Four standout students ended their term $1,000 richer as the latest recipients of the Benchmark Student Experience Scholarship.
Established to celebrate students within the Culinary, Tourism, and Beverage Studies division who bring more to the table than just academic excellence. The Fall term scholarship recipients were chosen for their leadership, teamwork, and tireless dedication to Benchmark restaurant and various charitable initiatives.
Student recipients presented with their awards in December, included front-of-house servers Madeline Rekker and Christian Sun (School of Hospitality and Tourism), and back-of-house culinary students Andrea Bolanos and Jonathan James (School of Culinary Arts).
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- Benchmark Experience Scholarship recipient Christian Sun values the chance to apply lessons learned in the classroom to a real hospitality setting at NC’s teaching restaurant.
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- Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations (Co-op) student Madeline Rekker is one of the latest recipients of NC’s Benchmark Student Experience Scholarship.
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- Andrea Bolanos
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- Jonathan James
“Each term, our management team nominates outstanding students for their commitment, professionalism, and passion for the hospitality industry,” said Victor Oliveira, Manager of Catering and Special Events. “Their demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and dedication to excellence were key factors in their selection. They participated in many different event services, worked hard, learned quickly, and had a positive impact on their peers.”
For Christian Sun, a second-year Tourism Management – Business Development (Co-op) student from the Philippines, the scholarship was the icing on the cake after a rigorous year.
“Benchmark gave me a strong foundation,” said Sun. “In the classroom, we learn the theory, but the restaurant is where we turn up the heat. We were encouraged to see mistakes as part of the process–every guest interaction was a chance to sharpen my skills.”
Sun, who plans to use his Benchmark experience as a North Star for his future career, noted that the financial boost was particularly helpful as an international student. What he valued most was the learning mindset Benchmark promotes.
“Through training and real dining room experiences, we were encouraged to see mistakes as part of continuous learning. Every guest interaction became an opportunity to understand different perspectives and service expectations,” said Sun. “These experiences were incredibly rewarding, and I often say that the real value is the learning, the pay is simply a bonus.”
The award came as a surprise to Jonathan James as he completed his studies in the Culinary Management (Co-op) program. Originally from Myanmar, James arrived at NC with a dream of one day running his own kitchen.
“I wasn’t expecting that,” said James. “Working at Benchmark, I have learned not only how to work on a line in the kitchen, I had so many experiences running big events which has given me way more experience, information and helped develop my skills.”
Now working as a line cook and supervisor, he noted that his experience at Benchmark provided the seasoning needed to help launch his career.
“It was great working with Benchmark as a student. I learned a lot of lessons from Chef Justin {Downes] and Chef Anthony [Greco].”
Scholarship recipient Andrea Bolanos (middle) was among a team of staff from the School of Culinary Arts bring their skills to the table to support a pancake breakfast which raised funds for Gillian’s Place. in November (file photo).
Student Experience Scholarship Fund
The scholarship is supported by NC’s Student Experience Scholarship Fund, which launched in late 2024.
“Financially supporting students is always top of mind for us here at the College. The financial obligations that students face today continue to get tougher and finding ways to help is important,” said Craig Youdale, Dean of the Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, after the scholarship fund was launched in November 2023.
“Our division has so many events and community activities, and we want to encourage our students to get involved and enrich their time at Niagara College. We hope this funding will get even more students involved and a part of the amazing opportunities for the students.”
How to donate
In lieu of leaving a gratuity for service at Benchmark or for a special event hosted by the College’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, guests are encouraged to donate to the Student Experience Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made by scanning a QR code displayed on menus or through the online donation form.
