Alumni

From as far back as he can remember, Nipissing University alumnus Steve Arsenault has carried a belief in the power of education. As a 2015 graduate of Nipissing University’s Bachelor of Education (Concurrent) program and Wilfrid Laurier University’s Bachelor of Arts in Society, Culture and Environment, Arsenault is proud to be the first in his family to attend university—a milestone shaped by the values his parents instilled early on.

On Anna Pearson’s first ever report card, her teacher wrote that one day, she would make an excellent teacher. That early insight has proven true. Today, Anna is a celebrated educator and the recipient of numerous teaching awards including the Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2024) from Nipissing University, the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2022) for her outstanding contributions to K-12 education, and most recently the Award for Future-Proofing Students from the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (2025).

For Holly Garnett, Nipissing University was more than just a place to earn a degree; it was where her lifelong interest in politics transformed into an impactful career, shaping conversations about democracy around the globe.

When alumnus Rachel Cranford initially transferred to Nipissing University’s Fine Arts program during her third year, she didn’t anticipate just how much the university and the city would shape her future. At the time, she had recently moved to North Bay with her partner, who had accepted a local job offer. While the move was initially driven by convenience, Cranford quickly discovered that Nipissing was a natural fit.

For Nipissing alumni and siblings Margarida Shail and Paulo Carvalho, running has always been a part of their lives; a way to challenge themselves, stay connected, and push personal limits. But in 2024, their passion for the sport led to something even bigger: a Guinness World Record.