A message from President Sean Kennedy:
Team NC,
With the conclusion of our successful 2026 Spring Convocation, I want to express thanks to everyone who helped make these ceremonies a truly unforgettable celebration for our students and their guests.
Our Convocation ceremonies are the pinnacle of our students’ NC stories; a milestone that marks their success as much as ours. Convocation embodies the teamwork, collaboration, and dedication that drives us, along with the NC values that define our unwavering commitment to student success.
Each of us plays an important role guiding our students’ NC journey, from recruitment to the moment they cross the convocation stage.
To NC’s incredible faculty and staff: thank you for teaching, mentoring, guiding, and inspiring our students from orientation to graduation. Amid the challenges facing our sector, your unwavering care and commitment have been a source of strength and motivation. I am deeply proud to lead this College and to work alongside such an exceptional community.
This year’s Convocation saw 7,000 students graduate during 12 ceremonies over six days – with each ceremony as meaningful and memorable as the last. Niagara College’s Convocation ceremonies have become a model for inclusive, student-centered, interactive celebration. Led by Community Relations and Events (CRE) and Enrolment Services, the success of these ceremonies represents a cross-college collaboration with several areas making important contributions. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s ceremonies. The success of Convocation was made possible through your contributions, participation and support.
Annual Report and a look ahead
Convocation also represents the culmination of the 2025-2026 academic year, which was marked in many ways by the ongoing, transformational changes taking place within our sector.
Like most colleges and universities, we have faced historic challenges, but we have remained agile and resilient. Despite dramatic shifts in enrolments and budgets, the past year has seen significant college-wide achievements, along with notable accomplishments by our students, employees and alumni.
The result of your commitment to our shared values and mission for students has been meaningful success, which we have captured in the 2025-26 Annual Report, available here. I encourage you to read the report, which reflects and celebrates our many remarkable accomplishments during a challenging year.
As we look ahead to the new academic year, we are carrying this momentum forward into our recovery phase. With the most difficult work almost behind us and a positive shift underway, we are ready for the challenges ahead, guided by a growth mindset. NC will continue to be responsive and trailblazing, developing and launching new, industry-responsive programs, and growing enrolments in high-demand programs including those who will find a home in the new Health Education Building.
As I mentioned in my last message, my goal is to meet with as many employees as possible through departmental and divisional meetings, some of which will be starting soon. I look forward to that over the summer and in the months ahead.
As many of you embark on holidays over the summer months, I want to reiterate what I shared with our graduates with all of you: Be present, enjoy time outdoors, nurture your relationships with family and friends, and make time to intentionally unplug. It is healthy for our hearts, minds, and relationships, so please take time to rest and enjoy the sunny days and warm evenings of a Niagara summer.
With thanks,
