Niagara College brought its spirit of innovation, alumni excellence, and community connection to the nation’s capital on November 6 for its inaugural Voices of Impact Showcase, held at the historic Sir John A. Macdonald Building.
Members of Niagara College’s Executive Team, Alumni Relations, Community Events & Relations, Government Relations, the School of Culinary Arts, the School of Hospitality & Tourism, and Benchmark celebrate at the Voices of Impact Showcase.
The showcase brought together a vibrant community of NC alumni and supporters to celebrate alumni accomplishments and connections across the Capital Region, while also spotlighting the College’s distinction as Canada’s No. 1 research college. The event brought NC to Parliament Hill, highlighting stories of impact, connection, and applied learning.
More than 75 guests attended the showcase, including alumni and their families, community partners, and a notable delegation of government officials.
A Showcase of NC in the Capital
The event was a unique cross-college collaboration, bringing together NC’s Community Relations and Events, Alumni Relations, Government Relations, the School of Culinary Arts, the School of Hospitality and Tourism, and Benchmark Restaurant to deliver an exceptional showcase experience.
The showcase welcomed a wide range of NC leaders and partners, including Canadian senators, Members of Parliament, and officials from federal departments such as Global Affairs Canada, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of the Minister of Industry, and Indigenous Services Canada, along with several foreign dignitaries and ambassadors.
Representing NC were President Sean Kennedy; Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement; Sean Coote, Vice President, International; Marc Nantel, Vice President, Research, Innovation & Strategic Enterprises (RISE); Jana Boniferro, Director, Alumni Relations; Carly Root, Director, Community Relations and Events; Mabel Watt, Director, Government Relations; Gary Torraville, Senior Director, International; Sarah Scott, Community Relations & Events Specialist; and Becky Sciliberto, Executive Assistant, Vice President International. NC’s Board Chair, Lora Tisi, an NC alumna and past Alumni of Excellence honouree, was also in attendance.
President Sean Kennedy and former Niagara College president Tony Manera.
Niagara College’s second president, Tony Manera, was also in attendance, where he had the unique opportunity to meet distinguished alumni and witness firsthand the impact NC has had on their careers and success, as well as the legacy the College continues to build.
“The success of the Ottawa Showcase reflects the strength of Niagara College’s alumni community and our commitment to meaningful engagement beyond our campuses,” said Jana Boniferro, Director, Alumni Relations. “As a key pillar of the College’s Strategic Plan, alumni and partnership engagement were brought to life through this event, strengthening connections by bringing together elected officials, ambassadors, established alumni, recent graduates, and their guests in a true celebration of pride and community.”
Alumni Panel: Stories of Leadership and Impact
At the heart of the evening was the Voices of Impact alumni panel, moderated by distinguished journalist and NC alumnus Murray Brewster (Broadcasting – Radio, Television & Film, 1985). With decades of experience reporting on global conflict, defence, and public policy, Brewster guided a powerful and reflective discussion.
“Hearing the inspirational life stories of fellow graduates was very moving,” said Brewster. “Listening to them reminded me of my own journey from the college campus to Parliament Hill. They reminded me that we all have something to contribute to our community, in our own unique way, and that the foundation of that is a quality education.”
What impressed Brewster the most was the continuity of the experience among the panelists.
“Each of them attended Niagara College in different decades, yet the breadth and the quality of the education and the richness of their experience remained the same,” he said. “It’s a testament to thoughtfulness and determination of college’s leadership throughout the years.”
Panelists explored a range of themes, including their personal connections to NC, career pathways and leadership experiences, lessons learned through resilience, the importance of community and professional networks, and their perspectives on the future of their fields and industries.
Alumni Panelists
Wanito Bernadin
Chief Information and Data Officer, Library and Archives Canada (Business Administration, 2003)
Bernadin shared insights from his leadership roles within major federal institutions and reflected on the importance of communication, mentorship, and public service. A 2021 Premier’s Awards nominee, he remains committed to community engagement and lifelong learning.
From L to R: Gord Arbeau, Wanito Bernadin, Winnie Muchuba, Senator the Honourable Rebecca Patterson, Lora Tisi, Moderator Murray Brewster and Sean Kennedy at the Voices of Impact Showcase.
Winnie Muchuba
Humanitarian, Canadian Red Cross (General Arts & Science, 2018)
Muchuba’s shared her story of resilience and determination, from fleeing civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo to rebuilding her life in Canada. Now an Emergency Responder Volunteer, she continues to support vulnerable communities and newcomers across Ontario. Muchuba is also a 2025 Alumni of Excellence.
Senator the Honourable Rebecca Patterson
Nursing (1987)
Rear-Admiral (Ret’d) Senator Patterson spoke about her 34-year career with the Canadian Armed Forces and her ongoing commitment to advocating for Canadian Armed Forces members, military families, and veterans. A 2014 Premier’s Awards recipient, she emphasized the value of compassion, leadership, and practical education.
Alumni Reflections
Among the many alumni in attendance was Registered Practical Nurse Anshul Donald Melville, who experienced the evening as both a professional milestone and a personal celebration.
Attending with his father created a meaningful full-circle moment, allowing him to share the NC community that supported his education with his father who supported his journey.
“Having my father there and seeing him feel more involved in the Niagara College community was a profound moment for me,” he said.
Melville described the showcase as “a remarkably well-organized and inspiring gathering that truly showcased the strength and prestige of our Niagara College community.”
NC’s Research & Innovation projects were on display at the showcase, highlighting NC’s distinction as the No. 1 Research College in Canada.
He highlighted that, “the opportunity to network with such distinguished attendees, including elected MPs, senators, and CEOs of government organizations, was invaluable,” adding that he “deeply appreciated the substance of the event,” particularly insights on networking, government agencies, and the importance of skill-based applied learning.
Melville added that, as a nurse, he also felt tremendously respected for his work, an experience he described as “truly amazing and uplifting.”
NC Research & Innovation on Display
The showcase also highlighted NC’s leadership in applied research. A dedicated Research & Innovation display, led by Marc Nantel, Vice President, RISE, introduced guests to the projects and partnerships that have helped position NC as the No. 1 Research College in Canada.
Nantel met with guests throughout the evening, sharing examples of how the College collaborates with industry partners and students to solve real-world challenges and strengthen communities across Ontario.
Behind the Scenes: Student Experience & Partner Advocacy
President Sean Kennedy and Murray Brewster on a behind-the-scenes tour of the CBC Ottawa Bureau.
Beyond the showcase itself, NC’s time in Ottawa provided experiential learning opportunities for students while also strengthening important relationships across the Capital Region.
A team of NC Culinary Arts and Hospitality students joined the trip, working alongside Benchmark Chef Justin Downes and Benchmark Sous Chef Anthony Greco to collaborate with the Fairmont Château Laurier’s culinary team in preparing food for the showcase. In addition to helping create menu components in the Fairmont’s professional kitchens, the students supported the event’s hospitality services by greeting guests, pouring NC wine and beer, and serving food throughout the evening. Their visit also included a comprehensive behind-the-scenes tour of the Fairmont, where they explored areas such as the underground kitchen and pastry shop and learned about the hotel’s long history. This hands-on experience allowed students to apply their skills in a professional environment and demonstrated NC’s experiential learning model.
NC students gained hands-on experience providing culinary and hospitality services at the Ottawa showcase.
Murray Brewster also hosted a behind-the-scenes tour of the CBC Ottawa Bureau for NC representatives. The visit offered unique insight to national broadcast journalism and the environment in which Brewster has built his distinguished career.
Throughout the visit, NC representatives held several meetings with partners and elected officials, including Members of Parliament. These discussions not only strengthened the College’s presence in the Capital Region but also evolved into meaningful advocacy work, allowing NC to highlight its priorities, share its impact, and contribute to important conversations within the post-secondary landscape.
