Niagara College employees, students and alumni joined a dynamic conversation around how to make the Niagara region a more livable place at a September 23 hackathon hosted by NEXTNiagara.

NEXTNiagara is an advisory council to the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) that empowers young professionals by representing, engaging, and amplifying the voice of Niagara’s 40 and under community.

NEXTNiagara’s ENGAGE event provides a platform for open, honest, and productive discussions between young professionals, employers and community leaders. The hackathon-style event encourages collaboration and ideation among participants who come together to brainstorm solutions to different topics that are important to the next generation.

Among the 117 participants in attendance at this year’s event was Kristen Nilsen, Academic Quality Consultant with NC’s Centre for Academic Excellence who has been volunteering with NEXTNiagara since 2020 and was appointed Chair this past Spring.

Nilsen was joined by NC colleague Mitchell Lutz, SONAMI Business Development Lead, and Hish Clifford, a third year NC Business Administration – Accounting student who works part-time in the College’s ITS department. Both Lutz and Clifford are NEXTNiagara council members. Emily O’Connor, Development Officer with NC Development and Donor Stewardship, also volunteered at the event and is a council alumna.

“This year, our topic was Livable Communities, with the goal of collecting the thoughts of young professionals working and living in Niagara around what livable communities could and should look like,” said Nilsen.

Participants discussed the different elements of a livable community including social services, diversity, sustainability, safety, and affordability, and provided solutions and recommendations for ensuring that Niagara is a place where young professionals want to live, stay and prosper.

For Clifford, who also serves on the NC Student Administrative Council Board of Directors as Director for the School of Business and Management, the event was his first hackathon since joining the council in May.

“This year’s Engage was incredible; we had great conversations among young professionals, and it was fantastic to see more established professionals and local representatives present, engaging with us in meaningful discussions,” he said. “Local organizations that are deeply invested in improving the region were also a key part of the event, which added another layer of impact.”

“I’m always so amazed by the work that NEXTNiagara and the Chamber of Commerce do,” added Clifford. “Their efforts consistently benefit young professionals, future students, and future employees of the region.”

Hish Clifford (centre) looks on as Mishka Balsom, GNCC CEO and former Chair of the NC Board of Governors speaks to guests at NEXTNiagara’s 2024 ENGAGE.

Nilsen says the feedback collected at the event will be compiled into a summary, which will inform NEXTNiagara’s advocacy initiatives. The information will also provide an overview of the themes that are important to young professionals in the region, which the council hopes will be a resource for decision makers in Niagara.

“Our vision is to see Niagara grow as a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous community where the NEXT generation of leaders feel connected, represented, and engaged,” said Nilsen, speaking to the work of the council.

“We do that through our relationship with the Chamber, knowing that the graduates of post-secondary institutions in Niagara are valuable to the growth of Niagara, and are looking for opportunities to build a future in the region.”

Of the current 16 NEXTNiagara Council members, six are NC alumni, some of whom attended the event along with GNCC Membership Engagement Manager Amy Lloyd, who is a council and NC alumna (Event Management, 2016).

• Devin Brown (Welding Techniques, 2012)
• Bernard Cooper (Journalism, 2010)
• Grace Howes (Public Relations, 2019)
• Mitchell Lutz (Business Administration – International Business, 2013; Honours Bachelor of Business Admin – International Commerce & Global Development, 2015; Human Resources Management, 2021)
• Patricia Menear (nee. Bernardo) who is the Vice-chair of the NEXTNiagara council (Public Relations, 2020)
• Dan Prudente (Human Resources Management, 2015)

Colleen Morton has fond memories of her time at Niagara College and of the “amazing” professors who helped her make it to her graduation day in 2021.

But even more than that, Morton remembers the way being at NC made her feel.

“NC made me feel more empowered with my life and guided me to learn what I love to do,” Morton said. “I had a great experience at NC. I met great people there and my grades were in the 80s and 90s. I also did the Study Abroad program for a week in England for Pop Culture, which was amazing. (It) was the most memorable part of my experience at NC.”

It was a time of new beginnings for Morton, who–with the support of Birchway Niagara (formerly Women’s Place of South Niagara)–was rebuilding her life with her two sons after leaving a domestic violence relationship.

Initially, she planned to just get her high school diploma, but then decided to pursue a college education, too. She applied to NC’s Early Childhood Education program before realizing she was better suited to Office Administration-Health Services.

Upon graduation, Morton found work at Niagara Health-Niagara Falls site and then moved on to a chiropodist’s office where she was quickly promoted to Team Lead Medical Office Administrator. She still works there today.

But earlier this year, Morton said, she was feeling in a rut. “I needed to figure out what my purpose was.”
She decided to take a break and head to British Columbia for a visit with her sister. In the small town of Mission, she stopped by a lightly used clothing store that supports women who are fleeing an abusive partner. It was the purpose she had been looking for.

“After shopping there, it clicked,” she said. “I wanted to help my community and do the same thing at home. That was on May 26. Once the fire in my soul was lit, it took me almost three months to get everything together and ready for my grand opening.”

Morton’s Port Colborne store, 39 Hers, celebrated its grand opening on August 17. Like the store that inspired her in B.C., Morton’s helps women who are escaping domestic violence: A portion of her sales go to the organization that helped her and her sons start over–Birchway Niagara.

“Birchway was absolutely incredible and supportive,” Morton said. “I was staying at the Welland location and the staff was so loving and empathetic and really cared about us.

“Birchway helped me with getting sole custody of my children, helped me get my divorce and also helped me with housing. I did not do any of these steps alone. Without Birchway, I wouldn’t’ be the woman I am today (and) my children would not be the children they are today.”

She said her goal is for the store to be a place that women in or leaving an abusive relationship can turn to for help and support from someone who’s been in their position.

“I need women to know that there is an affordable place to get work attire, gym clothes and casual clothes. I want women to know that when they come to 39 Hers, it is a safe place with no judgment. I want them to feel empowered…to let women know that I have been there, and they can get out and there is help; it looks and feels scary, and it is, but there is a way out and I need them to know that. My plan is to make an impact and be a part of the solution and end violence against women and their children once and for all.”

Despite not having studied business, Morton said the time she spent at Niagara College taught her a valuable lesson that’s stuck with her for years and helped her as she started her entrepreneur journey: Ask for help when you need it.

“Do not give up no matter how challenging things might get,” she said. “There is no growth without the challenges and the outcome is worth all the uphill battles you experience. People are afraid to chase their dreams because they are afraid of ‘what if?’ What if it doesn’t work out? Well, I say ‘What if it does?’ And if it doesn’t, at least you tried and learned something in the process. Taking chances is never a waste of time.”

39 Hers is located at 197 Main St. W. in Port Colborne. To donate gently used women’s and children’s clothing, accessories and footwear, contact the store at 905-394-9725.

On August 10, NC proudly supported a heartwarming reunion for a group of alumni from the Electronic Technician program, Class of 1974. The event brought together 12 alumni, along with their spouses and family members, marking 50 years since they attended Niagara College.

The reunion took place at a vineyard in Vineland, owned by one of the alumni, providing the perfect setting for the group to reminisce and reconnect. A four-piece fiddle band played as they enjoyed a roast pig, dining under a tent with blue and white tablecloths–a nod to NC colours. The evening ended with a bonfire that sparked conversations and reflections about their college days.

Many of the alumni, who have spent their careers with notable companies like Canada Post and Xerox, shared stories of how their time at Niagara College shaped their professional lives. The Electronic Technician program, which has since evolved into new programs offered at the College, was a catalyst for their successful careers.

NC’s Class of 1974 Electronic Technician graduates.

Alumnus Eric Pries recalled how NC played a pivotal role in his career trajectory.

“I am thankful because I believe Niagara College got me into the workforce quickly and well-prepared for a variety of work opportunities, not only at the start but throughout my career,” he said.

Pries went on to have a 32-year career in technical service, supervision, and management, followed by 12 years as a high school tech teacher.

The reunion was not just about reliving old memories, it was also about celebrating the ongoing impact of Niagara College in their lives.

Some alumni continue to stay connected to the College in meaningful ways. One alumnus has been providing homestay for international students for 20 years and even brought his homestay student to the reunion. Another alumnus proudly shared how he has hired NC graduates and co-op students for positions in his department at Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Reflecting on the reunion, alumnus Michael Colavecchia shared how meaningful it was to reconnect with his former classmates after so many years.

“This was an amazing reunion event, and it was filled with WOW,” he said. “I haven’t seen most of the guys since graduating fifty years ago, and it was incredible that we were able to locate our entire group after losing touch with each other.”

He also cherishes his challenging yet rewarding time studying at NC.

“Going to Niagara College was fun but tough,” said Colavecchia. “We had excellent teachers who came from the working field and decided to help others get their dream career,” he said.

Tom Price, NC’s Alumni Engagement Officer, helped organize the reunion and provided NC-branded swag, balloons, and banners.

Reflecting on his professional journey, Colavecchia spoke fondly of his career in the electronics field, particularly his last ten years with the District School Board of Niagara. During that time, he worked in classroom environments, repairing computers and other technology.

“The best part of my career was working with elementary students,” he said. “When I repaired something in the classroom, I would often get a hug and a ‘thank you.’ That was a highlight of my career.”

The alumni reunion was also attended by Tom Price, Alumni Engagement Officer, who was instrumental in helping organize the event.

“It was great to be part of the reunion and watch alumni, some who haven’t seen each other in fifty years, reconnect,” said Price. “The fact that all alumni were contacted and invited is special and unique.”

Alumni expressed their gratitude to NC’s Alumni Engagement team for helping connect everyone and supporting the reunion by providing NC-branded swag, balloons, and banners.

“I would like to thank Niagara College and the Alumni Engagement team for helping us put this incredible celebration together,” said Pries.

“Thank you to those among our group who had a vision to initiate this gathering and worked tirelessly to organize it with Tom Price,” said Colavecchia.

NC alumni interested in organizing their own reunion can contact Alumni Relations at niagaracollege.ca/alumnirelations/benefits/oncampus/.