On June 25, three recent graduates from Niagara College’s Public Relations (PR) graduate certificate program were recognized by the Hamilton chapter of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) at the annual Pinnacle Awards Gala.
2026 graduates Jade Cappadocio of Stoney Creek, Karolina Odrzywolski of Hamilton, and Robert Liota of Lincoln each won awards at the ceremony in Burlington.
“Niagara College is incredibly proud of 2026 Public Relations graduates Karolina, Robert and Jade for this well-deserved recognition from CPRS,” said Michelle Giroux, Associate Dean of NC’s School of Media. “Just weeks after graduating, they are already making an impact with local employers across the Golden Horseshoe. Their success reflects their remarkable talent and dedication to the profession and the commitment of the faculty in the PR program who prepare our graduates for rewarding careers.”
Cappadocio, who works in communications for Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, won the Student Award of Excellence. This marks the fourth consecutive year that an NC PR student has received the honour.
“I am so honoured and so proud to have received such incredible recognition for all my hard work this early on in my career,” said Cappadocio. “For the first time in my life, I am completely sure of who I am, what I want, and what I am capable of achieving.”
After completing Journalism at Mohawk College, Cappadocio transitioned into NC’s one-year graduate certificate PR program, prompted by conversation with program coordinator Emily McInerney.
“Niagara College helped me hone my skills and grow into a strategic communicator,” she said. “The program set the industry standard and gave me the confidence to pursue the job I wanted, knowing I had the skills to succeed and the courage to put myself out there. I will forever be grateful for my teachers, the curriculum, and the confidence this program reawakened within me.”
Odrzywolski, who works in communications for the City of Port Colborne, won the Heather J. Pullen Memorial Award, presented to a graduating student member of CPRS Hamilton in recognition of outstanding commitment to professional integrity and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Kim Zarzuela, Chair of Awards at CPRS, said Odrzywolski demonstrated excellent academic performance and active involvement with CPRS Hamilton.
“What made Karolina stand apart was how she was proactive in getting involved with CPRS Hamilton as the student representative for 2025-26, and her efforts to support event planning, and her participation in the mentorship program,” said Zarzuela.
A graduate from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Political Science, Odrzywolski sees her role with the City of Port Colborne as a ‘perfect fit,’ marrying her background in political science with municipal communications.
“I’ve always wanted to bring those two areas together: my understanding of politics and my passion for clear, accessible communication that serves the public,” she said.
Odrzywolski was moved by the recognition by CPRS Hamilton, calling it not only encouraging, but validating.
“It has strengthened my confidence, deepened my passion for this industry, and made it clear that this is exactly where I’m meant to be,” said Odrzywolski. “One thing I know for certain is that I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today without the Niagara College Public Relations program. It has given me a strong foundation through hands-on learning and a lifelong network of professionals and peers who continue to support and inspire me as I grow in my career.”
Liota and Odrzywolski were each recognized for their real-world communications work, earning them prestigious silver level Pinnacle Awards.
Zarzuela said both Liota and Odrzywolski demonstrated exceptional aptitude in submissions that exceeded the rigor typically expected of student work.
Zarzuela called it an “exceptional feat.”
“It was a clear demonstration of the high quality of instruction they’ve received within the Niagara College PR program, and it was such a joy to see students put their work forward with confidence, knowing it would be judged against a professional-level criteria,” said Zarzuela.
Liota, who came to NC to polish his skills after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication from Brock University, was recognized for crafting a communications plan for EB Games. His campaign, True North Strong and Stream, sought to reinforce the brand’s Canadian identity through collaborations with Canadian streamers.
Liota found employment soon after graduating in a communications role for the City of Welland.
Odrzywolski developed a communications plan for the Hamilton Street Railway, leveraging hands-on experience from her NC program. Her winning campaign focused on building awareness among residents on new bus routes.
NC alumnus Bhrigu Bagga (PR, 2023) was also recognized with a Pinnacle Award in the Employee Engagement category for his work as Communications Advisor for Brant Community Healthcare Systems, in addition to the Mark Gregory Memorial Award. Bagga received the Student Award of Excellence in 2024.
Applications for the one-year graduate certificate are open for the Fall Term with classes starting in September. Learn more: niagaracollege.ca/media/program/public-relations
Related stories:
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.
– 30 –
Media inquiries:
Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant
905-932-1520
[email protected]