More than 1,035 student dreams were realized on the second last day of Niagara College’s Spring Convocation, June 13.
The morning ceremony celebrated over 535 graduates from the Schools of Business and Management and Environment and Horticulture, while close to 500 graduates from the Schools of Academic and Liberal Studies and English Language Studies were ushered into the NC alumni community in the afternoon.
NC Student Administrative Council President Hish Clifford congratulated the Class of 2025, sharing words of encouragement as graduates look to the future.
“We’re so excited to see what you’ll do with all the tools and skills you have acquired,” said Clifford in a video message. “So go out into the world. Do great and incredible things. And most importantly, continue to dream big.”
Among the students who received their hard-earned credentials were two Dean’s Academic Award recipients who achieved the highest cumulative grade-point average in their respective academic schools.
For School of Environment recipient Quinten Hartlen-Melo, graduating from NC’s Greenhouse Technician program marks a new direction in his life, from previously performing in the circus on cruise ships around the world to nurturing his creativity using his green thumb.
“I’ve always had a passion for plants and the energy they bring to a space; I think I got this from my mother whose exceptional gardens sparked the joy of horticulture in me,” said Hartlen-Melo.
During his studies, Hartlen-Melo gained experience working part-time at NC’s Teaching Greenhouse where he learned from the College’s dedicated technicians and faculty and had the opportunity to help lead workshops, lectures and get involved in events. Now working full-time with Niagara Parks, he is one of two gardeners responsible for the whimsical creatures mosaiculture garden attached to the floral showhouse.
“I get to bring giant sculptures to life by filling them with plants, almost like giant chia pets. I am grateful for this new start on life that NC has given me and am only hopeful for my future,” said Hartlen-Melo, who would love to return to his alma mater one day as a teacher to inspire budding horticulturists.
Larkin Soto, Dean’s Award winner from the School of Academic and Liberal Studies, returned to Niagara during the COVID-19 pandemic after a successful career as a chef in Alberta and British Columbia. With a deep love of learning and a wide range of interests, they enrolled in NC’s General Arts and Science program, which sparked a passion for sociology and inspired a new path forward focused on helping others.
“It is never too late to pursue any form of education, and there are no rules about how long it takes to complete formal education,” said Soto. “It is more important to enjoy classes and take the time to truly learn and understand the subjects than it is to complete a program within a pre-set amount of time. There is no such thing as wasted education.”
Soto is preparing to continue their education through an articulation agreement between NC and Brock University in their pursuit of a career related to human rights and community social justice.
“I would like to thank my family and friends for their endless support throughout my endeavor to graduate,” they said.
NC’s six-day Spring Convocation
Convocation will conclude on Saturday, June 14 with two final ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. celebrating additional graduates from the School of Business and Management – over 745 in total. Retired Chief Executive John F.T. Scott, 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.
The ceremonies are livestreamed from the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus and can be viewed on the College’s Convocation website in real-time and for later viewing.
By the end of the final ceremony, NC will welcome more than 5,000 new graduates into its alumni community of 125,000-plus strong who are making a difference in Niagara, across Canada and around the world.
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.