Alumni stories
NSCC Accessibility Advisory Committee – Applications Open
Help improve the economic and social prosperity for persons with disabilities at NSCC. Students and alumni are important to this transformative work. Apply to join our Accessibility Advisory Committee by December 6, 2024.
Join your NSCC community at a Pride Parade
Join in Pride celebrations by marching with your NSCC community in a Pride Parade. NSCC is participating in multiple Pride parades across Nova Scotia this summer.
Going for gold – Olivia's journey to WorldSkills
Olivia Sewell (Culinary Management ’23) will be the first Nova Scotian and NSCC alum to represent Canada in cooking at WorldSkills. Find out how she made it and how our community can support her.
Ask a Black Entrepreneur Panel 2024: Resources
The fourth annual Ask a Black Entrepreneur Panel event shares personal experiences and knowledge from successful, Black alumni entrepreneurs. Explore the helpful sources for Black entrepreneurs referenced in the event.
Capturing Cape Breton’s spooky stories
In six years, Dawn Wells (’03) directed her film career from homemade YouTube series to working with some of Canada’s biggest media companies. This stemmed from her radio career and lifelong learning which started at NSCC.
Doggone brilliance: alum-owned dog daycare
After pursuing her entrepreneurial aspiration at NSCC, Taylor Warren (Business Admin '19) made her life-long business dream a reality and opened Ace It Canine Academy, offering various dog daycare and training services.
Alumni Holiday Festive Fun
Happy holidays from NSCC Alumni Relations. For festive fun, try this delicious sugar cookie recipe from Boulangerie and Baking Arts alum Cait Holmes, owner of Honey & Butter.
Music Nova Scotia Music & Industry Award: Alumni Winners
NSCC alumni are connected to the Music Nova Scotia awards in many ways, from nominations to performances and working behind the scenes. Find out which grads took home awards this year.
Creative Nova Scotia Awards: Alumni Recipients
The Creative Nova Scotia Awards recognizes excellence in artistic achievement. The 2023 recipients include three very talented NSCC alumni who are making waves in Nova Scotia.
NSCC credentials translated into Mi’kmaw
NSCC now offers Mi’kmaq and Indigenous graduating students and alumni the option to have their credential in the Mi’kmaw language.
Shared love for food
Joshua De Leon (Business Admin '20) and Mary Grace Gomez own what’s believed to be Cape Breton’s first Korean BBQ restaurant. Partners in life and business, their story resembles the romantic plot of a Hallmark movie.
NSCC students launch new business with record label and first signing
Seven Music Business graduates ('23) have created their own record label business, Lulo, and are already signing local artists. This includes signing alumni band Good Dear Good.
Father-son duo graduate together amid adversity
Convocation is a proud moment for any family, often with graduates’ family cheering them on from the audience. However, the McLean family had a unique experience, where both father and son crossed the stage in June.
A career of firsts
Vincent Williams (RTJ '15) uses his voice to empower youth and represent his roots through his work as a sports broadcaster, football official and African Nova Scotian student support worker.
Diverting community waste
Carrie Anne Michael (Natural Resources Environmental Technology '17) is a driving force in pioneering a comprehensive waste management program that includes every household in her community, We’koqma’q First Nation.
Monthly eNews: May 2023
Check out learning opportunities, exclusive promotions, entrepreneurship news and employment resources shared in our May 2023 eNews.
Grad’s mission to liftoff Nova Scotia’s space industry
Going where no Nova Scotian has gone before, Arad Gharagozli (Electronic Engineering Technology '15) contributes significantly to the province’s aerospace industry. From working on satellites to founding space organizations.
Monthly eNews: April 2023
In April’s issue, check out learning resources, ways to get involved with your NSCC community and grad businesses that have the perfect cards for Mother’s Day. We also recognize Earth Day this month.
Work Term Contest
NSCC work term experiences start this month and we’re kicking it off with a giveaway! We want to hear from students and employers participating in the College’s work terms. Learn how to enter.
Chefs, partners build life on Easy Street
Culinary Management grad Kelly-Jo Beck ('18) and her fiancé Lalanya Kaizer (Cook Apprentice) are two-thirds of the talented trio behind the award-winning Easy Street Diner in Halifax.
Monthly eNews: March 2023
Spring is upon us, and we want to help you grow this season. In this issue, discover free alumni learning opportunities, discounts, and College announcements.
A legacy of carpentry, cheesecake and community
Richard Byers (Carpentry '80) exemplified community, mentorship and the art of carpentry – a legacy that will be shared with NSCC Carpentry students at his alma mater through the Richard Byers Memorial Bursary.
Baking her own sweet success
From a farmers' market to selling baked goods online and at local businesses, Sydney Daoust has certainly baked her own sweet success. She enrolled in NSCC’s Start-up Accelerator Program to further grow Syd Delicious.
Monthly eNews: February 2023
We hope this month’s updates bring you a cozy community feel as we share alumni successes, entrepreneur resources, NSCC’s new strategic plan, and more. February is also a time of learning and reflection as we recognize African Heritage Month.
Design for difference
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.
Leading in Love at NSCC
Isabella (ECE '17 & Applied Communication Arts '09) and Jake Graves (Therapeutic Recreation '17) went back to school together, got engaged as students and married a month after graduation. Read their NSCC love story.
Grads named Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada
Jubanti Dhan Toppo (HR Management '21) and Mohammad al Masalma (Tourism Management '18) are honourees of the 2023 Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada awards. Read what receiving this award means to them.
Monthly eNews: January 2023
Your talent, accomplishments, and unwavering acts of kindness continued to inspire us this past year. Here’s a glimpse of some highlights from this wonderful and growing alumni community in 2022!
Leading the charge
Cole Gregory (Electronic Engineering Technology ’18), Research Associate with NSCC Applied Research, is helping Kohltech Windows and Entrance Systems determine if their residential windows could function as solar panels.
Building a future
Jerry Lewis (Carpentry ‘14 & ‘15) never dreamed the decision to study at NSCC would lead to owning and renovating multiple event venues popular with brides, Instagram influencers and musicians alike.
A natural storyteller
Stephanie Joline (RTA '04) is part of a new generation of filmmakers using their art and influence to share the stories, voices and experiences that are often forgotten.
Getting down to business
Genevieve Allen-Hearn (Nonprofit Leadership ’21) is passionate about Kentville. The business owner, publisher and community-builder is boosting the town's business sector, celebrating its cultural infrastructure and flipping the script on rural communities.
Behind the scenes
Keandre Johnson (Applied Media and Communication Arts ’19, Screen Arts ’21), a TV and film production newcomer, has lent his skills to award-winning programs including Diggstown and This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
Clothing brand with a cause
Tyra Paul (Business Admin ‘18) created Drip Avenue 902 as an outlet to share her personal story. The entrepreneur and community-builder donates a portion of all proceeds to support mental health and addiction services.
NSCC Holiday Message
Happy holidays from your Alumni Relations team and NSCC community. Read our holiday message.
A lens on mental health
Hannah Jackson (Photography ‘18, Nonprofit Leadership ‘21) understands firsthand how photography can support mental health, in fact, it’s a guiding principle of her work.
NSCC Alumni 12 Days of Giveaways
It’s that time of year again! We’re holding our annual 12 Days of Giveaways for the holidays. Learn how you can win awesome alumni-made products from this year’s Shop NSCC.
Job search advice: cover letters, resumes and interviews
Looking to enter industry or start a new job? Check out these job search tips from our NSCC Alumni Program 101 series.
Sushi business finds soaring success
Liam Crane (Culinary Arts ‘17) and Ashley Scott continue to expand their restaurant, Soaring Crane Sushi, since opening in 2021. From renting kitchen space to a food trailer, and dine-in location in Enfield opening soon.
Alum strengthens community while growing business
Shawn Montique (Applied Media and Communication Arts ‘18) opened Gloria International Grocery, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada. His store also creates space for the community to gather.
Nova Scotia is Where It’s At
There’s no shortage of things to see, do and taste in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley region, and Jeremy Novak (Business Admin '06), owner of Where It’s At Tours, is excited to show it all off.
NSCC launches three new housing builds
Construction is underway to build three new campus housing facilities at the Akerley, Pictou and Ivany campuses.
New grad lands job as morning show host
Before crossing the Convocation stage, new grad Emma Freckelton (Radio TV Journalism ‘22) landed the job as 94.1 The Breeze’s morning show host and took over the mic from her radio idol.
Father & son embrace a similar path decades apart
Justin Bishop and his late father, Ivan, both enrolled at COGS as mature students. While they worked in different fields, they both transitioned from physically demanding jobs to tech-based careers.
NSCC and RBC grow support for rural students with work experience program
NSCC has received a gift of $200,000 over two years from RBC Foundation's Future Launch initiative for the continued support of the RBC Student Works Program.
New Practical Nursing Program Will Train 30 L’nu Students
Starting in the 2023-24 academic year, aspiring practical nursing students can learn as part of a Mi’kmaw cohort at NSCC Pictou Campus.
Monthly eNews: October 2022
Learn about September's book bundle winner, NSCC’s Open House and how to nominate an alumni business for Shop NSCC, and take time to learn and reflect as we recognize Mi’kmaq History Month in our October Update.
Mi'kmaq History Month
October is Mi’kmaq History Month, beginning with Treaty Day on October 1 to honour the relationship and important contributions of the Mi’kmaq people in Nova Scotia. Learn more about Wi'kipatmu'k Mi'kmawey, Honoring of the Mi'kmaw way.
Pursuing her passion for creativity
Anisa Francoeur (Graphic Design ’16) is making a name for herself as a graphic designer. See her bold, colourful art and learn about her creative career.
Monthly eNews: September 2022
September has spoiled us with warmth and sunshine to end summer. As we move into fall, your Alumni Team is ready to help you get back into routine with some great offerings. Read the full issue for a few upcoming dates.
Inspiring social change through film
Juliet Mawusi (Radio Television Journalism ‘21) is working to develop eye-opening documentaries to educate people and promote social change. Her documentary, Being Black in the Nova Scotian Music Industry, did just that.
Grads Heather O’Brien and Kristen Beaton memorial awards – celebrating their care and compassion
The families of Heather O'Brien and Kristen Beaton, along with the VON and help from NSCC Alumni Relations, have established annual memorial awards celebrating their lives.
NSCC, CSU partner on transfer agreement
NSCC has partnered with Columbia Southern University (CSU) on a transfer agreement for students studying occupational health and safety.
Finding empowerment in education
Sherri Butler (Business Information Technology ’99, Office Administration ’00) enrolled at NSCC as a young single mother to build a better future for her son. She had a full-circle moment when she was hired by NSCC.
Monthly eNews: August 2022
This month, read about the impact of donor giving, accessibility support for the Mi'kmaq Honour Song, how alumni can access sponsored tuition for the new Start-Up Accelerator program and NSCC Alumni's Instagram launch!
5 tips to make the most of your NSCC alumni connection
Are you a new graduate joining the alumni community? Here's a list of our top five tips to help you make the most of your NSCC alumni connection.
Alum nominated for GRAMMYs, JUNOS and ECMA in 2022
Laura Roy (Music Arts '12) is an up-and-coming voice in alternative R&B. The singer-songwriter has released 2 EPs, multiple singles and collaborated with many artists. Learn about her latest career milestones.
Annual Report on Giving
Our community raised over $5.6M in funding to create new programs, build student awards and provide necessary financial aid for thousands of students across the province. Read impactful student stories in NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations' 2021/22 Annual Report on Giving.
Monthly eNews: July 2022
July is setting the tone for summer with great weather and celebrations. In this issue, learn about alumni resources and offerings including ongoing education for Social Services grads, great prizes for those who take the Grad Survey (class of 2021), and how to join NSCC in the upcoming Sydney Pride Parade.
New pathway agreement in social services
Recent NSCC Social Services grads can now earn their Bachelor of Arts Degree at Mount Allison University in just two additional years if eligible. Read more about this new learning opportunity.
It’s a family thing: three generations of NSCC alumni
The Marshall family has three generations of NSCC alumni from more than six different programs. In 1965, Ross Marshall graduated from Bell Road Campus and recently, Ross Bartlett graduated from Ivany Campus in 2022.
Monthly eNews: June 2022
This month has also been filled with celebration as we welcomed the class of 2022 into our alumni community. Learn more about our newest grads, alumni making their mark, and be sure to check out our giveaway in honour of National Indigenous History Month.
Grad-owned business 'Ups' their NSCC connection
Kate Elliot (PR '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.
Alum duo makes visual reconnection with College
As students, Jane Nicholson and Kristen Brown created Arrow & Knot Productions. This year, their videography company reached a huge milestone after being selected to be part of NSCC’s 25th anniversary.
Monthly eNews: May 2022
It’s great to feel the sun’s warmth and watch nature flourish as we move towards summer. May has been active for our community with the wrap-up of NSCC’s 25th anniversary, adding to the nostalgia that many alumni share this time of year.
Alum feature film hits local theatre
Stephanie Joline (Radio Television Arts ’04) has a feature film, Night Blooms, playing at a Halifax theatre! After graduation, Stephanie made her own career path in Nova Scotia’s film industry, where she creates space for diversity whenever possible.
Monthly eNews: April 2022
April has been an exciting month with NSCC’s Kindness Project setting the tone to step back and share what we can. We also recognize Earth Day this month and are excited to share our latest 25-minute video, along with other updates and offerings.
Monthly eNews: March 2022
There are many changes happening this month and we want to help you move into this next season with some hope and kindness. Check out fresh resources, initiatives and updates that are sure to put some spring in your step.
Monthly eNews: February 2022
The winter weather may be unpredictable, but you can depend on us for the latest resources, stories and updates to get you through. February has also been a time of learning and perspective as we recognize African Heritage Month.
Monthly eNews: 2021 Year in Review
In 2021, we’ve all had to adapt to a “new normal,” although what that looks like is different for everyone. For us, the result has been a year spent mostly online, juggling home, work and life, but deeply invested in adapting our alumni offerings to be of most value to you, our alumni.
NSCC Foundation Annual Report on Giving
As alumni, you know firsthand the impact an NSCC education can have, and for many of you, the support from our generous donors and the College community meant all the difference. The 2021 Foundation Annual Report shares incredible stories of perseverance and dedication, traits that are very common in our alumni community. For those of you who have been able to pay it forward through the NSCC Foundation, we thank you and our students thank you.
Crissi Cochrane shares the sweet sound of success
Crissi Cochrane is a Music Business alum with over 13 million listens on Spotify. She co-founded a music co-op and is currently crowd-funding her first animated music video. But what's most impressive about Crissi is how she's giving a hand-up to others in her community as she makes her way to the top.
Advertise Your Rental to NSCC Students - FREE
We know the rental market is challenging right now. Advertising for tenants can be time-consuming and expensive. If you have a room, an apartment or a unit to rent, you can list your vacancies for FREE on Places4students.com or call 1.866.766.0767 and help NSCC students find housing.
From farm to table
Kara Friesen has launched a local meal-kit business with produce straight from Nova Scotia farms. Kara’s vision for this sustainable business was supported by the Scotiabank Entrepreneur in the Making Program and enabled her to bring farm fresh to the Annapolis Valley and HRM.
Finding community at NSCC
Alum Juno Keizer, a proud father of two daughters, and recent participant in the Irving Pathways to Shipbuilding Program, shares his experience on the program and the community support that made the journey worthwhile. View his story and others as part of the NSCC Foundation Lead the Way campaign.