Save the date: ReuKnighted ’24 to be held Nov. 2

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Niagara College is preparing to welcome alumni back to campus for an action-packed reunion this fall.

Tickets are now available for ReuKnighted ’24, which will be held on Saturday, November 2 at the Welland Campus. The family-friendly reunion is open to all NC alumni and friends.

Guests can cheer on the NC Knights with admission to four home opening games at the Simplii Financial Atheltic Centre, along with an alumni tailgate party, VIP access to The Core. and a dedicated Kids Zone.

The day kicks off with Knights basketball games against Sheridan (women’s begins at noon and men’s begins at 2 p.m.).

An exclusive ReuKnighted tailgate party will be held at The Core from 4-6 p.m., featuring delicious food from Nc’s School of Culinary Arts.

Then the fun will return to the gym with two volleyball games against Fanshawe, (women’s at 6 p.m. and men’s at 8 p.m.).

The first 100 alumni to register for ReuKnighted ’24 will receive a special gift from Alumni Relations.

Those who purchase tickets by October 26 will be automatically entered into a draw for a NC Knights-themed gift basket valued at $250,

This event has limited capacity , so alumni are encouraged to secure their tickets early.

Ticket info

Adult tickets are $10 per ticket plus fees. Ticket includes VIP access to The Core, game admission, and food (a cash bar will be available).

Youth tickets for ages 12 and under are free. Youth ticket includes VIP access to The Core, game admissions, food and kids zone.

Tickets may be purchased via Eventbrite here.

 

NC alumna finds her purpose at 39 Hers

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a woman wearing a green shirt stands next to a wall bearing the words 39 Hers

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.

Save the date for NC’s Global Learning Lounge on September 24: International Student Life Cycle

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A promotional graphic from NC International with the text Join the next Global Learning Lounge!

Niagara College employees are invited to attend a Global Learning Lounge session on September 24 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), facilitated by the office of International Student Services. During this online Zoom session, you will explore the international student’s life cycle.

Please join Gary Torraville, Senior Director, Global Business Development; Shawna Luey, Senior Director, International Students; and Jana Boniferro, Director, Alumni Relations as they share insights about the international student journey from recruitment to the alumni experience

Are you interested in having a better understanding of the NC life experience from an international student’s perspective? Join us for a session to learn more about the international student life cycle.

What you can expect to take away from this session: 

  •  Admissions and International Student Recruitment: Discover key strategies and insights for attracting and enrolling international students.
  • Student Application Process: Understand the step-by-step process for student applications, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
  • Agent Support and Training: Learn how agents are effectively supported and trained to enhance their recruitment efforts.
  • Pre-Departure and Be NC Ready: Get essential information on pre-departure sessions and training modules for Be NC Ready to help students transition smoothly.
  • Orientation and Student Engagement: Explore activities and initiatives designed to engage students from the moment they arrive.
  • Student Advising and Settlement Services: Gain valuable insights into advising and settlement services that support student success.
  • Preparation for Graduation and Convocation: Understand the necessary steps and preparations for a successful graduation and convocation experience.

Registration is not required. NC employees can join the session using the Zoom link posted to the employee portal (MyNC portal under ‘Staff Announcements’). The Zoom link will also be shared via campus notice email.

The Joyce Family Foundation’s milestone gift creates a $1.5 million bursary fund for in-demand healthcare and skilled trades students

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A woman in blue scrubs holds a medical syringe, while a man in an orange hardhat operates a wood saw.

Addressing the Healthcare and Skilled Trades Crises

As demand for healthcare professionals and skilled tradespeople continues to rise across Ontario and Canada, The Joyce Family Foundation has contributed $1.5 million to Niagara College’s Together Campaign. This generous gift will create a bursary fund, the largest endowed bursary in the College’s history, to support students pursuing these critical careers.

Beginning in fall 2025, The Joyce Family Foundation Healthcare and Skilled Trades Bursary Program will cover tuition and ancillary costs for several students from the Niagara region throughout their studies.

“We thank The Joyce Family Foundation for this landmark donation, which directly supports students entering healthcare and skilled trades professions,” said Sean Kennedy, President, Niagara College. “This long-term investment will benefit students now and into the future.”

Each year, between eight and 12 awards will be given, valued between $6,000 and $8,000. These bursaries will support students entering their first year in any program within the School of Trades, the School of Allied Health, and the School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker (PSW). Eligible students will have the opportunity to apply for funding starting in spring 2025.

“We are proud to collaborate with Niagara College to support local students in these high-demand fields,” said Maureen O’Neill, Executive Director, The Joyce Family Foundation. “The Board’s goal is to reduce the financial barriers that many students face so they can fully concentrate on their studies and career preparation.”

The Joyce Family Foundation was established by entrepreneur Ronald V. Joyce, whose philanthropic vision continues through the foundation’s support of education and youth development. The foundation’s mission is to empower young Canadians by providing access to education. At Niagara College, the Foundation will support students committed to working on the frontlines to serve our communities.

Launched in the spring of 2024, Niagara College’s Together Campaign is the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in the College’s history and is built on several pillars, including addressing a crisis in healthcare driven by shortages on the frontlines in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care.

“There is no bigger issue facing Ontario hospitals today than the serious shortage of healthcare workers,” said Lynn Guerriero, President and Chief Executive Officer, Niagara Health.

Provincial government predictions indicate that 33,200 more nurses and 50,853 more personal support workers will be needed by 2032.

“Niagara College is committed to addressing Ontario’s healthcare crisis by training students for essential frontline positions in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, community health centres, and home care,” said Dr. Sinéad McElhone, Dean, Health Sciences. “The addition of The Joyce Family Foundation Healthcare and Skilled Trades Bursary Program significantly enhances our efforts and couldn’t come at a better time for our students.”

Addressing a similar crisis in skilled trades is also a key pillar of the Together Campaign.

“Ontario needs 100,000 more skilled workers over the next decade to deliver on our government’s ambitious infrastructure plans, including building at least 1.5 million homes by 2031,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Niagara College graduates hundreds of skilled tradespeople annually from nearly 20 programs and apprenticeships, such as Carpentry and Renovation Technician, Electrician – Construction and Maintenance, Industrial Millwright Mechanic, Metal Fabricator, Automotive Service Technician, and Welding Technician.

“We know that skilled trades help build communities, and we know there is a strong and growing demand for skilled trades graduates,” said Leo Tiberi, Dean, Media, Trades, and Technology. “The Joyce Family Foundation’s ongoing funding will help train many generations of skilled tradespeople who will serve our community and beyond.”

“The Joyce Family Foundation Healthcare and Skilled Trades Bursary Program is a powerful example of the enduring impact of endowed giving,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement. “This method invests the initial gift to generate returns, and these returns continue to provide ongoing financial support to students for generations. We are very grateful for The Joyce Family Foundation’s outstanding generosity.”

The College’s Together Campaign is a multi-year $50 million fundraising campaign. In addition to addressing the crises in healthcare and skilled trades, the campaign also seeks to make college education more accessible, create equitable and diverse learning environments, equip graduates with cultural awareness and global competencies, and foster research, creativity, and innovation to help close Canada’s productivity gap.

Community partners and donors are invited to learn more about the important priorities of the Together Campaign by visiting niagaracollege.ca/together. Discover how you can support this and other worthwhile initiatives by getting involved.

NC brings back star alumna for Orientation Week event: Welcome Home, Priyanka

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Get ready for an exciting evening as we welcome back NC alumna and phenomenon Priyanka to Niagara College! In collaboration with NCSAC, Alumni Relations is thrilled to invite you to a special performance and conversation with Priyanka and Kyle Miller (Vanity a la Mode) as part of NC’s Orientation Week celebrations.

Priyanka is a multi-talented performer, musical artist, and international entertainer making waves across the globe. From hosting as Mark “Suki” Suknanan on YTV to her iconic win as the first-ever winner of Canada’s Drag Race in 2020, Priyanka’s star power and charisma are undeniable. Her debut EP, Taste Test, has garnered over 15 million streams, and her sold-out performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Priyanka is also a host on the Emmy Award-winning HBO show, We’re Here.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, September 19
  • Show Runs: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Doors Open: 6:30 p.m.
  • Location: Welland Campus
  • Tickets: $22.63 for NC alumni, faculty, and staff

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to hear Priyanka reflect on her journey from graduating from NC’s Broadcast – Radio, Television, and Film program in 2012 to her current achievements. Reconnect with old friends, meet new ones and discover what’s next for Priyanka!

To learn more about Priyanka and follow her journey:

New mental health program for healthcare students supported by the McCall MacBain Foundation

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Three women seated at a table are reviewing paperwork and using a laptop.

Addressing the Healthcare Crisis

More than 200 first-year healthcare students are receiving mental health supports this fall, thanks to a milestone gift to Niagara College’s Together Campaign from the McCall MacBain Foundation that launched the ConfideNCe program.

Among the key pillars of Niagara College’s $50 million Together Campaign – the largest comprehensive fundraising initiative in the College’s history – is addressing the healthcare crisis that is driven by a shortage of frontline workers. As Niagara College seeks to graduate more nurses, personal support workers, and paramedics, the College recognizes the need for a range of supports for students studying in high-stress programs.

Students in the Paramedic, Personal Support Worker (PSW), Practical Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs are learning to better cope with academic and occupational stress and anxiety through targeted interventions designed to build resilience, thanks to McCall MacBain’s generosity.

“We are very grateful to the McCall MacBain Foundation for investing in our future caregivers,” said Dr. Sinéad McElhone, Dean, Health Sciences. “We recognize the unique pressures healthcare students face and are eager to provide them with tools to manage their studies effectively and prepare for the high-stress environments they will encounter in their careers.”

Founded in 2007 by John McCall MacBain and Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, the McCall MacBain Foundation is committed to advancing human welfare through educational and leadership opportunities. Their support of the ConfideNCe program underscores a strong commitment to student success.

“We are working with post-secondary institutions across Canada to determine how best they can support student well-being and mental health,” said Alexandra Conliffe, President and CEO of the Foundation. “The first year is a critical time to understand students’ needs and provide early interventions to enable them to thrive academically and professionally. We hope this program will support students immediately, while also providing learnings on the well-being needs of students in demanding fields like healthcare.”

The ConfideNCe program offers a range of supports specifically designed to decrease healthcare student attrition rates. These include stress management workshops, mindfulness training, and wraparound supports to promote academic success and wellbeing.

“We are adding supplementary class assistance from lab tutors to help reduce student anxiety and stress, as well as implementing an early detection system to identify at-risk first-year students in the targeted programs,” said Heather Craig-Morton, ConfideNCe Project Manager.

A tailored survey helps assess first-year Nursing and Applied Healthcare students for susceptibility to anxiety, burnout, and potential dropout. This survey is launching alongside Orientation activities to maximize initial uptake. Additional engagements, including classroom visits, emails, and one-on-one appointments, are happening in the first four weeks of the term. The survey will be repeated at the end of Term 1 and Term 2 to measure the impact of specific ConfideNCe Program activities and interventions.

The program’s impact is anticipated to grow to over 400 students as it expands to include winter and summer intakes next year.

“The ConfideNCe program promises to make a profound difference in the lives of healthcare students by proactively addressing the root causes of anxiety and stress,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement. “This in turn will help bolster graduation rates and provide comprehensive personal, social, and academic supports – all thanks to the generosity of The McCall MacBain Foundation.”

The College’s Together Campaign is a multi-year $50 million fundraising campaign. In addition to addressing the crisis in healthcare, the campaign also seeks to address a similar crisis in skilled trades, make college education more accessible, create equitable and diverse learning environments, equip graduates with cultural awareness and global competencies, and foster research, creativity, and innovation to help close Canada’s productivity gap.

Community partners and donors are invited to learn more about the important priorities of the Together Campaign by visiting niagaracollege.ca/together. Discover how you can support this and other worthwhile initiatives by getting involved.

Embark Student Foundation grants $500,000 towards new Indigenous Student Success Pathways project

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A group of indigenous students seated on rocks in an outdoor classroom.

Advancing a more equitable and diverse college

A transformative $500,000 major grant from the Embark Student Foundation to Niagara College’s Together Campaign is reshaping the educational experience for Indigenous students at Niagara College.

This historic gift, the largest ever for Indigenous education at the College, has launched the Indigenous Student Success Pathways Project and supports students from their first day of studies through to graduation and into their careers.

A key pillar of the Together Campaign is to advance a more equitable and diverse college, and Embark’s gift significantly enhances Niagara College’s ability to advance its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and provide supports and pathways for underrepresented groups.

“We are deeply appreciative of the Embark Student Foundation’s generous contribution,” said Leah Hogan, Director, Indigenous Education, and member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames (Bear Clan). “This funding enables us to implement a tailored support system that will greatly benefit our Indigenous students and align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.”

The Indigenous Student Success Pathways Project enhances the academic experience and career readiness of Indigenous students by facilitating:

  • Learning Strategists: These professionals offer personalized academic support, including assistance with essay writing, study skills, and addressing individual learning needs, to ensure students receive the guidance necessary to succeed academically.
  • Employment and Co-op Specialists: These specialists focus on preparing students for the workforce by providing résumé and interview coaching, as well as facilitating networking opportunities with potential employers to help students gain practical experience and secure employment after graduation.
  • Cultural and Community Initiatives: The program includes initiatives that foster cultural connection and community engagement, such as land-based learning experiences and events designed to build a supportive campus environment for Indigenous students.
  • Targeted Recruitment: A vehicle wrapped in Indigenous art is being used for recruitment and outreach, traveling to remote communities to promote the program and create a welcoming presence for potential Indigenous students.
  • Emergency Financial Support: To address the financial barriers that can impact students’ education, the project provides emergency funds for essential expenses such as specialized equipment, textbooks, parking, and other costs.

“We are so proud to support the Indigenous Student Success Pathways Project at Niagara College and directly invest in a more equitable future,” said Andrew Lo, CEO at Embark. “This project will provide Indigenous students with the tools and resources they need to succeed along their post-secondary journey, helping even more students and families realize their dreams through education.”

In late 2023, Niagara College submitted a proposal to the Embark Student Foundation Major Grant Program, which offers annual grants of $250,000 to $500,000 to diverse educational institutions across Canada to improve access and foster student empowerment. This year, the program awarded $2.7 million to seven institutions, including Concordia University, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Lethbridge, University of Toronto, and Vancouver Island University, for their exceptional projects.

Notably, Niagara College is the only college among the recipients, highlighted for its inclusive and forward-thinking approach to supporting Indigenous students.

The Indigenous Education Department supports students through culturally appropriate teachings, academic guidance, leadership opportunities, community referrals, and assistance in navigating the college system. Committed to honouring Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being, programs like MPOWER help Indigenous students transition to post-secondary education, while trips like those to Coast Salish Territory provide immersive land-based learning opportunities about Truth and Reconciliation.

Cultural events, including Indigenous History Month, Red Dress Day, and the Moose Hide Campaign invite the broader community to learn about these significant social issues and foster healing and collective action. The College also celebrates Indigenous student achievements at events such as the Indigenous Student Awards Banquet and through the Dr. Phyllis Webstad Indigenous Scholarship.

“The Embark Student Foundation’s commitment to supporting student success throughout their post-secondary journey aligns perfectly with the objectives of the new Indigenous Student Success Pathways Project,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement. “We are extremely grateful for Embark’s strong commitment to the success of Indigenous students.”

The College’s Together Campaign is a multi-year $50 million fundraising campaign. In addition to creating equitable and diverse learning environments, the campaign also seeks to address the healthcare crisis and the skilled trades crisis, make college education more accessible, equip graduates with cultural awareness and global competencies, and foster research, creativity, and innovation to help close Canada’s productivity gap.

Community partners and donors are invited to learn more about the important priorities of the Together Campaign by visiting niagaracollege.ca/together. Discover how you can support this and other worthwhile initiatives by getting involved.

Electronic Technician Class of ’74 celebrates 50-year alumni reunion

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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/.

From student to star: Alumna Shannon Burns lands dream job she has envisioned since her time at NC

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Shannon Burns’ journey from studying in Niagara College’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television, and Film (BRTF) program to landing her dream job at e-talk is a testament to what passion, patience, and perseverance can achieve in the entertainment industry.

A dynamic radio and television host and content creator from Toronto, Burns graduated from Niagara College’s BRTF program in 2013 and has since made impressive strides in the world of broadcasting and entertainment. She recently achieved a career milestone by landing her dream role as an Entertainment Reporter for Canada’s premier entertainment news show, etalk.

Before coming to NC, Burns found herself uncertain about her future career path, however she had an unwavering passion for pop culture, including movies, music, and entertainment. The turning point came when she attended a college fair and discovered Niagara College’s BRTF program. In that moment, everything clicked, and she knew this was the path she wanted to pursue.

“Because of the well-rounded course load, I was able to focus on what interested me the most, which was Radio and Television Presentation,” said Burns. “The schooling prepared me for what being in the industry would entail and taught me very important lessons around networking and hosting on-air and on TV.”

Burns’ time at NC was filled with hands-on learning and practical experience, helping her secure professional roles early on in her career. In her final year at NC, she secured an internship at radio stations HOT107 and Lite 95.7 in Edmonton, Alberta, which was a pivotal step in her career. Upon graduating, she was hired by the station as a Promotions Coordinator, where she also had the opportunity to fill in on-air. This experience laid the groundwork for her first full-time on-air position as a morning show co-host on Rock 105.3 in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

“Being 21 years old in a small Alberta town, on a rock station with a co-host named Poncho was definitely not where I thought my career would take me. I was excited for the challenge,” she said.

A significant moment in Burns’ career came when she won an online contest to become the Cineplex Pre-Show Host. This role allowed her to engage with audiences nationwide by sharing fun facts about upcoming films and interviewing celebrities. She later returned to Edmonton to host the Late Night and Weekend show on 104.9 Virgin Radio. Over the next three years, her talent and dedication helped her progress through various roles at the station, eventually earning her the position of Evening Show Host on CHUM 104.5. After three successful years at CHUM, she landed a National Midday show on Virgin Radio, syndicated across all 12 Virgin stations in Canada.

Burns’ career continued to soar as she became a prominent radio host at iHeartRadio Canada. Her role enabled her to interview high-profile celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Ryan Gosling, and Snoop Dogg.

The onset of the pandemic inspired Shannon to explore new platforms, leading her to leverage TikTok, where she quickly gained over 700,000 followers. Her behind-the-scenes content and pop culture stories resonated with a broad audience, showcasing her ability to adapt and thrive in the digital age.

Burns recently created a TikTok documenting her journey from a BRTF student to landing her dream job as an Entertainment Reporter at etalk, amassing over 283,000 views.

@itsshannonburns

I can’t believe this is happening🥹 #dreamjob #tvhost #toronto

♬ The Winner Is – DeVotchKa & Mychael Danna

“Thankfully, hosting a radio show and creating content overlap in themes, so it makes it easier for me to execute both daily,” she said.

As the Entertainment Reporter at etalk, Burns now hosts the nightly entertainment news show and conducts celebrity interviews.

“So far I’ve interviewed Seth Rogen, Rashida Jones, and Josh Hartnett and it’s only been a few weeks,” she said. “This position has been one that I have been manifesting aloud since I was at Niagara College, so it definitely feels like a dream come true.”

When asked for advice for students following a similar path, Shannon emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities that can serve as building blocks for your overall goals and aspirations.

“Be kind to everyone you meet, because the industry in Canada is small and you will most likely cross paths multiple times,” she said, noting that she currently works with several people she attended Niagara College with. “This career takes a lot of hard work, but if you are determined and passionate about the job at hand, you’ll see great results. Every job I’ve done in this industry has come with massive pinch-me moments.”

Burns has also previously dedicated her time to impart wisdom on NC students during the Ask an Alumni Anything series that took place in January 2021.Presented by NC Alumni Relations with support from the NC Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), the initiative gave students an opportunity to pose questions to successful NC alumni, like Burns, via Instagram Live. The sessions are generally 45 minutes to an hour long and are moderated by NCSAC president Tom Price. View the recording below.

Burns also previously shared insights and advice with NC students during the “Ask an Alumni Anything” series in January 2021. Hosted by NC Alumni Relations, with support from the NC Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), this initiative allowed students to connect directly with accomplished alumni like Burns through Instagram Live, offering them a unique opportunity to engage and learn. A recording can be viewed here.

Burns shared insights and advice with NC students during the “Ask an Alumni Anything” series in January 2021.

Looking ahead, Shannon hopes to continue building strong relationships with her listeners, viewers, and online followers. She has no plans to stop growing in her impressive career and aims to take on new and unique opportunities.

“I love connecting with people about LGBTQ+ rights and sharing parts of my life while learning about others,” she said. “I would love to explore documentary filmmaking and interviewing not just celebrities, but people who have important and unique stories to share.”

By trusting in her passion and embracing her individuality, Burns has built a remarkable career, inspiring future students to pursue their dreams with confidence and authenticity. As she looks to the future, there is much anticipation for where her exciting and dynamic path will lead her next.

You can follow along with Shannon Burns on her social media channels:

Instagram: itsshannonburns
TikTok: itsshannonburns 

NC Alumni Summit fosters lifelong connections and professional development

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a group of people wearing business casual attire stand at a cruiser table in a lobby eating small plates of food

The first-ever Niagara College Alumni Summit drew enthusiastic participation from alumni across the years, who strengthened their bonds with the College and found inspiration through insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities.

The event, held on July 18 at the Meridian Hall in Toronto, fostered personal and professional growth for alumni and provided visiting students with valuable insights about perspectives after graduation. Cited as an inspiration by many attendees, the Alumni Success Spotlight session featured NC’s Vice President, International, Sean Coote, highlighting his exceptional career trajectory, drawing upon a 30-year journey at NC.

“From being a student at Niagara College to now serving as Vice President, International, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative impact of our institution on countless lives, including my own,” said Coote. “Events like these are crucial in fostering a sense of community and continuity, reinforcing the importance of lifelong connections and support among alumni.”

a man stands on stage speaking to the audience

The Alumni Success Spotlight session featured NC’s Vice President, International, Sean Coote, highlighting his exceptional career trajectory, drawing upon a 30-year journey at Niagara College.

Another featured speaker was Dr. Holly Catalfamo, NC’s Senior Director of Global Education and Training, who unpacked her “leadership suitcase,” providing priceless takeaways for aspiring leaders, by showcasing her strategies and techniques.

Catalfamo also moderated a highly anticipated panel on “Lessons in Leadership,” featuring NC President Sean Kennedy, who shared his expertise gained during more than 20 years of experience leading teams in higher education. Additional panelists included NC alumna Julia Sebastian, CEO of HR Off-Site Inc.; Rashmi Biswas, co-owner of Lake and Associates Canada Inc., and incoming Vice-Chair of NC’s Board of Governors; and Shadya Mahfouz, Vice President, Academics, of Global University Systems Canada.

Attendees left inspired and equipped with a wealth of knowledge to apply to their own careers.

“The value I gained from the speakers was astronomical and mind-blowing, and I am sure every attendee in that room learned a lot from them,” said Karan Salgotra, NC’s Manager of Global Business Development for South Asia and a 2016 graduate from the Motive Power Technician program. “The Summit was also an outstanding opportunity to meet other graduates, see where they are in life, and make connections to continue collaborating.”

a group of panelists sit on a stage decorated with lush greenery and a screen with a graphic of a fireplace

NC’s Senior Director of Global Education and Training, Holly Catalfamo (far left), moderated a highly anticipated panel on “Lessons in Leadership” featuring NC President Sean Kennedy (second from right)

Many alumni expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to reconnect with Niagara College and build a network with fellow alumni and NC faculty and staff.

“It was amazing to see so many NC employees that were also alumni, and also to see NC graduates present in every corner of Canada,” said Zining Wang, general secretary at Fullbright Academy and a 2016 graduate of the Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations program. “The event itself was well put-together, and my network has grown after I connected with my cohort, and also the speakers.”

The Summit was also an excellent opportunity for recent graduates, highlighting the College’s commitment to fostering continuous professional development among its alumni.

“I truly appreciate how NC has contributed significantly to my professional and personal development, offering such a diverse environment,” said Alisha Singh, front office specialist at IHG Hotels & Resorts in Toronto and a 2024 International Business Management program graduate. “I am excited to see that this strong sense of community is cultivated and reinforced in events like the Summit.”

Supported through NC’s Dream Big Fund, the event was co-led by Orel Ruiz and Becky Sciliberto from the Global Campus Operations and Compliance & Reporting department, in partnership with NC Alumni Relations and Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education and Training. The Summit was envisioned to advance two strategic priorities from NC’s Strategic Plan: Global Reach and Alumni and Partner Engagement.

“Any opportunity we get to engage with our diverse population of alumni is invaluable, and a key aspect of our strategy is to meet them where they are, and this event was a prime example of our commitment to that approach,” said Jana Boniferro, NC’s Director of Alumni Relations. “We aim to strengthen connections and ensure that all our alumni feel valued and engaged. This ongoing effort to expand and deepen our relationships with them helps maintain a strong sense of community and belonging.”

As Niagara College looks forward to more opportunities for connection, all alumni are encouraged to keep their information updated and remember that NC will always be their home.