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NCCC honors three alumni

Thu, Oct 11th 2018 12:10 pm
The 2018 Niagara County Community College Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to Paul Lamont '86, Ellen Latham '77 and Michael Messina '83 at the annual NCCC Foundation Scholarship Gala on Oct. 20 at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.
Paul Lamont graduated from NCCC in 1986 receiving his associates degree in communications and media art. After graduation, Lamont began working at NCCC as part of the in-house media center focusing on photography, videos, and more. In 1989, Lamont began working as a producer, writer and editor for Daybreak Television Productions where he quickly distinguished himself producing the Emmy-nominated historical documentary Enduring Faith. In 2001, Lamont began working for WNED-TV where he produced films for national and regional PBS broadcast including Frank Lloyd Wright's Buffalo, Elbert Hubbard: An American Original, and Glorious Battle: The Siege of Fort Erie. In 2011, Lamont founded his own production company, Toward Castle Films, based in Lockport. In 2017, Toward Castle Films released Lake of Betrayal and is now working on a feature-length documentary, The Song Poet.
Ellen Latham graduated from NCCC in 1977 earning her associates degree in liberal arts and sciences: humanities and social science. Latham then attended the University at Buffalo where she received her bachelor's degree in physical education and her master's degree in exercise physiology. Inspired by her father, Latham designed the "The Ultimate Workout," which became the foundation for Orangetheory Fitness, for which she is a partner and founder. Motivating and training clients for over 35 years, Latham also gives back to the local YMCA, Oishei Children's Hospital, Meals on Wheels, the WNY Food Bank, the Autism Run, and numerous others. She was also the 2016 commencement speaker for Niagara County Community College and has sponsored and donated to the NCCC 5K Run/Walk and NCCC Foundation Scholarship Gala.
Michael Messina graduated from Niagara County Community College in 1983 with his associates degree in criminal justice. He then earned his bachelor's degree from SUNY Buffalo State College in criminal justice and graduate course work in 1986 from Webster University. At age 17, Messina enlisted as a private in the United States Army and earned his way to lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force, retiring after 32 years of service. While serving his country, Messina also dedicated 20 years to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office as road patrol deputy, road patrol sergeant and investigator, assigned to the Drug Task Force, Criminal Bureau, and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. After retiring, he worked as the chief of policy for the WNY Buffalo VA Medical Center where he developed the first Federal Court Diversion Program. Currently, he works as intelligence for the United States Coast Guard. 

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