Story written by NC Public Relations student Bhrigu Bagga:
Niagara College’s Public Relations program hosted its annual Grad Panel on March 21, 2024. This event occurs on the last day of school as the students start internships the following week.
Five program alums: Ray McIlroy, Senior Vice President, Kaiser & Partners (Class of 2008); Brenna McCutcheon, Communications Specialist Family and Children’s Service, Niagara (Class of 2023); Rachel Dedinsky, Brand Manager for The Ordinary, DECIEM (Class of 2018); Cole Patton, Junior Communications Advisor, Town of Fort Erie (Class of 2022) and Patricia Menear, Communications Specialist, Toronto Metropolitan University (Class of 2020) returned to NC and shared advice with the graduating class.
First, students had the opportunity to network with grads through round-table discussions in groups of five, followed by an open panel discussion moderated by program coordinator Emily McInerny. The event concluded with a student awards ceremony. Naomi Fox was accorded the Senator Keith Davey Memorial Public Relations Award, Bhrigu Bagga and Curtis Pay received the Associate Dean’s Award of Excellence, and Madeleine Pellegrini was awarded the Coordinator’s Award.
This annual tradition in the program is highly valuable because it comes when students are about to launch their careers and experienced grads share pragmatic tips on internships, job hunting and industry trends.
“This event is a great networking opportunity for our students. I am so thankful to all our grads for taking time from their busy schedules to be here and help future Public Relations professionals,” said Emily McInerny, PR program coordinator and professor. “This is also a full-circle moment for grads who were once on the student’s side. All our instructors and I wish them success in their internships and careers.”
