Virtual Convocation Week to be held June 15-19

Niagara College is ready to bring on the pomp, despite the circumstance, for its graduating class of 2020.

From June 15 to June 19, the College will celebrate its 5,000 spring graduates with its first-ever virtual convocation ceremonies. The virtual events will incorporate cherished elements of its traditional ceremonies – such as speeches, student awards and name call-outs – while optimizing technology to create an interactive experience for the graduates, who have been unable to return to campus since mid-March due to COVID-19.

The ceremonies will feature special guest speaker Clara Hughes. The six-time Olympic medalist and mental health advocate will address the College’s 2020 graduates by video message during the ceremonies, and will receive an Honorary Diploma in Health Studies from the College.

“Convocation is truly the highlight of our academic year, and our innovative College community has gone above and beyond to ensure it will be one to remember for our Class of 2020 and their families,” said Niagara College president Sean Kennedy. “We are excited to announce Clara Hughes as our spring convocation speaker and honorary diploma recipient.

“Clara’s track record of outstanding accomplishment and dedication, both as an athlete and as a mental health advocate, will surely inspire our new graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their lives during this extraordinary time.”

“I’m so excited to announce that I’m your commencement speaker this year,” said Clara Hughes in a video message addressing Niagara College’s Class of 2020.

While she currently lives in Canmore, Alberta, Hughes noted that as a young cyclist, she had the great gift of racing in the Niagara region while living in Hamilton.

“What a stimulating and naturally beautiful learning environment,” said Hughes. “With the trailblazing programs offered by Niagara College, I can’t imagine a more perfect place setting for academic excellence and personal growth.”

NC’s Virtual Convocation Ceremonies – to be held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily throughout convocation week – will be livestreamed from the College’s Welland Campus, while incorporating speeches and well wishes through video feeds and social media. Graduates will have the opportunity to connect with their classmates and professors in real-time through Zoom chats, which will be held alongside the ceremonies.

Participants and well-wishers are encouraged to use the social media hashtag #NCgrad2020. Likes, comments and reactions will be visible from the livestream ceremonies.

Visit the College’s Virtual Convocation site to view the schedule or to access the livestream ceremonies:  niagaracollege.ca/virtualconvocation/.

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.