Niagara College International

Niagara College recognized students from around the world for their academic excellence and outstanding role in the community at the Fall 2023 International Student Awards Ceremony on November 30.

In total, 30 awards and $26,000 in scholarships were given either through NC International funds or thanks to the generous contributions of NC’s donors.

NC International awarded the 12 International Students Academic Award Winners with the highest grade point averages (GPA) in each School of Study. Other 12 students with outstanding academic performance received the Keith Segal – guard.me Scholarship offered by guard.me International Insurance, NC’s international student insurance provider.

Originally from Mexico, Horticultural Technician Co-op student Teresa Rivera Flores was among the 12 International Students Academic Award Winners.

“Being away from home is challenging, but this award reminds us that our hard work and courage do not go unnoticed,” said Flores, who earned a 95.65 per cent GPA, the highest in the School of Environment and Horticulture among international students. “I am deeply grateful for this award. Thank you for believing in international students and recognizing our efforts.”

One of the students awarded with the Keith Segal – guard.me Scholarship was Brewmaster & Brewery Operations Management student Okechukwu Akoh, who maintains a GPA of 93.43 per cent.

“This acknowledgment of the commitment and effort invested in my educational journey reflects not only a personal achievement, but the support received from teachers, mentors, and peers,” said Akoh, originally from Nigeria. “This recognition motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my academic pursuits. It affirms that dedication, hard work, and a passion for learning are valuable attributes that can lead to tangible results.”

NC’s Associate Director, International Student Services, Fernando Gama was the master of ceremonies for the event, which was held at The Core (Welland Campus).

NC gave out two new awards: the Joseph Camilleri Memorial Scholarship, exclusive for an international student in the Carpentry and Renovation Technician Co-op Program or the Carpentry and Renovation Techniques Program, and the Global University Systems (GUS) Canada Scholarship for a returning international student in any program of study with outstanding academic excellence.

The Joseph Camilleri Memorial Scholarship was given to Carpentry & Renovation Technician student Juan Carlo Magsalin, originally from the Philippines. The GUS Canada Scholarship recipient was Electronics Engineering Technician student John Carlos Umayam, also from the Philippines.

“This scholarship is significant to me, not only for the support it provides but also for the motivation it gives me to continue striving for excellence, “said Umayam, who has a GPA of 98.96 per cent. “I extend my appreciation to all my professors and dedicate this award to my family and friends for their support in my educational journey.”

During the evening, NC also awarded the following:

• Two Mary Kilmer Tchalekian Scholarships for students with excellent academic performance who aim to make a difference upon returning to their countries. The recipients were Renewable Energies Technician student Yeimy Paola Rocha Pulido and Computer Programming student Diana Marcela Maldonado Burgos, both originally from Colombia.
• The Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) International Student Award, for a student with academic excellence who takes advantage of extra-curricular and volunteer opportunities NCSAC offers to enrich life experiences and fulfill dreams. The recipient was Business Administration – International Business student Mario Sanchez Figueroa, originally from Mexico.
• The St. Catharines and Regional Niagara Twinning Association Award, for a student from Trinidad & Tobago. The recipient was General Arts & Science student Alicia Dipsingh.

Niagara College not only celebrates the academic excellence of its students but also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of all global learners to the local community, Niagara and Canada’s labour needs, and their role in creating opportunities through entrepreneurial activities.