On June 10, Niagara College celebrated the third day of its Spring 2026 Convocation ceremonies, where more than 900 graduates crossed the stage at the Welland Campus Simplii Financial Athletic Centre. The day featured two ceremonies honouring graduates from programs that support key sectors and communities across Niagara.
The morning ceremony recognized graduates from the Schools of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, and Wine, Beer and Spirits. As a premier tourism destination, Niagara relies on skilled graduates and professionals to support its hotels, restaurants, wineries, breweries, attractions and visitor experiences.
The afternoon ceremony saw graduates from the School of Justice and Fitness and the School of Trades cross the stage, whose careers will support safer, stronger communities and help fill critical workforce needs in the skilled trades sector.
Niagara College President Sean Kennedy addresses the Class of 2026 during the June 10 Spring Convocation ceremony.
“Convocation is a milestone in your life, it is a little bittersweet as the end of one chapter and the beginning of many more,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy as he addressed the Class of 2026. “As I look out at you today, I am moved by the incredible amount of promise seated before me. You have so much to do, so much to contribute to our world, to make the most of your passions, your gifts, and your life.”
Celebrating academic excellence
Dean’s Awards, presented to students with the highest cumulative grade-point average (GPA) within each academic school, were awarded to five exceptional graduates during the day’s ceremonies.
Lilianne Caron, Dean’s Award recipient for the School of Culinary Arts.
During the morning ceremony, Lilianne Caron, a Culinary Management (Co-op) graduate, received the Dean’s Award for the School of Culinary Arts after achieving an outstanding 93.4 per cent average.
Coming to NC began as an opportunity for Caron to explore her interest in food but soon evolved into a passion and a career path she had never previously considered. Drawn equally to creativity, science, and innovation, she developed an interest in the research and development side of the food industry.
“I have always had a passion for food although I didn’t fully realize it until shortly after enrolling at NC,” she said. “Food is a fundamental pillar in my life that goes well beyond sustenance. It touches every aspect of my life, from relationships with friends and family, to entertainment and research, to expressions of creativity.”
Having previously only ever worked in restaurants, Caron’s NC education opened the door to her current role as a Research Assistant at Niagara College’s Food & Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC), providing valuable experience in a setting more closely aligned with her long-term career goals.
Fransisca Baumann Fairhead, Dean’s Award recipient for the School of Hospitality and Tourism.
The Dean’s Award for the School of Hospitality and Tourism was presented to Fransisca Baumann Fairhead, a Hospitality — Hotel and Restaurant Operations (Co-op) graduate who completed her studies with an impressive 95.8 per cent average. Before enrolling at NC, Baumann Fairhead worked in hospitality before pursuing an accounting career. Drawn back to an industry she is passionate about, she came to NC to build on her professional experience and further develop her industry knowledge.
“I enjoy the hospitality industry for its diversity and energy,” said Baumann Fairhead who plans to continue growing her hospitality career in the region. “It is a dynamic industry where no two days are the same.”
The Dean’s Award for the School of Wine, Beer and Spirits was awarded to Jonathan Brown, a Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management graduate who achieved a 93.94 per cent average. A mature student already working as a brewer, Brown came to NC to deepen his knowledge and advance his career in the industry.
“I got into brewing as a hobby,” said Brown. “What started as just doing something different turned into a full-blown passion and it became my mission to learn everything I could about beer.”
Throughout his studies, Brown balanced family responsibilities, a lengthy daily commute, and demanding coursework while continuing to pursue his passion for brewing. He secured a position as a production brewer at Wellington Brewery in Guelph just days after completing his final exams and is looking forward to continuing his career in the thriving craft beverage industry.
At the afternoon ceremony, Ruby Hill, a Community and Justice Services (Correctional Worker) graduate, received the Dean’s Award for the School of Justice and Fitness after achieving a 95.79 per cent average. A Niagara native, Hill transferred to NC after a year of university and discovered a passion for supporting others through community-based work.
“I am extremely passionate about law and justice, specifically youth corrections and getting involved in a career that can impact the lives of others,” said Hill.
While at NC, Hill balanced nearly full-time work, operated a photography business and maintained an active volunteer role, all while excelling academically. She plans to continue her education through a Social Work degree while pursuing a career focused on crisis intervention and community support.
The Dean’s Award for the School of Trades was also presented during the afternoon ceremony to Singh Fai Lau, a Carpentry and Renovation Technician (Co-op) graduate who achieved a 97.25 per cent average.
Spring Convocation continues
Niagara College’s Spring Convocation ceremonies resume on Thursday, June 11 and continue through Saturday, June 13, with ceremonies held daily at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Approximately 7,000 graduates in total will be recognized during the College’s largest Spring Convocation celebration to date.
For a detailed ceremony schedule and a complete list of graduating programs, visit Niagara College’s Convocation website. All ceremonies are livestreamed and available for viewing after the event.
