Niagara College alumna Jennifer Wilhelm (Hotel and Restaurant Management, 1999), returned to her NC roots on April 17 to launch her new book, Sharing a Glass.

Sharing a Glass showcases the women who shaped the foundation of Ontario’s grape and wine industry through a compilation of memoirs, tributes, and untold behind-the-scenes stories of these influential women and their contributions. It shines a light on the exceptional women, often unsung heroes, with an aim to keep them alive in our archives, and our hearts, for their distinctive contributions.

With over 70 attendees, the event took place at NC’s Wine Visitor + Education Centre at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus. Among the crowd were book contributors, family, friends, members of the press, and the Niagara College community, including six of the nine trailblazing women featured in the book: Dr. Linda Bramble, Donna Lailey, Nicolette Novak, Debi Pratt, Ann Sperling, and Debbie Zimmerman.

“The caliber of our alumni is exemplified in this incredibly special collection of memoirs that Jennifer put together through ‘Sharing a Glass,'” said Jana Boniferro, Director, Alumni Relations. “She is trailblazing her way through the Ontario Grape and Wine industry by underscoring the important role women have played and continue to play. We are honoured that she came back to her alma mater for the launch of her book as this is the very place that shaped her journey.”

Sharing a Glass is the first book in Canada to gather and chronicle the significant contributions of women in the Ontario wine scene from its early days. It is more than just a historical record; it pulls readers into the personal and professional challenges these women faced and overcame. The book not only celebrates these women and their legacies, but ensures their valuable insights and wisdom continue to inspire generations of people searching for strong, ethical, role models.

Wilhelm captured the spirit of the community during the launch, noting, “‘Sharing a Glass’ is more than just the title of this book; sharing a glass is what we do as an industry and a community,” she said. “The support and enthusiasm for this project, as evidenced in this room today, would be exceptional in any other industry. In this wine community, you can count on it. It is what we do.”

The book is now available for purchase at local wineries, online book retailers, and directly from the publisher. It is a key resource and a source of inspiration not only for those in the wine industry but also for anyone interested in the powerful stories of pioneering women.

Additionally, the book’s sales will support the future of the industry, with proceeds going towards a bursary for Niagara College students through an endowment from Galey-Pride. This initiative aligns with the author’s and editor’s commitment to nurturing and supporting the next wave of industry leaders.

Two outstanding members of the NC community, Ana McKnight, Development Communications Specialist, and Becky Sciliberto, Manager of Global Compliance & Reporting, along with seven outstanding NC alumni, have been recognized among the distinguished recipients of Business Link Media Group’s 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards.

Since 2003, the 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards recognize business people under the age of 40 who have demonstrated an extraordinary level of success in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, and who make significant positive contributions to the local economy, community, and business ecosystem.

McKnight, currently on the path to becoming an NC alumna after completing the Teaching English as a Second Language (Online) program, played a key role in supporting the recent launch of the College’s largest fundraising campaign, the Together campaign. Reflecting on her achievement, she shared, “I am honoured to be a 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Award winner among so many talented peers. I look forward to sharing this recognition with my mentors, colleagues, classmates, and team members who supported me along the way.”

Sciliberto, an alumna of the Business Administration – Accounting (Co-op) program, sees this award not as a finish line, but a new beginning and opportunity to broaden her impact and foster mentorship and positive change within her community.

“Winning this award has made me realize the power of influence and responsibility I hold,” she said. “Moving forward, my goal is to channel this energy not just into my own endeavors but into empowering those around me. I see myself stepping into a role where I can mentor and inspire the next wave of leaders, helping them to unlock their potential and forge their paths. In our community, I’m more motivated than ever to contribute meaningfully, particularly in areas that drive social change and support for those who need it most.

The awards ceremony, hosted annually by the Business Link Media Group, will take place on May 29 in Niagara Falls, offering attendees valuable networking opportunities to boost their profiles and expand their professional circles. To date, Business Link Media Group has honored more than 800 business leaders across the Niagara region.

In addition to McKnight and Sciliberto, we congratulate all distinguished Niagara College alumni who will be honoured at this year’s 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards.

Below is the full list of all NC alumni who will receive this year’s 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards:

• Diana Aquino – Geographic Information Systems – Geospatial Management program, 2011
• Erin Hagar – Business Administration – Human Resources (Co-op) program, 2016
• Andrew Korchok – Public Relations program, 2012 and past NC Corporate Communications employee, 2017-2020
• Matthew Leask – International Business Management 2012
• Megan McRae – Public Relations program, 2014
• Becky Sciliberto – Business Administration – Accounting (Co-op) program, 2007
• Kiara Theodosopoulos – Business Administration – Human Resources (Co-op) program, 2015

To learn more about the 40 Under Forty Niagara Business Achievement Awards and to view the full list of 2024 winners, visit the website here or view the image below.

“I’m happy to work on this so that other students have the same opportunities as me.”

Those were the words of Manuel Perez, one of the final term students in the Carpentry and Renovation Technician Co-op program who lent their time and talents to handcraft a new visual marquee display that will be unveiled on April 6 at the 32^nd Annual Niagara College Gala, the College’s signature fundraising event.

Perez, an international student from Chile, received top marks in the School of Trades, earning him an Academic Award valued at $500 for the Winter 2024 term. In 2023, Perez also received the Keith Segal Guard.Me International Scholarship for academic performance valued at $1,000.

“It has helped me out to pay my tuition and it was a great relief, so I’m happy that other students will have the same opportunities as me,” said Perez.

The three-foot-tall display features four free-standing letters and NC button crafted from birch plywood and poplar veneers, spray-painted NC-blue, and lit by Edison bulbs – 56 in total.

“Our team is excited and proud to be highlighting the talents of our incomparable skilled trades students and faculty at this year’s RenaissaNCe Gala, taking place on April 6,” said Shannon Boeckner, Senior Director, Development and Donor Stewardship. “We are grateful for their exceptional work and dedication to showcasing their skills — all in support of NC’s largest annual student fundraiser event.”

Perez was joined by fellow students Cole Ciceron of St. Catharines, Daniel Diaz Garcia of Colombia, Shan Ye of China, Yonelissa Encarnacion Lagares of the Dominican Republic, Tony Chan of Buffalo, NY, Waldeck Demetrius of Haiti, and Rishi Avinash Loorkhoor of Trinidad and Tobago. The team worked over in the carpentry lab throughout the Winter to get the project done in time for the Gala.

The team of NC woodworking wizards spent over 200 hours on the display using the skills they acquired in instructor Alexander Lukacs’s Architectural Millwright course. The project was a chance to learn new techniques like making thousands of meticulous saw cuts to create the curves of the “G” and NC button, and detailed spray-painting work.

“Projects like these allow our students to hone the skills they’ve learned or are currently learning here at Niagara College in a controlled environment,” said Lukacs. “It also gives them an opportunity to see and experience the pressures of delivering a project to a customer for a set deadline while working alongside their instructors. For us as faculty, it’s a chance to connect with our student body on a more personal level and experience the college through their eyes.”

The student team was led by expert faculty, including professors Alex Lukacs and James McQueen, and technologist Marco Giorgi. The project was a collaborative effort with electrical professor Tim Bunz who installed the wiring for the lights, Civil Engineering program coordinator, Tony Ogilvie, who designed the lighting schematic, and Peter Voynovich from the School of Media who created the design.

Thirty-seven-year-old Perez studied Carpentry at a university in his native Chile before deciding to pursue his studies – and a new life with his wife – in Niagara. He completed his co-op with Empire Communities, a local housing development company, taking on the role of Project Manager where he learned the ins and outs of the inspection process.

“This region is going to grow a lot because of the housing crisis so we can expect growth and that population needs the trades.”

“The work of carpentry is beautiful. When you do it, you fall in love with it,” said Perez. “For me, it is a perfect match between creativity and building the ideas that you have in your mind and turning it into something physical.”

The letters display will be featured at the Gala annually as a visual reminder of the talents of NC students and the impact of the generosity of donors who have raised more than $3.3 million in support of equipment, learning resources, scholarships, and bursaries during the Gala’s 30-plus year history.

About the 32^nd Annual Niagara College Gala

NC’s 2024 RenaissaNCe Gala will be an elegant celebration of student success featuring decadent dining, live music, entertainment, special announcements, and live and silent auctions that raise funds in support of equipment, learning resources, scholarships, and bursaries.

Learn more and purchase tickets here: niagaracollege.ca/gala.

It’s time to RSVP for Employee Alumni Coffee Hour!

Alumni Relations is hosting Employee Alumni Coffee Hour at the DJP Campus on February 26 at 3 p.m. (N002) and at the Welland Campus on February 29 at 3 p.m. (S174).

NC alumni who are also employees will have an opportunity to connect with their peers and alumni colleagues on campus while enjoying a warm beverage. Complimentary beverages (coffee, tea and juice) and treats will be available (while supplies last).

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by emailing [email protected] along with the date/campus they plan to attend.

All internal alumni (whether or not they’re attending Internal Alumni Coffee Hour) are encouraged to update their contact information with Alumni Relations here.

Employee Alumni Coffee Hour

DJP Campus: February 26, 3 p.m. N002

Welland Campus: February 29, 3 p.m. S174

Excitement is percolating for NC alumni who also work at the College with two Employee Alumni Coffee Hour events planned for February 2024.

Hosted by Alumni Relations, Employee Alumni Coffee Hour is an opportunity for alumni employees to connect with their peers and alumni colleagues on campus while enjoying a warm beverage. Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet NC’s new Alumni Relations team. President Sean Kennedy is expected to attend both events and Vice President, Advancement Gord Arbeau is slated to attend on February 26.

“Employee Alumni have a special place in our College community – not only are they graduates but they’ve chosen to continue their ‘NC journeys’ through their careers,” said Arbeau, “We are proud of our thriving Employee Alumni community and their tremendous contributions to student success.

“We look forward to celebrating them and connecting with them through these events.”

“Last year’s debut of alumni coffee hour was a resounding success and we’re looking forward to continuing our new tradition in 2024,” said Jana Boniferro, Director, Development and Alumni Relations. “We encourage all employees who are also alumni to attend one of our events this month.”

Complimentary beverages (coffee, tea and juice) and treats will be available (while supplies last).

This is a free event that is open to all NC alumni who work at the College.

Employee Alumni Coffee Hour will be held at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake on February 26 at 3 p.m. (N002) and at the Welland Campus on February 29 at 3 p.m. (S174).

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by emailing [email protected] along with the date/campus they plan to attend.

Update your contact info

All internal alumni (whether or not they’re attending Internal Alumni Coffee Hour) are encouraged to update their contact information with Alumni Relations at here.