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.

Four standout students ended their term $1,000 richer as the latest recipients of the Benchmark Student Experience Scholarship.

Established to celebrate students within the Culinary, Tourism, and Beverage Studies division who bring more to the table than just academic excellence. The Fall term scholarship recipients were chosen for their leadership, teamwork, and tireless dedication to Benchmark restaurant and various charitable initiatives.

Student recipients presented with their awards in December, included front-of-house servers Madeline Rekker and Christian Sun (School of Hospitality and Tourism), and back-of-house culinary students Andrea Bolanos and Jonathan James (School of Culinary Arts).

Jonathan James (Htet Aung Shine) was among recent scholarship recipients from the School of Culinary Arts.

“Each term, our management team nominates outstanding students for their commitment, professionalism, and passion for the hospitality industry,” said Victor Oliveira, Manager of Catering and Special Events. “Their demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and dedication to excellence were key factors in their selection. They participated in many different event services, worked hard, learned quickly, and had a positive impact on their peers.”

For Christian Sun, a second-year Tourism Management – Business Development (Co-op) student from the Philippines, the scholarship was the icing on the cake after a rigorous year.

“Benchmark gave me a strong foundation,” said Sun. “In the classroom, we learn the theory, but the restaurant is where we turn up the heat. We were encouraged to see mistakes as part of the process–every guest interaction was a chance to sharpen my skills.”

Sun, who plans to use his Benchmark experience as a North Star for his future career, noted that the financial boost was particularly helpful as an international student. “The real value is the learning; the scholarship is a wonderful bonus.”

The award came as a surprise to Jonathan James as he completed his studies in the Culinary Management (Co-op) program. Originally from Myanmar, James arrived at NC with a dream of one day running his own kitchen.

“I wasn’t expecting that,” said James. “Working at Benchmark, I have learned not only how to work on a line in the kitchen, I had so many experiences running big events which has given me way more experience, information and helped develop my skills.”

Now working as a line cook and supervisor, he noted that his experience at Benchmark provided the seasoning needed to help launch his career.
“It was great working with Benchmark as a student. I learned a lot of lessons from Chef Justin {Downes] and Chef Anthony [Greco].”

Scholarship recipient Andrea Bolanos (middle) was among a team of staff from the School of Culinary Arts bring their skills to the table to support a pancake breakfast which raised funds for Gillian’s Place. in November (file photo).

Student Experience Scholarship Fund

The scholarship is supported by NC’s Student Experience Scholarship Fund, which launched in late 2024.

“Financially supporting students is always top of mind for us here at the College. The financial obligations that students face today continue to get tougher and finding ways to help is important,” says Craig Youdale, Dean of the Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, after the scholarship fund was launched in November 2023. “Our division has so many events and community activities, and we want to encourage our students to get involved and enrich their time at Niagara College. We hope this funding will get even more students involved and a part of the amazing opportunities for the students.”

How to donate

In lieu of leaving a gratuity for service at Benchmark or for a special event hosted by the College’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, guests are encouraged to donate to the Student Experience Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made by scanning a QR code displayed on menus or through the online donation form.

Four students capped off 2025 as winners of the Benchmark Student Experience Scholarship.