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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Two recent Niagara College graduates have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Public Relations profession by the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS)-Hamilton.

Naomi Fox and Bhrigu Bagga, who both graduated from NC’s Public Relations graduate certificate program in June, were nominated by their peers for their exceptional leadership in the field and presented with Special Awards during CPRS Hamilton’s Pinnacle Awards at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, June 18.

Fox received the Heather J. Pullen Memorial Award, which is presented annually to a graduating student member of CPRS-Hamilton who has demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning through academic and professional pursuits.

Bagga’s Student Award of Excellence is in recognition of his ability to demonstrate a clear understanding of PR, actions and behaviour that reflect professionalism, leadership in personal and scholastic activities, and a commitment to the future of the PR profession.

“The Student Award of Excellence presented to Bhrigu Bagga and the Heather J. Pullen Memorial Award presented to Naomi Fox reflect the hard work and dedication of these two emerging PR professionals and the high calibre of education they received at Niagara College,” said Kim Zarzuela, Chair of Communication for CPRS-Hamilton. “We look forward to seeing all that they will accomplish as they join the PR and Communications industry, and (we) hope they will continue to be a part of CPRS-Hamilton to take advantage of the unique professional development, networking and recognition opportunities our organization provides.”

Fox and Bagga join a long list of NC alumni who have been recognized by CPRS-Hamilton, including Emily Zwart (2023), Sophia Cole (2022), Nicolas Mertens (2021), Ashlan MacDonald (2020), Katie McCabe and Shianne Stephens (2019), who all received Student Awards of Excellence. The Heather J. Pullen Memorial Award was last awarded to an NC grad (Rita Stranges) in 2021.

Fox, who also won the Notified Student Award of Excellence from the CPRS at its National Conference in Quebec on June 11, said it was a guest lecture from CPRS-Hamilton Board member Andrew Macklin that led to her joining the organization.

“I’m grateful that NC introduced my peers and I to this impactful community and am proud to be accepting this award, honouring my commitment to integrity, honesty and the ethical practice of public relations,” she said.

Bagga said the recognition means a lot to him, particularly as an international student now trying to start a career in communications. He gave credit to his NC instructors and his CPRS mentor, CPRS-Hamilton President and fellow Niagara College alumnus Ryan Strang, for showing him how to apply theory to practice.

“Because of them, I was able to solidify my understanding of Communications and Public Relations principles, combined with creativity, strategic thinking and professionalism,” he said.

Bagga was also this year’s recipient of NC’s Associate Dean Award of Excellence in the PR program.

Charles Kopun, Associate Dean of the School of Media, said Fox and Bagga’s success shines a light on the quality of the College’s Public Relations program.

“What a great achievement for Naomi and Bhrigu!” Kopun said. “Continued recognition of our students at this competition is a testament not only to their hard work but also to the commitment of our faculty and instructors in nurturing that excellence.”