my job or complete the Scholarship and Bursary project without their support, as well as the support of other colleagues like the Systems Business Analysts in ITS and the Development team.

The teamwork and collaboration that occurs every day is remarkable and I do want to thank them all for their encouragement and assistance over the years. This recognition is meaningful to me because it acknowledges all the hard work, the effort, and care I put in, to not only assist students, but to continually try to improve processes and the student experience.

Your contributions to the College help ensure students have equitable access to the resources they need throughout their academic journey. What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

MD: Financing a post-secondary education can be a struggle for some students and they confide in and trust our team to help. I love connecting with students, whether it is when I am speaking at their high school, meeting with them in the office, or running into them in the halls. Being able to help make a difference and see those students meet their goals and graduate is the ultimate win.

What approach do you take when supporting students?

MD: Every student’s story or situation is unique, so I find it very important to listen first and understand their struggles, goals, or questions. I always then like to explain or provide background information so that they can better understand, especially if it involves complex policy. Finally, I like to work with the students to determine the best solution to assist them and review what options are available for their situation. This ensures the student has a potential resolution and improved financial literacy.

You have worked at the College for nearly 20 years. Would you like to share any memorable moments from your time here?

MD: It is truly unbelievable how quickly time passes. Over the years, what stands out are the people. Those who have retired but made an impression or passed down wisdom, those who I have built great friendships with, those I can laugh with, and those whole feel like a second family. I have grown professionally and personally, and my NC family has been there for all my big life moments.

Do you have a personal philosophy or motto that you live by?

MD: Although I don’t have a personal philosophy, I have been working on slowing down, being present, and enjoying the little moments each day. Life can get busy and chaotic for our family, especially when adding activities for our two kids. I am trying to take advantage of the time we have together and letting go of things that don’t matter as much.

Niagara College’s Public Relations Class of 2026 marked the culmination of seven months of hard work with a year-end event focused on industry insight, peer recognition and reflection ahead of upcoming internships.

L to R: Kiera Schaafsma and Jade Cappadocio.

Held on March 26 at the Welland Campus, the NC PR Awards and Program Advisory Committee (PAC) panel brought together students, industry partners and alumni of the Public Relations graduate certificate program for an afternoon of mentorship and celebration. The event served as both a capstone experience and a send-off, as students prepare to begin month-long internships in the weeks ahead.

The event was planned by students Kiera Schaafsma and Jade Cappadocio, who applied key tools learned in the Special Event Development and Management course and captured the class’s transition into the next stage of their careers through the theme “Bloom with Us.”

“Our theme, ‘Bloom with Us,’ reflects this exciting moment of growth as we move into our next chapters,” said Cappadocio, who will be completing her internship with Fallsview Group. “We wanted to create an event that brought everyone together to learn, connect and celebrate how far we’ve come and we hope our classmates left the event feeling confident that their commitment to education is paying off.”

Four PAC members and alumni joined the event as panelists, offering guidance and real-world perspective on entering the public relations field. Through a combination of roundtable discussions and one-on-one conversations, students engaged directly with the industry professionals, gaining valuable career advice while building connections.

Panelists offered PR students tips as they head out on their internships. Front row from L to R: Mary Jane Johnson, Janine Tessmer, Patricia Menear and Kalvin Reid.

Panelists included Kalvin Reid, Principal at Enterprise; Mary Jane Johnson, Director of Communications and Engagement and Interim Director of Strategy and ePMO at Niagara Health; Patricia Menear, Communications Specialist at Toronto Metropolitan University; and Janine Tessmer, Senior Communications Specialist at Niagara Region.

During the discussion, panelists addressed common misconceptions about the communications profession, provided internship tips and encouraged students to advocate for their work, build relationships across departments and integrate into organizational workflows to demonstrate impact.

“Planning a real event for people to attend has been such a great learning experience,” said Schaafsma. “It’s allowed us to develop important skills that will call use as we move forward in our careers.”

Celebrating student excellence

A highlight of the event was the presentation of several awards recognizing student excellence and contributions to the program.

The Associate Dean Award of Excellence was presented by Michelle Giroux, Associate Dean, School of Media, to Karolina Odrzywolski and Jade Cappadocio for their strong academic achievement, positive work ethic, and consistent effort during their time in the PR program at NC.

The Coordinator Award of Excellence, presented by Professor and Program Coordinator Emily McInerney, was awarded to Jordan Gascon for exemplifying leadership and serving as a positive ambassador for the program.

PR Award Winners: Back row, from L to R: Karolina Odrzywolski and Jacob Pozzobon. Front row. from L to R: Jade Cappadocio and Jordan Gascon.

The Senator Keith Davey Scholarship, presented by Development Officer Emily O’Connor, was awarded to Jacob Pozzobon in recognition of his exceptional mentorship and engagement with peers, faculty, and industry partners. Established by Terry O’Malley, the $1,500 scholarship reflects a long-standing commitment to supporting future PR professionals.

McInerney commended the graduating students for their dedication and commitment, expressing confidence in the bright futures that lie ahead for each of them.

“You have been an exceptional class,” said McInerney. “Each of you has shown resilience, respect, and a genuine eagerness to learn and we are all so proud of you.”

For Schaafsma, who will be doing her internship at Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the end of the program is bittersweet, but she is eager to build on the experience and skills she developed during her time at NC as she begins to shape her future in public relations.

“I’m feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty as I finish the program,” she said. “Public relations offers so many different paths, and I’m looking forward to exploring new opportunities to discover what I enjoy, what I don’t, and what I ultimately want in a career.”

As the Class of 2026 prepares to transition from the classroom to the workplace, the PR Awards event served as a meaningful milestone which celebrated achievements, strengthened industry connections, and reinforced the confidence of the next generation of PR pros.

It’s a recipe for romance and a homecoming celebration all on one plate. Top Chef Canada stars and real-life couple Erica and Josh Karbelnik will headline a special Chef Signature Series dinner at the College’s Benchmark restaurant on Feb. 12 – just before Valentine’s Day.

The culinary power couple – who graduated from NC 15 years ago and have recently decided to make Niagara home – look forward to returning to their alma mater to whisk up a night to remember. The ticketed event offers guests a rare opportunity to savour the success of the duo, who are bringing a taste of their culinary journeys back to where it all began.

Erica and Josh, who both graduated from NC’s College’s Culinary Management (Co-op) program in 2011, have found the ingredients for success since their time at NC – both in life and in the kitchen.

“We are so proud to welcome back Erica and Josh who have had such an exciting and eventful career so far,” said Craig Youdale, Dean, Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies. “It is important for our students to look up to chefs that started just the same as them and have reached such impressive heights.”

The husband-and-wife team made headlines in June 2021 when they turned up the heat on the national stage. Erica claimed the title of Top Chef Canada winner (Season 9), while Josh finished as a finalist, serving as Erica’s sous chef in the finale to help her secure the win. From national television to prominent kitchens across the country, they have truly cooked their way to the top, currently presiding over their own premier fine dining and events venture, Karbs Catering.

The Karbelniks said they were eager to bring their bold flavours back to the College.

“We are both extremely excited to be returning back to NC,” said Erica. “This is a huge milestone for us in our career and shows how far we have come from being students to chefs.”

While they have visited campus occasionally, this dinner marks their first official return to the kitchens and labs where they first sharpened their knives. It also marks a personal homecoming, as the Karbelniks recently relocated from Toronto to settle into their new home in St. Catharines.

Reflecting on her journey, Erica noted that NC was the essential starter course to her career.

“NC was truly the stepping stone; it was the start of our journey, the introduction to who we would become,” she said. “I remember being treated not just as another student or a number, but as someone of importance. The true love I felt and the passion behind what they do – you don’t get that very often in school.”

The Feb. 12 dinner will feature a menu curated by the couple, allowing current students to prep and plate alongside them in the Benchmark kitchen. While on campus, the couple also plans to visit various culinary classes to share their words of wisdom.

For Josh, passing the torch to current culinary students is the ultimate garnish on their success story.

“We wouldn’t have gotten to where we are today if it wasn’t for people who did that for us… who were our mentors,” he said. “It’s a true honour to now be in that role and help shape the next generation.”

A Chef Signature Series – A Chef’s Journey with Erica and Josh Karbelnik will be held on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 12  (dinner begins at 6 p.m.) at Benchmark Restaurant (Daniel J. Patterson Campus, Niagara-on-the-Lake). Limited tickets are available while supplies last ($180.80, including tax) via Eventbrite here.

Sold-out evening with Chef Marc Lepine

The Karbelnik dinner follows NC’s first Chef Signature Series event of the year with award-winning Ottawa-based Chef Marc Lepine on Jan. 26,

The owner of the legendary Atelier restaurant and a two-time Canadian Culinary Champion, Lepine will bring his avant-garde culinary artistry to Benchmark for a sold-out dinner event.

Lepine noted it will be his first visit to the College and he was looking forward to the event, as well as connecting with current students.

“It’s always energizing to connect with culinary students, and I’m excited to bring a bit of what we do at Atelier to Niagara College, even just for one night,” said Lepine. “Opportunities like this can spark curiosity and confidence, and if I can play a small role in that, I’m happy to.”

Youdale looked forward to welcoming Lepine to campus where he will bring his culinary talents to Niagara and surely inspire current students.

“Chef events like these are a such great opportunities to have our students engage in a real-world experience with some of Canada’s best chefs,” said Youdale.

Lepine has simple advice to students hoping to follow in his footsteps: “Stay curious, stay disciplined, and don’t be afraid to follow ideas that feel a little unconventional.”

Chef’s Journey events are held at Benchmark restaurant, located at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The events are supported by students and staff from the College’s Benchmark team led by Victor Oliveira and Chef Justin Downes.