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.

The 22nd Annual Niagara College Golf Classic is sold out!

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We are thrilled to announce that our 22nd annual Golf Classic, being held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the beautiful Peninsula Lakes Golf Club in Fenwick, is sold out! This incredible achievement was made possible through the support of our generous community partners and supporters.

In our 21-year history, our golf tournament has raised close to $1 million dollars to fund scholarships for Niagara College varsity athletes. Scholarships provide much needed assistance to ease some of the financial burden for students who are working hard to achieve their academic goals, while meeting their athletic team commitments.

Our NC varsity golf team will be on hand to provide clinic instructions before the golfers head out for the day.  They will also make their way around the course, giving golf tips to participants as they play.

Students and staff from a variety of NC programs will also be at the event to help make it a unique experience for all. Our learning enterprises will also be represented with a variety of wine and beer tasting from NC’s Teaching Winery and Brewery.

For event details visit: golfclassic.niagaracollege.ca

Niagara College alum recognized with prestigious national broadcasting award

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a man wearing headphones smiles as he speaks into a microphone

A Niagara College alum has been recognized as an outstanding Canadian broadcaster with the Allen Waters Young Broadcaster of the Year Award.

Luke Rodriguez (Broadcast-Radio, Television, and Film, 2015) was presented with the annual award during Canadian Music Week (CMW) in June.

“This award means the absolute world to me, and I am so grateful that I was chosen as this year’s recipient” Rodriguez said. “I owe the people at Niagara College a debt of gratitude for giving me the skills needed to enter the world of broadcasting. BRTF gave me the tools I needed to succeed.”

His instructors recall Rodriguez as a talented student. One even compared him to a well-known
former American Idol host.

“He was a true ‘radio geek,’ and I mean that in the best way,” said School of Media Studies professor Bruce Gilbert. “He ran an online radio station out of his mom’s basement and he dreamed of being on Virgin 99.9 in Toronto. Luke achieved that goal years ago and is now back to help out with Marilyn Dennis on the CHUM Morning Show. Another real Canadian radio dream realized before 30!”

Added Gilbert: “When Luke was a young student, I once compared him to Ryan Seacrest. He’s his own person now, and a major talent in his own right.”

Likewise, BRTF Program Co-ordinator Peter “Dutch” VandenBerg remembers Rodriguez’s broadcasting talent.

“He was a natural from Day 1,” VandenBerg said. “We’re all so proud of him.”

Rodriguez said he left Niagara College feeling like he had a “running start,” when he landed his first full-time job in radio, thanks to the guidance he received from Gilbert, VandenBerg and BRTF faculty.

“I can’t thank the teachers and mentors in that program enough for the doors they opened up in my career,” he said.

Named in memory of legendary radio programmer Steve Young, the Allen Waters Young Broadcaster of the Year Award celebrates the remarkable talent of Canada’s young broadcasters. Winners must be under the age of 30, work in a programming department and have made a significant, documented contribution to the community they serve, the radio industry or their craft.

Rodriguez is currently the host of afternoon drive on Edmonton’s 104.9 Virgin Radio and the station’s assistant program director.

Record-breaking Giving Tuesday campaign earns national award for Niagara College

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Niagara College’s Giving Tuesday 2023 campaign has been honoured with a silver medal at the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) Prix d’Excellence Awards in the “Best Annual Giving/Giving Day Initiative” category.

The CCAE, a volunteer-led organization, supports educational institutions through networking, learning, and collaboration. The Prix d’Excellence awards celebrate outstanding achievements in educational advancement across Canada.

NCSAC representatives receive a ‘cheque’ from Development (Emily O’Connor middle) symbolizing more than 18,000 in funds raised on Giving Tuesday 2023.

On November 28, Niagara College’s Giving Tuesday campaign focused on reigniting donor support, combating food insecurity on campus, and showcasing the profound impact of giving on students’ lives. Every dollar raised went directly to the NC Nourishing Minds Fund, managed by the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC). This fund provides essential support, such as free breakfasts on both campuses and digital grocery gift cards for students in need.

This year’s campaign was a shining success. Past Giving Tuesday supporters received heartfelt thanks, and an anonymous donor offered a matching donation. The ambitious goal was to assist 240 students by raising $12,000, but the NC community went above and beyond, raising a record $21,720 for the Nourishing Minds Fund.

“We are thrilled to be awarded silver at the Prix d’Excellence awards,” said Emily O’Connor, Development Officer, Advancement. “Being recognized by our peers nationwide for our Giving Tuesday efforts is an incredible honour and a testament to our dedicated NC community. Thanks to our generous donors, we raised the most money on Giving Tuesday in NC history, all to support Nourishing Minds and our students, and it has now been recognized on a national level.”

The award was presented during a virtual ceremony on June 18. You can watch the recording here, with Niagara College’s recognition at the 10:14 mark.

First-ever NC Alumni Summit happening on July 18

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Submitted by NC Global Campus Operations within the International division:

Excitement is building for the inaugural Niagara College Alumni Summit on July 18 at the Meridian Hall in Toronto. This event promises to be an extraordinary gathering of NC alumni – nearly 300 in total – offering them a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth, exclusive networking opportunities, and reconnection with fellow graduates.

The Summit, supported through NC’s Dream Big Fund, is 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.

“I am extremely proud to champion this event which advances two strategic priorities from NC’s ambitious Strategic Plan: our Global Reach and our Alumni Engagement areas of focus. By leveraging the expertise from our Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education and Training, this event truly delivers on our commitment to create opportunities for personal and professional growth for students, and graduates,” said Ruiz, who is the Director, Global Campus Operations, Compliance & Reporting.

“The summit exemplifies NC’s commitment to preparing world-ready graduates and contributing to a continuously effective global workforce,” added Ruiz.

During the event, participants will have access to insightful panel discussions and workshops led by NC leaders, distinguished alumni and industry experts.

Dr. Holly Catalfamo, Senior Director of Global Education and Training at NC, will unpack her “leadership suitcase,” offering an engaging walkthrough of the strategies and techniques that have made her an effective leader. Lora Tisi, an alumna with extensive experience leading major brands, including RW&CO, will share her inspiring journey, detailing the strategies and insights that have driven her remarkable success in the industry. Tisi graduated from NC’s Fashion Merchandising program in 1979.

A panel discussion on “Lessons in Leadership” will feature NC President Sean Kennedy, who will share his expertise gained during more than 20 years of experience leading teams in all areas of higher education. Additional panelists include Rashmi Biswas, co-owner of Lake and Associates Canada Inc., and Julia Sebastian, CEO of HR Off-Site Inc. and a proud graduate of the Human Resources Management program at NC.

In addition to engaging sessions, attendees can look forward to interactive activities, exclusive NC-branded items and opportunities to create lasting memories and valuable connections.

“As we approach the NC Alumni Summit, it’s thrilling to witness the enthusiasm from our community,” said Sciliberto, Manager, Global Compliance & Reporting.” This summit is not just a reunion; it’s a vibrant platform for growth, learning, and reconnection.

“Every session, every speaker, every discussion is aimed at enriching our alumni’s lives and careers. We are setting the stage for a day of inspiration and insight that I believe will ignite new ideas, foster lasting connections, and deeply resonate with all who attend. I cannot wait to see the incredible impact this event will have on our Niagara College family,” Sciliberto added.

The Hamilton Spectator: Alumnus Bill Custers helped grow Cable 14 and had ‘TV in his blood’

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Hamilton Spectator logo

The Hamilton Spectator and the three Niagara dailies (St. Catharines Standard, Niagara Falls Review and Welland Tribune) released a July 15 profile on NC alumnus Bill Custers (Broadcasting – Radio Television and Film program, 1983) who passed away recently.

The article highlights Custers as being remembered as the person who put the community into the community cable channel Cable 14 who spent two decades at Cable 14 during a 40-year career in the television industry.

Read the July 15 article from The Hamilton Spectator here.

Staffing announcement: Development appoints Major Gifts Manager to advance campaign fundraising goals

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A message from Shannon Boeckner, Senior Director, Development and Donor Stewardship:

I am thrilled to announce that Kaylin Bailey has accepted the role of Major Gifts Manager within Advancement’s Development and Donor Stewardship team. In this new role, Kaylin will continue to build support for NC students in new and meaningful ways through assembling a robust and impactful portfolio of donor partnerships both within and beyond the Niagara region.

A familiar face to many, Kaylin joined NC in early 2023 as a Development Officer on the Development & Donor Stewardship team. Over her tenure, Kaylin has succeeded in securing exciting new scholarship and bursary support for NC students, while also bringing many new donor partnerships to the NC table.

Prior to joining NC, Kaylin led Individual Giving for United Way Niagara for almost a decade and was a vocal champion for critical social services across the region. Kaylin is a proud alumna of NC’s Public Relations program and an active member of the NC alumni community. A graduate of Leadership Niagara, Kaylin is proud to have been born and raised in the region and is proud to now be raising her own family near her hometown.

Kaylin’s new role comes at a pivotal moment for the College, as we launch the Together Campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in NC history. Her extensive experience in fundraising, combined with her deep understanding of NC, positions her to excel in this new role. Together with her passion, her focus, and her commitment to the NC community, we know she will hit the ground running.

Kaylin will begin her new role as Major Gifts Manager on August 1, 2024.

Please join me in congratulating Kaylin and celebrating her new role within the Development & Donor Stewardship team.

NC hosts first-ever Employee Alumni Summer Celebration

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Alumni Relations held its inaugural Employee Alumni Summer Celebration at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre on June 25. The event brought together over 50 College employees, who are also NC alumni, for a fun-filled afternoon of celebration, connection and camaraderie.

Sharing in the unique bond that defines the NC community, attendees enjoyed the College’s finest wines, beers, and mocktails, complemented by hors d’oeuvres catered by NC alumni Tim Mackiddie’s Smoke & Barrel (Culinary Management Co-op program, 2006). Celebrating NC’s rich legacy, former classmates got to reconnect as colleagues, reminisce about their student days at NC, and discover new connections among fellow NC alumni.

President Sean Kennedy set the tone with a heartfelt welcome to guests, expressing his pride in leading a college filled with exceptional employees and outstanding alumni.

“These events are a reminder of how special Niagara College is,” said Kennedy. “The NC family exemplifies so many characteristics of what makes the College such a welcoming and caring place. We always strive to hire the very best employees and many of our employees are our incredible NC alumni, which is a great sign for the quality of our graduates, programs, and employees.”

Following his remarks, President Kennedy and guests raised a toast to honour the remarkable alumni and employees at the event.

Niagara College President Sean Kennedy, Vice-President of Advancement Gord Arbeau and Director of Alumni Relations Jana Boniferro welcomed and thanked employees and alumni for joining the special celebration.

Vice-President of Advancement, Gord Arbeau, also addressed guests, sharing reflections from a recent trip to the Okanagan region in British Columbia, where he connected with alumni from across the country.

“The feeling in the room tonight mirrors the same feeling we had in the Okanagan with graduates who, even though many graduated 10, 15, or 20 years ago, maintain that unique NC pride and spirit,” he said. “It reminded us of the importance of the special community we’ve built here.”

Arbeau also spotlighted recent activities of the Together Campaign, launched at the Renaissance Gala in April 2024. The campaign aims to support new and expanded facilities, student access, diverse and inclusive learning environments, global competencies and perspectives, and productivity and innovation.

Reflecting on the enthusiasm of employees and alumni eager to contribute, Arbeau announced the new Niagara College Employee Alumni Scholarship of Excellence, offering employees and alumni the opportunity to give back and support an NC student. The fund aims to raise $25,000 to permanently endow at least one student scholarship in perpetuity, in the name of alumni who are current employees at the College. The endowment will provide a $1,000 contribution towards the studies of a student in financial need.

Director of Alumni Relations, Jana Boniferro, echoed this sentiment, noting that many NC employees and alumni frequently inquire about ways to support the College and student success.

“Gord’s announcement on the Employee Alumni Scholarship of Excellence offers a wonderful opportunity to engage and support our students, who once walked in your shoes,” she said to the alumni and employees in the room.

Boniferro also extended special thanks to Alumni Engagement Officer, Tom Price, and Development & Donor Stewardship Event Assistant, Laura Hull, for coordinating the memorable gathering.

Guests celebrated another exciting milestone with the announcement that the College’s alumni community has now reached 125,000 members following this year’s Spring Convocation, further expanding the proud group gathered at the event.

NC employees who are also alumni and interested in supporting the Employee Alumni Scholarship of Excellence can contribute here. On the website, please click on “Payroll Deduction” under “NC Faculty and Staff Giving” on the right side. Then, under the designation of your gift, select “Employee Alumni Scholarship of Excellence” from the dropdown menu. For more information, contact Alumni Relations at [email protected]