Niagara College brought its alumni community together in the heart of Toronto’s historic Distillery District on October 20 for its Toronto Takeover event, celebrating alumni achievements, community partnerships and meaningful NC connections that extend far beyond campus.
Hosted at Old Flame Brewing, led by NC alumnus and event panelist Richard Park (Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management, 2018), the event welcomed more than 75 guests, including distinguished alumni, industry and community partners, government representatives, donors and supporters, alongside employees and members of the College’s leadership team.
Building on the success of NC’s inaugural Ottawa showcase in 2025, the Toronto Takeover offered another opportunity to bring the NC experience off campus and highlight the people and partnerships that are at the heart of the NC community – including exceptional NC alumni who are making their mark in the Toronto area.
The evening featured an alumni panel highlighting graduates who have built successful careers across a range of industries and the role NC played in their professional journeys.
Guests also had the opportunity to connect over their shared NC experience while enjoying food prepared by students and the College’s Benchmark Restaurant team, and beverages produced by its Learning Enterprises.
NC’s Toronto Takeover held at Old Flame Brewing in Toronto’s historic Distillery District, led by NC alumnus and event panelist Richard Park.
Celebrating NC connections
The Toronto Takeover brought together members of NC’s extended community, from alumni and industry leaders to government representatives and organizations that support student learning and success.
Among attendees were officials from various Ontario government ministries and representatives from partner organizations such as the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Colleges Ontario and George Brown Polytechnic.
NC representatives included members of the Executive Team, including President Sean Kennedy, Gord Arbeau, Vice President of External Relations and members of the External Relations team, along with past chair of the NC Board of Governors Lora Tisi, an NC alumna and past Alumni of Excellence honouree.
For Jana Boniferro, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, the Toronto Takeover was an opportunity to celebrate the relationships that connect the College to its graduates and supporters across various sectors and communities.
“What makes this event so special is bringing together such a diverse group of people who share a connection to Niagara College,” she said. “As students, we connect them with meaningful opportunities through industry, employers, donors and community partners, and those connections don’t end at graduation. It’s incredibly meaningful to see our alumni thriving at every stage of their careers and to continue fostering relationships that support their success.”
“The incredible turnout at our Toronto Takeover speaks to the lasting impact Niagara College has on our graduates and the connections they carry with them long after graduation,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President of External Relations. “It’s inspiring to see the impact our alumni are making in their industries and communities, and to bring so many of them together to celebrate their achievements.”
Alumni Panelists
A highlight of the evening was an alumni panel bringing together four accomplished NC graduates who have made their mark in industries such as media, communications, business and craft brewing.
The panel brought together a diverse range of professional experiences and perspectives, reflecting the unique paths NC graduates have taken since their time at the College.
Shannon Burns – National Midday Host, Virgin Radio (Broadcasting – Radio, Television & Film, 2013)
A 2026 Alumni of Excellence honouree, Shannon Burns brought her broadcasting expertise to the Toronto Takeover as moderator of the alumni panel. As Virgin Radio’s National Midday Host with Bell Media, she has built a national profile in broadcasting and digital media, reaching audiences across Canada and building a TikTok following of more than 750,000 followers. Her career has included coverage of the Olympics and interviews with high-profile figures including Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Ryan Gosling and Snoop Dogg.
Richard Park – President, Old Flame Brewing (Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management, 2018)
As President of Old Flame Brewing, Richard Park has helped guide the growth of the Canadian craft brewery, known for its award-winning lagers and community-focused approach. Combining his business experience with technical brewing expertise gained at NC, Park has built a career around entrepreneurship, innovation and craft brewing.
Kate Dubrucki – Chief Communications Officer, Americas, TAG Media (Event Management, 2004)
Also recognized as a 2026 Alumni of Excellence honouree, Kate Dubrucki is an accomplished communications leader who has been named among Toronto’s Top 50 Female Leaders. She co-founded Female Foundry, a mentorship and co-creation initiative for Canadian female entrepreneurs, and Womxn Who, a podcast focused on challenging the status quo. She also serves as Head Coach of a Special Olympics ski team, supporting inclusion and opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
James Coburn – Vice President, Mandrake (Hotel & Restaurant Administration, 1980)
James Coburn has decades of experience in executive search, talent recruitment and leadership advisory. As Vice President at Toronto-based Mandrake, Coburn works with organizations to identify senior leaders across marketing, advertising and creative industries. His career has also included work in broadcasting, acting and executive production.
From left to right: Shannon Burns, Richard Park, Kate Dubrucki and James Coburn.
An inspiring conversation with Alumni
Throughout the discussion, alumni reflected on the different paths that brought them to NC, the role their education played in shaping their careers and the advice they would offer current students.
For Burns, who entered the Broadcasting – Radio, Television & Film program unsure of her career direction, NC was where she discovered her passion for radio. She also credited the College with helping her develop the networking skills that have supported her career.
“Any time I’m sitting down with a big celebrity – like Miley Cyrus – I’m thinking ‘thank you Niagara College’,” she shared.
Dubrucki reflected on enrolling in NC’s Event Management program after completing university and reconsidering law school, while Park spoke about his transition from the corporate world to craft brewing, which led him to pursue NC’s Brewmaster program.
“I went to Niagara College, and I never looked back,” said Dubrucki.
“Old Flame started at Niagara College,” said Park, reflecting on the College’s role in launching his brewing career.
Coburn, whose career has taken him from hospitality to broadcasting and executive recruitment, offered advice to students navigating their own career paths.
“Find the things that excite you, and get you up in the morning,” he said.
Following the discussion, President Sean Kennedy thanked the alumni for sharing their stories and reflected on the impact of their achievements.
“You all are amazing ambassadors for Niagara College, and great examples of what makes Niagara College so special,” he said.
Bringing a taste of NC to Toronto
Beyond alumni connections, the Toronto Takeover also highlighted student talent and the hands-on learning opportunities that are central to the NC student experience.
NC’s Benchmark Restaurant catered the event, bringing culinary and hospitality students to Toronto to help prepare and serve food and beverages throughout the evening.
Working alongside Benchmark staff, students gained valuable experience supporting a professional event, applying their skills in a real-world setting while representing the College beyond campus.
Guests also had the opportunity to enjoy NC Craft beverages, including selections from the College’s Teaching Winery and Teaching Brewery, showcasing the innovation and experiential learning opportunities offered through NC’s School of Wine, Beer and Spirits.
The event was made possible through a collaborative effort involving teams from Community Relations and Events, Development and Alumni Relations, Government Relations, Marketing, Communications and Benchmark Restaurant, along with the College’s School of Culinary Arts, School of Hospitality and Tourism, and School of Wine, Beer and Spirits.
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- NC culinary and hospitality students worked alongside the Benchmark Restaurant team to prepare and serve food for guests.
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- Guests enjoyed NC Craft beverages produced from the College’s Teaching Winery and Teaching Brewery.
Strengthening the NC community
From reconnecting with fellow graduates to building new relationships with industry and community partners, the Toronto Takeover celebrated the connections that continue to shape NC’s unique and diverse community.
Following the College’s first showcase in Ottawa last year, the Toronto event continued NC’s efforts to engage alumni and supporters in communities beyond Niagara, highlighting the impact of its graduates while creating opportunities for future collaboration and connection.
