From student to dedicated Enrolment Services team member, Marissa Ditto’s NC story spans more than two decades with consistent contributions that have helped students achieve their educational goals.
Marissa is an alumna from the College’s Office Administration – Executive (Co-op) program (2006). As a student, she completed her co-op at NC’s Info Centre, which led to a part-time position in the Admissions office, a temporary role with the Recruitment department, and in 2007, she was hired full-time in Financial Aid.
In her current role as Financial Aid Advisor, Marissa guides domestic students through various funding sources, providing assistance and support on the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), scholarships and bursaries, faculty awards, and other external financial aid resources.
Recently, she contributed to the Student Scholarships and Bursaries Online Portal Project – a modernization of how NC collects and awards student funding opportunities. Working collaboratively with the Donor Stewardship and Development and ITS teams, she balanced big-picture thinking with attention to detail to ensure the project’s success.
Whether helping students navigate complex policies or contributing to college projects that enhance the student experience, Marissa is driven by an unwavering commitment to compassion, fairness and representation, making her an exceptional advocate for students.
Over the years, Marissa has supported Student Awards ceremonies and banquets to celebrate student success and has volunteered at NC’s annual Golf Classic, a fundraiser supporting scholarships and bursaries for Knights student-athletes.
She is also a current member of NC’s Advisory College Council and contributes to the larger postsecondary sector as the Western Regional Representative for the Ontario Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
Marissa was honoured last December for her outstanding contributions to the College, receiving NC’s 2025 Support Staff Award of Excellence. Learn more about her below.
What does it mean to you to be recognized by your colleagues and the College with this award?
MD: This award has been a truly humbling experience. I work with such an amazing team in Financial Aid and Enrolment Services and would not be able to do my job or complete the Scholarship and Bursary project without their support, as well as the support of other colleagues like the Systems Business Analysts in ITS and the Development team.
The teamwork and collaboration that occurs every day is remarkable and I do want to thank them all for their encouragement and assistance over the years. This recognition is meaningful to me because it acknowledges all the hard work, the effort, and care I put in, to not only assist students, but to continually try to improve processes and the student experience.
Your contributions to the College help ensure students have equitable access to the resources they need throughout their academic journey. What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
MD: Financing a post-secondary education can be a struggle for some students and they confide in and trust our team to help. I love connecting with students, whether it is when I am speaking at their high school, meeting with them in the office, or running into them in the halls. Being able to help make a difference and see those students meet their goals and graduate is the ultimate win.
What approach do you take when supporting students?
MD: Every student’s story or situation is unique, so I find it very important to listen first and understand their struggles, goals, or questions. I always then like to explain or provide background information so that they can better understand, especially if it involves complex policy. Finally, I like to work with the students to determine the best solution to assist them and review what options are available for their situation. This ensures the student has a potential resolution and improved financial literacy.
You have worked at the College for nearly 20 years. Would you like to share any memorable moments from your time here?
MD: It is truly unbelievable how quickly time passes. Over the years, what stands out are the people. Those who have retired but made an impression or passed down wisdom, those who I have built great friendships with, those I can laugh with, and those whole feel like a second family. I have grown professionally and personally, and my NC family has been there for all my big life moments.
Do you have a personal philosophy or motto that you live by?
MD: Although I don’t have a personal philosophy, I have been working on slowing down, being present, and enjoying the little moments each day. Life can get busy and chaotic for our family, especially when adding activities for our two kids. I am trying to take advantage of the time we have together and letting go of things that don’t matter as much.
