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‘You will always be a part of the Niagara College team’ Team spirit was in full force as Niagara College celebrated Fall Convocation ceremonies on October 28. The College cheered on almost 1,200 new graduates who ‘crossed the finish line’ of their college journeys this fall and honoured a local resident for his leadership in Niagara’s 2022 Canada Summer Games. President Sean Kennedy addressed the Fall Class of 2022 graduates and guests during two ceremonies, which were held at the Welland Campus and livestreamed. Kennedy spoke of the power of teamwork and encouraged the new graduates to seek opportunities to be part of a team in their workplaces and communities. “Individual success can be rewarding, but nothing compares to the feeling of being part of a team that has tackled big challenges and gone through adversity together,” he said. “By being a part of a supporting group of people committed to bringing out the best in each other, you can achieve more than you could have imagined.” “Know that you will always be part of the Niagara College team and our amazing alumni family of more than 100,000 graduates making a difference in communities across our region, province, country and around the world.” The morning ceremony was dedicated to 534 new graduates from NC’s schools of Allied Health, Nursing and Personal Support Worker, Community Studies, and Justice and Fitness. The afternoon ceremony celebrated 664 graduating students from the schools of Academic and Liberal Studies; Business and Management; Environment and Horticulture; Culinary Arts; Hospitality and Tourism; Wine, Beer and Spirits; Technology; and Trades. In addition, an Honorary Diploma in Sport Management was conferred upon St. Catharines resident Doug Hamilton. The former Olympian and World Champion rower, with a 30-year career as an environmental lawyer, was recognized for his key role in the success of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, as Chair of the Board. “Over the past several years, I have worked very closely with many Niagara College staff and students in organizing last summer’s Canada Games,” said Hamilton. “They were fantastic teammates and tremendous contributors to the success of the Games. That makes this honour even more special.” “We simply cannot overstate how important the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games were for our College community,” said Kennedy. “The experiential opportunities the Games offered to our students from across many program areas were unlike anything we’ve experienced in our College’s history.” The Fall graduates join more than 2,100 from NC’s Class of 2022 who marked their milestone in June during Spring Convocation ceremonies. NC returned to in-person convocation ceremonies in June and October 2022 after two years of virtual ceremonies which drew thousands of viewers from around the world. Each unique ceremony, celebrating different program areas (similar to in-person ceremonies) was conducted at the Welland Campus, and livestreamed thanks to a crew of students and faculty from Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program. For full details regarding Fall Convocation, or to view ceremonies which were recorded and livestreamed, visit NiagaraCollege.ca/convocation. ‘