In 1974, what started as a modest recognition of student achievement, supported by just $212, was never about the dollar value of the award itself, but the commitment of Niagara College faculty to recognizing students in the Construction Engineering Technology and Civil Engineering Technician programs.
Professor Dino Morabito, who joined the College in 2007, said his predecessors were committed to expanding support for students.
“Recognizing the need to do more, our faculty began reaching out to our industry partners in the early 1990s,” said Morabito. “The response was outstanding, and many groups stepped up to help us expand our impact.”
Morabito said groups like American Institute of Constructors, Canadian Asphalt Association, Construction Specifications Canada, General Contractors Association of Niagara, OACETT, CIQS, and StuCor Construction were among the first to support NC Technology students.
“These awards are provided to students to assist them in achieving success in their studies and in many cases providing the means to be able to continue their studies in the form of tuition assistance,” said Morabito.
As school-specific award ceremonies at NC evolved, faculty in the School of Technology preserved the tradition, creating an opportunity for students to be recognized and network with local industry.
Recipients of the Estimating Excellence Awards.
On June 17, the 27th annual Construction and Civil Student Awards recognized student achievement through 57 awards made possible by 26 donors contributing more than $60,000 in support.
Over nearly three decades, the number of awards has grown more than fivefold, underscoring the strong and growing support of donors, many of whom are College alumni.
“It is especially inspiring to see past graduates – some of them second-generation alumni – returning to fund the very same awards they won as students,” said Morabito. “Today, our annual Awards Night is more than just a ceremony; it is a premier networking event where students and industry leaders come together to celebrate success and build the future.”
NC President Sean Kennedy, Vice-President, Advancement, Gord Arbeau, and Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie, and Associate Dean of Technology, Maura Lecce, attended the recent ceremony, welcoming donor organizations, families and individuals.
Jacob Haist from Thorold just completed his first year in the Construction Engineering Technology program. Haist won several awards: the Hans Miethig Founder award, an Estimating Excellence award, and a Drafting Excellence award.
“The event was a great opportunity to meet people in the industry,” said Haist. “It was not only a chance to put myself out there and connect with employers and industry veterans, but also an opportunity to chat with them, hear about their experiences and career journeys, and gain insights that will help shape the direction I pursue in the future.”
Haist, whose decision to attend NC was inspired by meeting program alumni, said donor support plays a transformative role in students’ lives.
“This program requires a great deal of time, dedication, and hard work,” he said. “Any financial assistance that helps relieve my financial burden and allows me to focus more fully on the program makes a significant difference.”
“Generation after generation there is a lovely ongoing support and relationship that exits,” said Maura Lecce, Associate Dean of the School of Technology.
