Alumni connections were in the spotlight as more than 100 gathered at the Welland Campus for ReuKnighted 2023.
NC’s biggest on-campus alumni reunion of the year, ReuKnighted, kicked off with a tailgate party on November 3 at The Core. The excitement continued on November 4 with campus tours and volleyball games versus Conestoga College.
The College community was encouraged to attend this year’s event, organized by Alumni Relations in collaboration with Athletics and Student Engagement.
“It is absolutely true that one cannot turn around in Niagara and not run into a proud Niagara College graduate,” said President Sean Kennedy to a cheering crowd at The Core during the tailgate party.
“In every sector, in every business, in healthcare, you name it, you’ll find a Niagara College graduate making a difference in the lives of our communities, operating our businesses, helping to support our communities in different ways … Niagara College grads and our alumni are out there making a difference across Niagara, across Ontario, across Canada and – more than ever before – across the world.”
For the first time, this year’s tailgate also involved a team from the School of Culinary Arts who prepared and were on site to present a selection of fare for guests to enjoy. NC beer and wine were also available. In addition, Community Relations and Events collected donations for the Welland Food Drive.
A team from the School of Culinary Arts are ready to serve guests a taste of NC at the tailgate party.
“ReuKnighted 2023 was an outstanding success,” said Director, Alumni Relations, Jana Boniferro. “The pride in the room was palpable which underscores the incredible and special Niagara College alumni family we are fortunate to have.”
The event was a hit among attendees.
Mark Carl, Chief Executive Officer for Habitat for Humanity Niagara, attended the tailgate and noted he enjoyed the event.
“It was an honour to be back on campus at Niagara College. It was a delightful experience, to witness the students’ passion and energy to showcase their acquired skills and trades,” said Carl, who is one of NC’s 2023 Premier’s Award nominees. “It was truly inspiring to see how the campus has evolved, embracing new technologies and creating a better learning and over all student environment for all.”
Former NCSAC President Tom Price, who graduated from Business Administration – Human Resources (Co-op) in 2019, and currently works at the College in Enrolment Services said that, as an alumnus, it was great to ‘reuKnight’ with classmates, staff, and faculty that he connected with during his time studying, as well as to meet alumni who graduated during the eighties, nineties, and 2000s.
“It was impressive to hear their stories of what they have been up to and their personal and professional successes post-graduation,” said Price. “The event itself was fantastic. From the culinary students on site preparing a delicious menu, to the student beer and wine offerings, to the basketball games and volleyball games, to the campus tours, it was truly an all-encompassing event that highlighted what makes Niagara College so special.”
Orel Ruiz, Director, Global Campus Operations said his experience at ReuKnighted was a fantastic blend of nostalgia and camaraderie.
“I had the pleasure of interacting with fellow alums from various graduating classes and programs,connecting and bonding over our shared life-changing experiences as former NC students,” said Ruiz. “Additionally, I had the opportunity to connect with fellow NC staff who are also alums. We shared a laugh or two as we reminisced about our times at NC!
“As both an alum and current staff member, I am always in awe of the vibrant energy of our Niagara College community. Connecting with fellow Knights, celebrating shared memories, and cheering on our teams made the event truly memorable,” he said. “A round of applause is well-deserved for our Alumni, who orchestrated such a spirited and inclusive reunion!
NC’s alumni community has surpassed 120,000.
A team from Community Relations and Events collect non-perishable food items and cash donations for the Welland Food Drive.
