Join us for the Niagara College Golf Day on Tuesday, September 21 at the award winning Peninsula Lakes Golf Club in Fenwick.

Thanks to generous supporters, our 2019 tournament raised more than $55,000 to fund scholarships for student athletes. By supporting our students, you are helping to alleviate some of the financial burden of pursuing a post-secondary education.

Although the ongoing public health restrictions do not allow us to host our usual annual tournament, we are thrilled to invite you to participate in our Niagara College Golf Day.

Golfers will play in foursomes or assigned foursomes (if you register as an individual golfer), registering just prior to assigned tee-off times. Masks will be worn by players sharing a golf cart and physical distancing will be practiced by all on the course. A delicious lunch will be provided and a beverage cart will be available. We will draw for door and raffles prizes.

Although, the format will be different, we hope you will join us for a wonderful day of golf for a great cause. For full details on the day’s events, see the Niagara College Golf Day Format.

The NC Golf Day has consistently sold out for the past several years, so please don’t delay.

For event details visit: niagaracollege.ca/golfclassic

Contact:
Joanne Cousineau
Development and Event Coordinator
905-328-5528
[email protected]

“I never thought this could happen to me.”

That was Paula Natalia Gongora Quintero’s initial thought when she spotted an application form for the Ontario Remembrance Scholarship at Niagara College late last year. Fortunately, she applied anyway.

Now the international student in her second year of the Business Administration – Human Resources (Co-op) program is the proud recipient of the $10,500 award – the highest monetary award be granted to one student at the College and its most competitive with almost 200 applicants. It was also the first time an award has been open to NC’s domestic and international students.

Quintero said that she was so shocked when she read an email notifying her that she had won that she burst into tears. “It felt like a dream,” she said. “I called my family and they were so proud of their little girl and we prayed together.”

After the announcement, she shared the news on her YouTube channel to encourage others who share her Latin American culture that dreams can come true.

Originally from Colombia, Quintero was drawn to study in Canada after researching postsecondary institutions to study abroad and learning about NC.

“What I loved about the NC community was its openness to diversity, inclusion and support tools for international students,” she said. “Leaving behind your home country, family and friends is so dramatic, that I was waiting for a school that could help me with this transition.”

She loves her program at NC and has been excelling academically with higher than a 90% average in all of her classes. Creating a new life in Canada however, has been marked by hard work for Quintero who, along with her husband of two years, now calls Niagara Falls home. She has been working three different jobs to support her education.

As a student ambassador for the College, Quintero works to implement COVID-19 safety measures on campus – checking in students and employees at entrance points as part of NC’s restricted access procedures, and promoting physical distancing practices. She also guides new students to campus services. In addition to working at NC, she is employed as a customer services representative at Intelcom Express and as a cleaner at a local grocery store.

The scholarship, which has been set aside for tuition and fees for the next academic year, comes as a great relief for Quintero, knowing that she is able to pay for her final year of study in full and focus on her career goals. She plans to establish a non-profit to connect newcomers to Canada with employers and community services, help guide them through challenges and contribute towards their dreams.

The scholarship is about much more than the money for Quintero. “It is proof that anyone, regardless of their culture or language, can make a difference,” she said.

This was the first year the Ministry of Colleges and Universities has funded the Ontario Remembrance Scholarship at NC, in memory of the victims of the Ukrainian airliner crash in Iran in January 2020, which claimed the lives of 57 Canadians, including 34 Ontario postsecondary students or staff members.

“We thank the Government of Ontario for supporting student success at Niagara College through the Ontario Remembrance Scholarship,” said Marc Nantel, PhD, vice-president, Research & External Relations. “Helping students achieve their dreams is a meaningful tribute to the tragic loss of life from the Ukrainian airliner crash, which was deeply felt by college communities across the province.”

Financial Aid advisor Marissa Ditto noted that it was not easy to select a winner for the award from such a large pool of applicants. The selection committee shortlisted seven students for final round interviews, who all demonstrated a passion for their studies. Academic achievement, community engagement, volunteer experience, and financial need were factors in their final decision.

“Paula was selected because she went above and beyond in her academic achievements, her engagement and involvement in the Niagara College community, and had clear career goals and path to reach those goals,” said Ditto.

Quintero was applauded for being a great ambassador for NC with a positive and realistic attitude. Ditto pointed to her employment as an engaged student ambassador, her volunteer work to assist newcomers to Canada, her involvement with College research projects, and the fact that she created her own YouTube channel to document her experience and assist other international students.

“She wants to be a model of her culture to not only challenge stereotypes, but to motivate others to start their careers,” said Ditto. “Her career goals align perfectly with her values and beliefs, and her involvement and accomplishments thus far on her NC journey also reflect this.”

Knowing that she was selected for the scholarship among so many other applicants fills Quintero with pride and made her feel that “every tear was worth it.”

“This has motivated me to keep high standards, but also to share my experience with other students who think that financial or language barriers are an excuse to give up,” she said. “Everyone has a mission to leave a print that others can use as an example, and my goal is to prove that, as Latins, we have wonderful skills and capabilities to be leaders in our College and communities.”

 

Advice and achievement were in the spotlight during a recent Public Relations Grad Panel.

Students from the College’s graduate certificate program had an opportunity to connect with six successful program alumni and celebrate student awards from their own class during the virtual event on March 25.

Six graduates, invited by professor Emily McInerney, shared their experiences and career advice with soon-to-be graduates from their alma mater. Participating alumni included three repeat Grad Panel guests from the Class of 2008 Dave Mammoliti (De Groote School of Business), Ray McIlroy (No Fixed Address) and Jason Petznick (Blue Mountain); as well as 2011 graduates Steph Porter (Canadian Tire head office), and Kirstin Glover (Herjavec Group).

McInerney noted that the PR Grad Panel is an annual tradition for the program dating back at least 15 years. It is held on the final day of classes before students begin their internships.

“The student response is always 100% positive,” she said. “We deliberately schedule it on the last day of school in the program and many have shared how they walk away feeling really excited and inspired to launch their careers.”

While the event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, this year’s event was held virtually – a format which this class of PR students have become well accustomed to over the course of their studies. With the program delivered remotely, McInerney noted that they had dozens of guest speakers visit the class virtually and several attended industry-networking events virtually as well.

“Nothing beats face to face but this was a great opportunity for our current students to interact with some of our amazing NC PR grads,” she said. “It was a great chance for them to ask questions and glean insights and advice before they began their internships on March 29.”

McInerney noted that this year’s class transitioned beautifully to remote studies and were highly engaged and committed to the program. Many of the students had also completed their last month or two of university online last year and were all accustomed to online learning as they began the program.

“I feel they have demonstrated resilience. They have impressed all our many virtual guest speakers with their thoughtful questions and high level of participation,” said McInerney. “Although we would all prefer to be face to face, the students and staff alike made an effort to make this a positive and impactful learning experience. I feel really confident we succeeded based on student feedback.”

Panel participants

Ray McIlroy (Class of 2008)

McIlroy who is now VP, Public Relations for No Fixed Address Inc. was interested in participating in the Grad Panel because he feels it’s important to help provide knowledge, context and relevant advice after a dozen years of leaving Niagara and entering the PR agency world in Toronto.

“It’s on all of us to help each other succeed and to help foster new talent in PR,” he said.

His key message to students: to know their worth and to not work for free.

“If companies want to bring on junior employees, they need to pay them in more than just experience. Cost of living isn’t going down anytime soon and unpaid internships are an outdated concept,” he said.

McIlroy noted that helping his clients and helping to develop new PR-focused communications professionals is the most rewarding aspect of his career today.

“It’s a small industry so the more we can raise the standard, the better it reflects on all of us,” he said.

Jason Petznick (Class of 2008)  

Petznick, who is currently an account marketing manager at Blue Mountain Resort, is proud of being able to forge a path for himself in an industry that allows him to go snowboarding or mountain biking on his lunch breaks. A snowboarder since Grade 7, he always dreamed of finding a career related to action sports in some way – and he found it in PR.

“My career gives me the opportunity to talk on a daily basis about sports and activities I’m passionate about,” he said.

As a graduate from NC’s Journalism-Print (2007) program, he was drawn to PR by the diversity of the industry.

“Communications is a broad field that allows you to explore classic public relations, along with events, marketing, social media, writing, editing, working with media and much more,” he said. “It seemed like there would be a lot of opportunities available to me after I graduated from the program.”

His key message to the students was that NC’s PR program sets them up with all the foundational skills they need to take their career in many different directions. He spoke about his own career, which began in social media and email marketing and progressed through graphic design, digital marketing and web design, to his current role.

“There was a lot of on-the-job learning involved in some of those positions but there have been direct or indirect ties back to what I learned in the PR program at every step of the path,” he said.

Steph Porter (Class of 2011)

Porter, a communications advisor for Canadian Tire – External – said she was interested in participating in the grad panel because she benefitted so much from NC’s PR program. She now hopes to be a resource for current students making their way through the PR industry.

“I found it was extremely organized and the students were keen and eager to ask questions,” she said.

She recalled that she never knew what PR was until she spoke to a guidance counsellor in university. “I just had this Communications degree that I didn’t know what to do with,” she recalled.

Since graduating from PR, Porter has built up a rewarding career in the industry. She has been part of a communications team at Canadian Tire which has been recognized with several recent notable industry awards including the Canadian Public Relations Society’s International Association of Business Communication Award (2019 and 2020), the Shorty Awards (2020), the CPRS Best Creative Award (2020) and CPRS Best Social Media Influencer Campaign Award (2020).

“I get to be creative, think outside of the box and learn from and collaborate with really smart people,” she said.

Porter’s summed up her advice to students with two letters: TP. “Tenacity plus Positivity will take you far in your PR career,” she said.

Student awards

Two current PR students were recognized for their achievements during the PR Grad Panel event.

Keith Davey Memorial Public Relations Award

Nicholas Mertens was announced as the recipient of the Keith Davey Memorial Public Relations Award. Given to the PR student who has shown extraordinary skills as a mentor to their peers and who has actively pursued, cultivated and benefited from the mentorship of faculty and industry partners, this $1,500 award was established by Terry O’Malley, a strong supporter of Niagara College and a long-time friend of Senator Keith Davey.

Mertens, who resides in Hamilton, was drawn to study PR following the results of a career aptitude test and hopes to grow his freelance business after graduation. He said that he felt validated receiving the award.

“I applied to so many jobs with my BA, never landing an interview,” he said. “With the College’s support, I feel confident I will get a good job and build a rewarding career.”

Coordinator Award of Excellence

Brier Barclay, of Smithville, was honoured with the Coordinator Award of Excellence. This award celebrates a PR student who has demonstrated a strong work ethic combined with a high level of engagement and professionalism. With a positive attitude, a collegial spirit and constantly striving to learn and improve, the recipient is recognized as a future ambassador for the program.

Barclay was grateful to be recognized with the award.

“I had such an amazing experience in this program and am so thankful that I chose to enrol, even in a virtual year,” said Barclay. “Overall, this award shows me that the hard work and dedication I put into this year was seen and appreciated by my peers. I will forever be an advocate for the NC PR program.”

Barclay entered the program with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and a minor in Communication Studies. She felt the PR program was the perfect opportunity to expand in an area she is passionate about.

“As COVID hit, jobs relating to sports were somewhat off the table so I believed now was a good time to expand my knowledge and I’m happy I did,” she said. “I am truly excited to see where I go – whether it be working in sports-related communications or starting my own public relations business.”

She found the panel speakers “insightful and passionate” and noted that her main takeaway was to continue to grow as a professional and ensure that she truly loves what she is doing at the end of the day.

“I hope to see myself and my classmates in one of these panels in the future,” she said.

Advice and achievement were in the spotlight during a recent Public Relations Grad Panel.

Students from the College’s graduate certificate program had an opportunity to connect with six successful program alumni and celebrate student awards from their own class during the virtual event on March 25.

Six graduates, invited by professor Emily McInerney, shared their experiences and career advice with soon-to-be graduates from their alma mater. Participating alumni included three repeat Grad Panel guests from the Class of 2008 Dave Mammoliti (De Groote School of Business), Ray McIlroy (No Fixed Address) and Jason Petznick (Blue Mountain); as well as 2011 graduates Steph Porter (Canadian Tire head office), and Kirstin Glover (Herjavec Group).

McInerney noted that the PR Grad Panel is an annual tradition for the program dating back at least 15 years. It is held on the final day of classes before students begin their internships.

“The student response is always 100% positive,” she said. “We deliberately schedule it on the last day of school in the program and many have shared how they walk away feeling really excited and inspired to launch their careers.”

While the event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, this year’s event was held virtually – a format which this class of PR students have become well accustomed to over the course of their studies. With the program delivered remotely, McInerney noted that they had dozens of guest speakers visit the class virtually and several attended industry-networking events virtually as well.

“Nothing beats face to face but this was a great opportunity for our current students to interact with some of our amazing NC PR grads,” she said. “It was a great chance for them to ask questions and glean insights and advice before they began their internships on March 29.”

McInerney noted that this year’s class transitioned beautifully to remote studies and were highly engaged and committed to the program. Many of the students had also completed their last month or two of university online last year and were all accustomed to online learning as they began the program.

“I feel they have demonstrated resilience. They have impressed all our many virtual guest speakers with their thoughtful questions and high level of participation,” said McInerney. “Although we would all prefer to be face to face, the students and staff alike made an effort to make this a positive and impactful learning experience. I feel really confident we succeeded based on student feedback.”

Panel participants

Ray McIlroy (Class of 2008)

McIlroy who is now VP, Public Relations for No Fixed Address Inc. was interested in participating in the Grad Panel because he feels it’s important to help provide knowledge, context and relevant advice after a dozen years of leaving Niagara and entering the PR agency world in Toronto.

“It’s on all of us to help each other succeed and to help foster new talent in PR,” he said.

His key message to students: to know their worth and to not work for free.

“If companies want to bring on junior employees, they need to pay them in more than just experience. Cost of living isn’t going down anytime soon and unpaid internships are an outdated concept,” he said.

McIlroy noted that helping his clients and helping to develop new PR-focused communications professionals is the most rewarding aspect of his career today.

“It’s a small industry so the more we can raise the standard, the better it reflects on all of us,” he said.

Jason Petznick (Class of 2008)  

Petznick, who is currently an account marketing manager at Blue Mountain Resort, is proud of being able to forge a path for himself in an industry that allows him to go snowboarding or mountain biking on his lunch breaks. A snowboarder since Grade 7, he always dreamed of finding a career related to action sports in some way – and he found it in PR.

“My career gives me the opportunity to talk on a daily basis about sports and activities I’m passionate about,” he said.

As a graduate from NC’s Journalism-Print (2007) program, he was drawn to PR by the diversity of the industry.

“Communications is a broad field that allows you to explore classic public relations, along with events, marketing, social media, writing, editing, working with media and much more,” he said. “It seemed like there would be a lot of opportunities available to me after I graduated from the program.”

His key message to the students was that NC’s PR program sets them up with all the foundational skills they need to take their career in many different directions. He spoke about his own career, which began in social media and email marketing and progressed through graphic design, digital marketing and web design, to his current role.

“There was a lot of on-the-job learning involved in some of those positions but there have been direct or indirect ties back to what I learned in the PR program at every step of the path,” he said.

Steph Porter (Class of 2011)

Porter, a communications advisor for Canadian Tire – External – said she was interested in participating in the grad panel because she benefitted so much from NC’s PR program. She now hopes to be a resource for current students making their way through the PR industry.

“I found it was extremely organized and the students were keen and eager to ask questions,” she said.

She recalled that she never knew what PR was until she spoke to a guidance counsellor in university. “I just had this Communications degree that I didn’t know what to do with,” she recalled.

Since graduating from PR, Porter has built up a rewarding career in the industry. She has been part of a communications team at Canadian Tire which has been recognized with several recent notable industry awards including the Canadian Public Relations Society’s International Association of Business Communication Award (2019 and 2020), the Shorty Awards (2020), the CPRS Best Creative Award (2020) and CPRS Best Social Media Influencer Campaign Award (2020).

“I get to be creative, think outside of the box and learn from and collaborate with really smart people,” she said.

Porter’s summed up her advice to students with two letters: TP. “Tenacity plus Positivity will take you far in your PR career,” she said.

Student awards

Two current PR students were recognized for their achievements during the PR Grad Panel event.

Keith Davey Memorial Public Relations Award

Nicholas Mertens was announced as the recipient of the Keith Davey Memorial Public Relations Award. Given to the PR student who has shown extraordinary skills as a mentor to their peers and who has actively pursued, cultivated and benefited from the mentorship of faculty and industry partners, this $1,500 award was established by Terry O’Malley, a strong supporter of Niagara College and a long-time friend of Senator Keith Davey.

Mertens, who resides in Hamilton, was drawn to study PR following the results of a career aptitude test and hopes to grow his freelance business after graduation. He said that he felt validated receiving the award.

“I applied to so many jobs with my BA, never landing an interview,” he said. “With the College’s support, I feel confident I will get a good job and build a rewarding career.”

Coordinator Award of Excellence

Brier Barclay, of Smithville, was honoured with the Coordinator Award of Excellence. This award celebrates a PR student who has demonstrated a strong work ethic combined with a high level of engagement and professionalism. With a positive attitude, a collegial spirit and constantly striving to learn and improve, the recipient is recognized as a future ambassador for the program.

Barclay was grateful to be recognized with the award.

“I had such an amazing experience in this program and am so thankful that I chose to enrol, even in a virtual year,” said Barclay. “Overall, this award shows me that the hard work and dedication I put into this year was seen and appreciated by my peers. I will forever be an advocate for the NC PR program.”

Barclay entered the program with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and a minor in Communication Studies. She felt the PR program was the perfect opportunity to expand in an area she is passionate about.

“As COVID hit, jobs relating to sports were somewhat off the table so I believed now was a good time to expand my knowledge and I’m happy I did,” she said. “I am truly excited to see where I go – whether it be working in sports-related communications or starting my own public relations business.”

She found the panel speakers “insightful and passionate” and noted that her main takeaway was to continue to grow as a professional and ensure that she truly loves what she is doing at the end of the day.

“I hope to see myself and my classmates in one of these panels in the future,” she said.

In the 40 years since she graduated from Niagara College, Lora Tisi has been at the helm of some of the most popular fashion retailers in Canada, but on March 24, her focus will be on sharing her words of wisdom with students from her alma mater.

Tisi, who is the former president of the RW&CO brand for Reitmans Canada, American Eagle Outfitters and the Northern Group, will address students as part of a new virtual speaker series on entrepreneurship hosted by Niagara College’s schools of Business and Management, Hospitality, Tourism and Sport, and Environment and Horticulture. It will be her first College event since graduating four decades ago.

“I was well supported, during my education and career, by so many beautiful people and I am quite certain I would not be where I am today without each of them,” said Tisi. “It is my goal in the next phase of my career to find ways to give back and my alma mater was a natural place to connect.”

Since graduating from Fashion Merchandising in 1979, Tisi has gone the distance from her hometown of St. Catharines and built a successful career as the go-to expert for branding and expanding many of the retail companies popular with Canadians. She helped build Northern Reflections from scratch and ushered American Eagle Outfitters into the Great White North. She was the past president of both companies and a key player in the successes of many more. As president and board director of the Northern Group from 1995 to 2000, she led profit growth which exceeded any other in the Canadian apparel industry, and grew the number of stores to 940 in North America under four banners: Northern Reflections, Northern Traditions, Northern Getaway and Northern Elements – and introduced the former to the U.S.

During the virtual NC event, Tisi plans to convey stories about experiences that helped to shape her career. She hopes to encourage students to dream big, surround themselves with great people, and start with a solid educational foundation.

“It’s so important to find others who believe in you because there will always be times when you will have doubts about whether you have what it takes; it’s natural while you are learning new things and getting to places you’ve never been,” said Tisi. “Those are the moments when you need cheerleaders to let you know you can and will. It’s amazing how far you get with the right support.”

Tisi, who is based in Oakville and New York, recently moved on from her role as RW&CO. president, to reduce travel and focus on retail and Indigenous boards. The shift also enables her to dedicate more of her time to mentoring, including Indigenous companies – a personal passion and part of her life where she has wanted to spend more time.

While much has changed in the industry and the world since she graduated from NC and entered the industry, Tisi is inspired by the qualities she sees in today’s youth as they tackle challenges before them at this unique time in history.

“I have always felt that times of great change bring about great opportunities. Especially with youth; they know what is especially interesting and important to people like them,” she said. “I am blown away by their ideas, their courage and determination, especially in this historic time.”

Dean of Business, Tourism and Environment Alan Unwin looks forward to welcoming Tisi to the event.

“Having the opportunity to hear first-hand from a member of our alumni community with decades of success and leadership in the Canadian retail industry promises to be a truly inspiring experience for our current students,” said Unwin. “We are excited to welcome Lora back to our College community for this online event and are sincerely grateful to her for providing this valuable learning opportunity to our students.”

The virtual event will begin at 9:30 a.m. on March 24. While it is geared to NC students, the public is also welcome to attend. Registration is available through Eventbrite.