On March 11, Niagara College welcomed 2025 Alumni of Excellence honouree and President of the Canada Water Agency, Mark Fisher for a campus visit exploring the College’s innovative programs and learning enterprises. Fisher, who graduated from the Ecosystem Restoration program in its first year in 1997, has built a distinguished career in environmental policy and freshwater management, including co-founding the Council of the Great Lakes Region and leading initiatives in sustainable water stewardship across Canada.
Fisher engages with Sustainability Manager Taryn Wilkinson and student interns in the Sustainability Office, exploring hands-on projects in environmental management.
It was Fisher’s first visit to NC in several years, giving him the opportunity to see new facilities and advancements at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus (Niagara-on-the-Lake) that support experiential learning across various disciplines. Joining Fisher on the tour were Gord Arbeau, Vice-President, Advancement; Evan DiValentino, Dean, Business & Environment; Jana Boniferro, Director, Alumni Relations; and Kerry Kennedy, graduate of the Ecosystem Restoration program and spouse of NC President Sean Kennedy.
Exploring sustainability and experiential learning on campus
The tour began in NC’s Sustainability Office, where Fisher observed Environmental Management and Assessment program student interns working on projects ranging from waste management to phragmite control. Sustainability Manager Taryn Wilkinson provided insight into some of the College’s sustainability efforts, including recent initiatives to address water quality issues in a local tributary.
From the Sustainability Office, the group moved to the College’s Culinary Wing, where they observed students at work in the culinary labs and viewed creations from the Baking and Pastry Arts program. Fisher also learned about the connection between the culinary programs and the Teaching Greenhouse, where leafy greens grown by students are brought indoors for use at NC’s on-campus Benchmark Restaurant.
From left to right: Mark Fisher, Jana Boniferro, Kerry Kennedy and Evan DiValentino visiting NC’s Teaching Greenhouse.
A living lab in the Teaching Greenhouse
At the NC Teaching Greenhouse, Fisher observed students at work in Ontario’s largest training greenhouse, tending to seedlings, managing plant propagation, and caring for crops.
During the visit, Fisher was curious about opportunities for students to pursue entrepreneurship in the field and how those interests are supported within the program. Examples were shared of student-led initiatives and applied learning projects, including the on campus United Way Community Garden, where students play an active role in managing and supporting food production, as well as students who have launched their own ventures in the agriculture and horticulture sector.
Bridging research and practice
Throughout the tour, Fisher shared highlights from his professional work in environmental advocacy, water stewardship, and sustainable agriculture. Drawing on decades of experience in the public and nonprofit sectors, he discussed the importance of connecting stakeholders, supporting farmers with integrated solutions, and applying scientific research to policy and practice.
“There’s no single solution to the challenges we face,” said Fisher. “It’s about connecting with people, understanding their needs, and bringing together the right resources, through government, academia, or industry, to develop strategies that actually work on the ground.”
The group also discussed some of NC’s recent Research & Innovation projects, involving applied research in agriculture, water and soil management, sustainable greenhouse practices, and food security.
From left to right: Kerry Kennedy, Gord Arbeau, Mark Fisher, Evan DiValentino and Jana Boniferro in front of the Distinguished Alumni wall at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus.
Reflections on returning to campus
For Fisher, seeing the College’s new facilities, innovative program areas, and students engaged in hands-on learning highlighted its ongoing commitment to experiential education, skill development, and career readiness.
“Coming back to campus is a reminder of just how critical practical and applied learning is today, even more so than when I was here,” he said. “Colleges like NC create that space for learning and collaboration, where students practice tackling real-world challenges and make meaningful change.”
Fisher reflected on how his experiences since graduating from NC have shaped his career and current role.
“Time really does fly,” said Fisher. “Even though you have a sense of where your career is heading, I never imagined I’d have the chance to do all these interesting things along the way or end up here. It’s gratifying to see how my experiences, educationally, professionally, and in government or outside of it, have culminated in this one moment. I hope to make the most of the next five years.”
