NC celebrates historic Class of 2026 with 7,000 skilled graduates as Spring Convocation concludes

After six days, 12 high-energy ceremonies and thousands of congratulatory handshakes, Niagara College officially concluded its largest ever Spring Convocation on Saturday, June 13.

The marathon event marked a historic milestone for the College, adding approximately 7,000 new graduates to its global alumni family of well over 150,000.

Throughout the week, the Welland Campus transformed into a hub of celebration that highlighted how the College directly supports crucial economic sectors, with new graduates ready to bring applied knowledge and hands-on experience to the workforce.

Saturday’s final ceremonies brought a dynamic close to the week, celebrating more than 1,600 graduates from the School of Business and Management and Niagara College Toronto.

Niagara College president Sean Kennedy challenged the Class of 2026 to embrace the future with passion. He left the new graduates with a powerful prompt, quoting poet Mary Oliver’s poem, “The Summer Day” asking them what they plan to do with their “one wild and precious life.”

“Graduates, your ‘wild and precious life’ is yours to design. You had a plan when you came to NC, an interest that informed your program choice, that has hopefully grown into a passion upon which you will build a career,” said Kennedy. “Your plan may have changed since you started, and it may change many more times as you build the life you wish to live.”

He encouraged the Class of 2026 to prioritize connection with people and nature, and to take time to unplug.

“Wherever your ‘wild and precious life’ takes you next, know that your NC family is incredibly proud of you, and behind you every step of the way,” he said.

Spring Convocation highlights

The College rang in Spring Convocation on June 8 with hundreds of future healthcare heroes crossing the stage among almost 1,045 graduates from the schools of Allied Health, Health Sciences, Academic and Liberal Studies, and the Myhal School of Nursing.

Ceremonies on June 9 honoured more than 1,180 graduates from its schools of Academic and Liberal Studies, English Language Studies, Health Sciences, Justice and Fitness, Community Services, and the Myhal School of Nursing.

Recreation Therapy graduate Alleeya Guthro (Welland) was honoured with the prestigious Governor General’s Bronze Academic Medal, for achieving the highest average in a diploma program.

On June 10, the College recognized almost 980 graduates from the schools of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, and Wine, Beer and Spirits, providing an immediate boost to Niagara’s skilled labour force as a premier destination for tourism, as well as the schools of Justice and Fitness and Trades, equipped for careers that support safer, stronger communities and help fill critical workforce needs.

More than 1,115 graduates were honoured from the schools of Media, Trades, and Technology on June 11, ready to bring their sought-after skills to Ontario’s tech and industry sectors.

June 12 celebrated 910 graduates from the schools of Business and Management, Environment and Horticulture, and Hospitality and Tourism.

The Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal was awarded to Nashwa Higazy (St. Catharines), a graduate of the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resources) program, for achieving the highest average in a degree program.

This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Celeste Anderson (Toronto), CEO and co-founder of Digital Sports Administration Inc., who graduated from the Tourism Management – Business Development program in 2020. A trailblazer in the gaming industry, Anderson was Canada’s first female professional gamer and currently serves as Director of Business Operations for the Women of Halo executive team.

Community guest Bob Martin (Lincoln) was awarded an Honorary Diploma in Environment and Horticulture. The former General Manager of Martin Farms Ltd. was recognized for his decades of exceptional leadership in the horticultural sector.

From June 8 to June 13, ceremonies were held twice daily at the Welland Campus (Simplii Financial Athletic Centre). All ceremonies were livestreamed and remain available for viewing on the Niagara College Convocation website.

: A group of graduates from the School of Business and Management celebrate on the morning of June 13.

: VP Academic Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie speaks.

: Graduands line up before their morning ceremony.

: The platform party applauds NC’s Class of 2026 including (from left) VP Academic Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie, NCSAC President Hish Clifford, President Sean Kennedy, Associate Dean of the School of Business and Management April Tyrrell, and NC Board of Governors Member Janet Allan.