Day two of Spring Convocation celebrates more than 825 new alumni
Hospitality took centre stage as Niagara College welcomed hundreds of new graduates into its alumni community on day two of Spring Convocation, including a standout scholar who received the prestigious Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal.
More than 825 new graduates received a warm welcome as they celebrated their academic milestone on June 10, whether they crossed the stage at the Welland Campus or watched the ceremony livestream. The morning ceremony saw more than 345 graduates from the School of Hospitality and Tourism earn their credentials, while the afternoon celebrated 480 graduates from the Schools of Business and Management, Culinary Arts, and Wine, Beer and Spirits.
President Sean Kennedy encouraged the Class of 2025 to carry forward the spirit of welcome they experienced at NC, where they cultivated their passions and forged meaningful connections.
“Wherever your next path takes you, I want you to remember the power of welcome,” said Kennedy. “In a time of incredible uncertainty and divisiveness, it is so important that we never lose sight of our humanity; that we focus less on what sets us apart and more on what unites us; that we make an effort to find common ground.”
Academic excellence shines
The morning ceremony recognized Abigail Tuckwell, Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality) graduate. The 23-year-old capped off her studies with an impressive 95% average, earning her this year’s prestigious Governor General's Silver Academic Medal – an annual honour reserved for the student with the highest average in a degree program.
Tuckwell, who is originally from Chatham, has been applying her skills across the country in Dawson City, Yukon. Since completing her studies, she has been working at Holland America/Princess Alaska-Yukon Land Operations where she previously completed one of her program’s co-op placements.
Tuckwell credits her academic success to her strong work ethic and genuine passion for hospitality. She finds inspiration in creating experiences for people, whether working in hotels, events, or the food and beverage sector – all areas where she gained valuable experience as a student.
"I found my passion for hospitality as I enjoy creating experiences for people," she said. "Whether they're visiting a new location, celebrating something special, or exploring, I enjoy being able to help create those moments."
Though unable to attend in person, Tuckwell addressed her fellow graduates via video. She said that receiving this award was special to her and led her reflect on all the hard work and dedication she has put into the past four years.
“It’s helped me to truly appreciate the wealth of knowledge and skills that will prove useful as I go out in the industry,” said Tuckwell. “As I’m now taking the next steps within my career in hospitality, I recognize that my motivation and work ethic came both from my interests in the industry, but also from the passion my professors exemplified through my studies. Their passion helped fuel my own and made me more excited for my career ahead.”
Tuckwell was also named Dean’s Award winner for the School of Hospitality and Tourism. Dean’s Academic Awards are presented to students with the highest cumulative grade-point average in each academic school.
Dean’s Awards were presented during the afternoon ceremony to Chevell Clarke, Culinary Innovation and Food Technology (Co-op) graduate (School of Culinary Arts); Nicole Hennig, Winery and Viticulture Technician graduate (School of Wine, Beer and Spirits); and Jessica Rakotonandrianina Ratsimba, Office Administration – Health Services graduate (School of Business and Management).
Spring 2025 Convocation continues
Niagara College will celebrate more than 5,000 new graduates during Spring 2025 Convocation, running from June 9-14 with ceremonies held twice daily at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The first day of ceremonies on June 9 saw more than 960 new graduates from the Schools of Academic and Liberal Studies, Justice and Fitness, and Community Services. Rochelle Bush (St. Catharines), owner of Tubman Tours, received the Distinguished Alumni Award during the afternoon ceremony.
Ceremonies will continue on Wednesday, June 11, with over 1,045 graduates from the Schools of Media, Trades, and Technology. The Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Academic Medal – awarded to the graduating student with the highest average from a diploma program – will be presented to Kane Jennings (Waterdown), who graduates from the Acting for Film and Digital Media program with an outstanding 97.83% average (morning ceremony).
On Thursday, June 12, over 685 students will graduate from the Myhal School of Nursing and the School of Allied Health.
Friday, June 13 will celebrate more than 1,035 new graduates from the Schools of Business and Management, Environment and Horticulture, Academic and Liberal Studies, and English Language Studies.
Convocation will conclude on Saturday, June 14 with over 745 new graduates from the School of Business and Management. Retired Chief Executive John F.T. Scott (Niagara-on-the-Lake), former CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers and former Chair of NC’s Board of Governors, will be presented with an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (International Commerce and Global Development) during the morning ceremony.
All Niagara College Convocation ceremonies take place at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus. For the full schedule, including 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.