More than 300 Allied Health Studies and Community Service graduates celebrated
A week-long celebration of the Class of 2023 wrapped up at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre, July 16, as 320 students from the Schools of Allied Health Studies and Community Services received their diplomas during the fifth and final day of Spring Convocation.
Throughout the week, 4,500 new graduates were ushered into NC’s alumni community before an audience of families and friends. Convocation ceremonies were also livestreamed, drawing an audience of more than 4,200 from as far away as Columbia, Kenya and India throughout the week.
In his address to the Class of 2023, College President Sean Kennedy told everyone that in order to be responsible adults and good citizens, they should never lose sight of their inner child and always make time for play.
“Inject a dose of playfulness into your daily work and into your daily life. Play games, make up fun competitions, act silly,” he said. “Wouldn’t the world be a little brighter if we laughed more? Take time to act as a kid in order to be your best adult self.
“Let your inner child guide you in finding delight in the moment, in the small things,” he added. “Delight in the joy of discovery, of new experiences, of the wonder of it all.”
Niagara College President Sean Kennedy gets ready to high-five NC Student Administrative Council president Dipal Patel as she crosses the stage to receive her diploma.
Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) president Dipal Patel congratulated her fellow graduands, reminding them to celebrate themselves.
“This moment, right now, is for us,” said Patel, who also graduated from the Autism and Behavioural Science program during the ceremony. “Today is the day to celebrate everything that has brought you to your moment. This is a moment that some never experience and that some are lucky enough to experience more than once.”
Eight graduates were presented with Dean’s Awards over the course of the week. Each earned the highest GPA in their respective schools of study. During the final convocation event, Aidan Glassco (Paramedic) received the Dean’s Award for the School of Allied Health Studies, while Jessica Fernandez (Social Service Worker) received the Dean’s Award for the School of Community Services.
The June 16 ceremony capped a week of convocation celebrations, which included the bestowal of several special honours to people inside and outside of the college.
For the first time, two prestigious Governor General’s Academic medals were awarded to the graduating students who achieved the highest overall grade-point average. Clarysse Go, who achieved a 98% average in the Business – International Business program, received the Collegiate Bronze medal, while Cassidy Baldwin received the Silver Governor General’s Academic Medal for top grades in the four-year Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Hospitality program. It was the first time an NC student was awarded a Governor General’s Academic Medal at the Silver level for a degree program.
NC also conferred an Honorary Diploma in Health Studies on Niagara Health President and CEO Lynn Guerriero, and Amy Audibert (Broadcasting – Radio, TV and Film Class of 2012) received a Distinguished Alumni Award.
This year, NC incorporated a new Indigenous element into the event: the Strong Water Singers, a local Indigenous-led women’s drum group, drummed songs representing teachings of love, truth, humility, respect, bravery, honesty and wisdom as graduates entered the Welland Campus gymnasium.
All of NC’s Spring Convocation ceremonies were livestreamed and will remain on the site for later viewing. Visit the convocation website at niagaracollege.ca/convocation to watch.
Related media releases
June 13: Award-winning grad applauds Class of 2023 as College celebrates day two of Spring Convocation
June 12: Niagara College kicks off week-long Spring Convocation ceremonies
June 9: Niagara College celebrates two Governor General’s Academic Medal recipients
May 26: Niagara College to host Spring Convocation June 12-16
