Niagara College is proud to announce its Spring 2025 Convocation ceremonies, celebrating the achievements of more than 5,000 graduating students. The ceremonies will take place from Monday, June 9 to Saturday, June 14, at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus, with morning (10 a.m.) and afternoon (3 p.m.) ceremonies each day.

“Convocation is a milestone that marks the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our students,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “We are incredibly proud of our graduates and honoured to celebrate their accomplishments and bright futures ahead.”

Community Award Recipients

Niagara College will recognize two distinguished guests with honorary awards during Spring Convocation.

John Scott – Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (International Commerce and Global Development) Recipient:

John Scott will receive an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (International Commerce and Global Development) at the morning convocation ceremony on Saturday, June 14. An accomplished economist, consultant, and speaker, Scott has been a longtime leader in Canada’s grocery industry, serving as CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers for over 20 years. He also served as Chair of Niagara College’s Board of Governors, contributing to significant campus developments and program innovations. Scott remains an influential advisor in retail food, supply chain sectors, and beyond.

Rochelle Bush – Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient:

Rochelle Bush will be honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award at the Monday, June 9 afternoon convocation ceremony. A graduate of NC’s Social Service Worker and Fashion Arts programs, Bush is a historian, educator, and advocate dedicated to preserving and promoting Black history in Canada. As owner and guide of Tubman Tours Canada, she highlights the legacy of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad in Niagara, helping shape early Black history narratives and tourism in the region.

Student Academic Awards

Spring Convocation will also celebrate academic excellence with the presentation of the prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medals, awarded to the graduating students with the highest overall averages in a degree and a diploma program. 

Abigail Tuckwell – Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal Recipient:

Abigail Tuckwell from Chatham, Ontario, earned the highest GPA among degree graduates with a 95% average in the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Hospitality program. She will be honoured at the Tuesday, June 10 morning ceremony.

Kane Jennings – Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Academic Medal Recipient:

Kane Jennings from Waterdown, Ontario, achieved the highest GPA among diploma graduates, earning a 97.83% average in the Acting for Film and Digital Media program. He will be honoured at the Wednesday, June 11 morning ceremony.

Additionally, thirteen graduating students will receive Dean’s Awards for achieving the highest GPA within their respective academic schools.

Convocation Ceremony Schedule

Niagara College will hold twelve convocation ceremonies over six days, featuring morning and afternoon ceremonies:

• Monday, June 9
  10 a.m. – School of Academic and Liberal Studies, School of Justice and Fitness
  3 p.m. – School of Community Services
• Tuesday, June 10
  10 a.m. – School of Hospitality and Tourism
  3 p.m. – School of Business and Management, School of Culinary Arts, School of Wine, Beer and Spirits
• Wednesday, June 11
  10 a.m. – School of Media, School of Trades
  3 p.m. – School of Technology, School of Trades
• Thursday, June 12
  10 a.m. – Myhal School of Nursing
  3 p.m. – School of Allied Health, Myhal School of Nursing
• Friday, June 13
  10 a.m. – School of Business and Management, School of Environment and Horticulture
  3 p.m. – School of Academic and Liberal Studies, School of English Language Studies
• Saturday, June 14
  10 a.m. – School of Business and Management
  3 p.m. – School of Business and Management

For a detailed list of programs graduating within each school and the full ceremony schedule, please visit the Niagara College Convocation website. All in-person ceremonies will be livestreamed and available on the website for later viewing.