As 2025 comes to a close, College of the North Atlantic (CNA) is celebrating a year of remarkable achievements, milestones, and stories that showcase the talent, dedication, and impact of our college community. From award-winning instructors shaping the next generation of artists and community leaders, to graduates earning national recognition, this year has been full of accomplishments that inspire pride across our campuses.
In this Year in Review, we highlight the people and moments that defined 2025 at CNA: from innovative programs and hands-on learning experiences, to distinguished alumni making their mark in music, publishing, and community recreation. Each story reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence, creativity, and the transformative power of post-secondary education in Newfoundland and Labrador!
CNA’s student-led College is Scary… CNA is Scary Good campaign has earned a national Silver Leaf Award. The project spotlighted authentic student voices and showed what campus life truly feels like. With then-Digital Content Creation student Chidinma Okafor at the centre, the team captured honest, unscripted moments that resonated widely. Learn more!
CNA made aviation history as the first educational institution in the world to earn ISO 21384-3 certification for commercial drone operations. This global standard confirms CNA meets the highest level of safety, planning, and professional practice. The achievement showcases CNA’s growing research strength and technical expertise. It also opens new opportunities for students and industry partners working with advanced drone technologies. Check it out!
CNA grads and faculty shone at the 2025 ECMAs, winning five awards across performance, recording, industry contribution and visual storytelling. The honours highlight the strength of our Applied Music, Sound Recording and Graphic Design programs, as well as the mentorship behind them. From celebrated performers to industry builders, our community continues to shape Atlantic Canada’s music scene. We could not be prouder of this year’s winners. Hear all about it!
CNA students dominated the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition, bringing home seven medals, including five gold. Their wins span everything from cloud computing and refrigeration to hairstyling, photography and outdoor power equipment. These results showcase the incredible talent being built at CNA and the strength of hands-on training across our campuses. Celebrate our competitors!
CNA proudly launched CNA Foundation, a new chapter in supporting students, strengthening learning environments and building lasting partnerships. Donor generosity already provides hundreds of thousands in scholarships, equipment and essential supports every year. CNA Foundation will grow that impact even further, helping CNA meet the needs of today’s learners. Find out how you can get involved!
Work-integrated learning helped Civil Engineering Technology student Christopher McCarthy gain real-world experience, mentorship, and industry connections while balancing school, family, and career. His co-op placement helped him tackle challenges with confidence and prepare for a seamless transition into the workforce. Learn more!
CNA employees embraced personal growth and work-life balance with the support of Work Life Consultants Ashley Williams and Michelle Snow. They provide guidance, workshops, and resources to help staff build skills, find support, and create harmony between work and home life. Their focus on connection, community, and overcoming fear helps employees thrive both personally and professionally. Check it out!
Brooklyn Young, a student in CNA’s Community Leadership Development program, represented the People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Her experience gave her a global perspective on Indigenous issues and reinforced the power of advocacy, leadership, and taking up space. Hear her insights!
Meet Sheila Coultas, the trailblazing artist and CNA grad sculpted the landmark bronze statue of Armine Nutting Gosling, a suffragist celebrated for her role in winning women here the right to vote. Women at least 25 years of age on the island of Newfoundland gained the right to vote in 1925, and by 1946, the goal was achieved when Labradorians were able to cast their ballots for the first time. Learn more about this bridge across generations of women’s advocacy, artistry, and craftsmanship!
After nearly 30 years leading CNA’s Applied Music program, Wade Pinhorn took his final bow at a revived Sonic Potluck, closing an extraordinary chapter in teaching, performance, and industry leadership. From Juno-winning musician to award‑winning educator, Wade shaped the careers of countless artists and built a program that evolved with a changing music industry. What a legacy!
Bay St. George campus hosted its first‑ever Jill of All Trades event! From power tools to possibilities, young women explored hands‑on trades, built confidence, and discovered new passions. Check out the photos and see who found their next calling!
Nick Cranford turned a stormy day in St. John’s into a creative career. A CNA Business Administration (Marketing) grad, he published his first Newfoundland word search book in 2023 and has since released six. Inspired by his great‑grandmother and fueled by family ties to publishing, Cranford has kept Newfoundlanders searching – literally. Discover his story and get ready for more word‑search fun!
Susan Furneaux, CNA Textile & Apparel Design instructor, weaved passion into practice. She was honoured with the Arts in Education Award from Arts NL, after spending more than 25 years inspiring students. From first‑semester beginners to gallery-ready graduates, Susan shows that teaching craft is both an art and a legacy. Explore her work!
More than a dozen CNA graduates earned the Governor General’s Academic Medal, one of Canada’s most prestigious student honours. Presented at Government House by the Honourable Joan Marie Aylward, the medals recognize the highest academic standing at each campus. Congratulations to these exceptional students!
Celebrating a lifetime of impact, CNA Community & Therapeutic Recreation instructor Paul Lahey was honoured with the Recreation Leadership Award from Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador, plus an Honorary Membership Award. With nearly 40 years shaping the field and inspiring generations of students, Paul’s dedication to community wellness, recreation, and mentorship has left a lasting mark across the province. Check it out!
CNA’s Labrador West campus joined post-secondary institutions nationwide for an unforgettable Science Rendezvous. This free family festival ignited curiosity with a dazzling array of hands-on activities from glass etching to slime making, and even high-tech drones! Families explored STEM like never before, diving into workshops and demonstrations that fueled imagination. Join in the fun!
