Excitement filled the air at Niagara College’s annual Niagara Day event on October 25. It was a day of celebration, reflection, and fun as our NC family gathered at the Welland Campus gymnasium.
The dynamic duo, Alison (Ali) Ryder and Peter “Dutch” Vandenberg, set the stage on fire with their infectious energy, witty banter, and killer dance moves, keeping everyone grinning ear to ear throughout the program.
Niagara Day co-hosts, Peter “Dutch” Vandenberg and Ali Ryder.
The day commenced with opening remarks and a moving thanksgiving address in the Oneida language by Indigenous Education Cultural Consultant Karl Dockstader. President Sean Kennedy then extended a warm welcome, emphasizing the cherished tradition of Niagara Day.
Dipal Patel, NCSAC President, also took the stage to reflect on her journey as a student leader and to highlight the partnership between the College and NCSAC in fostering enriching student experiences.
Niagara Day also served as a showcase of NC’s progress and initiatives. United Way Campaign Co-chairs, Ali Weir, Becky Sciliberto, alongside the NC Cares Committee, pumped up the crowd with an update on the United Way Workplace Campaign. They announced a fundraising total $25,858, over halfway to reaching the $50,000 goal. They also shared various ways in which NC employees can actively support the campaign.
Nadeen Shehaiber, Senior Director of Planning, Sustainability & Capital Projects, outlined the ambitious NC Master Plan, envisioning a decade-long investment in new buildings, renovated spaces, and campus expansions, including enhanced residence and recreational sports facilities.
An EDI update was delivered by Samah Sabra, Associate Director of Workplace Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; Leah Hogan, Associate Director of Indigenous Education; and Maxine Semple, Associate Director of Cultural and Global Engagement. Their presentation highlighted recent projects and partnerships aimed at fostering a more inclusive NC community, including initiatives aligned with the EDI blueprint and a glimpse into the recent Be World Ready trip to Squamish nation.
Whit Ross, Associate Director, Educational Development and Dana Wetherell, Educational Developer provided insights on the College Educator Development Program (CEPD) and reflected on the 2023 President’s Award for Innovation in Student Learning and Success winners, while announcing this year’s nomination forms are open for submission.
The day wouldn’t be complete without a heartwarming trip down memory lane via the year-in-review video, showcasing the best moments from the NC community.
The Niagara Day 2023 event replay video can be watched below:
Awards
The Awards segment was a key highlight of Niagara Day, recognizing outstanding individuals and teams who exemplify NC’s values and dedication. The recipients of the Niagara College Champion Award and the ExperieNCe Awards, along with those achieving milestones of service, were applauded for their exceptional commitment and contributions. Below is a list of this year’s award recipients.
2023 Awards of Excellence recipients.
Administration Award: Carol Phillips
Faculty Award: Lora Miani
Support Staff Award: Charmaine McNeil
Team Award: Nursing Lab Team: Carmel Andrews, Shannon Gervais, Richele Martinello, Brenda Milne, Brittany Schell, and Cathrine Tirone
Niagara Champion Award recipient Denise Ryan (left) with President Kennedy.
Niagara Champion Award: Denise Ryan
ExperieNCe Award recipients:
NC employees celebrating 10 Years of Service.
NC employees celebrating 15 Years of Service.
NC employees celebrating 20 Years of Service.
NC employees celebrating 25 Years of Service.
NC employees celebrating 30 Years of Service.
NC employees celebrating 35 Years of Service.
NC employees celebrating 40 Years of Service.
Congratulations to all the 2023 award and milestone recipients for their remarkable achievements and dedication to Niagara College’s success and community spirit.
A special thanks to Community Relations and Events, the Broadcasting: Radio, Television and Film program and the Marketing teams for their contributions to a successful event.
