Story written by NC Public Relations student Madeleine Pellegrini:

L to R: Jim Schinkel, Program Coordinator, CST, Duane Bender, Associate Dean, Technology, David Stovell, Program Coordinator, Computer Programming, Leo Tiberi, Dean, Media, Trades and Technology.

Competitive spirits were high at the Niagara College Computer Programming (CP) and Computer Systems Technician (CST) end of year awards ceremony, an event that showcased both academic successes and gaming skills from students in the program.

The CP and CST event was held on March 19 at Niagara College’s Welland Campus pub, The Core. Featuring a retro gaming theme, students had the opportunity to compete in a Smash Bros. tournament, play some old-school video games in the arcade corner, snack on some great food provided by the pub, and to support their award-winning peers.

This year’s awards consisted of three Associate Dean’s Awards of Excellence, with a winner from each program: Computer Programming, Computer Programming Analyst, and Computer Systems Technician. The awards were handed out by the Associate Dean for the School of Technology, Duane Bender and Dean of Media, Trades and Technology, Leo Tiberi.

The event was planned by NC Public Relations students as a part of the Special Event Management course. Five students planned and executed the event with the guidance of Program Coordinators Jim Schinkel and David Stovell, along with the supervision of PR Program Coordinator Emily McInerney.

“It was a great opportunity to get the students from each program interacting with each other” said Schinkel. “Spirits were high, and you could tell people were enjoying the Smash Bros. tournament – they’re already asking what we’ll be doing next year!”

The events team was happy to showcase their hard work and were happy to have been able to plan this afternoon of fun for the much-deserving CP and CST students.

Congratulations to all the events winners!