Niagara College is celebrating multiple employees who have received national recognition for their leadership and commitment to advancing student learning, fostering cultural and global engagement, and helping students achieve success in their chosen paths.
Three exceptional individuals from the College were among the recipients of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan)’s 2026 Awards of Excellence, presented on April 23 at the CICan Connections Conference in Ottawa: a Silver Leadership Excellence Award for Faculty for Dr. Holldrid Odreman, a professor from NC’s Myhal School of Nursing; a Silver Leadership Excellence Award for Managerial Staff for Maxine Semple, NC’s Director of Cultural and Global Engagement; and a Bronze Leadership Excellence Award for Non-Managerial Staff for Ali Ryder, Outreach and Education Advisor with NC’s Student Recruitment team.
“Niagara College is thrilled for our employees who have earned esteemed awards from Colleges and Institutes Canada,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “Holldrid, Maxine and Ali embody our College values of being welcoming, passionate and trailblazing, working tirelessly to help our students thrive in the classroom, community and abroad. We are very proud of their individual accomplishments and their collective impact on student success.”
NC President Sean Kennedy (middle left) with CICan award recipients Ali Ryder, Maxine Semple and Dr. Holldrid Odreman (L-R) at the 2026 CICan Connections Conference on April 23. (Photo credit: Colleges and Institutes Canada)
The CICan Awards of Excellence are the most prestigious national awards recognizing leadership, innovation, and impact across Canada’s public college and institute system. Since 2010, NC has received 13 awards: three gold, seven silver, and three bronze.
“CICan’s Awards of Excellence shine a national spotlight on the people whose leadership and dedication strengthen colleges, communities, and Canada,” said Pari Johnston, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada. “Dr. Holldrid Odreman, Maxine Semple, and Ali Ryder exemplify the impact that public college professionals have every day. Their work at Niagara College reflects the values that define our sector – innovation, inclusion, and community-driven solutions – and shows how locally grounded leadership contributes to a stronger, more resilient country.”
Dr. Holldrid Odreman – Silver Leadership Excellence Award for Faculty
Nursing professor Dr. Holldrid Odreman
Dr. Holldrid Odreman, PhD, MScN-Ed, RN, CCNE, CCSNE, is a highly respected educator and mentor within NC’s Myhal School of Nursing, where he is also the inaugural coordinator of the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program. Through innovative teaching methods, including simulation-based learning, Dr. Odreman trains future nurses to be compassionate, confident and resilient healthcare providers who will go on to fill critical industry gaps in the local community and beyond. He also involves students in nursing research to enhance their program and clinical experience.
“This national award is both humbling and deeply meaningful. It recognizes the work I have been privileged to dedicate my teaching career to and reflects my passion for teaching, mentoring, and supporting others in their ongoing professional growth,” said Dr. Odreman. “At Niagara College, we prioritize learning, leading, and moving forward, together. Being part of a community where collaboration, growth, and shared purpose truly matter is the most meaningful reward.”
Read more about Dr. Holldrid Odreman
Maxine Semple – Silver Leadership Excellence Award for Managerial Staff
NC’s Director of Cultural and Global Engagement Maxine Semple
As Director of Cultural and Global Engagement, Maxine Semple, M.Ed., has dedicated her career to preparing globally minded, world-ready graduates. An alumna of the NC’s Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – International Commerce & Global Development program, one of Semple’s most notable contributions to the College is the Be World Ready program, which she co-created in 2010 to prepare students for success in a globalized world. Since its launch, nearly 2,000 students have expanded their perspectives through more than 120 international experiences, connecting classroom learning with real-world global contexts.
“I feel privileged to have built a career pursuing a dream that began as a Niagara College student – to foster the development of cultural humility in our community – and am humbled that this passion has led to a national award,” said Semple. “Leading with integrity and heart to create a vision and program that speaks to my values has been deeply fulfilling.”
Ali Ryder – Bronze Leadership Excellence Award for Non-Managerial Staff
NC’s Outreach and Education Advisor Ali Ryder
Ali Ryder, M.Ed., goes above and beyond to help prospective students find their path forward. As Outreach and Education Advisor with NC’s Student Recruitment team, Ryder regularly visits local high schools and is a constant presence at recruiting and community events. On campus, she participates in initiatives that contribute to the College’s welcoming environment, including Pride events where she has shared her lived experience as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. She is also a part-time instructor who teaches NC’s EDI in Canada course and supports the College’s EDI initiatives through her work as an EDI Catalyst.
“I am humbled to have been nominated for this award and grateful to work at Niagara College where I am privileged to be part of a supportive team that celebrates individuality,” said Ryder. “In my role, I am often a big part of very important decisions for both young people and mature students. Sometimes it just takes a bit of kindness and empathy to make a huge difference in somebody’s life, and that makes this work special every day.”
