The Welland Campus gymnasium was abuzz on October 26, as approximately 400 Niagara College employees gathered at Niagara Day. Following two years of virtual delivery, this year’s event was a long-awaited opportunity for employees to reconnect in person, celebrate achievements, and recognize their colleagues for their extraordinary work and contributions over the past year.
“What a special day it is – a truly historic homecoming!” said President Sean Kennedy, who celebrated his first in-person Niagara Day since becoming college President. “Niagara Day has always marked a significant point in the academic year, and after two years of virtual activities, I know that many of us have a renewed appreciation for seeing each other in person as we reconnect on campus.”
The event kicked off with a welcome and opening prayer from Elder and NC alumnus David Labbe, who graduated from the Electronic Engineering Technologist program in 1971.
Popular 2020 and 2021 Niagara Day co-hosts Gary Torraville, Senior Director, International, and Cindy Andrews, Manager, Global Customized Training and Consulting, returned again to emcee this year’s celebration. They charmed the crowd with their humorous banter for their final performance as a dynamic duo – Andrews is retiring at the end of the year, as announced by President Kennedy at the event.
NCSAC Director of Trades Nishita Kirtikumar Vekaria spoke about her experience as a student leader. She passionately explained the important role of the Student Administrative Council in supporting student success outside of the classroom.
President Kennedy acknowledged recent college milestones, including the record hiring of about 100 employees since before the start of the Fall Term. He invited all staff, faculty and administrators who joined the College in the past year to stand and be recognized, and noted that investments in people will continue, as NC expects to fill another 100 positions over the next year – a focal point of NC’s 2022-23 Business Plan to position the College to play a key role in the Region’s economic recovery.
Kennedy highlighted NC’s new Strategic Plan and the work that has been done so far to support the plan’s connected areas of focus. He noted new college programs, awards and recognition, and acknowledged the College’s integral role in advancing the sports and culture legacy of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games this past summer.
Speaking about his role as 2022 Chair of United Way Niagara’s regional campaign, Kennedy also
reminded employees that the NC Cares United Way workplace campaign is ongoing until December 9, encouraging staff and faculty to make a donation in support of the community.
He concluded by introducing a special Welcome Back video featuring students and employees, who shared sentiments about being back on campus this fall.
Employees also heard from Centre for Academic Excellence Director Natasha Patrito Hannon, who invited staff and faculty to consider their applications for the President’s Award for Innovation in Student Learning and Success, which debuted last year.
President Sean Kennedy celebrated his first in-person Niagara Day since becoming NC President in 2020
Awards and milestones
Members from NC’s Executive Team recognized employee service milestones and presented annual awards, celebrating the accomplishments of staff and faculty who embody the College’s welcoming, passionate and trailblazing characteristics.
This year’s Niagara Champion Award was presented to Katie Altoft, Professor in the School of Environment and Horticulture, for her commitment towards college recruitment efforts.
Niagara Champion Award recipient Katie Altoft (middle left) with President Kennedy, and Marketing and Student Recruitment’s Dorita Pentesco and Ian Aikenhead
The highly anticipated Awards of Excellence recognized three outstanding employees and one team for their remarkable contributions to the NC community.
The 2022 Awards of Excellence recipients are as follows:
Team Award: ‘COVID Safety Response Team’ – Darren Williams, Health & Safety Specialist, and Katie McQuestion, Emergency Management/Fire Safety Coordinator
Support Staff: Maria Cassford, Administrative Assistant, School of Hospitality & Tourism
Administration: Maxine Semple, Manager, Cultural & Global Engagement
Faculty: Jamie Oresar, Professor, School of Liberal Studies
Visit InsideNC in the coming weeks for profiles on these exceptional recipients.
Team Award of Excellence recipients Katie McQuestion and Darren Williams – the ‘COVID Safety Response Team’
Award of Excellence Support Staff recipient Maria Cassford
Award of Excellence Administration recipient Maxine Semple
Award of Excellence Faculty recipient Jamie Oresar
Years of Service awards were also presented to staff with 10, 15, 20, 25 and 35 years at NC. Among the recipients, Bruce Ashford, William Boehlen, Michael Boldin, Rhonda Burns and Peter Vanscoy celebrated 25 years, and Domenic Caruso celebrated 35 years.
Thank you to everyone who joined the celebration and contributed to Niagara Day 2022!
The full list of employees celebrating 10 Years of Service includes: Barbara Ally, Claudio Angius, Jennifer Babin, Elaine Burgess, Christopher Carter, Jessie Demone, Dena Gavin, Rick Goertz, Angela Hayes, Drew Kean, Timothy Kaposy, Kathy Legros, Conor MacNeill, Cindy McDonald, Susan McLachlin, Agnieszka Nowaczek, Wendy Palermo, Kelly Powick-Kumar, Grace Smith, Stephanie Snihur, Julie Stuart, Mary-Christine Vanscoy, Peter Voynovich, Philippus Wessels
The full list of employees celebrating 15 Years of Service includes: Robin Alakas, Michael Beattie, Reiko Burleigh, Angela Butt, Linda Cornelius, Laura DiPietro, Jill English, Stefane Filion, Marsha Fiorino, Brandon Friesen, Shannon Gale, Trish Haynes, Manuela Keeler, John Levay, Lisa Maurice, Shelley Merlo, Dino Morabito, Scott Price, Steven Scott, Crispin Shaftoe, Peter Storm, Wendy Ward
The full list of employees celebrating 20 Years of Service includes: David Atherton, Lynn Calder, Maria Cassford, Antonio Cirasuolo, Steve Gill, Robert Greene, Lana Hardwick, John Johnson, Gary McCormick, Tracey Moore, Lynn Otto, Andre Roy, Andrea Sinclair, Pam Terranova
All 25 Year Service award recipients for 2022 include: Bruce Ashford, William Boehlen, Michael Boldin, Rhonda Burns, Peter Vanscoy. Domenic Caruso was also acknowledged for his 35 years of service.
