Cue feelings of childhood nostalgia.
On March 18, over 120 Computer Programming students at Niagara College gathered in The Core to celebrate the end of term at a Mario Through the Decades event with games, prizes, and consoles dating back to the early 90’s.
“We wanted to design a fully interactive event where attendees could reignite their memories and nurture their nostalgia while playing Super Mario games on various consoles, both old and new,” explained Marcus Giancola, one of the Public Relations program student organizers.
Giancola and his team – Stella Aisenshtat, Abbey Rivers, Olivia Ethier – played to their audience, decking out The Core in all things Mario, from décor to fun, themed-snacks like ‘Yoshi Tongue Twizzlers’ and ‘Princess Peach Sour Rings.’
From L to R: Stella Aisenshtat, Marcus Giancola, Abbey Rivers, Olivia Ethier.
Students had a chance to guess how many Yoshi eggs were in a jar and bid on raffle prizes of mini retro gaming systems and, the grand prize, a TB LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt hard drive.
Three students, one from each of the Computer Programming, Francis Osei Bonsu, Computer Programming and Analysis (Co-op) programs, Rojay Luke Arinze, and Computer Systems Technician, Jamie Gallagher, accepted the Associate Dean’s Award of Excellence.
Associate Dean of the School of Technology, Duane Bender, and Dean of Media, Trades and Technology, Leo Tiberi, handed out the awards to Osei Bonsu, Arinze, and Gallagher who each achieved the highest-grade point average in their respective programs.
“Congratulations to the recipients of the Associate Dean Award of Excellence for 2024-25 for their remarkable academic achievements at Niagara College,” said Bender. “The award is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence.”
Arinze, Jamaican-born and who grew up in the Bahamas, was initially hesitant about a career in computer programming.
“Within my first semester with Mark Hardwick, Anna Marie Kelly, and Kyle Waymark as my professors, I realized it was for me,” said Arinze. “They challenged me but also allowed me to my own personal touch on things.”
Arinze works part-time as a Junior Programmer, and plans to continue full-time after graduating, while also pursuing his goals of becoming a part-time professor and business owner.
Osei Bonsu, from Kumasi in Ghana, came to NC following International Development Studies at Dalhousie University.
“I’ve always been passionate about technology, especially how it can be used to improve systems, solve real-world problems, and make data more meaningful. That curiosity is what inspired me to dive into Computer Programming,” said Osei Bonsu, who says that his time at NC has been a “rewarding” experience.
Gallagher, from Niagara Falls, returned to school at 30 to pursue his passion for technology.
“My experience at NC has been incredible. The Computer Systems Technician program has provided me with valuable opportunities for growth and leadership. My classmates and the faculty–especially Jim, our program coordinator–have been incredibly supportive,” said Gallagher, who hopes to continue to advance his learning and specialize in networking or cloud administration.
Planning and executing the awards ceremony was a way for Giancola to apply his learning in Emily McInerney’s Special Event Development and Management course.
To ensure the event went smoothly, Giancola explains how his team focused on three core components of event planning: the critical path, consistent collaboration, and attention to detail.
“Details, details, details,” explained Giancola of Welland. “From balloon to prize selection to the colour of tablecloths, tickets, and streamers, event details matter… they are crucial to ensure a cohesive and consistent theme on the day of, enabling your audience to feel fully immersed in what you have prepared for them.”
Event planning came with its challenges, from being both strategic and crafty with a small budget, while also collaborating with teammates juggling different responsibilities and schedules. Ultimately, Giancola cites being nimble and organized for their success.
Giancola was inspired to pursue PR after taking a course in his last year of the Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication program at Brock University.
“I was immediately captivated by the fast-paced, ever-changing environment where constantly innovating, maintaining relationships, and communicating clearly and effectively with your audience is essential,” he said, recalling a visit to his seminar class by NC program coordinator McInerney that made the decision clear.
Professor David Stovell said that the event went over well with Computer Programming students.
“I had a number of students from the Computer Programming and Computer Programming and Analysis comment on how impressed they were… The event exceeded their expectations,” said Stovell.
The gathering had the largest turnout in the history of the event.
“Their vision and preparation were well planned and executed wonderfully,” said Schinkel, who supported the PR students with sourcing the equipment and game consoles. “They were a pleasure to work with and I look forward to next year’s event.
