A new crop of Niagara College graduates from the Schools of Environment and Horticultural Studies, Hospitality Tourism and Sport, and Business and Management, crossed the stage 'NC together' - both in person and virtually - on the second day of Spring Convocation ceremonies.
The significance of National Indigenous Peoples Day was honoured at the morning ceremony. Karl Dockstader from the Oneida Nation joined virtually for an Indigenous opening, offering 'the words that come before all else' and acknowledging the traditional land on which graduates gathered for their special day.
"We encourage everyone to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people," said Vice President, Academic Fiona Allan.
Over 400 graduates and 900 guests RSVP'd to attend the morning and afternoon ceremonies in-person. Over 2,300 grads, family and friends from over 27 countries worldwide tuned into the livestream, including Ukrainian Sport Management student Sofiia Shcherbyna who attended virtually from Kyiv.
Presiding over the morning and afternoon ceremonies - among the first held on campus since 2019 - were President Sean Kennedy and Vice-President, Academic, Fiona Allan, along with Tom MacDonald of the Niagara College Board of Governors, and NC Student Administrative Council President Sam Jemison.
"This moment is to celebrate the valuable knowledge you've acquired through a lot of late nights and hard work," said Jemison as graduates eagerly awaited their diplomas.
"This moment is to recognize the hurdles overcome, and multiple-choice tests conquered. This moment is to recognize the growth you've undergone, academically, professionally, and personally... Today is to celebrate everything that has brought you to your moment."
President Kennedy invited the newly minted grads to stay connected with the College and their fellow Knights - a network of over 100,000 worldwide.
"Graduates, as you venture forth on the next leg of your life journey, remember that you are part of an amazing NC alumni family making a difference in communities near and far," said Kennedy. "Nothing brings us more joy than seeing you succeed. We know you'll make us proud."
Guest speaker Jon Montgomery, gold-medal Olympian skeleton racer and host of The Amazing Race Canada inspired graduates to open their minds to great possibilities in his video address.
"What you can become is born out of your ability you see yourself in the future. Your ability not to see the path, but rather the possibility. Getting stuck on the idea of a right path can prevent one from basking in the beauty that’s all around us as the world passes us by.
"Spontaneity and creativity are where you want to spend time living in the freestyle, thinking type world, being unburdened with the oppressive thoughts of getting it right. There is no right, just right now. There is no right path. There is only right now," said Montgomery.
Montgomery received an Honorary Diploma in Fitness and Health Studies from NC at the June 20 ceremony in recognition of excellence in Canadian adventure sport, as well as his dedication to inspiring others to achieve their dreams.
Among the graduates were four of the highest achievers - the Dean's Academic Award winners, presented to the student with the highest cumulative grade-point average in each academic division.
Hailing from Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Daniel de Jesus Avendano Avila earned the Dean's Academic Award in the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport (Tourism Management - Business Development) with a grade-point average of 93%.
Avendano leveraged the global slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to re-align his career goals and pursue his dream of working in the wine industry.
"Graduating fulfills a personal goal that I set almost two years ago. I think for a second about how much my life has changed since I started this journey, and it is sometimes hard to believe... I find myself more educated and ready for future challenges, for living in a different country, and for working in an industry that I always dreamed to work in."
From Ailsa Craig, Ontario, Angela McCallum rose to the top of her class in the School of Food and Wine Sciences, graduating from the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program with a 96% average.
Philippe Mesly of Georgetown, Ontario was the cream of the crop in the School of Environment and Horticultural Studies (Horticultural Technician), crossing the graduation stage with a 96% average.
At the inaugural ceremony on Monday afternoon, Val Christian Santos of the Philippines graduated from the School of Business and Management (International Business) and was awarded the Dean's Academic Award, achieving an impressive 96.125% grade-point average.
Spring 2022 Convocation continues through the week of June 20 with two ceremonies daily - 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. - closing with the morning ceremony on June 24.
For full details of NC Convocation, or to view the schedule and livestreamed ceremonies, visit niagaracollege.ca/convocation.
Related stories:
- June 20: Niagara College rings in Spring Convocation welcoming grads in-person, virtually
- June 20: International student graduates head of the class at Niagara College
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.
-30-
Media inquiries, please contact:
Michael Wales
Director, Communications
Niagara College
905-328-4101
[email protected]
Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant
Niagara College
519-809-7634
[email protected]
