The future of healthcare received a significant boost on June 8 as Niagara College launched its Spring Convocation. Hundreds of students crossed the stage to mark their transition from the classroom to the frontline of patient care.
The morning ceremony celebrated 650 grads from School of Allied Health, School of Health Sciences, and School of Academic and Liberal Studies, representing fields ranging from dental hygiene and massage therapy to pharmacy technicians and paramedics.
The afternoon ceremony featured approximately 395 graduates from the Myhal School of Nursing. As the Practical Nursing and Personal Support Worker students walked across the stage, they received their professional pins – a traditional rite of passage symbolizing their entry into the field.
“Graduands, I am so proud of you and full of hope for what you will achieve and the ways in which you will change our world,” said NC President Sean Kennedy in his address to the Class of 2026. “Be a force for good, be willing to change, be willing to change your mind and think about the world differently and be passionate in all that you do.”
For many, graduation marked the end of a deeply personal journey.
St. Catharines resident Adrian Vicentini enrolled in in the PSW program at age 43, motivated by his wife’s experience following a severe car accident.
“I decided to learn about how to care for others so that I could better care for my family,” he said. “I am passionate about my field of study because I can positively impact the lives of other people and help improve their quality of life.”
Vicentini’s program placement at a long-term care home proved to be a turning point.
“When I went to my placement, I felt I could rely on the knowledge taught to me throughout the program to succeed. I was able to care for every resident in my unit with confidence while making a positive impact on their lives. I could not ask for a better PSW program; I felt over-prepared if anything,” he said.
“I had many residents of the long-term care home saying how much I would be missed and that they hoped I would be back to see them again … I knew right then that I had finally found my place in this world, and I knew I made the right decision to go back to school and pursue this career path.”
Vicentini has already enrolled in the Personal Support Worker to Practical Nursing Bridge program – a new Nursing Transformation Initiative for working PSWs who wish to continue their studies toward qualifying to practice in Ontario as a Practical Nurse.
“Going back to school at 43 was a major decision, and I was incredibly nervous – I wasn’t sure what to expect or if I was still capable,” he said. ” But with all the support, guidance, and encouragement I received, I’ve learned that anything is possible if you just try.”
Welland resident Scotty Poitras graduated from Practical Nursing with the Dean’s Award from the Myhal School of Nursing for the highest cumulative average in his school, found his calling after working in rehabilitation and volunteer support.
“I’ve always been interested in biology and the natural world, and nursing felt like a good fit,” he said.
Regarding his academic path, he noted how he faced challenges after stepping away from high school, but he completed academic upgrading and graduated with top marks.
“Setbacks are not a reflection of where your future will lead,” said Poitras. “It is possible to achieve far more than you might imagine.”
Niagara Falls resident Tara Gray graduated from the General Arts and Science program after more than 15 years of working in healthcare administration. She balanced her studies with family responsibilities – she even gave birth and cared for a newborn during her final term – and earned the Dean’s Academic Medal for the highest cumulative average in her school.
“Being able to maintain excellent grades while managing these responsibilities is something I am extremely proud of, and it makes receiving this award even more meaningful,” she said.
While Gray initially enrolled in the program to school to improve her skills and further her career, she discovered a genuine passion for learning and plans to return to NC in September.
“Education has become something I genuinely love, and I am passionate about exploring different subjects and expanding my understanding of the world around me,” she said.
London, Ont. resident Amna Ahmed, graduated from the Dental Hygiene advanced diploma program following her successful board exam last. She is already working as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
“One of the most rewarding parts of the program was seeing the real impact of patient care and education,” she said. “The biggest highlight, for me, was the [NC Dental] Clinic – especially being able to finally apply what we were learning in a real client setting.
“I really enjoyed building relationships with patients over time and seeing the impact of client education and care in real life situations.”
The first day of ceremonies also recognized academic excellence with several Dean’s Academic Awards for the highest cumulative average in each academic school: Tara Gray, (General Arts and Science) for the School of Academic and Liberal Studies; Andi Gordon, (Pharmacy Technician) for the School of Allied Health; Tanya Evdokimova (Dental Hygiene) for the School of Health Sciences; and Scotty Poitras (Practical Nursing) for the Myhal School of Nursing.
-
- NC celebrates graduates from the School of Allied Health, School of Health Sciences and School of Academic and Liberal Studies at the morning ceremony.
-
- NC Vice-President Academic Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie applauds the new graduates from the podium, joined by the platform party.
-
- Tara Gray is presented with the Dean’s Award from the School of Academic and Liberal Studies
-
- NC President Sean Kennedy addresses the Class of 2026 on day one of NC’s Spring Convocation Ceremonies.
By the time Spring Convocation concludes on June13, NC will have conferred credentials on approximately 7,000 new graduates. Ceremonies will continue daily with ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Simplii Financial Centre at the Welland Campus.
Highly anticipated for the week ahead include the presentation of the Governor General’s Bronze Academic Medal to Welland resident Alleeya Guthro (Recreation Therapy) on June 9 (3 p.m. ceremony), and the Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal to St. Catharines resident Nashwa Higazy (Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resources) on June 12 (3 p.m. ceremony) – for the highest average in a diploma and degree program, respectively.
On June 12 (3 p.m. ceremony) the College will present a Distinguished Alumni Award to Toronto resident Celeste Anderson, CEO and Co-founder of Digital Sports Administration Inc. Anderson is a graduate of the Tourism Management – Business Development program (class of 2020)
On June 12 (10 a.m. ceremony), Lincoln resident Bob Martin, former General Manager of Martin Farms Ltd., will be presented with an Honorary Diploma in Environment and Horticulture.
All ceremonies will be livestreamed and available for viewing on the College’s Convocation website. For a detailed list of programs graduating within each school and the full schedule, please visit the w.niagaracollege.ca/enrolmentservices/convocation.
Related:
Six days, 7,000 grads: NC hosts Spring Convocation June 8-13
