Alumni in the news
Cakes, cupcakes, and warm treats: Sassy Sweet Cups to open location in New Glasgow
For Stephanie Grant (CCA '11), owning a food business was always a dream. She fulfilled her dream on Dec. 1 when she got the keys to her storefront Sassy Sweet Cups in downtown New Glasgow.
Dec. 29, 2023SaltWire
Yarmouth County astronomer wins Rural Nova Scotia Tourism Innovation Pitch Competition
Tim Doucette (Scientific Computer Programming '93) of Deep Sky Eye Observatory in Quinan, Yarmouth County, has won the top prize in this year’s Rural Nova Scotia Tourism Innovation Pitch Competition.
Dec. 16, 2023SaltWire
In Halifax, a call to promote old-growth forests as a guard against future wildfires
As he stands near a Nova Scotia forest with soaring 150-year-old trees, Mike Lancaster (NERT '11) sees a natural, long-term solution to the threat wildfires pose to city dwellers.
Dec. 11, 2023CBC News
Second annual Mi'kmaw Christmas Market in Sydney more than just a marketplace
Tepknuset Art and Wellness feature its unique products at the Mi'kmaw Christmas Market. It’s owned by Membertou First Nation sisters Rebecca (ACMA '03, Leadership & Supervision '09) and Theresa Scirocco.
Dec. 03, 2023SaltWire
Video: Smile and Shine Pageantry
Global’s Eilish Bonang (RTJ ’18) interviews Mikayla Marriott (Business Admin ’19), founder of Smile & Shine Pageantry, about her goal to change the stigma around pageants by empowering partakers to embrace who they are.
Nov. 21, 2023Global News
New Glasgow's Mann family takes on Family Feud Canada
The Mann family appeared on Family Feud Canada, their team included Doug (CCEDP '04), Crystal, Melanie (Interactive Technology '04), Cassie (Music Business '19) and Nathan (Recording Arts '06).
Nov. 15, 2023SaltWire
New Waterford woman vying for Miss Mission Canada title to promote animal cruelty prevention
Rolanda Nason (Business Tourism ’22), entered Miss Mission International pageant with her mission to help prevent animal cruelty through education and volunteerism.
Nov. 08, 2023SaltWire
Coldstream Clear cuts ribbon on new brewery in Truro, N.S.
Coldstream Clear cut the ribbon on their upgraded facility in Truro, a move made to satiate demand for their products. It’s co-founded by Liam Giffen (Power Engineering Technology '18) and his siblings.
Nov. 08, 2023SaltWire
Juanita Peters wins 2023 Portia White Prize
The Creative Nova Scotia Awards were presented on November 3, recognizing excellence in artistic achievement. Alumni recipients include Juanita Peters, Andre Fenton, Jah'Mila and P’tit Belliveau.
Nov. 06, 2023Arts Nova Scotia
Hometown grief inspires Cape Breton artist's song about living each day as if it was your last
The video for Brett Matthews’ (Recording Arts ’12) single, “If I Die Today” you might want to be prepared for some deep reflection. Featuring Classified, it was inspired by a tragedy in Mattthew’s hometown.
Oct. 25, 2023SaltWire
Video: Black Women in Excellence
Tia Upshaw (ALP ’06), CEO and Founder of Black Women in Excellence, has a segment called "Tuesdays with Tia" on CTV Morning Live Atlantic, celebrating the incredible achievements of Black women entrepreneurs.
Oct. 17, 2023CTV
Halifax filmmaker's documentary wins award at New York festival
Sean MacDougall (Radio Television Journalism '19) was recently awarded Best Environmental Short Documentary at a New York festival for his documentary Saltwater Souvenirs.
Oct. 04, 2023CBC News
'Songs of Unama'ki' shines at AIFF
Atlantic International Film Festival awarded "Songs of Unama'ki" with the Best Atlantic Short Documentary Award. It was co-directed by Membertou's Dawn Wells (Applied Communication Arts ’03) and Jeff Miller.
Sep. 25, 2023SaltWire
Freeze-dried fun: Candy Frost unique treats from Cape Breton on grocery shelves
Candice Mugford (Continuing Care ’11) started making freeze-drying candy when her daughter got braces last winter. Now, she’s selling those treats to big-name shops around Cape Breton, including Sobeys and Foodland.
Sep. 25, 2023SaltWire
Artists commemorate homes, pets lost in Halifax-area wildfires
After witnessing hundreds of her fellow Nova Scotians lose their homes and pets from wildfires, artist Brynn Budden (RTA '10) wanted to use her creativity to help people commemorate their losses.
Sep. 23, 2023CBC News
Mom pens book about daughter’s life and death while in clutches of human traffickers
Jennifer Holleman (Accounting ’91), whose daughter died at age 21 while trapped in the world of human trafficking, has written a book about how her daughter was caught up in that world.
Aug. 28, 2023SaltWire
Clare Nova Scotia - Culinary Destination
Highlights culinary destinations in Clare, NS, including successful businesses owned by Shane Robicheau (Culinary Arts ’18) and his family.
Aug. 16, 2023Maritimes Maven
Filmmaker puts Cape Breton's hidden mysteries into frame
Dawn Wells’ (AMCA ’03) upcoming series, "Creepy Cape Breton," produced for Bell Fibe TV1, reveals the island's most obscure ghost stories, creepy legends and UFO sightings.
Aug. 16, 2023SaltWire
Jamie Myra wins Lunenburg mayoral election
Jamie Myra (Sales & Marketing '91) has been elected mayor of the Town of Lunenburg, collecting more than twice as many votes as the other candidate in a special election held Saturday.
Aug. 13, 2023SaltWire
Westville woman celebrated for heroic deed during Canada Day Parade
Holly Lawrence (Practical Nursing ’10) was presented with an award by the town of Westville for her actions saving a man during the Canada Day Parade.
Aug. 11, 2023SaltWire
Benjamin Bridge Celebrates the Biodiversity of the Gaspereau Valley
Benjamin Bridge will host an experiential tour this weekend focused on their biodiversity program, which is led by chef Kyla Welton (Culinary Arts '17).
Aug. 11, 2023SaltWire
We’koqma’q Festival a labour of love for Nicholas sisters
Sisters Eva and Ella Nicholas' (Mi'kmaw Health & Wellness '15, Pre-Employment '08) passions for traditional knowledge, art and healing brought them together, working on the Skye River Trail.
Aug. 10, 2023SaltWire
There’s a new kid in town: The Corner Store by missbrenna
From apparel with Brenna MacNeil’s (ACA '06, Graphic Design '07) own Cape Breton-style designs, to Italian goods, and more, there’s something for everyone at the Corner Store by missbrenna.
Aug. 10, 2023Cape Breton Partnership
Affordable co-op housing project picking up steam on N.S. South Shore
Since May, Cherie MacLeod (Drafting – Architectural '11), who works as a home designer, has been trying to get a co-operative housing project off the ground in the Lunenburg area.
Aug. 09, 2023SaltWire
African roots and culture celebrated at Journey Back to Birchtown event
Barbara Roberts (CCEDP '16), owner of AfroNova, brings authentic African handiwork to Nova Scotia. She recently shared her work at the market for the Journey Back to Birchtown festival.
Aug. 08, 2023SaltWire
My Friend, Larry
Larry Bergeron (CCEDP '01) continues to inspire others in his third career since retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces and NSCC – helping veterans with PTSD and their families via connection with horses.
Aug. 06, 2023Saltscapes
Coldstream's new beer is pouring out of Nova Scotia liquor stores
Liam Giffen (Power Engineering Technology '18), co-owner of Coldstream Clear, talks about the company’s success in expanding into brewing and its history.
Aug. 04, 2023SaltWire
Cape Breton man finds new career path in the kitchen
Colin McCulloch (Culinary Arts ’23, Graphic Design '01, AMCA '00) earned the 2023 Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Culinary Excellence after NSCC’s Culinary Arts program ‘turned his life around.’
Jul. 25, 2023SaltWire
NSCC Achieve program brings together course alumni
NSCC Achieve alumni gathered for a reunion at Pictou Campus. Grads from the past five years came together to inspire one another, connect and celebrate their accomplishments since graduating the program.
Jul. 05, 2023SaltWire
Shaking up Cape Breton's restaurant industry
Sheraz Ali (Business Admin ’18) and Muhammad Ali (Office Admin ’16) are ‘shaking things up’ with their new endeavor – launching an Indian, Canadian and Pakistani-style restaurant in Sydney, NS.
Jul. 04, 2023SaltWire
Video: Reimagined Energy Podcast: Energy Tech 101 with Dr. Groszko
NSCC researcher Wayne Groszko joined grad Maria McGowan (Website Design '09) on her podcast, Reimagined Energy to discuss recent projects on renewable energy and the value of involving students.
Jun. 29, 2023Sociable Media
Five questions with Brooklyn Blackmore
Brooklyn Blackmore (Music Arts ’18), a country-pop artist from Dartmouth, answers a Q&A, letting her fans get to know her as more than an artist.
Jun. 24, 2023Canadian Beats Media
Video: A N.S. valedictorian comes out during graduation speech. A standing ovation followed
Quinn Legg, Akerley Campus Valedictorian and Automotive Service and Repair grad ('23) shared an emotional moment with their classmates and faculty – coming out as transgender during their valedictory speech.
Jun. 24, 2023Global News
Filipino couple's success with Korean restaurant in Cape Breton leads to relocation
Filipino-born Joshua De Leon (Business Admin '20) is using his NSCC diploma to open the first Korean restaurant in Cape Breton.
Jun. 14, 2023SaltWire
SPICE Girls: New program for BIPOC and immigrant women breaks down barriers in food entrepreneurship
Cassandra Downey (Culinary Management ‘22) pilots SPICE, a new organization combating inequality against BIPOC and immigrant women in the food service industry.
May. 23, 2023SaltWire
Event Aims to Financially Empower Women
Tia Upshaw (ALP '06) is the keynote speaker at Investing in You: Making Cents of Tough Conversations, a free virtual event to inspire female entrepreneurs and break the taboo of discussing financial struggles and success.
May. 04, 2023Huddle
Female baseball players get a league of their own in Nova Scotia, games start in June
Jen Donaldson (Drafting ’99) is one of the lead organizers of the first ever all-women's baseball league in Nova Scotia. The league will be known as Nova Scotia Monarchs Baseball, Women's Division.
Apr. 22, 2023CBC News
Video: Music Monday: Lulo Music Group and Good Dear Good
Interview with members of Halifax’s newest record label Lulo Music Group, and indie pop-rock band Good Dear Good (Music Arts '17-18). The new record label started in the NSCC Music Business Program.
Mar. 27, 2023Global News
5 Nova Scotians heading to France to show off their skills at the Abilympics
NSCC grad Liam Crane (Culinary Arts '17, Cooking Apprenticeship '20) and four other Nova Scotians will be taking part in the Abilympics in Metz, France from March 23-25, 2023.
Mar. 19, 2023CBC
Yess to success: Cape Breton mayor impressed by new team member
It didn’t take long for Stacey MacDonald (Social Services '16, Early Childhood Education '21) to make a good impression on CBRM Mayor Amanda McDougall in her work placement at the mayor’s office.
Mar. 15, 2023SaltWire
Cabot Cape Breton appoints Kendall Clancy as new general manager
Cabot Cape Breton recently announced the appointment of Kendall Clancy (Tourism Management '20) as the new general manager at the Inverness resort.
Mar. 15, 2023SaltWire
New Halifax Label Lulo Signs Good Dear Good
Lulo Music Group, formed by NSCC Music Business grads, announces its first signing: Good Dead Good (Music Arts '17-18). The alumni band includes: Tim Hatcher, Brandon MacDonald, Izra Fitch and Connor Booth.
Mar. 09, 2023Exclaim!
Nova Scotia 55+ Games announces 2023 co-chairs
The 2023 Nova Scotia 55+ Games, taking place in Pictou County, has announced this year’s co-chairs: New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks and former mayor of Trenton Glen MacKinnon (Data Processing).
Mar. 02, 2023SaltWire
From a mug of lettuce to a shipping container full of it: Dartmouth hydroponics operation helping tackle food security challenges
Phil Hatcher (International Business '01), owner and farmer of Very Local Greens Inc. in Dartmouth, N.S., was attracted to hydroponic farming because it helps address food security issues.
Feb. 24, 2023SaltWire
Miramichi swim program for kids with autism gets global recognition
Cindi Green (Nonprofit Leadership '21), founder of Autism Swim Miramichi, says the community's reception of the program has "blown me out of the water."
Feb. 22, 2023CBC News
Video: Moncton man chooses second career and passion over retirement
Ed Hamilton-Irving (Baking & Pastry Arts '20) was just days away from retirement at the Moncton Hospital when he read a single line in a magazine that changed his life. “It said, ‘baking and pastry arts -- one year."
Feb. 15, 2023CTV News
Upcoming children's book to feature work by Wasauksing artist
Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley’s (Graphic Design '14) illustrations will be featured in an upcoming children’s book, ‘Biindigen! Amik Says Welcome’, which highlights accepting differences and promotes respecting nature.
Feb. 13, 2023Parry Sound
Provisioning the Valley with healthy, flavourful foods
Kara Friesen (Business Admin '20), of Piecemeal Food Provisions, hosted a fascinating evening recently where four farmers and a food advocate discussed the future of food in the Annapolis Valley.
Feb. 09, 2023SaltWire
Halifax brothers go around the world to bring new flavours to their restaurant
Not only are Guy (Business Admin '19) and Andre Pratt pretty successful chefs and restaurateurs, their business deductions game is extraordinarily strong. The brothers are the co-owners of Studio East.
Feb. 09, 2023SaltWire
Celebrating the Most Inspiring Immigrants In Atlantic Canada 2023
The Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada initiative is our way of identifying and honouring those who stand out in their towns and cities across this region.
Jan. 25, 2023My East Coast Experience
Halifax duo Neon Dreams drops new album inspired by love of South Africa
Halifax duo Neon Dreams just dropped a new album, which the pair says was inspired by their home away from home.
Jan. 23, 2023CTV News
Meet one of the signers who translated the Mi'kmaq Honour Song into sign language
Mi'kmaw signers Holly Green and Sheila Johnson helped translate the Honour Song, which was featured in a video for Nova Scotia Community College.
Jan. 22, 2023CBC
Restoring furniture an artform for N.S. woodworker
Allison Chapman (ALP '20, Cabinetmaking '21) says she loves being creative. In her late 20s, Chapman decided to go back to school to take the cabinet making class at her local NSCC.
Jan. 20, 2023SaltWire
How a head injury led to career in fish safety
A knock to the head turned out to be the push Matthew Duffy ('17) needed to realize his perfect professional calling. Not long after the accident, Duffy stumbled across an occupational health and safety program at NSCC.
Jan. 19, 2023The Safety Magazine
Medal design unveiled for upcoming North American Indigenous Games
The medal design for the 2023 North American Indigenous Games has officially been unveiled. Initially designed by Ella Scothorn, a student from Hardwood Lands, N.S., before being finalized by Mi'kmaw artist Tayla Fern Paul (Welding '14).
Jan. 17, 2023CBC
Juanita Peters on always being ready for the next thing
Juanita Peters (RTJ) is the executive director of the Africville Museum in Halifax, but she is also a director of documentaries, plays, feature films and episodic television, as well as being an actor and a playwright.
Jan. 10, 2023Saltscapes Magazine
Video: Ukrainian-Canadian filmmaker hopes new documentary will help war-torn country
A Ukrainian-Canadian filmmaker wants to use her power of storytelling to help the war-torn country. Olesya Shyvikova (RTA '16) is hoping her new documentary will take her to the streets of Ukraine.
Jan. 03, 2023Global News
'An amazing moment,' says team leader as satellite built in Nova Scotia launches into space
It was one of dozens of satellites that were part of the Canadian CubeSat Project and the first made in Atlantic Canada. The project manager is Arad Gharagozli (Electronic Engineering Technology '15).
Jan. 01, 2023CBC News
New restaurant brimming with German influences
A self-described military brat, chef and owner Ian Clarke (Culinary Arts '10), has opened PMQ Restaurant in downtown Halifax.
Dec. 19, 2022SaltWire
Halifax has a new chief administrative officer: Cathie O’Toole
Halifax has announced Cathie O’Toole (Business Information Program '94) will replace Jacques Dubé as chief administrative officer. She is the first woman in this position for the municipality.
Dec. 14, 2022SaltWire
YouTube series helps African immigrants find connections, community in Nova Scotia
Gnenga Akintokun (RTJ ’19) and fellow African immigrants in Halifax have created a YouTube web series to help keep other African immigrants informed on issues specific to their new community.
Dec. 02, 2022Penticton Herald
Nova Scotia’s Ethan Green to Represent Canada at International Young Chefs Competition
Ethan Green (Culinary Skills '20 & Culinary Management '21) won the 2022 Canadian National La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Jeunes Chefs Competition.
Dec. 01, 2022Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine
Halifax reporter named Atlantic director of Canadian Association of Black Journalists
Amber Fryday (RTJ '21), a Halifax reporter with African Nova Scotian roots has been appointed as the new Atlantic director of the Canadian Association of Black Journalists.
Nov. 21, 2022Halifax Examiner
Artists Honoured at 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Awards Celebration
The Portia White Prize was awarded to singer, songwriter and actress Cyndi Cain of North Preston. As part of the award, Ms. Cain received $7,000 for her protégé, NSCC grad, musician/singer Adina Fraser Marsman.
Nov. 10, 2022Province of Nova Scotia
1st cohort of Africentric early childhood educators graduate from NSCC
A new program at NSCC designed to encourage more Black students to enter the field of early childhood education has celebrated its first graduating class.
Nov. 09, 2022Yahoo! News
Halifax author Andre Fenton announces film adaptation of his novel Annaka
Andre Fenton (Screen Arts '15 & Social Services '18) will collaborate with Halifax filmmaker Cory Bowles on the flick.
Nov. 09, 2022The Coast
Newcomer to Cape Breton pays it forward to local business community
When Lan Zheng (Office Admin '14 & Business Admin '15) arrived at the JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport, she knew she was home. Ten years later, she sits on the CBLIP Immigrant Advisory Table with nine other migrants.
Nov. 04, 2022SaltWire
Chef Shaun Zwarun celebrates Nova Scotian suppliers in new cookbook
At Kiju’s Restaurant in Membertou, NS , chef Shaun Zwarun (Culinary Arts '94) creates menus that use local ingredients, but more than that are inspired by them and the local enterprises making up the food industry ecosystem in Nova Scotia.
Nov. 03, 2022Atlantic Business Magazine
Video: ‘Proud to be Mi’kmaw’: Artist shares how beading reconnected her to culture
Caitlyn Moore (Motor Vehicle Body Repair '18), of Qalipu First Nation in Newfoundland, says learning to bead was a way to reconnect with her culture.
Oct. 29, 2022Global News
Halloween goes haywire in Jason Eisener’s latest film, Kids vs. Aliens
In his new feature Kids vs Aliens, Dartmouth filmmaker Jason Eisener (Screen Arts '03) has crafted the perfect kind of Halloween movie.
Oct. 28, 2022SaltWire
A groovy kind of podcast from Colchester duo
When Kiley White (Social Services ‘17) and Brooke Chandler first started working together with a youth group in Brookfield, their overall, inspirational message to the teens was “find your groove.”
Oct. 10, 2022SaltWire
Jingle dresses and mermaid tails
Hailee McDonald (Digital Animation '18) brought together something that she didn't really see much of in the comic book world when she tried the MerMay challenge: Indigenous representation in comic book characters.
Sep. 19, 2022SaltWire
Scientists, artists, indigenous people travelling our coast aboard the Polar Prince
Murres, puffins, the various varieties of shearwaters, leeches storm petrels … are just a few of the 20 or more seabirds Jessie Wilson and Kristine Hannifen (NERT ’15) will need to identify over the coming 21 days.
Sep. 08, 2022SaltWire
Shelburne’s downtown rejuvenating with new businesses opening
Brendan Pippy (Tourism Management '19) is the owner/operator of The Emerald Light kitchen and bar, one of several new businesses to recently open in downtown Shelburne.
Aug. 24, 2022SaltWire
Nova Scotia author hopes to spark conversation about eating disorders
Scott Ellis (Natural Resources Environmental Technology '19) hopes his new book, Chasing Numbers: Sleep, Starve, Repeat, will help shine a light on eating disorders.
Aug. 18, 2022SaltWire
Beauty in simplicity: Alcohol ink art takes plenty of practice, says Cape Breton artist
Shae-Lynne MacLean (Applied Media & Communication Arts ’20) was first introduced to the techniques and tools of alcohol ink art via an independent study at NSCC.
Aug. 16, 2022SaltWire
Mi'kmaw woman starts clothing brand, offers hope about recovering from addiction
Tyra Paul has turned her life around from drug and alcohol abuse, and now she wants to show others there is life beyond addiction.
Aug. 12, 2022CBC Nova Scotia
The Broken Ground unearths rich history of Inverness coal mines
Up-and-coming-filmmaker Liam MacDonald (Screen Arts '20) unearths some of the rich history of coal mining in his hometown with a full-length documentary.
Aug. 11, 2022The Port Hawkesbury Reporter
Still painting the town: Yarmouth NS sees lots of mural potential and opportunities
Local artist Danielle Mahood's (Applied Communication Arts '06, Graphic Design '07) latest mural is a stunning and colourful shoutout to the lobster, swordfish and scallop fisheries.
Aug. 09, 2022SaltWire
Ben Brown ready to paddle with world’s best in Dartmouth
Ben Brown (Business Administration '19) has made a splash in his first full year of competing in paracanoe.
Aug. 05, 2022SaltWire
Equine therapy program in Pictou helps individuals connect to their emotions
Victoria and Tom Fraser (Social Services ’22) approached Pictou Town Council about creating an equine therapy program.
Jul. 28, 2022SaltWire
Lunenburg Doc Fest unveils participants for pitch competition, The Launch
Juliet Mawusi (Radio Television Journalism ’21) is one of five finalists competing in the pitch competition.
Jul. 07, 2022Real Screen
'Night Blooms': The small-budget Nova Scotia film doing big things
The Nova Scotia–made film “Night Blooms” by writer and director Stephanie Joline (Radio Television Arts ’04) has found success at home and can now be seen by audiences across the country.
Jun. 13, 2022CTV Atlantic News
Lights, camera, Yarmouth: New HGTV series Trading Up making its debut on May 12
With alumni Denika Coakley (Carpentry ’15) as project lead, Dan Croft (Bricklaying Masonry '10) as an apprentice, and Terri Lynn Kearsey (Radio & Television Arts '12) as assistant director.
May. 24, 2022SaltWire