More than 500 graduates crossed the stage during first day of Convocation
June 9 marked the first day of Niagara College’s week-long Spring Convocation ceremonies, where graduates from the schools of Academic and Liberal Studies, Justice and Fitness and Community Services received their hard-earned diplomas and crossed the stage to officially join the NC alumni community.
In his address to the graduating class of 2025, President Sean Kennedy congratulated the graduates for their commitment to their studies before offering words of advice as they move into the workforce.
“At Niagara College, we are deeply committed to student success, and Convocation is a wonderful celebration of you and your hard work,” said Kennedy. “Be a force for good, be willing to change, and be passionate in all that you do.
“Wherever your path takes you next, know that your NC family is proud of you, and behind you every step of the way.”
During the afternoon ceremony, the College bestowed a Distinguished Alumni Award upon alumna Rochelle Bush. A graduate of NC’s Social Service Worker diploma program in 2018 and Fashion Arts in 1983, Bush owns Tubman Tours Canada, where she highlights the legacy of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad in Niagara, helping shape early Black History narratives and tourism in the region.
“It is an honour to welcome Rochelle back to campus today and to present her with our Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions as a champion for Black History in Niagara and beyond,” said President Kennedy. “Through Tubman Tours, Salem Chapel, and numerous historical initiatives, Rochelle ensures that the legacies of Harriet Tubman and other Freedom Seekers are not forgotten.”
“I want to express my sincere thanks to Niagara College for considering me for the Distinguished Alumni Award,” said Bush. “As a proud Niagara College graduate, I am truly grateful.
“I also want to extend my congratulations to today’s graduates. It is my wish that your chosen field brings you an abundance of opportunity, prosperity, and joy.”
Monday’s ceremonies also recognized three outstanding graduates who were presented with the Dean’s Academic Awards, a notable distinction for students who demonstrate a strong commitment to academic excellence and who have achieved the highest GPA in their academic school.
Chloe Baltus, who graduated from the Police Foundations program, received the Dean’s Award for the School of Justice and Fitness, while Early Childhood Educationgraduate Brandi-Lyn Luby received the Award from the School of Community Services and Larkin Soto, General Arts and Science graduate, was the recipient from the School of Academic and Liberal Studies.
By the time the College concludes its convocation week on June 14 – each ceremony honouring graduating students from different areas of study – NC will gain more than 5,000 new graduates.
NC’s Spring Convocation continues from June 10 to 14 with ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. All ceremonies will be livestreamed from the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus. To view the schedule and a list of programs graduating within each school – or to watch the livestream of any ceremony – visit NC’s Convocation website.
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.