On January 20, NC’s Student Engagement team officially launched its new Speaker Series with a powerful and thoughtful conversation led by Vice President, Students, Dr. Chris McGrath, at The Core (Welland Campus). Designed to support students as they navigate academic life, personal growth and their transition into the next phase of their careers, the Speaker Series connects the NC community with leaders who offer insight, perspective and practical tools for life inside and outside the classroom.
A group of students gathered for the inaugural session, which focused on a timely and important topic: Remaining Hopeful When the World’s on Fire. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in post-secondary education and student support, Dr. McGrath shared personal reflections, professional insight, and honest vulnerability as he explored the challenges and concerns many students and people in our community face today.
“I’m just one person trying to figure out what it means to move through the world with impact and purpose,” said McGrath. “I know for so many of our students and college community, they’re also trying to do the same thing.”
Throughout the conversation, Dr. McGrath emphasized that the heart of his work centers on connection and creating environments where students feel comfortable engaging in meaningful dialogue about topics and issues that matter most to them. He opened the discussion by inviting students to share what worries them about the world today, prompting responses around topics such as social media, climate change, artificial intelligence, the economy, job security, inflation, and global affairs.
A central theme of the discussion was the impact of constant access to information and the emotional toll it can take. Dr. McGrath spoke about how the constant flow of news and digital content can lead to what he described as a ‘fight, flight, or fixate’ response, where instead of taking action or stepping away, people become immobilized by the high volume of information. He shared personal experiences of navigating this reality, including managing news consumption, setting boundaries with technology, and recognizing when exposure becomes overwhelming.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Dr. McGrath encouraged students to focus on what is within their control and to approach self-preservation with intention. He spoke candidly about practices that have helped him manage his own stress and anxiety, including limiting digital exposure, stepping away from social media, prioritizing reading for pleasure, practicing mindfulness and breathwork, and building routines that support mental wellbeing.
He also offered a practical way to think about reacting versus responding to the constant flow of information.
“Some people say we can look at the news and media, and we can react to it,” he said. “You can take the letters of react, and rearrange them, and you get the word create. So, you can react to something, or you can create a response, and the opportunity and the choice to make is how are you going to create that response?”
The session was highly interactive, with students actively engaged throughout the discussion. Many related to Dr. McGrath’s experiences and asked thoughtful questions during the Q&A portion of the event. Students asked Dr. McGrath to share advice on topics such as meditation practices, setting healthy boundaries with technology and relationships, managing anxiety, and navigating the pressure to always be available for others.
Student Impact of Dr. McGrath’s Speaker Series event
The candid dialogue highlighted the value of creating spaces at NC where students can hear directly from College leadership and industry professionals in a relatable way.
The Speaker Series is part of the College’s ongoing commitment to student wellbeing, engagement, and personal and professional development. By bringing forward conversations that address real-world challenges, the series offers students valuable insight they can carry into their academic journey and beyond.
Additional Speaker Series events are planned throughout the term, continuing to feature engaging discussions with NC leaders and guest speakers on topics relevant to student life, wellness, career development and success.
Upcoming Speaker Series events include:
- Building the Brand – From Passion Project to Full-Time Business: A session on entrepreneurship led by Sarah Singleton, NC alumna and founder of Hype Gal Media, who will share her journey from side hustle to full-time business owner.
- February 25 at 5:30 p.m. – Room N018, Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
- To register, click here.
- An etiquette-focused dining experience hosted by Sarah Scott, NC Event Specialist with the Community Relations and Events (CRE) team, NC alumna, and hospitality leader. The event includes a full meal at NC’s Benchmark Restaurant.
- March 18 at 6:00 p.m. – Benchmark Restaurant, Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
- Registration link coming soon.
- Student Panel: Featuring a group of NC graduates who will share their experiences and insights on transitioning from college into their careers.
- April 1 at 5:30 p.m. – Welland Campus (Room TBD).
- Registration link coming soon.
Stay tuned to InsideNC and the NC Engage App for all future Speaker Series event details and registration information.
