The first-ever Niagara College Alumni Summit drew enthusiastic participation from alumni across the years, who strengthened their bonds with the College and found inspiration through insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities.
The event, held on July 18 at the Meridian Hall in Toronto, fostered personal and professional growth for alumni and provided visiting students with valuable insights about perspectives after graduation. Cited as an inspiration by many attendees, the Alumni Success Spotlight session featured NC’s Vice President, International, Sean Coote, highlighting his exceptional career trajectory, drawing upon a 30-year journey at NC.
“From being a student at Niagara College to now serving as Vice President, International, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative impact of our institution on countless lives, including my own,” said Coote. “Events like these are crucial in fostering a sense of community and continuity, reinforcing the importance of lifelong connections and support among alumni.”
The Alumni Success Spotlight session featured NC’s Vice President, International, Sean Coote, highlighting his exceptional career trajectory, drawing upon a 30-year journey at Niagara College.
Another featured speaker was Dr. Holly Catalfamo, NC’s Senior Director of Global Education and Training, who unpacked her “leadership suitcase,” providing priceless takeaways for aspiring leaders, by showcasing her strategies and techniques.
Catalfamo also moderated a highly anticipated panel on “Lessons in Leadership,” featuring NC President Sean Kennedy, who shared his expertise gained during more than 20 years of experience leading teams in higher education. Additional panelists included NC alumna Julia Sebastian, CEO of HR Off-Site Inc.; Rashmi Biswas, co-owner of Lake and Associates Canada Inc., and incoming Vice-Chair of NC’s Board of Governors; and Shadya Mahfouz, Vice President, Academics, of Global University Systems Canada.
Attendees left inspired and equipped with a wealth of knowledge to apply to their own careers.
“The value I gained from the speakers was astronomical and mind-blowing, and I am sure every attendee in that room learned a lot from them,” said Karan Salgotra, NC’s Manager of Global Business Development for South Asia and a 2016 graduate from the Motive Power Technician program. “The Summit was also an outstanding opportunity to meet other graduates, see where they are in life, and make connections to continue collaborating.”
NC’s Senior Director of Global Education and Training, Holly Catalfamo (far left), moderated a highly anticipated panel on “Lessons in Leadership” featuring NC President Sean Kennedy (second from right)
Many alumni expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to reconnect with Niagara College and build a network with fellow alumni and NC faculty and staff.
“It was amazing to see so many NC employees that were also alumni, and also to see NC graduates present in every corner of Canada,” said Zining Wang, general secretary at Fullbright Academy and a 2016 graduate of the Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations program. “The event itself was well put-together, and my network has grown after I connected with my cohort, and also the speakers.”
The Summit was also an excellent opportunity for recent graduates, highlighting the College’s commitment to fostering continuous professional development among its alumni.
“I truly appreciate how NC has contributed significantly to my professional and personal development, offering such a diverse environment,” said Alisha Singh, front office specialist at IHG Hotels & Resorts in Toronto and a 2024 International Business Management program graduate. “I am excited to see that this strong sense of community is cultivated and reinforced in events like the Summit.”
Supported through NC’s Dream Big Fund, the event was co-led by Orel Ruiz and Becky Sciliberto from the Global Campus Operations and Compliance & Reporting department, in partnership with NC Alumni Relations and Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education and Training. The Summit was envisioned to advance two strategic priorities from NC’s Strategic Plan: Global Reach and Alumni and Partner Engagement.
“Any opportunity we get to engage with our diverse population of alumni is invaluable, and a key aspect of our strategy is to meet them where they are, and this event was a prime example of our commitment to that approach,” said Jana Boniferro, NC’s Director of Alumni Relations. “We aim to strengthen connections and ensure that all our alumni feel valued and engaged. This ongoing effort to expand and deepen our relationships with them helps maintain a strong sense of community and belonging.”
As Niagara College looks forward to more opportunities for connection, all alumni are encouraged to keep their information updated and remember that NC will always be their home.
