On March 11, Niagara College’s Schools of Community Services and Justice and Fitness celebrated collaboration and community as it hosted a Partner Appreciation Event recognizing the dedication and support of its industry partners.
Held at the Armoury at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, approximately 85 guests, including Program Advisory Committee (PAC) members, community partners, faculty and student speakers, gathered to celebrate and recognize the essential role these partners play in supporting NC programs and shaping student success.
Vice President Academic, Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie, shares her appreciation for community partners at the School of Community Services, Justice and Fitness PAC Appreciation Event.
“This event is about recognizing the people who help shape our programs and support our students,” said Jackie Frail, Dean Community Services, Justice and Fitness. “Our Program Advisory Committee members and community partners give their time, expertise and guidance so that our students graduate prepared for meaningful careers. Their involvement makes a real difference in the learning experience we provide.”
Students were a key focus of the evening. Throughout the event, students enrolled in Police Foundations, Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Care, Social Service Worker, Fitness and Health Promotion, Recreation Therapy, and Educational Assistance and Adult Supports reflected on how mentorship from PAC members and partnerships with the community have helped shape their learning experiences and career aspirations. Their stories illustrated the tangible impact of community engagement on student learning.
Behind the scenes: PR students bring the event to life
The event was planned and organized by four students from the Public Relations (PR) graduate certificate program as part of their Special Event Development and Management course, taught by Professor Emily McInerney. Students Karolina Odrzywolski, Calia Brazeau, Andrew Barter and Samer Al-Salahi coordinated the event from concept to execution.
The NC PR student team. From L to R: Calia Brazeau, Karolina Odrzywolski, Samer Al-Salahi and Andrew Barter.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Public Relations students who planned and delivered this event,” said Frail. “Their professionalism, creativity and attention to detail helped create a meaningful evening for our partners. Experiences like this allow students to apply their learning in a real-world setting, and they did an outstanding job.”
For the team, the project brought their course objectives to life through a valuable hands-on learning experience. “Rather than just discussing event strategy in class, our team had the opportunity to actively plan and coordinate a professional event from start to finish,” said Odrzywolski. “We assisted with speaking notes, managed logistics and coordinated with faculty and community members.”
Working closely with NC throughout the process also gave the students a deeper appreciation for the institution’s commitment to its learners.
“It has been really meaningful to see how much Niagara College cares about their students,” said Odrzywolski. “Through planning meetings and conversations with faculty and leadership, we gained a stronger appreciation for how intentional the College is about supporting students both academically and professionally.”
While rewarding, organizing the event came with challenges like planning within a strict budget while upholding the strong reputation of the annual celebration. As their first large-scale event, the students had to balance expectations, logistics and financial constraints which required them to be intentional in their decision making.
“At its core, the PAC Appreciation Event exists to recognize and thank the community members and advisory committee participants who contribute their time and guidance to support student success,” Odrywolski explained. “The most authentic way to demonstrate appreciation was through lived impact.”
By centering student voices, the organizers created a meaningful way for guests to see the direct results of their involvement.
Jack Ellsworth and Gracie Ayenuro, Child and Youthcare students share their experiences at NC.
During the event, guests were invited to take a guided tour of the Daniel J. Patterson Campus led by student organizer Andrew Barter. The tour highlighted collaborative learning environments and shared spaces designed to support interdisciplinary connections in preparation for the School of Community Services relocation to the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus for Fall 2026.
“I’m extremely proud of Karolina, Calia, Andrew, and Samer,” shared McInerney. “They not only demonstrated professionalism but also brought their classroom learning to life – showcasing skills in coordinating all elements of an event in just eight weeks. Their work made the event a real success and highlights the talent and creativity of our students.”
By the end of the night, it was clear that the PAC Appreciation Event was about more than recognition, it was about connection. Students, faculty, and community partners came together to celebrate collaboration, mentorship, and the real-world impact of their shared efforts. Thanks to the dedication of the PR students who planned the evening, the event not only honoured partners but also showcased how hands-on learning can shape the next generation of professionals.
