Cassidy Baldwin went the distance to graduate from Niagara College -not only did she graduate at the top of her class with the most prestigious academic medal, she travelled more than 3,000 kilometers to cross the stage for her ceremony at the Welland Campus on the morning of June 13.
Graduating with the highest grade-point average in a degree program at NC, the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration Hospitality graduate was presented with the Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal for achieving the highest GPA in a degree program and had the opportunity to address a gymnasium full of graduates and guests. She applauded her fellow graduates.
President Sean Kennedy (right) and Vice President Academic Fiona Allan (left) present the Governor General Silver Academic Medal to Cassidy Baldwin, who graduated from NC’s Honours Bachelor of Business Administration Hospitality program with the highest GPA in a degree program at 93%.
“Choosing to pursue postsecondary education in any form and dedicating the time necessary to be successful, is not an easy decision,” said Baldwin. “I applaud you for getting this far and I hope you know that you are capable of tremendous things.”
Baldwin travelled from Banff, Alberta to attend her convocation ceremony where she is now pursuing her dream in the field of hospitality as a Regional Sales Tour Coordinator for Fairmont Hotels. She spoke of how the skills she gained at the College helped her get to where she is today and thanked her parents, professors and peers for their support during her academic journey.
“I was equipped with the resume needed to secure this position right out of college because of the education I gained here at Niagara¸” said Baldwin, who is originally from Prince Edward County. “The many courses I completed throughout my degree provided me with the necessary skills to be successful within this industry.”
With Spring Convocation in full swing at Niagara College, Baldwin is among 4,500 new graduates from the College’s Spring Class of 2023.
June 13 marked the second day of ceremonies at NC’s Welland Campus and 1,500 new graduates marked their special milestone that day alone. More than 450 new graduates from the School of Hospitality and Tourism, and the School of Business and Management were celebrated during the morning ceremony, and 590 new graduates from the School of Culinary Arts, School of Wine, Beer and Spirits, and the School of Environment and Horticulture marked their milestone during the afternoon ceremony.
Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations graduate Jasper Lynn Balunan (morning ceremony), Landscape Technician graduate Jennifer Netchay (afternoon ceremony) and Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management graduate Evan Flury (afternoon ceremony won the Dean’s Award for the highest GPA in their school of study on June 13.
Vice President Academic Fiona Allan speaks at the morning convocation ceremony on June 13.
“Congratulations to our Class of 2023!” said Vice President, Academic Fiona Allan. “You are now part of a proud community of more than 100,000 alumni who can be found succeeding and leading – not only here in Niagara, but across Canada and around the world.”
NC kicked off Spring 2023 Convocation ceremonies on June 12 which celebrated almost 700 new graduates from the School of Business and Management, including Business – International Business graduate Clarysse Go, who was presented with a Governor General Collegiate Bronze Academic Medal for the highest GPA within the College’s diploma programs.
A native of Cebu City, Philippines, Go currently lives in Niagara Falls where she began working full time as a Corporate Accountant for Niagara Casinos shortly after completing her studies.
Convocation will continue on June 14 with a ceremony at 10 a.m. for programs within the schools of Justice and Fitness, and Nursing and Personal Support Worker, and at 3 p.m. for programs within the schools of Technology, and Trades.
On June 15, the College will celebrate news graduates from programs within the schools of Media, and Academic and Liberal Studies at the 10 a.m. ceremony and programs within the School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker at the 3 p.m. ceremony.
Spring Convocation will conclude on June 16 with a morning ceremony to celebrate new graduates from various programs within the schools of Allied Health, and Community Services.
The College will award special honours to two guests during spring convocation: Niagara Health President and CEO Lynn Guerriero will be presented with an Honorary Diploma in Health Studies on the morning of June 14 (10 a.m. ceremony), and Amy Audibert (Broadcasting – Radio, TV and Film Class of 2012) on-air broadcaster for the NBA’s Miami Heat, will be honoured with a Distinguished Alumni Award on June 15 (10 a.m. ceremony).
For more details, visit NC’s Convocation website.
NC’s in-person Spring Convocation ceremonies are livestreamed via the convocation website at niagaracollege.ca/convocation. Ceremonies will also remain on the site for later viewing.
Graduates watch the platform as their afternoon ceremony begins on June 13.
