Niagara College graduates go on to have impactful and important careers. With their diplomas, degrees and certificates in hand, they shape industries and communities, affecting everything from what we eat or wear to our safety and security.
This year, NC has nominated seven members of its alumni community, which is more than 100,000 strong, for the 2021 Premier’s Awards. Presented annually since 1992 by Colleges Ontario, the Premier’s Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of college alumni in Ontario and throughout the world. Awards are presented in seven categories: Apprenticeship, Business, Community Service, Creative Arts and Design, Health Science, Recent Graduate, and Technology.
The 2021 Premier’s Awards nominees representing NC include:
- Apprenticeship – Aaron Foster (Hendersonville, Tennessee – from Port Colborne), Executive Chef, W Hotel, and graduate of NC’s Culinary Management (Co-op) program (2003);
- Business – Lora Tisi (Oakville – hometown of St. Catharines), International retail strategist, and graduate of NC’s Fashion Arts program (1979);
- Community Service – Monique Belair (Belleville), Director of Emergency Services and Fire Chief, City of Belleville, and graduate of NC’s Law and Security Administration program (1985);
- Creative Arts and Design – Mark Suknanan/Priyanka (Toronto), Entertainer, first winner of Canada’s Drag Race (2020), and graduate of NC’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program (2012);
- Health Science – Kevin Smith (Niagara), Chief of Niagara Emergency Medical Services, Director of Emergency Services Division, and graduate of NC’s Ambulance and Emergency Care program (1992);
- Recent Graduate – Ryan Thorpe (Winnipeg, Manitoba), Investigative reporter at the Winnipeg Free Press, and graduate of NC’s Journalism program (2017); and
- Technology – Wanito Bernadin (Ottawa), Chief Information Officer, National Capital Commission of Canada, and graduate of NC’s Business Administration – Marketing (Co-op) program (2003).
“We are thrilled to nominate these outstanding alumni for provincial recognition through the Premier’s Awards,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “Our 2021 Premier’s Awards nominees are shining examples of how Niagara College graduates are making impactful contributions in every corner of society in Niagara and beyond, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments.”
Nominations were submitted from each of Ontario’s 24 community colleges, with 125 nominees overall for the 2021 awards. Nominees will be celebrated and winners will be announced at a virtual celebration on November 18.
Over the years, several Niagara College alumni have been recognized with Premier’s Awards, including:
• 2014 winner Royal Canadian Navy Capt. Rebecca Patterson (Nursing grad, 1987);
• 2012 winner David Pratt (Greenhouse Technician grad, 2007);
• 2011 winner Jerry Howell (Computer Engineering Technology grad, 1988);
• 2008 winner Jordan Harris (Winery and Viticulture Technician grad, 2004);
• 2003 winner Heather Kilty (Social Welfare Worker grad, 1969); and
• 1995 winner Carol Alaimo (Journalism-Print grad, 1984).
For information about the Premier’s Awards and 2021 nominees, visit co-awards.org.
