Shining a light on Mariana Lopez Walter during National Volunteer Week
Mariana Lopez Walter didn’t just want students to feel welcome as Spring Term kicked off earlier this month, she wanted them to dance. This National Volunteer Week, University of Niagara Falls Canada is celebrating the student volunteer who turned that idea into one of New Student Orientation (NSO)’s most talked-about events.
Lopez Walter, a UNF Student Ambassador and a frequent volunteer, is making a strong impact through her passion for program development and student engagement.
The Master of Management student recently took the lead in designing and facilitating the much talked about NSO event focused on the traditional university experience: the UNF Glow Party. She developed a full proposal and budget for the event, ensuring a thoughtful and engaging experience for attendees.
“The idea for the Glow Party came from wanting to create an event where students with different personalities could interact, engage with UNF peers and of course, have fun,” said Lopez Walter, who moved to Canada from Colombia where she had spent 10 years working in the pharmaceutical industry, planning and executing many events. “Not everyone enjoys dancing, so I designed activities that encouraged participation while still enjoying the DJ music.”
The dance party welcomed over 100 students and featured a variety of interactive stations, including a photo wall, mocktail and snack station, temporary tattoos, and a high-energy dance floor. Activities throughout the evening gave students opportunities to win prizes, while a UNF student DJ and dedicated volunteers helped bring the event to life.
“My favourite moment was seeing students truly enjoying themselves. Many stayed until the very end, visited every booth, and were fully engaged collecting tickets in order to get prizes. Watching the event come to life exactly as I imagined was incredibly rewarding,” said Lopez Walter.
Students and their families truly danced the night away, immersed in UNF spirit.
“By intentionally highlighting student talent and fostering connection, Mariana created a welcoming and memorable experience for those beginning their journey at UNF,” said Jenna Freeland, Manager, Student Life at UNF. “Mariana’s leadership and initiative reflect the powerful role student leaders play in shaping campus life.”
For Lopez Walter, volunteering has been one of the most meaningful parts of her experience at UNF. It allows her to contribute, meet new people, and be part of the community without expecting anything in return.
“When I decided to pursue my master’s here, I knew I wanted to take advantage of every opportunity to connect with people and enjoy this chapter away from home,” she said.
Lopez Walter is just one of the many student volunteers on campus that contribute their time to make things better at UNF and in the community at large. In Canada, April 19-25 marks National Volunteer Week, a time to celebrate the ways in which people in Canada have ignited volunteerism in their communities.
In 2025, students volunteered more than 5,300 hours to help organizations and agencies throughout Niagara, and to help with events hosted by the university and community partners. Students have volunteered 2,168 hours so far in 2026.
Through UNFConnect, students can find out about volunteer opportunities and log their hours to have them properly reflected in their Co-Curricular Record. Students who go above and beyond with their contributions are recognized through the UNF Student Leadership Awards in June and the Student Volunteer Awards in the Fall.
