Niagara College celebrated its sixth and final day of Spring 2024 convocation ceremonies on June 15, honouring the achievements of over 650 new graduates from the School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker.

The College hosted a total of twelve convocation ceremonies throughout the week at the Welland Campus Simplii Financial Athletic Centre and via live stream, welcoming guests and viewers from around the world.

This week’s ceremonies saw a record number of 5,500 graduates join a proud community of more than 120,000 NC alumni.

In his address to the Class of 2024, Niagara College President Sean Kennedy shared an inspiring message emphasizing the importance of connection and kindness.

“We are at our best when we are welcomed and connected, when we feel we can be our authentic selves, when we are open and curious to learn about others and the world around us, and when we harness our connections and deep relationships to do more together, to innovate, and make a difference in the lives of others,” said Kennedy.

He encouraged graduates to look ahead to their future careers in healthcare and remember to take an extra moment to be kind to patients and their families.

“You will be helping individuals who are at some of the toughest and most vulnerable times in their lives,” said Kennedy. “That kindness, both personally and professionally, is critical.”

Vice-President, Academic, Fiona Allan praised the dedication and perseverance demonstrated by the graduates throughout their academic journey, culminating in this memorable convocation ceremony.

“This ceremony marks the achievement of a goal, through much hard work and determination,” said Allan. “May you never forget or underestimate the magnitude of this accomplishment.”

Each convocation ceremony featured a special performance by the Strong Water Singers, a local Indigenous-led women’s drum group. Their songs set the tone for each ceremony, celebrating the contributions and achievements of the graduates, and welcoming them to the next phase of their life journey through the sound of the drum.

Throughout the week, thirteen graduating students were honoured with Dean’s Awards for earning the highest GPA within their respective schools of study.

Additionally, the prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medals were awarded to two graduating students who achieved the highest overall GPA in a degree and diploma program. Among them were NC alumna and employee Becky Sciliberto, who earned a 94% average in the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – International Commerce and Global Development program, and healthcare professional Julianna Pennings, who achieved a 98% average in the Recreation Therapy program.

The College also welcomed two honorary guests to its convocation ceremonies: prominent Niagara business leader, Wendy Wing, the Senior Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Rankin Construction Inc. and Port Colborne Quarries Inc., and President of Rankin Renewable Power Inc., and notable NC alumnus and Indigenous Elder, Dave Labbé. Wing was presented with an Honorary Degree in Applied Studies – Business Administration for her significant business and community accomplishments. Labbé received a Distinguished Alumni Award for his transformative efforts in supporting the Indigenous community and his mentorship of NC students.

Niagara College’s Spring 2024 convocation ceremonies culminated in a celebration of academic achievement, community spirit, and the inspiring journeys of its graduates.

All Spring Convocation ceremonies were livestreamed and will remain on Niagara College’s convocation website for later viewing. Visit the convocation website at niagaracollege.ca/convocation.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.