General Arts and Science graduate, Laiba Saeed came to Canada to pursue her dream of getting an education. She is leaving NC proud of her personal growth and proud to be an integral part of the NC community.

We catch up with Saeed to learn about the valuable experiences gained and lessons learned throughout her NC journey.

Tell us why you came to NC and how your dream has evolved?

I chose NC for two main reasons. First, I love new opportunities and learning experiences. Another reason was diversity. The Niagara region is a diverse area because of its various tourist attractions, bringing in unique groups of people. NC specifically also has a diverse student community, which I thought would provide me with a more well-rounded learning experience.

Tell us your favourite non-academic NC memory

My working experience at NC as a student provided great value and importance in my life. This is one of reasons why I gained so much confidence in myself as I became known by majority of the NC community. Another favourite memory was my birthday when unexpectedly I got unconditional love from everyone at the College. I feel really blessed to be part of NC community.

What is one thing you experienced at NC that you didn’t expect?            

I credit our NC community with making me feel like a better version of myself. I had the opportunity to have three amazing NC student jobs that helped me improve my confidence, expand my networking, and enhance my public speaking and emotional intelligence skills.

Now that you’re starting your career, what tools did NC give you to set you apart from your peers?

Confidence, networking, self-reflection, public speaking, empathy, emotional intelligence and so on. I have grown so much during my time at NC and I’m happy and blessed to be the person I am today and a better version of myself.

Who would you like to thank for helping make your NC journey and dream a reality?

The credit goes to the NC community who helped me cope in every situation after travelling to a different country for my education and help make my dream a reality.

What is your dream job? If you’ve already landed it, what is it?

I came to Canada by challenging myself to get a CPA designation. I would love to work in any financial institute where I can gain valuable experiences and help myself grow and would eventually love to own my own business.

What are you most looking forward to about becoming an NC Alumni?

Sharing my experiences and helping others to support themselves throughout their education.

Maria Lailany “Marla” Rivera is graduating from the Tourism Management-Business Development program. As an international student, Niagara College became Rivera’s home in Canada where she not only gained a diverse education but got to participate and volunteer in several on-campus events and activities and met lifelong friends that shaped her NC story. We catch up with Rivera to find out what drew her to NC and what she loved most about her time here.

Tell us why you came to NC and how your dream has evolved?

I came to NC as an international student seeking immigration through taking the student pathway. I finished NC realizing that there is much more to tourism than simply organizing tours and working in hotels. I discovered that tourism could involve event coordination and helping make tourism businesses more attractive, which are areas that now really interest me.

Tell us your favourite non-academic NC memory             

Niagara College has become my home in Canada, mainly because I spend most of my time on-campus, not only for attending classes, but also for on-campus jobs and leisure time. My most special NC memory was during my first day of training as an Orientation Leader for Fall 2022. I cherish it most because I learned so much about the campus that day and met the people that would later become my closest friends.

What is one thing you experienced at NC that you didn’t expect?            

One thing that I didn’t expect is the amount of on-campus student involvement. I didn’t realize that I would have the opportunity to be part of such a great community, make friends, help students, and have so much fun doing it all.

Now that you’re starting your career, what tools did NC give you to set you apart from your peers?

NC gave me lots of volunteer opportunities that help make me stand out as a as a job candidate. Volunteering in several hospitality and tourism-related events gave me the experience to #getinvolved and give back to the community while having meaningful roles to put on my resume.

Who would you like to thank for helping make your NC journey and dream a reality?

I am endlessly grateful to my professor and program coordinator, and to the Centre for Student Engagement and Leadership. They encouraged me to volunteer as a student and get involved on campus and in the community. This support led me to experience a few positions, and now I have landed significant role with a media and events company in Toronto!

What is your dream job? If you’ve already landed it, what is it?

My dream job is to work on my own tour operations company.

Madison Meloche is graduating from the Tourism Management – Business Development program proud of the self-confidence, diverse skills, and career opportunities she’s gained from her time at NC. We catch up with Meloche to learn about her NC story and her exciting career ahead.

Tell us why you came to NC and how your dream has evolved?

I came to NC because the Tourism Management – Business Development program seemed to have a more holistic approach to tourism than other similar programs. I wanted training in more than just one sector and my professors definitely provided that. This program has opened countless doors for me, many that I didn’t even know existed. I entered this program thinking I wanted to be a tour guide or travel agent because those were the only job titles that I knew. Now, I have the confidence to work in any of the industry’s many sectors because of the diverse course load and excellent professors I had at NC.

Tell us your favourite non-academic NC memory             

Fall 2022 will always hold great memories for me. My two closest school friends had never gone to a pumpkin patch or carved a pumpkin before. We picked out pumpkins, laughed at funny-shaped gourds, and took silly photos. Afterward, we went to a store where I tried my first empanada, a Colombian drink, and a crunchy Mexican snack. Sharing each other’s cultures was an amazing experience that we wouldn’t have had without connecting at NC.

What is one thing you experienced at NC that you didn’t expect?

I didn’t expect to be one of very few domestic students in my program. Most of my class was from different parts of the world and I think that was a huge contributor to the excellent caliber of my cohort. Everyone was able to bring something unique to the table from their own experience, culture, education, and country. It was a great experience for me as a Canadian to learn to work with different people, and now I have friends from all over the world.

Now that you’re starting your career, what tools did NC give you to set you apart from your peers?

Having confidence in myself and my range of expertise are the best assets my NC professors gave me. The capstone courses my last semester were also directly applicable to the industry, and I now have several projects to add to my portfolio when seeking employment.

Who would you like to thank for helping make your NC journey and dream a reality?

I would like to first thank my Professor and Program Coordinator Janet Jakobsen. She immediately offered support and counsel when I had questions about this program and my career path. She was a wonderful professor and amazing support during the whole program. I would also like to thank Professors Patti Wallington, Chef Oz, Jenn Hall, Mary Beccario, Brian Beccario, and Kristina Inman for all the industry insight, exciting classes, and educational excursions, and most of all, for the support and encouragement over the past two years. This program was truly amazing for me because of these professors.

What is your dream job? If you’ve already landed it, what is it?

My dream job is to work for the Walt Disney Company at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. I’m so excited that I will be working there all summer through the Disney Cultural Exchange Program. I can’t wait to use the skills I gained at NC to help provide magical experiences for guests of  all ages!

What are you most looking forward to about becoming an NC Alumni? 

I am looking forward to keeping in touch with this wonderful network of friends, mentors, and colleagues that I have found in my peers and professors here at NC.

International student Monish Nair came to NC to study in the Business – Sales and Marketing program, ready to gain a well-rounded college experience and engage in Canadian culture. As he looks forward to graduation, Nair reflects on what drew him to NC, his favourite memories, and what he hopes to accomplish after college.

Tell us why you came to NC and how your dream has evolved?

I came to NC to gain a diverse and practical learning experience. It was one of the few colleges that had offered a two-year diploma in Sales and Marketing. I am grateful to say that I have had one of the best experiences as a student at NC. When I started college, I hardly knew one person and now I’m leaving with lots of wonderful memories and valuable relationships. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people from different cultures, work on campus, play in tournaments, enjoy events, and volunteer. I’m also grateful to have experienced so much about the culture in Canada through my wonderful professors and friends. I am leaving NC much more confident due to all these diverse experiences.

Tell us your favourite non-academic NC memory

My favourite non-academic NC Memory was being a part of the Halloween Party conducted by the International Department. This was my first-ever Halloween party, and I had one of the best times celebrating with all my friends and colleagues. It was a wonderful experience filled with food, dancing, and karaoke.

What is one thing you experienced at NC that you didn’t expect?            

The one thing I experienced at NC that I didn’t expect was my on-campus work experience. I never expected work would be this much fun and that I would get to work with such amazing people who made me feel so welcome all the time. I have had the pleasure of meeting such inspiring people who have guided and supported me so much throughout my time at the College.

Now that you’re starting your career, what tools did NC give you to set you apart from your peers?

NC gave me the tools to be confident from being involved in a range of unique academic and social activities and experiences. I also gained strong communication skills from engaging in such a diverse community.

Who would you like to thank for helping make your NC journey and dream a reality?    

There are a lot of people I would like to thank; my friends for all the wonderful memories, my professors for such immense guidance, the International Department for always supporting and involving me in events, and NCSAC for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the team and helping me develop skills and making my college experience so delightful.

What is your dream job? If you’ve already landed it, what is it?

My dream job is to work in a management position at a high-end automobile firm, and I am constantly looking for opportunities that will get me closer to this dream job.

What are you most looking forward to about becoming an NC Alumni?

As an NC alumni, I am looking forward to all the work opportunities but am most looking forward to my first ever graduation ceremony.

Excitement is in the air as Niagara College prepares to shine a spotlight on its Class of 2023 graduates and two honorary guests: a prominent Niagara leader and a distinguished member of the College’s alumni community for Spring Convocation.

From June 12-16, the Welland Campus will be a hub of activity with eight convocation ceremonies to be held in the Athletic Centre. Over five days of ceremonies, the College will celebrate 4,400 new graduates from NC’s spring Class of 2023 and two guests will be awarded special honours: Niagara Health President and CEO Lynn Guerriero will be presented with an Honorary Degree in Health Studies, and Amy Audibert (Broadcasting – Radio, TV and Film Class of 2012) on-air broadcaster for the NBA’s Miami Heat, will take the stage with a Distinguished Alumni Award.

“Spring Convocation is the highlight of the academic year at Niagara College. We look forward to welcoming our Class of 2023 and their families to our Welland Campus for the ultimate celebration of student success,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “This year, we also look forward to honouring two extraordinary guests – a Niagara healthcare leader and an amazing NC alumna — who embody our College’s core values.”

Honorary Degree in Health Studies: Lynn Guerriero

Niagara Health President and CEO Lynn Guerriero will be presented with an Honorary Degree in Health Studies.

On the morning of June 14 (10 a.m. ceremony), Niagara Health President and CEO Lynn Guerriero will be presented with an Honorary Degree in Health Studies in recognition of her leadership and community collaboration in Niagara and within the Ontario healthcare system.

Guerriero joined Niagara Health as President in early 2020 and has been President and CEO since early 2021. She arrived in Niagara with more than 30 years of leadership in the Ontario healthcare system, including senior roles at Cancer Care Ontario and as Assistant Deputy Minister for the OHIP Division of the Ontario Ministry of Health.

Since she took the reigns at Niagara Health, Guerriero has supported the hospital team through its COVID-19 response, as well as with all Niagara region assessment centres, temporary management of two long-term care facilities in crisis, and the region’s largest vaccination clinic.

Under Guerriero’s leadership, Niagara Health has made significant progress with planning for the new South Niagara Site hospital, expanding healthcare research, and embracing innovations in technology to enhance access to safe, quality care and patient information – which are all expected to benefit Niagara.

Guerriero will receive her honorary degree at the morning ceremony on June 14 which will celebrate new graduates from the School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, and School of Justice and Fitness.

Guerriero is currently a resident of Pelham.

Distinguished Alumni Award: Amy Audibert

Amy Audibert, who graduated from Niagara College’s Broadcasting program in 2012, will be presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award.

It’s been just over 10 years since she graduated from NC, and alumna Amy Audibert will receive a Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of accomplishments on June 15.

Audibert, who has been netting success in her sports broadcasting career since she graduated from NC’s Broadcasting – Radio, TV and Film (BRTF) program in 2012, will be presented with the award during the morning convocation ceremony, which celebrates new graduates from the College’s School of Academic and Liberal Studies, and School of Media – including those graduating from the BRTF program.

Originally from Niagara Falls, Audibert currently works as part of a broadcast team for the National Basketball Association’s Miami Heat as a radio and television studio analyst. Previously, she was known as the voice of the Toronto Raptors as a court reporter and analyst for Sportsnet. In 2021, Audibert made headlines when she was selected to be part of a historic all-female broadcast crew – the first NBA broadcast in Canada which featured women in all on-air roles for a televised Raptors game.

Audibert played basketball for the University of Miami before she pursued her broadcasting studies. As a NC student, she took on the role of assistant coach for the NC Knights women’s basketball team (2011-2012) and honed her broadcasting skills at NC Knights games.

After graduating, she worked for a variety of sports media networks including CBS Sports, NBATV, and NBATV Canada.

Eight spring ceremonies

NC will host eight Spring Convocation ceremonies at its Welland Campus including:

• June 12, 3 p.m. (programs within the School of Business and Management);
• June 13, 10 a.m. (programs within the schools of Hospitality and Tourism, and Business and Management);
• June 13, 3 p.m. (programs within the schools of Culinary Arts; Wine, Beer and Spirits; and Environment and Horticulture);
• June 14, 10 a.m. (programs within the schools of Justice and Fitness, and Nursing and Personal Support Worker);
• June 14, 3 p.m. (programs within the schools of Technology, and Trades);
• June 15,10 a.m. (programs within the schools of Media, and Academic and Liberal Studies);
• June 15, 3 p.m., (programs within the School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker); and
• June 16, 10 a.m. (programs within the schools of Allied Health, and Community Services).

A highlight of Spring Convocation will be the presentation of the prestigious Governor General’s Academic medals to two graduating students who have achieved the highest overall grade-point average – one from a diploma program and another from a degree program (to be announced). Throughout the week, eight graduating students will also be presented with Dean’s awards for scoring the highest GPA within their school of study.

To view the schedule and list of programs graduating within each School, visit the ‘Ceremony Schedule’ section of NC’s Convocation website.

NC’s in-person Spring Convocation ceremonies will also be livestreamed. Visit the convocation website at niagaracollege.ca/convocation. Ceremonies will also remain on the site for later viewing.