NC alum (Class of 1969) Florence Cooney shares a moment with her daughter Shannon Passero at the June 22 convocation ceremony.
Two milestones collided for Florence Cooney in 1969 – her convocation day and her wedding day.
Her wedding won.
Forty-seven years later, she finally donned a convocation gown at her alma mater’s convocation ceremony with her husband Pat by her side. It was an unexpected but well-received surprise for Cooney, who attended the ceremony to support her daughter, fashion designer /entrepreneur Shannon Passero. Passero was the convocation speaker for the College’s afternoon ceremony and was honoured with an Honorary Bachelor in Applied Studies.
“Now life has come full circle 47 years later with Shannon receiving her honorary degree at Niagara College,” said Cooney. “It feels very nice to be here today and I’m happy for Shannon.”
Cooney has fond memories of faculty and students she met while at Niagara College. She recalled how her education turned into a job right after completing her studies when she took on a position in the library at the University of Waterloo while her husband pursued his master’s degree.
“They came here to the college to interview me,” she recalled.
After a short time in Waterloo, they settled in Niagara, where they raised their two children. Cooney worked in government document section at the Brock University library and as a student supervisor before taking on a position as a court clerk for 12 years.
A long-time Welland resident, Cooney resided just a short distance away from the college campus and has returned to NC on for several events over the years.
She looks fondly back at her time at NC, particularly regarding the people she met. As for missing her own convocation day 47 years ago, she has no regrets.
“I had been looking forward to going to graduation but by the time I found out the date, my wedding day had already been planned,” she said.
Plus, she wasn’t the only one to miss it the pomp and circumstance. She recalls that her friend also missed the ceremony.
“She was my bridesmaid.”
