For the fourth time in five years, a student from Niagara College’s Public Relations Graduate Certificate program has received top national honours from the Canadian Public Relations Society.
Jacob Pozzobon of Niagara Falls received the Notified Student Award of Excellence on May 26 at the CPRS National Conference in New Brunswick.
“I am so truly honored for this recognition and to represent the College well on such a scale,” said Pozzobon.
The annual award recognizes excellence in the field of Public Relations by a student who demonstrates professionalism, a clear understanding and application of the principles of PR theory, professionalism, and leadership in scholastic activities.
“This award from the CPRS is a fantastic accomplishment for Jacob Pozzobon and another proud moment for the Public Relations program at Niagara College,” said Michelle Giroux, Associate Dean of NC’s School of Media. “To see our graduates recognized nationally, year after year, is a real testament to the talent, passion, and hard work they bring to the communications sector.”
Pozzobon joins a growing list of recent Niagara College students to receive the award, including Nicolas Mertens in 2021, Brenna McCutcheon in 2023, and Naomi Fox in 2024.
“CPRS is dedicated to the growth and development of emerging practitioners in our professional field,” said Jane Antoniak, APR, MCM, MCPRS, President, CPRS. “Recognizing and supporting exceptional students like Jacob Pozzobon, with the generous support of Notified, helps us build the next generation of ethical communications and public relations professionals. Congratulations Jacob!”
“Notified is pleased to continue our support of the CPRS Student of the Year Award, celebrating outstanding student achievement and our next generation of PR leaders,” said Lisa Davis, Vice-President of Marketing at Notified, the sponsors of the award.
Pozzobon, who graduated from Brock University in 2025 with a degree in Media and Communication Studies, enrolled in Niagara College’s one-year Public Relations Graduate Certificate program to turn his long-standing interest in media and storytelling into a career.
“The Public Relations program felt like a natural next step because it gave me a hands-on way to refine my creativity and relationship-building abilities in a way that made me feel tangibly ready for the workplace,” said Pozzobon, noting the collaborative and supportive learning environment, small class sizes, and strength of the student internship program.
Program coordinator Emily McInerney described Pozzobon as “inquisitive, laser-focused, and eager to learn.”
“My instructional team and I agreed quickly that Jacob was deserving of this nomination,” said McInerney. “His dedication to the program, incredible work ethic, positive and professional attitude and desire to learn made him a standout student. We are proud to see him succeed at the NPCA.”
Following his internship with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Pozzobon was hired into a communications role where he continues to support outreach initiatives focused on conservation, environmental education, and community engagement across the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
“Everyone at NPCA is incredibly proud of Jacob and this well-deserved accomplishment,” said Erika Navarro, Communications and Marketing Specialist at the NPCA. “In the time he has been part of our team, Jacob has consistently stood out through the quality of his work, professionalism, and the positive energy and teamwork he brings every day.”
The NPCA has a longstanding relationship with Niagara College, with many PR program alumni, including Navarro, a 2015 Public Relations graduate, now working in the field.
“Having welcomed Niagara College PR interns to NPCA for more than a decade, grads like Jacob continue to demonstrate the strength of the program and the exceptional talent the College is preparing for the industry,” said Navarro.
“Working with the NPCA has reinforced my passion for work that not only allows me to be creative but also contributes to a greater purpose,” said Pozzobon.
Pozzobon was also recognized at the program’s end-of-year event, where he received the Senator Keith Davey Award for his strong academic performance — 95 per cent overall — and exceptional engagement with peers, faculty, and industry partners.
Pozzobon and the rest of the 2026 Public Relations class will graduate at Niagara College’s Spring Convocation on Thursday, June 11.
