Two recent Niagara College graduates have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Public Relations profession by the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS)-Hamilton.

Naomi Fox and Bhrigu Bagga, who both graduated from NC’s Public Relations graduate certificate program in June, were nominated by their peers for their exceptional leadership in the field and presented with Special Awards during CPRS Hamilton’s Pinnacle Awards at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, June 18.

Fox received the Heather J. Pullen Memorial Award, which is presented annually to a graduating student member of CPRS-Hamilton who has demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning through academic and professional pursuits.

Bagga’s Student Award of Excellence is in recognition of his ability to demonstrate a clear understanding of PR, actions and behaviour that reflect professionalism, leadership in personal and scholastic activities, and a commitment to the future of the PR profession.

“The Student Award of Excellence presented to Bhrigu Bagga and the Heather J. Pullen Memorial Award presented to Naomi Fox reflect the hard work and dedication of these two emerging PR professionals and the high calibre of education they received at Niagara College,” said Kim Zarzuela, Chair of Communication for CPRS-Hamilton. “We look forward to seeing all that they will accomplish as they join the PR and Communications industry, and (we) hope they will continue to be a part of CPRS-Hamilton to take advantage of the unique professional development, networking and recognition opportunities our organization provides.”

Fox and Bagga join a long list of NC alumni who have been recognized by CPRS-Hamilton, including Emily Zwart (2023), Sophia Cole (2022), Nicolas Mertens (2021), Ashlan MacDonald (2020), Katie McCabe and Shianne Stephens (2019), who all received Student Awards of Excellence. The Heather J. Pullen Memorial Award was last awarded to an NC grad (Rita Stranges) in 2021.

Fox, who also won the Notified Student Award of Excellence from the CPRS at its National Conference in Quebec on June 11, said it was a guest lecture from CPRS-Hamilton Board member Andrew Macklin that led to her joining the organization.

“I’m grateful that NC introduced my peers and I to this impactful community and am proud to be accepting this award, honouring my commitment to integrity, honesty and the ethical practice of public relations,” she said.

Bagga said the recognition means a lot to him, particularly as an international student now trying to start a career in communications. He gave credit to his NC instructors and his CPRS mentor, CPRS-Hamilton President and fellow Niagara College alumnus Ryan Strang, for showing him how to apply theory to practice.

“Because of them, I was able to solidify my understanding of Communications and Public Relations principles, combined with creativity, strategic thinking and professionalism,” he said.

Bagga was also this year’s recipient of NC’s Associate Dean Award of Excellence in the PR program.

Charles Kopun, Associate Dean of the School of Media, said Fox and Bagga’s success shines a light on the quality of the College’s Public Relations program.

“What a great achievement for Naomi and Bhrigu!” Kopun said. “Continued recognition of our students at this competition is a testament not only to their hard work but also to the commitment of our faculty and instructors in nurturing that excellence.”

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more atniagaracollege.ca.

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NC alum Naomi Fox received the Heather J. Pullen Memorial Award from the Canadian Public Relations Society-Hamilton, which is presented annually to a graduating student member who has demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning through academic and professional pursuits.

NC alum Bhrigu Bagga was presented with the CPRS-Hamilton’s Student Award of Excellence is in recognition of his ability to demonstrate a clear understanding of PR, leadership in personal and scholastic activities, and a commitment to the future of the PR profession.