With more than 3,400 students receiving certificates and diplomas during Spring 2013 Convocation Ceremonies, Niagara College is celebrating its largest-ever graduating class.
The ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. between June 18-21 at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus.
“Convocation is the absolute highlight of our academic year,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “It celebrates the achievements of our students, their move to successful careers or the next step of their educational pathway.”
The graduates will hear from an impressive list of distinguished business and community leaders, who will deliver convocation addresses and receive special honours from the College.
Tuesday, June 18
Onthe morning of June 18, graduates from the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Administrative Studies will hear from Robin Garrett, CEO of The Tourism Partnership of Niagara. Garrett, who has forged a successful career in tourism marketing, led the development of a strategic development plan for Niagara, and launched the regional brand Niagara Canada, will receive an Honorary Diploma in Tourism Management.
At the afternoon ceremony, graduates from the schools of Business and Management Studies, and Hospitality, Tourism and Administrative Studies will hear from Vivian Prokop, founding chair of the G20 Young Entrepreneur Alliance and Summit. Prokop is recognized as a global expert in youth entrepreneurship and is credited with supporting the launch of more than 5,000 businesses in Canada. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Prokop will be presented with an Honorary Degree in International Commerce and Global Development.
Wednesday, June 19
On the morning of June 19, Del Rollo, director, Eastern Estates Wineries and Government Relations at Constellation Brands, will address graduates from the Canadian Food and Wine Institute, the schools of Environmental and Horticultural Studies, and Technology Studies – including the first-ever graduates of NC’s Renewable Energies Technician program. Rollo was pivotal to the opening of the Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate in 2001, and he will receive an Honorary Degree in Hospitality Operations Management, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Ontario’s wine industry.
Niagara Emergency Medical Services (EMS) chief Kevin Smith will speak to graduates from the School of Allied Health Studies in the afternoon, and will receive an Honorary Diploma in Community and Health Studies.
Thursday, June 20
Niagara Regional Police Service chief of police Jeffrey McGuire will speak to School of Justice Studies graduates on Wednesday afternoon, and will receive an Honorary Diploma in Policing and Security.
Also at the morning ceremony, Niagara College will honour this year’s Governor General’s Academic Medal recipient, Amanda McIntyre of St. Catharines. McIntyre graduates from the Social Service Worker program with an incredible 96.81% academic average. Read InsideNC article here.
At Thursday’s afternoon ceremony, Niagara Community Foundation executive director Liz Palmieri will address graduates from the School of Community Studies and receive the Niagara Award, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the community.
Friday, June 21
Friday will see two successful alumni return to NC – both of whom will receive NC’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Jerry Howell (Computer Engineering Technology, 1988), owner and operator of the popular Howell Family Pumpkin Farm and an innovator in animated puppets, will speak to graduates from the schools of Technology Studies and Media Studies on Friday morning. John Vatcher (Broadcasting: Radio, Television and Film, 1986), producer and director of Canadian television program Republic of Doyle, will speak to graduates of the schools of Media Studies and Academic and Liberal Studies during the afternoon ceremony.
This year’s graduates will join Niagara College thriving alumni community, which now numbers more than 60,000.
