“I wanted an experience that I couldn’t get elsewhere”
For Madeline Rekker, hospitality isn’t just learned in class; it’s seasoned through experience. That’s what drew her to working front-of-house at Benchmark.
Currently in her final term of the Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations (Co-op) program, Rekker has been a familiar face in the Benchmark dining room since September 2024. More recently, she was one of four standout students from the Culinary, Tourism, and Beverage Studies division awarded a $1,000 scholarship. The award recognizes those who consistently cater to excellence, celebrating their leadership, teamwork, and tireless dedication to both the restaurant and various charitable initiatives.
Rekker’s NC spirit goes beyond the dining room. In early January, she braved sub-zero morning temperatures in the campus vineyard to participate in the Icewine harvest alongside Winery and Viticulture Technician students – another ‘only at NC’ experience.
“You just can’t get this experience anywhere else, and I just wanted to have it under my belt,” she says. “I love winter, so it’s the cherry on top to help our school create something.”
After she wraps up her diploma, Rekker plans to continue her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree this summer. InsideNC caught up with the lifelong St. Catharines resident to talk about what drew her to the program, the unique flavour of the Benchmark experience, and the skills she’s refined along the way.
What led you to your program?
Hospitality was the only industry I’ve ever worked. I started as support staff in a restaurant and just loved meeting so many different people and being able to make their experiences memorable. I would love to, one day, be a restaurant manager here in Niagara.
How do you feel about receiving the scholarship?
The award was definitely helpful to help pay for school, but for me the award meant more because it’s something that I can add to my resume to help me stand out, and it shows that the people around me see the hard work I put into my job, and the way I lead others.
What kind of experience have you gained at Benchmark?
Benchmark is the best job I’ve ever worked. I really value that this is a teaching restaurant. I have gotten so much experience and learned so much just from being here that I would never have gotten at any other restaurant. Everything we do is to help improve our skills, and there is constant feedback offered so we keep growing.
Why did you want to get involved working at Benchmark?
I wanted an experience that I couldn’t get elsewhere. The teaching aspect is really what drew me in. I also loved the idea of working for one of my professors alongside many of my classmates.
How has working at Benchmark helped advance your skills?
In the classroom, we learn all the theory, but in Benchmark, we learn how to actually apply it. For example, in class we learned about different types of wine and beers, but in the restaurant, I am able to make recommendations and pairings, and craft personalized tasting flights based on what people ordered.
There is also only so much you can learn in a classroom before you just need to do it in real life. You can’t teach in a classroom how to interact personally with all your customers, or how to balance all your tables with different needs. You just have to do it and learn from what works or what doesn’t work.
Do you feel your experience will help as you pursue your career path?
Absolutely. I have gained so many valuable skills from this place. And have made so many valuable connections through the people I’ve met that could help me in finding more opportunities later on.
Support student success
Benchmark Experience Scholarships are supported by NC’s Student Experience Scholarship Fund, launched at the end of 2024 to reward students who contribute to college events and community activities as part of the Benchmark team.
Because Benchmark is a learning laboratory, the restaurant does not accept traditional gratuities. To ensure the focus remains on educational opportunities, the fund allows patrons who enjoyed exceptional service to “tip it forward” by scanning a QR code on the menu.
Donations can also be made directly through an online donation form.
NC’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division includes the schools of Culinary Arts; Wine, Beer and Spirits; and Hospitality and Tourism. The division hosts weekly pop-ups as well as signature academic events throughout the year. Visit niagaracollege.ca/culinary arts/events/.
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