Niagara College proudly celebrated its 2025 Alumni of Excellence during a special dinner held on November 14 at NC’s Benchmark Restaurant. More than 40 guests attended the intimate evening, which welcomed honourees and members of the College community to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of this year’s recipients.
President Sean Kennedy giving a special toast in honour of this year’s Alumni of Excellence honourees.
As NC’s highest honour for graduates, the Alumni of Excellence distinction includes participation in signature College events and engagement opportunities throughout the year. As part of this recognition, each honouree is also selected as one of NC’s official nominees for Colleges Ontario’s Premier’s Awards, highlighting their outstanding professional, community and academic achievements at the provincial level. While the provincial award format changed this year, and recipients have been since selected, the shift created an opportunity for an inaugural on-campus celebration. Niagara College remains deeply proud of its nominees and the meaningful impact they continue to make across their industries and communities.
“Our Alumni of Excellence reflect the remarkable journeys our graduates continue to take after leaving NC,” said Jana Boniferro, Director, Alumni Relations. “Celebrating their accomplishments on campus gave us a special opportunity to acknowledge their impact and come together as a community in their honour.”
Gord Arbeau, Vice-President of Advancement, opened the evening by celebrating the significance of this year’s cohort, followed by President Sean Kennedy who welcomed the honourees with a special toast in their honour.
“During this special evening, we are proud to celebrate the Niagara College 2025 Alumni of Excellence cohort, an extraordinary group of graduates whose leadership, innovation, and compassion are making a meaningful difference in communities across Canada and around the world,” said Arbeau. “Each of these honourees represents the very best of what it means to be a Niagara College graduate: resilient, creative, and committed to driving positive change.”
Adding to the celebration, several members of NC’s Executive Team were also in attendance, including Pam Skinner, Vice-President, Operations; Chris McGrath, Vice-President, Students; Sean Coote, Vice-President, International; Dorita Pentesco, Vice-President, Enrolment; and Dr. Marc Nantel, Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Strategic Enterprises. They were joined by Academic Deans, mentors connected to the honourees’ time at NC, members of the College community and members of the College Board, including Board Chair Lora Tisi, an NC alumna and past Alumni of Excellence honouree, and Board Co-Chair Rashmi Biswas.
Members of the 2024 Alumni of Excellence cohort also returned to campus to join the celebration and officially welcome the 2025 recipients into this distinguished alumni community.
Guests enjoyed a curated dining experience prepared in collaboration with NC’s Culinary Arts students. Working under the guidance of Benchmark Chef Justin Downes and Sous Chef Anthony Greco, students crafted and served a menu featuring highlights such as a Butternut Squash Bisque and a Slow-Braised Short Rib entrée. During the evening, Chef Justin and Chef Anthony discussed the preparation of each dish and the thoughtful culinary approach behind the menu.
A memorable moment of the evening included President Kennedy presenting each honouree with their official Alumni of Excellence pin, a symbol of pride, achievement and lifelong connection to Niagara College.
Benchmark Chefs Justin and Anthony shared with guests the inspiration behind the culinary creations created and served on campus.
Meet the 2025 Alumni of Excellence
Jessica Compton
Founder, Tree of Stars: Correctional Worker program, 2001
A resilient mental health advocate, Jessica Compton has transformed her lived experiences into powerful support for at-risk youth and individuals navigating trauma, addiction, and recovery. Through her work as a volunteer, child and youth worker, educational assistant, and founder of Tree of Stars, she uses storytelling, music, and community engagement to promote hope and healing.
“Recognition is others noticing what a difference you are making in the world by saying thank you and advocating through the work you are doing.” – Compton
Mark Fisher
President, Canada Water Agency: Ecosystem Restoration program, 1997
With nearly 30 years of experience in environmental leadership and public policy, Mark Fisher has dedicated his career to advancing freshwater protection across Canada. As head of the Canada Water Agency, he brings expertise in binational relations, environmental sustainability, and collaborative stewardship.
“I’m deeply grateful for the Alumni of Excellence pin and proud to be part of a community that values experiential learning and impact.” – Fisher
Aaron Jones
CEO, Kraun Electric Inc.: Electronics Engineering Technology program, 2003
From labourer to CEO, Aaron Jones has spent more than two decades growing Kraun Electric into a thriving, values-driven company known for its inclusive culture and commitment to mentorship. Under his leadership, the company has expanded significantly and continues to champion workforce development and community impact.
This has been a moment of reflection for me – something I don’t often stop to do. This recognition has reminded me to be grateful — for the people and experiences that set me on this path — and it’s an honour to represent the College in this way. I hope my story shows current students that a humble start can grow into something meaningful. Niagara College continues to be a transformational force in this region, and I’m proud to still be a small part of that story.” – Jones
Adam Karamath
Founder & CEO, Mel Medical Inc.: Photonics Engineering Technology program, 2009
Since graduating from NC’s photonics program, Adam Karamath has built a career advancing medical imaging technologies across global markets. He now serves as Senior Director of Commercial Operations at Vena Medical, helping lead the clinical adoption and global expansion of the MicroAngioscope, one of the smallest intravascular cameras used in stroke treatment.
“Receiving the Niagara College Alumni Award of Excellence is an incredible honour that takes me back to where it all began. Niagara College sparked my passion for light and photonics, showing me how these technologies can redefine medicine and reveal the inner workings of the human body in entirely new ways. This recognition isn’t just about achievement; it’s about gratitude. The mentors, the challenges, and the spark that started here continue to drive every breakthrough I chase today.” – Karamath
Winnie Muchuba
Processing Agent, E-Commerce, Costco
General Arts and Science (Enhanced Language Training for Employment), 2018
Driven by personal tragedy and a deep desire to help others, Winnie Muchuba has spent the past decade supporting francophone and newcomer communities in accessing vital services. After fleeing the Democratic Republic of Congo, she rebuilt her life in Canada and now uses her bilingualism and humanitarian background to break down language barriers through both her professional work and volunteerism.
“This honour means a lot to me as it brings great memories to be grateful and honor back all institutions, Canada, Niagara College, Romero house, entité 2, churches: You held my hand, when I could not hold myself together and sense of great achievement in my life.” – Muchuba
Alka Singh
Founder & Managing Director, Paradigm Healthcare Services: Gerontology program, 2016; Registered Nurse – Critical Care Nursing program, 2015
A mission-driven healthcare leader, Alka Singh founded Paradigm Healthcare Services to provide compassionate, culturally responsive elder care. Drawing on her experience as an international student, nurse, and caregiver, she continues to mentor emerging nurses and develop innovative approaches to healthcare staffing.
“Being recognized as a Niagara College Alumni of Excellence is deeply meaningful to me. Niagara College is where my journey in Canada truly began, where I gained not only clinical knowledge, but also resilience, leadership, and a strong sense of community. This recognition reflects the guidance of my instructors and mentors, and the support of the NC community that helped shape both my professional and personal growth. It reinforces my commitment to improving the quality of care for older adults and contributing meaningfully to the healthcare sector.” – Singh
John Thimothy
President & CEO, Regina International Film Festival and Awards Foundation Inc.: Palliative Care, Multidiscipline program, 2012
An award-winning filmmaker, registered nurse, and cultural innovator, John Thimothy bridges healthcare and the arts to empower marginalized communities. As founder of the Regina International Film Festival & Awards (RIFFA) and the RIFFA Foundation, he champions accessibility, creative therapy, and community impact through initiatives such as VR rehabilitation programs and the world’s first wheelchair-only movie theatre.
“I am truly humbled and deeply grateful to receive this Alumni of Excellence recognition from Niagara College. My journey since studying Palliative Care in 2011 has been guided by a desire to serve, create, and give back, whether through healthcare or the arts. This honour reminds me that compassion and purpose can shape lives far beyond our own.” – Thimothy
