Niagara College welcomed thousands of prospective students and their families to its annual Spring Open House on March 29, offering a firsthand look at its innovative programs, state-of-the-art learning spaces, and hands-on training opportunities.
Beyond exploring academic displays, touring labs, and engaging with faculty and current students, Open House guests had a unique opportunity to hear from NC alumni who returned to their alma mater to share their experiences and career journeys since graduation.
Nine distinguished alumni from a variety of industries participated in the event, representing diverse career paths in business, media, hospitality, trades, culinary arts, and more. Their presence at both campuses allowed prospective students to gain valuable insights into #ncLIFE, how their academic programs shaped their careers, and the impact of an NC education beyond graduation.
Alumni volunteers at NC’s Welland Campus Spring Open House. From left to right: Zac Wang, Allison Smith, Deepni Pradeep and Holly Thompson.
“It’s always incredible to welcome our alumni back to campus for Open House, where they play a key role in inspiring future students,” said Tom Price, Alumni Engagement Officer. “Their firsthand stories highlight the impact of an NC education, providing valuable insights into academics, #ncLIFE, and career pathways. Hearing directly from these accomplished grads helps prospective students feel more informed and excited about their program choices while showcasing the many opportunities that await them beyond graduation.”
For the participating alumni, Open House was more than just an opportunity to give back, it was a chance to reconnect with their alma mater, revisit familiar hallways, and meet the next generation of NC students. It also provided a way for them to explore opportunities to stay connected with the College and continue making an impact on future learners.
Meet the alumni who participated in this year’s Spring Open House:
Deepni Pradeep
Deepni Pradeep is a top-ranking Technology Sales Representative at Staples and a dedicated graduate of Niagara College’s Public Relations and Social Media Management programs (Class of 2023 and 2024). Passionate about community engagement, she has played a key role in building the NC alumni network, assisted with major events like the 2024 Niagara College Gala and Golf Classic and helped build global alumni ambassador initiatives. With a strong foundation in sales and marketing, Deepni is committed to sharing her Niagara College journey to inspire future students and showcase the diverse opportunities the college offers.
Allison Smith
Allison Smith is a journalist-turned-marketer who crafts compelling stories for startups and businesses in manufacturing, science, and tech. A proud Niagara College alumna of the Journalism – Print and Public Relations Post-Graduate programs (Class of 2005 and 2006), she excels at transforming complex ideas into engaging narratives.
Holly Thompson
Holly Thompson is a Site Coordinator with Chamberlain Architect Services Limited, overseeing the construction of a four-story long-term care home in Niagara Falls. A graduate of Niagara College’s Carpentry and Renovation Technician program (Class of 2018) and a graduate of Willowbank School of Restoration Arts (Class of 2022), Holly combines her passion for both commercial and heritage construction. A career highlight includes restoring the original 1830s portico on Willowbank Estate. Balancing a managerial role in commercial construction with hands-on carpentry work, she thrives on understanding every stage of a build from start to finish.
Zac Wang
Zac Wang is the Transition and Orientation Coordinator at the University of Niagara Falls Canada, helping students navigate academic and personal growth. A proud Niagara College alumnus, he graduated from the Early Childhood Education program (Class of 2016) before transitioning from the early years sector into social services. During his time at NC, Zac was an active campus leader, earning the 2016 Volunteer & Leadership Awards for his contributions. He remains deeply connected to the college community and is passionate about giving back.
Christian Bertone
Christian is an experienced HR and talent acquisition professional specializing in full-cycle recruitment for small to medium-sized businesses and startups. A graduate of Niagara College’s Human Resources Management diploma program (Class of 2022), Christian also holds a BA and MA in Media, Communications, and Popular Culture from Brock University. Passionate about serving the community, Christian has sourced job leads at Job Gym and successfully recruited over 100 drivers for Voyago’s Para-Transit division, ensuring accessible transportation for Niagara residents.
Jenna Black
Jenna Black is a food product development professional specializing in research and development, sensory analysis, and laminated dough production. A graduate of Niagara College’s Culinary Innovation and Food Technology Co-op program (Class of 2020), she combines a passion for baking, cooking, and science to drive innovation in the industry. Jenna gained early experience through an internship with Nestlé Canada’s sensory test kitchen and a co-op at the Canadian Food and Wine Institute Innovation Centre. She has since advanced through roles at Nutrablend Foods, YaYa Foods, and Give and Go, shaping the future of food products.
Spyros Kyriakoulias
Spyros Kyriakoulias is a Sales and Service Development professional with the Toronto Blue Jays, specializing in group sales. A graduate of Niagara College (Class of 2023), Spyros navigated the unique challenges of fully online learning during the pandemic. During his third year, he interned with the Ottawa Senators’ Premium Sales & Service team before returning to Niagara to complete his studies. Following graduation, he joined the Blue Jays’ Fan Service team for the 2023 season. In the off-season, Spyros served as the Box Office Supervisor at the Meridian Centre, home of the Niagara IceDogs, before rejoining the Jays in his current role.
Madison Meloche
A graduate of Niagara College’s Tourism Management Business Development program (Class of 2023), Madison Meloche is an Event Coordinator at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre. With a diverse background in tourism and event coordination, she gained hands-on experience through a co-op with Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, played intramural volleyball, and volunteered with the Niagara-on-the-Lake Ambassadors. After graduation, Madison further expanded her expertise through a cultural exchange program at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Pallav Srivastava
Pallav Srivastava is the Corporate Chef of Indian Aroma Kitchen, leading the expansion of the family business to four successful restaurants in the Niagara region, including the newly launched TAASH – Indian Restaurant and Bar. A graduate of Niagara College’s Culinary Management (Co-op) program (Class of 2015), Pallav’s culinary journey began as a dishwasher at Queen’s Landing, where he quickly advanced to Chef de Partie, catering for top wineries and breweries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. He later held leadership roles as Sous Chef at Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Executive Chef at Beacon Harbourside before joining his family business in 2022.
Mark Newman (Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) program, 1983), revisits NC after 45 years during Spring Open House, reconnecting with his alma mater. From left to right: Dutch Vandenberg, Program Coordinator and Professor, BRTF, Mark Newman, Bruce Gilbert, Professor, BRTF.
A trip down memory lane
Spring Open House also served as a nostalgic return for Mark Newman, a 1983 graduate of the Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) program. After 45 years, Newman revisited the halls of NC, joining the event to reconnect with his alma mater. Now a reporter and photographer with Niagara This Week, Newman toured the Welland Campus alongside Peter “Dutch” Vandenberg, Program Coordinator and Professor of the BRTF program, and Professor Bruce Gilbert who is also a grad of the program (1994). The visit offered Newman a chance to learn about the program’s development since his time at NC and witness firsthand how the College has evolved over the years.
Staying connected
If you are an NC alum looking to reconnect with your alma mater and explore ways to get involved with the College, reach out to Alumni Relations at [email protected] to learn more about mentorship, networking, and volunteer opportunities.
