Recent graduates take home top honours from CPRS Hamilton
Three recent graduates from Niagara College’s Public Relations graduate certificate program are making headlines of their own, earning prestigious awards from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Hamilton chapter.
At the CPRS Hamilton Pinnacle Awards on June 17, Marcus Giancola of Welland, and Tiana Melnychuk and Naomi Fox of St. Catharines were recognized for their outstanding contributions and promise in the field of public relations.
"It's an honour to present these awards to Marcus, Tiana and Naomi—three emerging professionals whose achievements reflect not only their passion, dedication, and talent but also the exceptional quality of Niagara College's Public Relations program. Their success highlights the strength of the program and the outstanding educators who help shape future leaders in our profession," said Ryan Strang, President of CPRS Hamilton, and 2013 graduate of NC’s PR program. "The future of public relations is in good hands with emerging leaders like them."
Giancola, who completed the program this spring, received the CPRS Hamilton Student Award of Excellence, the seventh consecutive win for an NC PR student. His exceptional academic record, finishing with a 94 per cent average, and his internship with Giant Shoe Creative underscore his strategic mindset and drive.
“Marcus demonstrated a strong commitment to the program and a laser focus on absorbing as much information as he could from each class,” said Emily McInerney, NC’s PR program coordinator, who nominated him for the award. She also praised his strong work ethic, thoughtfulness, and strategic thinking.
Giancola, who works as a Marketing Intern with the Niagara Region in the Economic Development Division, reflected on the meaning of the award.
“Being acknowledged by experienced PR professionals highlights my capabilities and motivates me to keep practicing my passion for maintaining relationships and capturing people’s attention through meaningful storytelling. This award was a culmination of my own efforts as well as the teachers, colleagues, mentors, and life-long friends who pushed me to be better, to do better, and to grow together in a field like no other.”
Melnychuk, a Communications Intern with the City of Port Colborne who also graduated this spring, was awarded the Heather J. Pullen Memorial Award, named in honour of a respected CPRS Accreditation Chair who passed away in 2020. The award supports a current student member's transition into the industry by funding their Emerging Practitioner status, a recognition of potential, dedication, and the pursuit of continuous learning.
“It’s incredibly motivating to receive this award as I begin my career in public relations, reminding me to stay curious, learn from those around me, and embrace every opportunity for growth,” said Melnychuk.
She credited the mentorship she received from McInerney and her CPRS mentor Andrew Korchok (PR, 2012) for helping guide her into the professional world.
“They provided me with invaluable guidance as I made the leap from the classroom to the professional world.”
Noami Fox (PR, 2024) of St. Catharines, a Junior Account Manager with Creative Guild, was the first to receive the Mark Gregory Memorial award to recognize the professional growth of a junior practitioner.
“Naomi's commitment to CPRS and volunteerism in the PR profession embodies the spirit of the Mark Gregory Memorial Award as she is the rare exception that continues to be involved in CPRS long after graduating from her PR program,” said Kim Zarzuela, Chair, Awards of CRPS Hamilton in the upcoming term.
“While I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Mark personally, I’ve been deeply impacted by his legacy,” said Fox, who won the CPRS Notified Student Award of Excellence in 2024.
She credited the CPRS Mentorship Program, of which Mark Gregory was a valued member, for inspiring her to give back, both as a member of the mentorship committee and as a board member.
“I can't thank CPRS Hamilton enough for this recognition.”
At NC’s PR Grad Panel, Giancola and Melnychuk were recipients of the Associate Dean Award of Excellence, which recognizes academic achievement and a positive work ethic and consistent effort in the program. Melnychuk also received the Coordinator Award of Excellence which recognizes a student who will act as a positive ambassador of the program upon graduation.
With these recent accolades, these recent graduates have not only set themselves apart as rising stars in the industry but also continued NC’s proud legacy of cultivating public relations talent.