On August 10, NC proudly supported a heartwarming reunion for a group of alumni from the Electronic Technician program, Class of 1974. The event brought together 12 alumni, along with their spouses and family members, marking 50 years since they attended Niagara College.
The reunion took place at a vineyard in Vineland, owned by one of the alumni, providing the perfect setting for the group to reminisce and reconnect. A four-piece fiddle band played as they enjoyed a roast pig, dining under a tent with blue and white tablecloths–a nod to NC colours. The evening ended with a bonfire that sparked conversations and reflections about their college days.
Many of the alumni, who have spent their careers with notable companies like Canada Post and Xerox, shared stories of how their time at Niagara College shaped their professional lives. The Electronic Technician program, which has since evolved into new programs offered at the College, was a catalyst for their successful careers.
NC’s Class of 1974 Electronic Technician graduates.
Alumnus Eric Pries recalled how NC played a pivotal role in his career trajectory.
“I am thankful because I believe Niagara College got me into the workforce quickly and well-prepared for a variety of work opportunities, not only at the start but throughout my career,” he said.
Pries went on to have a 32-year career in technical service, supervision, and management, followed by 12 years as a high school tech teacher.
The reunion was not just about reliving old memories, it was also about celebrating the ongoing impact of Niagara College in their lives.
Some alumni continue to stay connected to the College in meaningful ways. One alumnus has been providing homestay for international students for 20 years and even brought his homestay student to the reunion. Another alumnus proudly shared how he has hired NC graduates and co-op students for positions in his department at Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Reflecting on the reunion, alumnus Michael Colavecchia shared how meaningful it was to reconnect with his former classmates after so many years.
“This was an amazing reunion event, and it was filled with WOW,” he said. “I haven’t seen most of the guys since graduating fifty years ago, and it was incredible that we were able to locate our entire group after losing touch with each other.”
He also cherishes his challenging yet rewarding time studying at NC.
“Going to Niagara College was fun but tough,” said Colavecchia. “We had excellent teachers who came from the working field and decided to help others get their dream career,” he said.
Tom Price, NC’s Alumni Engagement Officer, helped organize the reunion and provided NC-branded swag, balloons, and banners.
Reflecting on his professional journey, Colavecchia spoke fondly of his career in the electronics field, particularly his last ten years with the District School Board of Niagara. During that time, he worked in classroom environments, repairing computers and other technology.
“The best part of my career was working with elementary students,” he said. “When I repaired something in the classroom, I would often get a hug and a ‘thank you.’ That was a highlight of my career.”
The alumni reunion was also attended by Tom Price, Alumni Engagement Officer, who was instrumental in helping organize the event.
“It was great to be part of the reunion and watch alumni, some who haven’t seen each other in fifty years, reconnect,” said Price. “The fact that all alumni were contacted and invited is special and unique.”
Alumni expressed their gratitude to NC’s Alumni Engagement team for helping connect everyone and supporting the reunion by providing NC-branded swag, balloons, and banners.
“I would like to thank Niagara College and the Alumni Engagement team for helping us put this incredible celebration together,” said Pries.
“Thank you to those among our group who had a vision to initiate this gathering and worked tirelessly to organize it with Tom Price,” said Colavecchia.
NC alumni interested in organizing their own reunion can contact Alumni Relations at niagaracollege.ca/alumnirelations/benefits/oncampus/.
