Gold-medal Olympian and host of The Amazing Race Canada Jon Montgomery will address more than 3,600 graduating students from Niagara College’s Class of 2022.

The adventure sport athlete and TV host will be the guest speaker for the College’s upcoming Spring Convocation Ceremonies June 20-24. He will deliver his speech via video at all eight ceremonies before graduates and guests who are attending in-person at the Welland Campus or viewing their ceremony virtually.

“Hello and congratulations to the Niagara College graduating Class of 2022. I’m thrilled to announce that this spring I’ll be addressing the Class of 2022 via video message as part of your convocation ceremonies,” said Montgomery in a message to the graduating students. “Join in the celebrations June 20 to June 24 as we honour your hard work and accomplishments.”

Montgomery will receive an Honorary diploma in Fitness and Health in recognition of his excellence in Canadian adventure sport, and for his dedication to inspiring others to achieve their dreams.

The Class of 2022 – who have all had to adjust to evolving measures and at least some remote delivery during the pandemic, including some students who completed their programs entirely remotely – will be the first to have an opportunity to attend convocation in-person since 2019, after two years of all-virtual convocation ceremonies at the College.

The traditional in-person ceremonies however, will return with a modern makeover. For the first time, the College will incorporate numerous new video and social media elements from its highly successful virtual ceremonies into its in-person events, bridging its graduates and guests in the spirit of celebration across the globe.

“Convocation is the highlight of the academic year and we are thrilled to welcome our Class of 2022 and their supporters to celebrate this special milestone with the return of in-person ceremonies. Spring Convocation will surely be an event to remember for our graduates, whether they cross the stage on campus or join our virtual livestream,” said NC President Sean Kennedy.

“By tapping into the technology and innovation that has kept us connected over the last two years, we’re looking forward to welcoming our inspirational guest speaker Jon Montgomery via video, and we’re making it possible for every graduate and all of their loved ones to participate in convocation no matter where they are – in Niagara, across Canada or around the world.”

Graduates who opt to watch via the virtual livestream will have the opportunity to connect to the in-person ceremony by using the hashtag #NCGrad2022 in their social media posts. Public social media posts using the dedicated convocation hashtag will appear on screen during the in-person ceremony and will be incorporated into the livestream for those celebrating virtually to view.

For full details regarding Spring 2022 Convocation, or to view the ceremony schedule and livestreamed events, visitNiagaraCollege.ca/convocation.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.