Niagara College alumni who graduated with virtual convocation ceremonies in 2020 and 2021 will have a chance to return to campus for a reunion celebration.
On Thursday, October 27, the College will host a reunion celebration for its ‘virtual graduates.’
While the event is not intended to replicate an in-person convocation ceremony – since the College hosted highly interactive virtual ceremonies for its spring and fall graduates in 2020 and 2021 – the reunion celebration offers ‘virtual grads’ a chance to return to campus, pose for photos and celebrate with their former classmates.
“The experiences of our graduating classes of 2020 and 2021 are unlike any other in our history. While our interactive virtual convocation ceremonies were highly successful and offered our graduating students a chance to mark their special milestone in a safe and meaningful way before moving onto the next chapter of their lives, we know that many wished to don their gowns and celebrate with us in person,” said NC President Sean Kennedy.
“Our College community has been looking forward to the day when we could welcome our ‘virtual grads’ back to campus and we are thrilled to host a reunion celebration this fall that promises to be an event to remember.”
Alumni will not cross the stage as part of the reunion celebration’s formal program, but they will have an opportunity to wear gowns, pose for photos, hear from speakers, and reconnect with classmates.
Alumni will hear from College President Sean Kennedy and Vice-President Academic Fiona Allan. Prominent NC alumnus Jason Ofield, President, and CEO of Bulk Barn (Business – Sales and Marketing, 2005) is also scheduled to speak on the topic of resilience and leadership. A reception will follow with food from Niagara College’s School of Culinary Arts.
“This really is a unique reunion that speaks to the power of special connections our students forge at NC,” said Alumni Engagement Officer, Jana Boniferro. “It’s always wonderful when our alumni come back and connect.”
Sam Jemison, President of the College’s Student Administrative Council who graduated from Mechanical Engineering in 2021, noted that while she enjoyed her virtual convocation experience, she is looking forward to the reunion.
“At graduation, you’re reminiscing on the immediate experience you’ve gone through to get there and it’s a flurry of emotions. The unique thing about the reunion is, I get to reconnect and reminisce and look back on our experience a year or so out,” she said. “I think it is incredibly important because it recognizes that there is more to graduation than the conferring of a diploma. It is celebrating with your friends and family in a formal space, after all you’ve gone through, and all the personal and mental growth you’ve experienced.
“Having a specific time to dedicate with your friends, classmates, and peers is an incredible moment to just process, and be proud of all you’ve accomplished.“
Community and Justice Services alumna (2021) Emily Gushue made NC history in June 2021 as the College’s 100,000th graduate.
Community and Justice Services alumna Emily Gushue also plans to take part in the reunion. When she marked her special milestone at convocation in June 2021, Gushue made College history, as NC’s 100,000th graduate.
“I was disappointed we could not all celebrate [convocation] in person but was thankful that we still all were able to recognize each other’s accomplishments virtually,” said Gushue.
The Welland resident, who works as a support provider with Community Living Halidmand, assisting people with physical and developmental disabilities, said the reunion promises to be a meaningful one.
“I look forward to being able to see everyone and share with where we are now,” she said.
The ticketed event is invitation-only for the classes of 2020 and 2021 and about 550 guests – including more than 300 alumni – have registered to attend.
Alumni are required to register in advance of the event. NC staff and faculty are also welcome and are invited to register by emailing [email protected].
NC’s Virtual Graduate Reunion will precede the College’s Fall 2022 Convocation ceremonies, which will be held at the Welland Campus on October 28 – with an option to attend virtually. View the College’s Fall Convocation release here: Niagara College to host Fall Convocation ceremonies Oct. 28.
After two years of virtual celebrations, NC returned to in-person convocation ceremonies in June 2022.The College’s highly successful virtual convocation ceremonies 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 NC’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program.
