Niagara College’s third day of Spring Convocation ceremonies saw nearly 800 graduates from the schools of Allied Health, Justice and Fitness, Technology, and Trades, receive their credentials, officially equipping them with some of today’s most in-demand skills.
The newly minted grads, who celebrated on June 22 – whether in-person or virtually – will embark on careers in fields including healthcare, paramedic and police services, the skilled trades and a range of advanced technologies, representing innovative areas in renewable energies, photonics and more.
Addressing graduates from the schools of Allied Health and Justice and Fitness during the morning ceremony, NC President Sean Kennedy applauded NC’s graduates pursuing careers in helping professions.
“We recognize that our graduands will have vital roles in providing care and protecting their communities,” said President Kennedy. “We take great pride in your critical contributions to your fields.”
The ceremonies – among the first held on campus since 2019 – welcomed more than 390 graduates and 960 guests, who RSVP’d to attend the ceremonies in-person. The livestream, produced by staff and students from NC’s Broadcasting, Radio, Television and Film program, drew over 1,300 grads and their supporters from over 30 countries worldwide.
Presiding over the morning and afternoon ceremonies along with President Kennedy, were Vice-President, Academic, Fiona Allan, NC School of Fitness and Health Professor Jodi Steele (morning ceremony) and Wendy Wing (afternoon ceremony) of the Niagara College Board of Governors, and NC Student Administrative Council President Sam Jemison.
Vice-President Allan acknowledged the unique challenges faced by the Class of 2022.
“Today’s graduands have studied during a time of extraordinary circumstance and change,” said Allan. “While we have been increasing our on-campus activity this year, everyone has needed to adapt to remote learning for at least a portion of their studies. All of you have risen to the challenge and proven your capacity to adapt and succeed in a constantly changing world.”
The theme of adversity was also echoed by guest speaker Jon Montgomery, gold-medal Olympian and host of The Amazing Race Canada, who encouraged graduates to view obstacles in a positive light.
“Stay open to experiences and to new challenges because these are the drivers of personal growth and fulfillment,” said Montgomery, who received an honorary diploma in Fitness and Health Studies from the College. “Adversity is a gift that forces change and your attitude about it will shape how you feel about it all. Open your mind and be open to what’s possible.”
Wednesday’s ceremonies also saw four outstanding graduates receive Dean’s Academic Awards for earning the highest cumulative grade-point average in their academic schools.
Grimsby native Nicole Spadaro, a graduate from the Paramedic program, received the Dean’s Award for the School of Allied Health for earning a 94% average.
“Attending school while in the midst of a pandemic was difficult, but it provided an opportunity to learn more about our healthcare system and tackle problems in the classroom that I may otherwise not have learned about,” said Spadaro.
Since completing her program, Spadaro was offered employment with four different paramedic services. She chose to serve the community in which she grew up, accepting a position with Niagara EMS.
“Graduating is validation that I can do what I set out to do. Not only that, but that I can excel in my field and contribute to society in a way that is tangible and important. To save one person through my career as a paramedic makes every hour of studying worth it.”
Paramedic graduate Nicole Spadaro from Grimsby, earned the Dean’s Academic Award in the School of Allied Health. Nicole is pictured with Eva Lemak, Associate Dean, School of Allied Health.
From St. Catharines, Brittany Green, a graduate of the Community and Justice Services program, earned the Dean’s Award in the School of Justice and Fitness for achieving a 96% average.
Deven Wolff of St. Catharines rose to the top of his class in the School of Technology, graduating from the Computer Engineering Technician program with a 96.304% average.
Korean native Jihye Lee, who is currently residing in St. Catharines, earned the Dean’s Award in the School of Trades, graduating from the Carpentry and Renovation Technician program with a 95% average.
Niagara College’s Spring 2022 Convocation kicked off on June 20 and will continue on June 23 – with ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. – and on June 24 with a final morning ceremony. By the time the College concludes its convocation week, 3,600 new graduates will be welcomed into NC’s alumni family – a community of more than 100,000 alumni making a difference in Ontario, across Canada and around the world.
For full details regarding NC Convocation, or to view the schedule and livestreamed ceremonies, visit NiagaraCollege.ca/convocation.
Related stories:
June 21: Grads cap off their academic journeys at second day of Niagara College’s hybrid Spring Convocation
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
June 15: Amazing Race Canada host to address Class of 2022
