A prominent Indigenous education leader was in the spotlight as Niagara College capped off its Fall 2023 Convocation ceremonies on October 27.
Rebecca Jamieson, President-CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic – who has been a leader in Indigenous education for more than 30 years – was presented with an honorary degree in Applied Studies in recognition of her significant accomplishments during the last of this year’s expanded Fall Convocation Ceremonies at the College.
In addition to conferring an honorary degree upon Jamieson, NC also presented her with a Haudenosaunee-style raised beadwork stole and the Strong Water Singers – an Indigenous drumming collective – performed an honour song for Jamieson.
“Rebecca is an extraordinary leader in the Indigenous education sector and a true inspiration,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “Her work has had a positive impact on countless lives. It’s such an honour to welcome Rebecca on this stage.”
“I would like to say nya:weh to be invited today to gratefully receive this honorary degree in Applied Arts from Niagara College,” said Rebecca Jamieson. “Congratulations to all the graduates and good luck on your future endeavors.”
In-demand graduates
The morning ceremony celebrated 537 graduating students from various programs within the School of Business and Management Studies; School of Environment and Horticulture; School of Hospitality and Tourism; School of Wine, Beer and Spirits; and School of Culinary Arts.
The afternoon ceremony celebrated 563 new graduates from various programs within the School of Allied Health Studies, School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, School of Community Services, School of Justice and Fitness Studies, School of Trades, and School of Technology.
Twenty graduating students were among NC’s first graduates from Massage Therapy on the afternoon of October 27. The program launched in September 2021 to help serve a growing need for professionals in Niagara.
Many of the new graduates are helping to fill a need for health care professionals; 205 students graduated from the School of Allied Health and 111 from the School of Nursing and PSW during the afternoon of October 27 – joining 348 who graduated from the School of Nursing and PSW on Oct. 26.
“Nursing and PSW graduates are in high demand in all areas including long-term care, community, and hospital,” said Courney Evers, Associate Dean, School of Nursing and PSW. “We are in the midst of a health human resources crisis and these graduates will be instrumental in serving our community through health care upon graduation.”
“The Massage Therapy team has done an incredible job preparing the graduates for their entry to practice licensing exams and for prosperous careers as Registered Massage Therapists. We are so excited for the graduates as they embark on their careers as critical members of the health care team,” said Associate Dean, School of Allied Health Eva Lemak.
Lemak noted that dental and pharmacy students, who also graduated from the School of Allied Health during the afternoon ceremony, are in demand.
“There is currently a shortage of health care professionals in all areas of health and wellness. Dental offices are experiencing a shortage of dental hygienists and dental assistants, and cannot operate without either of them. Our students are in demand and presented with employment offers even before completing their programs.
“Due to the increased strain on the health care system, the provincial government approved regulations that enabled pharmacy technicians to administer COVID and influenza vaccinations. Pharmacy technicians help meet the patient demand and expand access to health services for high risk populations, especially those who do not have access to health care providers.”
Fall 2023 Convocation
NC celebrated its largest Fall Convocation to date with almost 1,600 new graduates. Ceremonies were held at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre (gymnasium) at the Welland Campus on October 26 and 27.
Students graduating from NC this fall join 4,500 from NC’s Class of 2023 who graduated during the College’s week-long Spring Convocation Ceremonies in June. They will also join NC’s alumni community of more than 120,000 – and growing!
Related
Oct. 26: Niagara College rings in Fall Convocation Ceremonies
Oct. 23: Niagara College expands Fall Convocation with record number of October grads
Graduates and guests face the convocation platform inside the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre (gym) at the Welland Campus.
A group of graduates line up in their gowns at the Welland Campus before the ceremony begins.
