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Student Success Stories

A female carpentry student prepares a piece of wood before cutting it. She is wearing clear safety glasses and brown Carhart overalls with some tools in her front pocket.
Students building for future students
Student Success
Carpentry student Hilary Ward embraces hands-on learning as she works on-site at Akerley Campus’s student housing build while completing her Carpentry Diploma.
Paul Adams is pictured. He is standing in the atrium of the Black Cultural Centre in Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia.
Design for difference
Community Impact Student Success
Paul Adams is a two-time NSCC grad and the official designer of Nova Scotia’s annual African Heritage Month posters - a role he was honoured to take on following his NSCC co-op placement.
Chefs Kelly-Jo Beck (right) and Lalanya Kaizer (left), co-owners of Easy Street Diner in the Fairview area of Halifax are pictured.
Chefs, partners build life on Easy Street
Student Success
Culinary Management grad Kelly-Jo Beck and her fiancé Lalanya Kaizer (Cook Apprentice) are two-thirds of the talented trio behind the award-winning Easy Street Diner in Halifax.
A woman sits at a desk in an office on the phone.
A concrete foundation for a new career
Student Success Study at NSCC
With online classes and a focus on practical skills, NSCC’s Professional Sales program gave Christina Blair the flexibility and confidence she needed to pursue a career in sales.
Jeremy Novak, owner of Where It’s At Tours, is pictured. He is talking to two people in the foreground. In the background, wine is shown.
Nova Scotia is Where It’s At
Student Success
There’s no shortage of things to see, do and taste in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley region, and Jeremy Novak, owner of Where It’s At Tours, is excited to show it all off.
Tyler Wentzell is pictured.
A nursing dream fulfilled
Student Success
It was an unexpected visit to the Valley Regional Hospital that first sparked Tyler Wentzell’s interest in pursuing a career in the medical field. Today, the nurse and Middleton native is a three-time NSCC graduate and one of two fall Convocation valedictorians.
Mary Durant is pictured.
Where she’s meant to be
Student Success
Enrolling in the Practical Nursing Diploma program was an easy career decision for Mary Durant, one of two fall Convocation valedictorians.
Anisa Francoeur sits outside on a staircase and smiles while holding an ipad.
Pursuing her passion for creativity
Student Success Study at NSCC
Anisa Francoeur knew college was the right choice for her. Now she’s taking what she learned and keeping things creative with a career in graphic design. Learn more about her journey and tattoo-inspired art.
Sandrico Provo leaning against a standing desk in his office.
A new career in tech
Student Success Study at NSCC
Sandrico Provo’s decision to go back to school for IT Programming at NSCC helped him find a tech career in Nova Scotia that he loves.
Mike Bulley, owner of Bulley Management and co-founder and COO of Sauceware Audio is pictured with his dog Nora.
The business of music
Student Success
Myke Bulley doesn’t see himself as musical, but with multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated artists on his artist roster and the world's best in the business using his company’s software, the Music Business grad says he feels at home in his career.
Photo of Kate Eillot, NSCC alum (Public Relations ‘14) and founder of Up Public Relations.
Grad-owned business 'Ups' their NSCC connection
Student Success
Kate Elliot (Public Relations ‘14) has always been an active alum in the NSCC community. During the College’s 25th anniversary, she reached a personal goal when her business was hired to help with celebrations.
Two women walk in a flowery field carrying camera equipment.
Alum duo makes visual reconnection with College
Student Success
A few months before convocation, classmates Jane Nicholson and Kristen Brown created Arrow & Knot Productions in an editing room at NSCC’s Ivany Campus. This year, their videography company reached a huge milestone after being selected to be part of NSCC’s 25th anniversary.
Ryan Massiah, two-time NSCC grad and owner of the Massiah group of companies, is pictured.
Grad builds innovative new school in Barbados
Student Success
When Ryan Massiah left Barbados at 20-years-old to pursue new opportunities in Canada, he couldn’t have imagined that he’d one day return as the CEO of a multi-stream organization building a not-for-profit school in his home community in cooperation with the United Nations.
Kim, NSCC Business Administration - Accounting student, and her partner Onya are the founders of OK Sea Salt in LaHave, Nova Scotia are pictured.
The Magic of Sea Salt
Student Success
Kim, NSCC Business Administration - Accounting student, and her partner Onya are the founders of OK Sea Salt in LaHave, Nova Scotia.
Amelia Dinh, an early childhood educator, smiles at a child in her care across a picnic table.
Connection and community
Student Success
With support from NSCC International and EduNova’s Study & Stay™ in Nova Scotia program, Amelia arrived in Springhill ready to build a career as an early childhood educator. Today, she’s an active alum who helps others forge connections and build community.
Chefs Mark Paterson and Krista LeTerte are shown. They are seated at a restaurant table and wearing green, chef’s jackets. They looking at an iPad, smiling and enjoying a meal and drinks.
Recipe for success
Student Success
Chefs Mark Paterson and Krista LeTerte are building a culinary empire on Cape Breton Island. The two, award-winning talents and their team create hundreds of thoughtfully curated, expertly prepared apps, entrees and desserts each day for clients across four lines of business.
Vanity Thompson, a nurse, smiles while looking off to the side. She is wearing a yellow surgery gown and putting on a blue, surgical glove. She is in a stainless-steel room.
A life’s purpose
Student Success
At the age of 6, Vanity Thompson knew she wanted to become a nurse. While life took a different path than expected, she discovered her dream was within reach when she enrolled in the African Canadian Transition Program. Today, she’s a nurse in the QEII’s COVID-19 Unit.
A woman, wearing scrubs, a badge and a stethoscope around her neck, walks in front of the QE2 Hospital. She is smiling broadly.
A life's purpose
Community Impact Student Success
Vanity Thompson is a two-time NSCC grad and nurse at the QEII's COVID-19 Unit. Learn how she gained the confidence at college to pursue her dream career.
A man in a black sweater looks at the camera and smiles. A number of books on a shelf can be seen behind him.
Strength through story
Community Impact Student Success
Andre Fenton is a two-time NSCC graduate, award-winning writer and youth mentor. Learn how he draws on his skills and experience to help young people find their voice and the strength to tell their stories.
A man smiles broadly and looks at the camera. He is in a business suit and standing in front of two pull-up banners. One banner says Enactus and the other says NSCC Entrepreneurship.
An excellent student leader
Student Success
Levi Ogbaje, a 2nd-year Welding Inspection and Quality Control student at NSCC Pictou Campus, has received the 2021 Silver Award for Student Leadership Excellence from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).
A woman in a patterned, orange shirt smiles at the camera. He hand is on a wooden crate containing produce.
NSCC grad launches local meal-kit business
Student Success
Learn how Kara Friesen launched PieceMeal Food Provisions after winning the Scotiabank Entrepreneur in the Making Program at Kingstec Campus.
A man crouches on a rocky shore. In front of him is a broken lobster trap.
Protecting Cape Breton waters from marine debris
Student Success
Award-winning environmentalist uses NSCC education to inspire others
Christine MacKenzie inspects the weld on a piece of equipment with a flashlight. She is wearing a white hardhat, a blue smock, safety glasses and black gloves.
Smarts, strength and resilience
Student Success
At 52, Christine MacKenzie enrolled in Welding Inspection and Quality Control at Pictou Campus, returning to the classroom after more than 30 years in the workforce. Today, she is a Certified Welding Inspector and a committed life-long learner.
A head and shoulders shot of Unique Jones-MacKenzie. Unique is wearing a black hoodie and smiling slightly. A residential street can be seen behind him.
Shipbuilder achieves childhood career dream during pandemic
Student Success
Unique Jones-MacKenzie achieved a childhood dream when he became one of 20 graduates from the Pathways to Shipbuilding Program for African Nova Scotians, which concluded at the Halifax Shipyard during the global pandemic.
Matthew Byard, second year Radio Television Journalism student, interviews then Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil for Untitled: The Legacy of Land in North Preston.
Sharing Black stories, amplifying Black voices
Student Success
More than five years ago, Radio Television Journalism students at Ivany Campus began investigating a generations-old injustice in the historically-Black community of North Preston. Second-year student Matthew Byard and his fellow continue this work today.
Six chefs wearing uniforms and facemasks stand behind a long counter. There are cupboards behind them. On the counter is a can of beer, a glass of beer and some produce.
A virtual exchange
Student Success
When COVID-19 required Culinary Management students and faculty to cancel a planned NSCC International trip to the Philippines for the Culinary Cup, an international culinary competition, all was not lost. Students and faculty organized a virtual, culinary exchange that would bring the tastes of Nova Scotia to the Southeast Asian nation.
Building a legacy
Building a legacy
Student Success
Antonia Wareham graduated from the first Pathways to Shipbuilding Program, offered in partnership with Women Unlimited in 2015. Today, she's a Journeyperson Welder at the Halifax Shipyard and a mentor to others.
Two-Eyed Seeing
Two-Eyed Seeing
Student Success
Kieran Wasuek Johnson spent her summers discovering nature alongside Mi'kmaw Elders on the Bras d'Or Lakes. Today, she's a camp mentor who weaves traditional knowledge and formal training to protect, discover and experience Unama'ki.
From the ground up
From the ground up
Student Success
André Rosnok completed his Carpenter apprentice technical training and Red Seal Exam at Marconi Campus. Today, he's leading the team of skilled workers building the campus's new home in Downtown Sydney.
Standing on guard
Standing on guard
Student Success
Trinidadian army veteran Davis Whittle came to Canada in search of new opportunities and to complete the Criminal Justice program at NSCC. He's now a Correctional Officer at the province's largest correctional facility.
A woman wearing a buffalo plaid shirt, leather apron and safety glasses, cuts wood with a power saw. Sawdust can be seen in the air. There is a light shining in the background.
From nursing to carpentry
Student Success
NSCC grad builds award-winning brand, business and Instagram following.
A woman with brown hair is crouched down. She is wearing an inflatable live-vest and holding a small underwater drone that is yellow. In the backgroun, a large, white ship and a gangway can be seen.
An ocean of opportunity
Innovation and Research Student Success
NSCC grad, researcher joins research project to protect Nova Scotia’s seabed.
A woman in hip waders stands on a shoreline and takes a piece of equipment from a suitcase-style container.
Follow your passion
Student Success
Eskasoni's Kieran Wasuek Johnson is committed to a career in sustainable natural resources development.
A woman sits on the edge of a large, white flotation pod that is filled with water. She is wearing a sweater over a t-shirt with nepsis written on it. She is smiling.
Floating into entrepreneurship
Student Success
At a crossroad, NSCC grad reinvents herself, creating calm in the chaos.
Two band members wearing orange shirts. The man is playing guitar and the woman is playing keyboards.
The Revival Initiative
Community Impact Student Success
NSCC students launch online music series during pandemic.
Three photos are shown. In the first, a woman in a red t-shirt and hat stands behind stacks of full food containers. In the second, the food containers are shown close up, with other food items also shown in small bags.
Culinary student feeds 300 long haul drivers
Community Impact Student Success
Kingstec Campus Culinary Management student Joan Godsey is making to-go meals for the 300 commercial drivers of Eassons Transport Group in Kentville, NS., during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A man wearing a white t-shirt sits at a microphone and holds a brown guitar. His eyes are closed, and his mouth is open while he sings.
Covers for Comfort
Community Impact Student Success
NSCC grads use music to spread happiness amid pandemic.
A man sits and leans into the camera. He is wearing a buttoned up shirt and white t-shirt. In the background, people can be seen working and there is a large Ubisoft sign.
Ensuring Quality
Student Success
NSCC grad helps Ubisoft gain international recognition for app.
A woman wearing a plaid shirt sits at a computer. She is looking at the camera and her back is to her screen. She is holding a pen in her right hand.
Designing a New Future
Student Success
Korean-born digital animator chases her dream at NSCC Truro Campus.
A man holding a basketball and wearing a sweater smiles at the camera. The ball is signed. He is in a basketball court with green flooring.
Coaching Greatness
Student Success
NSCC grad, Coach Colter Simmonds, inspires young leaders through sport.
A man smiles while sitting astride a white motorcycle. He is wearing jeans, a brown sweater and a vest. His leg is a prosthetic, and he is wearing a bright green sneaker. There is a large power line in the background.
Soldiering on
Student Success
After near-death experience, veteran enrols in Radio Television Journalism Program at NSCC.
A young man welds a component of a ship. He is wearing a welding helmet (which is open), safety glasses, long leather gloves and a black shirt. In the background, several ships can be seen on land.
Welcome to Wedgeport
Student Success
NSCC diploma becomes pathway to permanent residency for Korean-born grad.
A young woman in a yellow shirt crouches in front of commercial wine-making equipment, which she is operating. The room is dark, and the woman’s reflection can be seen in the floor. In the background, a large, wooden barrel is seen.
Perfect blend
Student Success
NSCC student looks to perfect Nova Scotia’s red and white wines.
Alex Lagina, Marty Lagina, Rick Lagina, Dave Blankenship, the late Dan Blankenship, Gary Drayton and Doug Crowell all sit around the head of a long table on the set of the History Channel show The Curse of Oak Island. On the table, dozens of pieces of wood, potter, bone and metal are laid out. Most men are looking to Rick Lagina, who appears to be talking.
Hunting for treasure
Student Success
NSCC community helps bring History Channel’s hit show to international audiences.
A woman with blonde, curly hair points to an iPad while showing the screen to a man holding a large video camera on his shoulder. The woman is wearing a green sweater and the man is dressed in all black. There are large, square lights seen in the background.
Maritime made television
Student Success
NSCC Radio Television Journalism grad brings Maritime culture and communities to the big screen.
A woman in safety glasses and a plaid shirt works with a reciprocating saw.
My future is not determined. I am.
Student Success
Carpentry grad Denika Coakley was born to be a creator.
A woman in a yellow sweater looks closely at a glass vessel holding red wine. She is in a wine-making area.
Perfect your passion
Student Success
Learn what NSCC student Jerusha Young-Connor thinks about Nova Scotia wine.
Two men smile while standing close to a professional-looking microphone. They are in a sound booth.
Raise your own bar
Student Success
Get to know NSCC alumni and music producer, Jordan Williams.
A woman sits at a desk and writes in a notebook.
Dreaming is easy. Doing takes courage.
Student Success
At NSCC, a former Nepalese refugee realizes her childhood dream of becoming a nurse.
A blonde woman smiles at the camera.
Designing her own future
Student Success
Lindsay McMullen's co-op placement led to a design career in the tech industry.
A woman in a jean jacket smiles and looks to the left. The background it blurry.
Creating a unique career as a booking agent
Student Success
Stephanie Purcell is a NSCC grad devoted to promoting Nova Scotia talent and bringing talent to Nova Scotia.
A man sits at a table and smiles at the camera. There is a laptop on the table.
Pursuing a passion for entrepreneurship
Student Success
Yarnell Arsenault is a NSCC alumni and entrepreneur taking charge of his future.
A woman in glasses smiles while looking off to the right of the image. She is wearing a maroon, button up sweater, a black and white striped t-shirt and a beaded necklace. He hair is in a braid. In the background, two teepee frames can be seen.
Making a career change
Student Success
Karina Matthews-Denny graduated in 2001 and then went back to school later for a new career.
A man smiles and looks at the camera. The background it blurry.
Blazing a trail in the music industry
Student Success
Corey LeRue's determination and education have helped him realize his dreams.
Two women stand in front of a Canada Post Office. One is wearing a white, winter jacket. The other woman is older and wears a Canada Post jacket.
Determined in Delhi
Student Success
Writing passion and outstanding community support brings law student sisters from India to NSCC.
A woman sits on a stage wearing a jean vest and white shirt. She is looking off to the right. The stage wall is clad in rough lumber and a sign reads the seahorse tavern. A pink-purple light is shining on the floor.
Managing talent
Student Success
Multi-award-winning NSCC PR grad heads talent management agency.
A young woman smiles and looks at the camera. She is wearing a blazer and flowery shirt. She is in a large room with multiple chandeliers, wood paneling and soft seating.
Following parents’ entrepreneurial footsteps
Student Success
NSCC grad supports 500 events annually through party supply and rental company.
A woman in glasses smiles while looking off to the right of the image. She is wearing a maroon, button up sweater, a black and white striped t-shirt and a beaded necklace. He hair is in a braid. In the background, two teepee frames can be seen.
The right fit
Student Success
NSCC Office Administration grad Karina Matthews-Denny is supporting Senator Dan Christmas in Membertou.
An woman wears a bright, multi-blue-coloured jacket and looks off the left of the image. She is on a wooden walkway and leans up against the railing. Water and boats can be seen in the background.
Lead by example
Student Success
NSCC Non-Profit Leadership grad Brenda Francis works to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.
A bald man looks off to the top, right of the image. He is wearing a t-shirt that reads F O S S 4 G Bucharest 2019. Behind him, a well-lit, large globe can be seen.
From COGS to NASA
Student Success
NSCC grad a world-wide expert and advocate for free and open geospatial sharing.
A woman smiles and looks off to the right of the image. She is sitting at a large, brown table and wears a dark blazer and red, v-neck shirt. There is an open notebook on the table in front of her.
Legacy in action
Student Success
NSCC Kingstec Campus grad inspires free market with stylish business initiative for those in need.
A woman wearing a blazer, safety glasses and large, turquoise earrings can be seen through a frame made by industrial ropes and supplies. She is looking off to the side of the image and writing on a clipboard.
Artist becomes Industrial Engineering Technologist
Student Success
NSCC grad comes back to class as mature student and applies artistry to new career.
A young woman stands in front of a large, sandstone, townhall building. She is smiling and looking to the top, left of the image. She is wearing a black blazer and a black and white striped t-shirt. Larger buildings can be seen behind the townhall.
Using GIS data to build accessible, interactive maps
Student Success
NSCC grad empowers Halifax residents to make a difference in their community with interactive maps.
A blonde woman smiles and looks to the left of the image. She is wearing a wine-coloured pea coat. In the background, two, large satellite dishes can be seen.
Telecommunications company relies on GIS grad
Student Success
NSCC grad uses advanced diploma to meet growing demands of Eastlink customers.
A woman in a security uniform, speaks into a walkie talkie in an empty stadium.
A titan in the field
Student Success
NSCC grad Ashley Innocente opens bi-coastal security firm.
A woman, wearing a Canadian Navy uniform and black cap, looks off to the right. In the background is water and two navy ships.
Navy Petty Officer gets start at NSCC
Student Success
NSCC Electro Mechanical Tech program inspires military career and builds confidence.
A man sits in an empty row of an auditorium. He is wearing a blue, button up shirt and looks at the camera with a smirk.
Big dreams, big heart
Student Success
After showing a film at TIFF, Abdullah Kafashe returned to NSCC to take his filmmaking knowledge to the next level.
A man sits in a grey chair at a brown desk and types. He is smiling broadly and looking off to the left. He is wearing a light pink button-up shirt.
Cape Breton company supports entrepreneurs with innovative tech
Student Success
NSCC Business grad creates online ordering system for small, family-owned restaurants.
A blond woman and a bearded man stand shoulder to shoulder at a desk and look at an Apple laptop. There is a brick-walled office space in the background with several desks and people.
An innovative proposition
Student Success
Proposify Co-Founder and CEO Kyle Racki and Community Manager Lindsey Ward are both NSCC Graphic Design grads.
A young man with a beard and glasses, wearing a v-kneck sweater and white t-shirt, stands in the center of an isle in a warehouse. The shelves hold many kinds of wooden planks.
Quality, honesty and integrity
Student Success
NSCC International Business grad, inspired by grandfather’s legacy, creates artisanal pens for clients around the world.
A young woman in a flowery, pink shirt smiles with an open mouth at a young child. They are seated at a picnic table in a park on a sunny day.
Nurturing the minds of tomorrow
Student Success
Frankie-Rae Quinn found her dream career close to home thanks to NSCC's Early Childhood Education program.
A bearded man wearing glasses sits in a red chair at a round desk and works on an Apple laptop. Behind him, other people doing similar work can be seen.
Having a ball at REDspace
Student Success
NSCC Web Development grad builds career and creates showpiece VR game for Steam.
A man sits at a table and works on a laptop in front of a wall of windows.
Thriving in the right learning environment
Student Success
Business Administration student driven to make the most of NSCC opportunities
A man looks up while working underneath a plane. He is wearing blue work clothes and safety glasses. He is in a large, open workspace.
From India to NSCC for an aviation career
Student Success
Mithun Mathew is looking forward to working in Canada after completing the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program.
A young man wearing white pants, a black and white coat, black t-shirt and black hat, stands on a sidewalk and looks directly at the camera. It is night and the streetlights are illuminated.
Producing the sound of success
Student Success
Two-time NSCC grad Corey LeRue is the producer, songwriter and DJ for Neon Dreams.
A woman in a black coat and jeans, walks a miniature horse between two wooden fences.
Grad opens therapeutic mini animal farm in Mount Denson
Student Success
NSCC grad opens therapeutic mini animal farm in Mount Denson.
A man in a racing wheelchair is racing around a track.
Kingstec student vying for spot on Canada’s Paralympic Team
Student Success
Ben Brown is on track to become the world’s fastest wheelchair athlete.
"A young woman in a pink shirt sits behind a desk and smiles. On the desk, nail polish and other aesthetic equipment is seen. There is a chalkboard in the background that reads mani/pedi combo. "
Anything but average
Student Success
NSCC Business grad opens salon and spa in Bridgewater.
A man in glasses looks at something unseen to the left of the image. He is standing in the bench area of a large hockey stadium. People can be seen seated in front of him and playing hockey on the ice. There are many spectators in the background.
Recreation grad heads to the NHL
Student Success
NSCC Community Recreation grad Ian Cox is the Assistant Equipment Manager for the Ottawa Senators.
A man wearing a black chef's jacket and black ball cap, transfers a large, stainless steel pot across a kitchen. The kitchen is entirely stainless steel and small. A porthole window is open in the background.
Chef at sea
Student Success
NSCC grad's comfort food helps Coast Guard search and rescue crew feel at home in the Arctic.
A man in blue coveralls, a ball cap, safety glasses and black gloves works on a mechanical item. He is in an industrial shop environment.
Music to his ears
Student Success
NSCC grad Tyler Surette found a career as a diesel mechanic that combines his passion and interests.
A man in blue scrubs with a stethoscope around his neck, walks down a railed walkway with a woman who is using crutches.
It's never too late
Student Success
After two decades working out West, Shawn Goulding is fulfilling his dream as a practical nurse.
A woman in a white t-shirt smiles while leaning against a wooden shingled wall and looking to the right. On her shirt, the word taste can be read.
Savouring success
Student Success
World-travelled NSCC grad showcases Nova Scotian tastes to global audience.
Five people stand shoulder to shoulder in black graduation gowns and white stoles. Three women in the centre wear hijabs and the men at each end wear collared shirts and ties. In the background, fabric signs read N S C C, courage and determined.
Sibling success
Student Success
Five siblings complete Adult Learning Program after arriving in Canada.
A woman in an orange shirt and glasses stands in front of a large sign that reads TEDx NSCC Wa…(the rest is unseen). She is holding cue cards in her hands and appears to be giving a presentation.
Redefining professional headshots
Student Success
NSCC grad creates automated photo booth that snaps professional-quality photos.
Two young men sit on chairs and look at the camera. They are wearing buttoned up shirts. On a low, glass table in front of them is a black laptop. There is a pull-up banner to the left that reads: IBM outthink ordinary.
Mastering the mainframe
Student Success
NSCC students come out on top in IBM Master the Mainframe Contest.
A man stands on a beach holding a surfboard painted with waves. He is wearing a jacket, sweater and jeans. There is mist and trees in the background.
Artistic ability overcomes injury
Student Success
Injury leads to opportunity for NSCC grad and airbrush artist Andrew Burgess.
Couple sits inside a tent at Kluskap Ridge in Cape Breton.
Grads share Mi'kmaw culture through tourism operation
Student Success
Kluskap Ridge in Cape Breton offers unique experiences for campers.
A woman in a blue t-shirt leans out the window of a blue food-truck-like structure and hands a customer a can of beer. The structure reads Sober Island Brewing.
Sheet Harbour brewery encourages tourism
Student Success
NSCC Tourism Management grad behind Sober Island Brewing Company.
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