A message from Michele O’Keefe, Director, Athletics & Student Engagement:
Following the announcement about Ali Weir joining the Athletics & Student Engagement team as Manager, Student Engagement, I would like to provide an update on the overall structure and staff complement of our growing department as the 2023 year comes to a close.
This past summer, and after the retirement of long-time employee Ray Sarkis, we welcomed two new Intercollegiate Coordinators, Lorelle Weavers and Geoff Benoit, who are both NC alumni.
Lorelle (Business Administration – Professional Golf Management, 2017), covers golf, curling and basketball within her portfolio. She is a member of the OCAA and NC Athletics Hall of Fame and is a CCAA golf champion. Geoff (Sport Management, 2022) covers soccer and volleyball within his portfolio. He is a former Knights game day staff member and a recipient of a Niagara College Faculty Recognition Award in 2022.
Having two Intercollegiate Coordinators will allow us to continue to service the varsity teams and produce excellent game-day presentations. We are also working on our community outreach. Our staff, coaches and athletes visited three local elementary schools last week to play with the children, which was a very rewarding experience for everyone.
This fall, we also welcomed Jake Alfano to the role of Digital Media Coordinator and Koryn Freeman as Administrative Assistant.
Jake is a graduate of the University of Waterloo (Global Business and Digital Arts, 2022) where he was a member of the varsity football squad. His role includes the full department of Athletics & Student Engagement.
Koryn is an alumna from NC’s Fitness and Health Promotion (2008) and General Arts and Science (2005) programs. She has worked in Athletics & Recreation for over 10 years in part-time roles. This full-time position allows Koryn to flourish in her support of our work.
The new members of our team join our department veterans: Jenna Wilson, Campus Recreation Coordinator; Mike Hurley, Facilities Coordinator (NC alumnus); Marilia Welter, Student Experience Coordinator (NC alumna); Nimisha Sumathi, Student Engagement and Leadership Program Coordinator (NC alumna); Sarah Singleton, Student Engagement and Leadership Program Coordinator (NC alumna).
Our complement of varsity coaches, team Doctor, athletic therapists, fitness and assistant facility coordinators, and our Co-curricular Coordinator round out our team.
I am so excited with the team that we are building in Athletics & Student Engagement. We have a great mix of veteran leadership along with new talent, many of whom are NC alumni and all of whom have amazing enthusiasm for the role that the department plays on both campuses and in the community.
The recent growth that we have experienced will position us for success into the future as we do our part in supporting a well-rounded experience for our Knights. From varsity athletics and recreation programming to social events and engagement, leadership and volunteer opportunities, our department is committed to working with areas across the College to enhance the student experience.
We look forward to working with you all in the upcoming year, as we continue to develop new and creative initiatives that benefit our students and community members.
Visit our websites:
Athletics/Knights: goknights.ca
Student Engagement: niagaracollege.ca/engagement/
