A recent graduate from NC’s School of Business joined City staff at the Welland Campus on November 6 with copies of a recently-released book to help newcomers discover and feel at home in their community.
A pop-up event gave students a chance to get free copies of Wonders of Welland and meet the book’s creative team; including author Marc MacDonald, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer, City of Welland; illustrator Javier Carranza, NC alumnus (2024) who worked on the project as a student intern; and editor Paul Orlando, Communications Specialist from the City of Welland.
Carranza, who graduated earlier this year, illustrated Wonders of Welland while working with the City’s Communications department as an intern in 2022 and 2023. He brought his previous experience in graphic design as well as his unique perspective as a newcomer from Honduras to the project.
“I am highly honoured, grateful and excited to be able to share this great achievement with the Niagara College community,” he said.
For Carranza, the book captures the emotional journey of being a newcomer that he, like many students, have experienced.
“It’s OK to feel sadness when leaving a place we once called home, but each phase along the way brings something positive,” said Carranza. “Embrace the new: new people, new experiences, and new opportunities to share who we are. In time, this new place becomes home, and that’s perfectly OK.”
The City launched the book in June 2024. The 36-page book unfolds across a calendar year, and highlights must-visit places and diverse opportunities within the community. It aims to bridge generational gaps, promote literacy, encourage family bonding, and nurture civic pride and community engagement.
The Wonders of Welland pop-up was organized by the College’s Alumni Relations and Community Relations and Events, in partnership with the City of Welland.
For information Wonders of Welland, visit www.welland.ca/WoW.
Wonders of Welland creators join College staff at a pop-up event November 6 including (from left), editor Paul Orlando (Communications Specialist, City of Welland), illustrator Javier Carranza, Lindsey Hendriks (Community Relations and Events Specialist), Jana Boniferro (Director, Alumni Relations), and Tom Price (Alumni Engagement Officer).
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