Over 1,000 media, trades and technology students joined NC’s alumni community of 125,000 strong.
Students in Niagara College’s Schools of Media, Trades, and Technology were the latest to cross the stage at day three of Spring Convocation ceremonies on June 11. Among them was Kane Jennings, recipient of the Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Academic Medal.
“It’s incredibly meaningful that I get to graduate with this incredible honour,” said Jennings in a video message to graduands.
Jennings’s average of 97.83 per cent topped all those studying in diploma programs at Niagara College.
Originally from Waterdown, Jennings has lived and worked across Canada before settling in Hamilton. A lifelong performer, he balanced stand-up comedy with careers in television production, brewing, community services, and quality control.
A three-time college graduate, Jennings reignited his dream of acting at NC, thriving in its creative environment and energized by the camaraderie of his fellow actors.
“I did a lot of soul searching and decided, this is what I want to do. This is what’s going to make me happiest. And to be able to receive this award just goes to show that when you really follow your passions in life and what means to the most to you, it’s going to pay off in great ways and people are going to notice.”
Driven by a mantra of continued improvement, Jennings dove deep into his passion for voice work in video games and commercials, building a professional demo reel and strong network.
“NC truly provided me with the tools I need to make my dreams come true.”
Jennings, who also received the Dean’s Award for the School of Media during his convocation ceremony, offered advice to fellow graduates:
“Put your best self into everything that you do and your hard work and dedication are going to pay off out in the real world.”
Dean’s Academic Awards are presented to students with the highest cumulative grade-point average in each academic school.
The morning ceremony celebrated more than 625 graduates from the School of Media and half of the School of Trades. In the afternoon, more graduates from the Schools of Trades and Technology earned their credentials – more than 420 in total.
“Congratulations to our Spring Class of 2025,” said NC’s Vice-President, Academic, Fiona Allan. “You are now part of a proud community of more than 125,000 NC alumni who can be found succeeding and leading – not only here in Niagara, but across Canada and around the world.”
Yonelissa Encarnacion Lagares, an international student from the Dominican Republic, was the Dean’s Award recipient for the School of Trades. Lagares joined the program after a 14-year career as an architect where she was able to combine her design background with practical skills in construction.
In the afternoon ceremony, Caleb Simoneau from the Computer Systems Technician - Network and Cloud Technologies program earned the Dean’s Award. Originally from the Kawartha Lakes and now living in Niagara Falls, convocation is a milestone for Simoneau, who is working as a Network and Telecommunications Specialist at the Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel and Suites.
“Graduation signifies that I've received the essential education needed to succeed in my career,” said Simoneau. “I feel excited to close a major chapter in my life, being able to go into the workforce knowing that I have ‘the right stuff.’”
In the School of Technology, Edward Amoyen Abella from the Electronics Engineering Technician program received the Dean’s Award.
A group of graduating students and emerging filmmakers from the Broadcasting - Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) program had another reason to celebrate, having recently won the Best Picture award for their film Before You Go at the 2025 RUSH Youth Film Festival. The award-winning drama was created for their final year capstone project.
NC’s Spring Convocation continues from June 12 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’sConvocation website.
About the Governor General’s Academic Medal
For nearly 150 years, the Governor General’s Academic Medals have recognized the outstanding scholastic achievements of students in Canada. They are awarded to the student graduating with the highest average at four distinct levels: Bronze at the secondary school, level; Collegiate Bronze at the post-secondary, diploma level; Silver at the undergraduate level; and Gold at the graduate level. To learn more, visit https://gg.ca.
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 ranked Canada’s No. 1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.