“Everything outside of yourself is community – engage with it!”
Those words, originating from a fortune cookie, exemplify the inspirational journey Vicki Heyman shared with graduates of Niagara College’s School of Food and Wine Sciences and School of Tourism and Sport during day one of NC’s Spring 2018 Convocation ceremonies on June 19.
Heyman, who is married to former U.S. ambassador Bruce Heyman – who also attended the ceremony – was a cultural envoy during their time in Ottawa from 2014-2017, playing a leading role to help strengthen the bond between Canada and the U.S., leading cross border conversations and programs related to the arts, social innovation and youth engagement. A long-time resident of Chicago, she is co-founder of Uncharted, a valued-driven family office that convenes and connects a diverse group of Americans and Canadians. Her lifelong belief in the power of art and storytelling to inspire community took her from a successful business career to becoming a key part of former U.S. President Barack Obama’s election and re-election campaigns.
She spoke about how she applied her own dreams, through her passion for the arts and storytelling, and how it led her to represent her country in Canada.
“Hearing each other’s stories brings us together with deeper understanding and respect,” she said. “It is each of these stories that make up the fabric of humanity on this diverse, beautiful, and threatened planet. And the only way that we will move forward together is to share those stories and to listen to what we hear.”
She encouraged the new NC graduates to do the same by following their own passions. “Many of you have already discovered your passions while you have been at Niagara College, so hold onto those as you move forward,” she said. “There is no prescribed path to success, but if you are willing to be creative, share your stories, and be open to new opportunities at all times, I know you will get there,”
Heyman received an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies from Niagara College President Dan Patterson during the morning ceremony. Her parting words to students: “Have the courage to be fearless.”
A total of 829 students crossed the stage at NC’s Welland Campus at two ceremonies June 20 to become proud Niagara College graduates. In his address to the newly minted alumni, College president Dan Patterson commended graduates for their hard work and accomplishment, and urged them to remain involved in their community through their life and career.
“Your work touches every part of our society,” he said. “You have much to offer in your chosen field and the world around you.”
Patterson also encouraged students to not to take the path of least resistance, but rather to make the most of every opportunity, while at the same time striving for a life of balance.“I hope you look back on your time at Niagara College with very fond memories.”
The afternoon ceremony saw Daljit Singh Gujral address students graduating from programs in Niagara College’s School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker Studies. Gujral is a first-generation entrepreneur from India and president of INSCOL, which operates a nursing institute in Toronto that trains internationally educated nurses who move to Canada. He received an Honorary Diploma in Health Studies.
“Life will have many twists and turns, many struggles and opportunities, but once you have identified your goal, work toward it doggedly,” he told grads and guests.
Gujral then offered grads five mantras he’s learned over his career that have helped him pursue and achieve his goals – remain focused, network, do everything with a sense of haste, continue your education, and be portable. All these taken together, he said, will make success an easy pursuit for those who commit to their goals.
“This profession opens up a world of opportunities,” he said. “Be determined to win.”
Gujral also stressed the global nature of today’s economy, and the international stage that’s been set for Niagara College grads to start their career.
Spring Convocation ceremonies continue June 20 – 22 at the Welland Campus. Over 3,700 students will graduate over a total of seven ceremonies. Grads and guests attending the college’s remaining ceremonies will hear from a diverse roster of distinguished speakers:
- Coletta McGrath is Executive Director of Quest Community Health Centre and a founding board member of the St. Catharines Life Lease Corporation. McGrath will receive an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies;
- Bryan MacCulloch, chief of the Niagara Regional Police Service, will receive an Honorary Diploma in Police Foundations;
- Anthony J. Spiteri, a leader in the consumer packaged goods industry, is 2018 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award;
- Tim Denis has been CKTB Talk Radio’s morning host for more than 23 years, and will receive an Honorary Diploma in Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film;
- Sarah Watts-Rynard, Executive Director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, will receive an Honorary Diploma in Skilled Trades.
The morning ceremony of Thursday, June 21 will also honour the recipient of the 2018 Governor General’s Academic Medal, presented to Business Administration – Accounting graduate Jesse Reynders, who graduates with a grade average of 98.23 per cent.
Friday, June 22 will also be a milestone for the College, as it will see the first cohort of graduates from the college’s Commercial Beekeeping program. The Graduate Certificate program is the first of its kind in Eastern Canada, and was launched in 2017 to meet a significant demand for qualified, professional beekeepers across the country.
Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.
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Note to editors: To arrange interviews and/or reserve a seat at convocation ceremonies please contact Andrew Korchok at [email protected]. Convocation takes place at the Welland Campus and free parking is available Lots A and C.
Media inquiries, please contact:
Andrew Korchok
Communications/Media Advisor
Niagara College
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7430
Cell: 905 329-1642
Michael Wales
Manager, Communications
Office: 905 735-2211 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328-4101