On October 28, more than 550 staff and faculty joined virtually at Niagara Day, providing an opportunity for employees to reconnect and celebrate the accomplishments of our college community over the 2019-20 academic year.
Although the annual event looked much different this year, being livestreamed from NC’s Welland Campus, the virtual celebration mixed traditional event elements, including award presentations and the launch of a new year-in-review video, with special features and many personal touches throughout the program. Co-hosts Gary Torraville, associate dean, School of Food and Wine Sciences, and Cindy Andrews, International contract training manager, entertained viewers with their humorous banter throughout the program.
The event kicked off with the formal installation of Sean Kennedy as Niagara College’s sixth president. Del Rollo, chair of NC’s Board of Governors, presided over the ceremony as Kennedy received his presidential robes from his spouse, Kerry, and affirmed an oath to faithfully fulfill the duties of the President of NC.
As part of the special ceremony, Kennedy received best wishes via video messages from NC’s President Emeritus Dan Patterson, former NC Board of Governors chair John F. T. Scott, NCSAC president Tom Price and many NC students, including students from NCSAC’s music club who performed the song “Best Day of My Life.” The song was chosen by the students to represent Kennedy’s best moments during his tenure so far. Kennedy was also honoured through a special performance by the Strong Water Woman’s Hand Drum Group to welcome him “home” into his new role.
Niagara Day continued with the launch of the 2020 NC Cares workplace campaign in support of United Way Niagara. Campaign co-chairs Michele O’Keefe and Shelley Panetta spoke about the impact of donating to the campaign and the important work of the United Way in supporting our community. You can learn more and support the NC Cares campaign by visiting: niagaracollege.ca/nccares
Service award recipients were acknowledged and, with College Educator Development Program (CEDP) participants graduating in December this year, several CDEP program facilitators were highlighted – they spoke about their meaningful experiences contributing to the continued development and success of NC faculty through the program.
Highly anticipated award presentations also celebrated the many accomplishments of staff and faculty who go above and beyond to support student success and who embody the welcoming, passionate, and trailblazing qualities that make up NC’s DNA.
The Niagara Champion Award was presented to Ali Ryder, simulation lab technologist. Recruitment staff surprised Ryder through a decoy virtual meeting to present her with the award, which is given to faculty, staff or administrators who consistently help with NC’s recruitment efforts. Ryder’s welcoming nature, positive and enthusiastic attitude, and commitment to promoting the work of the College, made her a well-deserving recipient.
Surprise, live presentations to Awards of Excellence recipients also recognized three exemplary employees for their contributions to the College, staff and students alike. The special presentations showcased the heartfelt emotions of the winners and were well-received by viewers who could be seen cheering for their colleagues through the Zoom chat room, hosted by COE in parallel with the livestream event.
Congratulations to NC’s 2020 recipients:
Support Staff: Shirley Gilmour, administrative assistant, School of Academic and Liberal Studies
Administration: James Butko, associate dean, School of Liberal Studies
Faculty: Christine Wilkinson, professor, School of Community Services
One of the most unique features of this year’s event was the applied learning opportunity it presented for students in NC’s BRTF program, who produced the livestream broadcast in its entirety with the guidance and enthusiasm of program coordinator Dutch Vandenberg and with help from professor David Lostracco. The crew worked around the clock to pull off the broadcast in collaboration with staff from across the College, creating a memorable experience for all.
Thank you to everyone who helped make virtual Niagara Day possible and a special mention goes out to Carly Root, coordinator, President’s Office, Julie Stitt, associate director, Centre for Organizational Excellence (COE), and the entire COE team for their collaborative spirit in leading a successful event.
A recording of the livestream event is available here.
The 2019-20 Year in Review video can also be viewed separately here.
