For the fourth time in five years, a Niagara College Public Relations Graduate Certificate program student was granted top honours by the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS).
On May 26 at the National Conference in New Brunswick, Jacob Pozzobon of Niagara Falls received the Notified Student Award of Excellence.
“I am so truly honored for this recognition and to represent the College well on such a scale,” said Pozzobon.
The annual award recognizes excellence in the field of Public Relations (PR) by a student who demonstrates professionalism, a clear understanding and application of the principles of PR theory, professionalism, and leadership in scholastic activities.
“This award from the CPRS is a fantastic accomplishment for Jacob Pozzobon and another proud moment for the Public Relations program at Niagara College,” said Michelle Giroux, Associate Dean of NC’s School of Media. “To see our graduates recognized nationally, year after year, is a real testament to the talent, passion, and hard work they bring to the communications sector.”
NC award recipients from recent years include Nicolas Mertens (2021), Brenna McCutcheon (2023), and Naomi Fox (2024).
“CPRS is dedicated to the growth and development of emerging practitioners in our professional field,” said Jane Antoniak, APR, MCM, MCPRS, President, CPRS. “Recognizing and supporting exceptional students like Jacob Pozzobon, with the generous support of Notified, helps us build the next generation of ethical communications and public relations professionals. Congratulations Jacob!”
“Notified is pleased to continue our support of the CPRS Student of the Year Award, celebrating outstanding student achievement and our next generation of PR leaders,” said Lisa Davis, Vice-President of Marketing at Notified, the sponsors of the award.
Program coordinator, Emily McInerney, describes Pozzobon as “inquisitive, laser-focused, and eager to learn.”
“My instructional team and I agreed quickly that Jacob was deserving of this nomination,” said McInerney. “His dedication to the program, incredible work ethic, positive and professional attitude and desire to learn made him a standout student. We are proud to see him succeed at the NPCA.”
Having graduated from Brock University with a degree in Media and Communication Studies in 2025, Pozzobon pursued the one-year program at NC to channel his long-held interest in media and storytelling into a career.
“The Public Relations program felt like a natural next step because it gave me a hands-on way to refine my creativity and relationship-building abilities in a way that made me feel tangibly ready for the workplace,” said Pozzobon, noting the collaborative and supportive learning environment, small class sizes, and strength of the student internship program.
Following his internship with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Pozzobon was hired into a communications role where he continues to support outreach initiatives focused on conservation, environmental education, and community engagement across the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
“Everyone at NPCA is incredibly proud of Jacob and this well-deserved accomplishment,” said Erika Navarro, Communications and Marketing Specialist at the NPCA. “In the time he has been part of our team, Jacob has consistently stood out through the quality of his work, professionalism, and the positive energy and teamwork he brings every day.”
The NPCA has a longstanding relationship with NC, with many PR program alumni like Navarro (Public Relations, 2015) at the helm.
“Having welcomed Niagara College PR interns to NPCA for more than a decade, grads like Jacob continue to demonstrate the strength of the program and the exceptional talent the College is preparing for the industry,” said Navarro.
“Working with the NPCA has reinforced my passion for work that not only allows me to be creative but also contributes to a greater purpose,” said Pozzobon.
At the end of year event celebrating the closeknit group PR graduates, Pozzobon was awarded the Senator Keith Davey Award for his strong academic performance – 95 per cent overall – and exceptional engagement with peers, faculty, and industry partners.
Pozzobon and the rest of the 2026 Public Relations class will graduate at NC’s Spring Convocation on Thursday, June 11.
Applications are open for the Fall Term with classes starting in September. Learn more: niagaracollege.ca/media/program/public-relations
A leader in applied education, Niagara College offers diploma, bachelor degree, post-graduate and apprenticeship programs at specialized campuses in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland. Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research colleges, NC is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world that provide students with important hands-on-experience. NC welcomes students from across Niagara, Ontario, and around the world who are studying in in-demand programs that support key sectors and industries in Niagara and beyond, with graduates making important contributions in all corners of our community. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca
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