[{"id":1627960,"date":"2026-06-10T11:09:43","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T15:09:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/?p=1627960"},"modified":"2026-06-10T11:09:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T15:09:43","slug":"notl-local-hundreds-cross-the-stage-as-nc-launches-spring-convocation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/10\/notl-local-hundreds-cross-the-stage-as-nc-launches-spring-convocation\/","title":{"rendered":"NOTL Local: Hundreds cross the stage as NC launches Spring Convocation"},"content":{"rendered":"

The\u00a0NOTL Local\u00a0<\/em>shared NC’s release kicking off the College’s week of Spring Convocation ceremonies. The re-release highlights the day’s morning and afternoon ceremonies that celebrated students from the School of Allied Health, School of Health Sciences, School of Academic and Liberal Studies and the Myhal School of Nursing and Dean’s Award recipients from each academic school.<\/p>\n

Read the June 9 re-release here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The\u00a0NOTL Local\u00a0shared NC’s release kicking off the College’s week of Spring Convocation ceremonies. The re-release highlights the day’s morning and afternoon ceremonies that celebrated students from the School of Allied Health, School of Health Sciences, School of Academic and Liberal Studies and the Myhal School of Nursing and Dean’s Award recipients from each academic school. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":229,"featured_media":1555935,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1627960","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-media-coverage"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nNOTL Local: Hundreds cross the stage as NC launches Spring Convocation | InsideNC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/10\/notl-local-hundreds-cross-the-stage-as-nc-launches-spring-convocation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NOTL Local: Hundreds cross the stage as NC launches Spring Convocation | InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The\u00a0NOTL Local\u00a0shared NC’s release kicking off the College’s week of Spring Convocation ceremonies. 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Grad Success Story: Madeline Rekker, Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations program"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Madeline Rekker has always been passionate about creating memorable experiences for others.<\/p>\n<p>A St. Catharines native and graduate of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/hospitalityandtourism\/program\/hotel-restaurant-operations-coop\/\">Niagara College’s Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations program<\/a>, she embraced every opportunity to gain hands-on experience during her studies. From volunteering at major College events to winning first place at the Ontario Skills Competition for Service and Hospitality, Rekker built an impressive resume while developing her skills. Her time working at Benchmark, Niagara College’s student-led teaching restaurant, stands out as an experience that defines her NC journey.<\/p>\n<p>“Benchmark has by far been my favourite job,” she said. “It’s a place where you can start with zero experience but feel constantly supported, growing and learning every day.”<\/p>\n<p>Now getting ready to pursue an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/hospitalityandtourism\/program\/hbba-hospitality\/\">Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality),<\/a> Rekker will be back at NC in the fall where she will continue to build on the foundation she first developed through her diploma studies.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What led you to study at Niagara College and choose your program?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I wanted to study somewhere near home, and I heard that NC had a good hospitality program. I also loved the aspect of their student-run restaurant to gain real-life experience.<\/p>\n<p>I chose hospitality as my program because the hospitality industry was the first job I ever had and I immediately loved it. I loved interacting with different guests and being able to serve them and turn ordinary moments into memories. I wanted a career where I could keep doing that.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How would you describe your experience in the program? Were there any highlights?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I loved that my program offered so many opportunities to get involved with the school. We got to work on so many different events and volunteer in different areas, which provided real hands-on experience in the industry, but also gave us so many networking opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>I met some of my best friends through my program. What started as just classmates turned very quickly into lifelong friendships that will continue outside of the classroom.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What did you find most rewarding about your program?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I loved how engaging our professors were and you could tell they really cared about us. They had so much industry experience and wisdom they wanted to pass along. It made learning more engaging and fun.<\/p>\n<p>My favourite memory was being able to compete in the Ontario Skills Competition for Service and Hospitality and coming first place.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Did you complete a co-op or placement as part of your studies?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, I completed a co-op at a bakery. This was a cool opportunity to experience what the back of house is like and how it operates differently from the front. It helped me understand why things are done a certain way and how that can impact business decisions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Were you involved in any clubs, teams or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I became involved with the school through participating in and volunteering for student events such as Gala, Caps, Corks & Forks, multiple parades, and by being on Team Benchmark. Through Benchmark, I got to experience even more events and dinners and help make them run successfully.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do you feel your Niagara College experience has helped prepare you for the future?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Everything I experienced at NC was real, practical and hands-on, and it gave me so many applicable skills that I can use in the future.<\/p>\n<p>Working at Benchmark in particular allowed me to experience many different aspects of restaurant and event operations and gave me such applicable experience for my industry.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What have you been doing since completing your diploma?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I decided to come back to NC to continue my education. I was able to transfer my credits into a bachelor’s degree for hospitality. I graduated with a diploma, went back to school for another two years, and will come out with both a degree and diploma in four years instead of six, which is super sweet.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Madeline Rekker has always been passionate about creating memorable experiences for others. A St. Catharines native and graduate of Niagara College’s Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations program, she embraced every opportunity to gain hands-on experience during her studies. From volunteering at major College events to winning first place at the Ontario Skills Competition for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":229,"featured_media":1627049,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[198,214,7,18,300],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1627048","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-convocation","category-convocation-spring-convocation-2022","category-my-people","category-school-of-hospitality-and-tourism","category-spring-2026-convocation"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>NC Grad Success Story: Madeline Rekker, Hospitality - Hotel and Restaurant Operations program | InsideNC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/10\/nc-grad-success-story-madeline-rekker-hospitality-hotel-and-restaurant-operations-program\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NC Grad Success Story: Madeline Rekker, Hospitality - Hotel and Restaurant Operations program | InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Madeline Rekker has always been passionate about creating memorable experiences for others. A St. Catharines native and graduate of Niagara College’s Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations program, she embraced every opportunity to gain hands-on experience during her studies. From volunteering at major College events to winning first place at the Ontario Skills Competition for […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/10\/nc-grad-success-story-madeline-rekker-hospitality-hotel-and-restaurant-operations-program\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/niagaracollege\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-10T13:00:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/IMG_2179.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"367\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"550\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Alyssa Milana\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@niagaracollege\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@niagaracollege\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/10\/nc-grad-success-story-madeline-rekker-hospitality-hotel-and-restaurant-operations-program\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/10\/nc-grad-success-story-madeline-rekker-hospitality-hotel-and-restaurant-operations-program\/\",\"name\":\"NC Grad Success Story: Madeline Rekker, Hospitality - 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Grad Success Story: Dean’s Award recipient Jonathan Brown, Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For Jonathan Brown,\u00a0coming to NC\u00a0was an opportunity to take an already successful brewing career to the next level.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Before coming to NC,\u00a0Jonathan\u00a0was already working full-time as the head brewer at a small brewery. Looking to expand his knowledge and accelerate his career, he enrolled in NC’s\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/winebeerspirits\/program\/brewmaster-brewery-operations\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to deepen his understanding of brewing science and brewery operations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">His hard work and academic excellence will be recognized at this morning’s Spring Convocation ceremony where he will receive he Dean’s Award for the School of Wine, Beer and Spirits. Graduating with an outstanding 93.94 per cent average, he distinguished himself both in the classroom and within the brewing industry.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">“I got into brewing as a hobby,” said\u00a0Brown. “What started as just doing something different turned into a\u00a0full-blown\u00a0passion and it became my mission to learn everything I could about beer.”<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Throughout the program, he balanced family responsibilities, demanding coursework, and a daily commute that averaged six hours on public transit. Despite these\u00a0challenges, he\u00a0remained\u00a0focused on building the skills needed to succeed in an evolving industry.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One of the highlights of his experience was learning alongside classmates and industry experts while developing a broader understanding of what it takes to run a successful brewery.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Now working as a production brewer after securing a position just three days after completing his final exam, he is looking forward to continuing his career while taking some time to focus on family and\u00a0work toward\u00a0his\u00a0future\u00a0goals\u00a0as a brewer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q&A\u00a0with\u00a0Jonathan Brown<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How do you feel about your upcoming\u00a0convocation\u00a0day? What does\u00a0it personally\u00a0mean to you?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sad that my chapter at NC is over, excited for the future, and grateful for the connections I made during my time at NC.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What led you to study\u00a0at\u00a0NC and to your program of study?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I was looking for ways to enhance my knowledge and help accelerate my career. An opportunity to attend NC presented\u00a0itself\u00a0and I took full advantage of it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What interests you in \/ why are you passionate about your field of study?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Knowing that I\u00a0don’t\u00a0know everything about beer fuels\u00a0my\u00a0drive to be better and constantly evolve professionally and as an ambassador of everything beer\u00a0represents.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program? Did it change since you started?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I knew I wanted to get better at what I was doing. As an older student, I needed to think not\u00a0only\u00a0about the next\u00a0five\u00a0years but what the next\u00a0twenty\u00a0looked like.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">My only goal was to position myself in a way where I could fulfill a variety of roles within the industry and tailor my career to the challenges life throws at me.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How did you find your program experience – any highlights?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The people involved in the Brewmaster program are outstanding at what they do. The context provided by professors Rob Doyle, Adrian Popowycz, Nate Ferguson, and Brewmaster Jon Downing ensured that we\u00a0didn’t\u00a0just cover the curriculum but opened our eyes to the issues and challenges facing the industry both now and in the future.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What did you find rewarding about your program \/ area of study? Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time\u00a0at\u00a0NC?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Studying beer is\u00a0fun\u00a0but my fellow graduating comrades made the journey much more enjoyable. Each of their unique perspectives helped contribute to our collective success while forging friendships that will last a lifetime.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I faced a few challenges while attending NC. Juggling family\u00a0responsibilities\u00a0with my studies was no easy task. When you add\u00a0in\u00a0the fact that I spent an average of\u00a0six\u00a0hours commuting via transit every day, I had to be incredibly careful with how I spent my time, often sacrificing time with family\u00a0in order to\u00a0work on assignments.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I was\u00a0very fortunate. I began looking for opportunities in February and applied\u00a0to\u00a0several positions. I was presented with multiple employment opportunities and began working as a production brewer just\u00a0three\u00a0days after my final exam.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Any advice for future students?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To all current and future students, I have two pieces of advice. One, go after what you want and be unapologetic in the pursuit of your dreams. Secondly, be kind to people, every interaction you have is like a job interview. You never know what opportunities will come out of impressing other people.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For Jonathan Brown,\u00a0coming to NC\u00a0was an opportunity to take an already successful brewing career to the next level.\u00a0 Before coming to NC,\u00a0Jonathan\u00a0was already working full-time as the head brewer at a small brewery. Looking to expand his knowledge and accelerate his career, he enrolled in NC’s\u00a0Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program\u00a0to deepen his understanding of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":229,"featured_media":1627047,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[198,214,7,223,300],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1627035","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-convocation","category-convocation-spring-convocation-2022","category-my-people","category-school-of-wine-beer-and-spirits","category-spring-2026-convocation"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>NC Grad Success Story: Dean's Award recipient Jonathan Brown, Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program | InsideNC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/10\/nc-grad-success-story-deans-award-winner-jonathan-brown-brewmaster-and-brewery-operations-management-program\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NC Grad Success Story: Dean's Award recipient Jonathan Brown, Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program | InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"For Jonathan Brown,\u00a0coming to NC\u00a0was an opportunity to take an already successful brewing career to the next level.\u00a0 Before coming to NC,\u00a0Jonathan\u00a0was already working full-time as the head brewer at a small brewery. Looking to expand his knowledge and accelerate his career, he enrolled in NC’s\u00a0Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program\u00a0to deepen his understanding of […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/10\/nc-grad-success-story-deans-award-winner-jonathan-brown-brewmaster-and-brewery-operations-management-program\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/niagaracollege\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-10T13:00:50+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Jonathan-Brown.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"822\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"550\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" 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Grad Success Story: Dean’s Award Recipient Lillianne Coron, Culinary Management (Co-op)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Originally from Montreal and now living in St. Catharines, Lillianne Coron enrolled at NC after moving to Ontario in 2021. What began as an opportunity to explore an interest in food soon evolved into a passion and a career path she had never previously considered.<\/p>\n<p>Since arriving at Niagara College, Coron has completed three programs, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/culinaryarts\/program\/culinary-skills\/\">Culinary Skills<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/culinaryarts\/program\/baking-pastry\/\">Baking & Pastry Arts<\/a>, and now <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/culinaryarts\/program\/culinary-management\/\">Culinary Management (Co-op),<\/a> while maintaining a place on the President’s Honour Roll every semester. Her outstanding academic performance has also earned her the Dean’s Award for the School of Culinary Arts, graduating from the Culinary Management program with a 93.4 per cent average.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout her studies, Lillianne discovered that her love of food extended far beyond the kitchen. Drawn equally to creativity, science, and innovation, she developed an interest in the research and development side of the food industry. A placement at a local restaurant helped confirm that while she enjoyed working in kitchens, her long-term goals were shifting toward food innovation and product development.<\/p>\n<p>Today, she is continuing her education in Niagara College’s Culinary Innovation & Food Technology program while working as a Research Assistant at the Niagara College Food & Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC). As she prepares to celebrate her third Niagara College convocation ceremony on June 10, Lillianne reflects on a journey that helped turn her passion for food into a career path.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q&A with Lillianne Coron<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day? What does it personally mean to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It’s a great opportunity to celebrate our collective accomplishments and successes, and to take a look back at all the hard work and effort we put into achieving our goals over the course of the program.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What were you doing before attending Niagara College?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Before moving to Ontario in 2021, I was enrolled in a applied science program at the c\u00e9gep G\u00e9rald-Godin. Unfortunately, I moved to Ontario before fully finishing the program and was only a few general classes away from obtaining the diploma. Before moving, I was also working at a Chartwells retirement home as a member of the kitchen and dining room staff.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>When we originally moved to Ontario for schooling purposes in 2021 (my fianc\u00e9 was accepted to Brock to complete his master’s degree in biology), I wasn’t quite sure what to do with myself. I believed that the move was going to be short and that we would be returning to Montreal in two years.<\/p>\n<p>I had always been interested in the culinary world, but due to natural curiosity and peer pressure, I opted to go down the science route. I originally decided to enroll in culinary school to pass the time in Ontario, and the closest school was Niagara College. I figured that if things didn’t work out, I could always go back to science, but at least I would have developed and honed a skillset I was going to use for the rest of my life. It turns out that taking that chance was absolutely the right call to make as I discovered a new career path I never knew I could take.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What interests you in \/ why are you passionate about your field of study?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I have always had a passion for food. Although I didn’t fully realize it until shortly after enrolling, 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.<\/p>\n<p>Food brings people together and there is always something new to learn, whether it be about an ingredient, a technique, a culture, a cuisine, etc. Additionally, the culinary arts blends in perfectly with my favourite science subjects: chemistry and biology. I’m incredibly grateful that I was able to find a path that offers me the chance to work with the things that I love.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program? Did it change since you started?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>When I originally started the Culinary Management program, I wanted to open and operate my own dining establishment. Although I do believe that I have the capacity to do so, I have also realized that accomplishing that goal would openly conflict and stop me from achieving other personal goals.<\/p>\n<p>Since then, I have shifted my attention towards moving away from restaurants and more towards the research and development aspects of the food industry. I do find it immensely enjoyable to work in a food laboratory, but I do still occasionally miss the rush of organized chaos that comes with working in a busy kitchen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How did you find your program experience – any highlights?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I am very glad that the program gave me the chance to open my horizons and immerse myself in a variety of cultures and cuisines. I had the opportunity to work with a lot of new ingredients, recipes, and equipment that I otherwise would not have had access to.<\/p>\n<p>This allowed me to learn new techniques and strengthen my core knowledge. I also enjoyed hearing all the experiences that were shared by professors with different backgrounds and upbringings as it helped bolster my understanding of various topics.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What did you find rewarding about your program \/ area of study? Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time at NC?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The program is very rewarding because it allows students to see their improvement firsthand.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, I will always be amazed with how thoughtful, meticulous and caring the professors are with their students. You can tell that they hold their students’ best interests at heart.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Like many other students, I constantly had to manage my time around doing my studies full-time and working enough hours to pay rent and other bills.<\/p>\n<p>I did have a semester that was particularly challenging as I was facing some significant difficulties at home, but my teachers were more than understanding and accommodating to my situation throughout the entire ordeal.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As part of the Culinary Management program, I did work in the kitchen of a small restaurant in downtown St. Catharines as a prep and line cook.<\/p>\n<p>My time at the restaurant was a lot of fun and I enjoyed it immensely; however, it was also a great learning experience that made me realize that owning my own restaurant was perhaps not the ideal career path for me due to conflicts with my other personal life goals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Were you involved in any clubs\/teams or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I did not get involved in any clubs or extracurricular activities outside of my regular class schedule.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I do believe that my time at Niagara College was helpful because it has allowed me to gain knowledge and understanding that will be applicable to my everyday life, well beyond my chosen career path.<\/p>\n<p>The professors have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and they are more than willing to share that information with their students. Listening and learning as much as I could has been a key element that has helped me feel more prepared for the future, as it has given me a large toolkit of resources to rely on and use.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Since completing the Culinary Management program, I have transferred into the Culinary Innovation & Food Technology program. I am currently in my second year, and I am absolutely loving it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Are you currently working or looking for a job in your field?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I am currently employed at the Niagara College Food & Beverage Innovation Centre as a Research Assistant. Since I have only ever worked in restaurants and kitchens since I was 16, it is great to have the opportunity to work in a different environment that more closely aligns with my chosen future career path.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What’s next for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Although seeking further education is definitely something that I may consider further down the line, I look forward to entering the workforce and establishing a career in the food industry once I complete and graduate from the innovation program.<\/p>\n<p>I do plan to move back home to Montreal, which also happens to be an important location and central hub for a lot of industries that are food related. I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to connect with professionals and professors at Niagara College who have first-hand experience in the industry and are more than willing to help me set my best foot forward when going back home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Originally from Montreal and now living in St. Catharines, Lillianne Coron enrolled at NC after moving to Ontario in 2021. What began as an opportunity to explore an interest in food soon evolved into a passion and a career path she had never previously considered. Since arriving at Niagara College, Coron has completed three programs, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":229,"featured_media":1627208,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[198,7,219,300],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1627207","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-convocation","category-my-people","category-school-of-culinary-arts","category-spring-2026-convocation"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>NC Grad Success Story: Dean's Award Recipient Lillianne Coron, Culinary Management (Co-op) | InsideNC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/10\/nc-grad-success-story-deans-award-recipient-lillianne-coron-culinary-management-co-op\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NC Grad Success Story: Dean's Award Recipient Lillianne Coron, Culinary Management (Co-op) | InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Originally from Montreal and now living in St. Catharines, Lillianne Coron enrolled at NC after moving to Ontario in 2021. 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Since arriving at Niagara College, Coron has completed three programs, […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/10\/nc-grad-success-story-deans-award-recipient-lillianne-coron-culinary-management-co-op\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/niagaracollege\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-10T13:00:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Courtney-Evers-2.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"850\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"478\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Alyssa Milana\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" 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Grad Success Story: Dean’s Award recipient Ruby Hill,\u00a0Community and Justice Services program\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A lifelong resident of St. Catharines,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/justiceandfitness\/program\/correctional-worker\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Community and Justice Services program<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0grad\u00a0Ruby\u00a0Hill\u00a0transferred to\u00a0NC\u00a0after spending a year studying Sociology at Brock University. While she\u00a0wasn’t\u00a0entirely certain of her long-term career path at the time, she was drawn to a program that would allow her to explore her interests in law, justice, and community support while helping her\u00a0determine\u00a0her future direction.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Her hard work and dedication paid off. Graduating with an impressive 95.79 per cent average, Ruby has been named the Dean’s Award recipient for the School of Justice and Fitness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Throughout her studies, Ruby balanced\u00a0nearly full-time\u00a0work,\u00a0operated\u00a0a photography business,\u00a0maintained\u00a0an active social life, and cared for her\u00a0pet\u00a0horse,\u00a0all while excelling academically.\u00a0Along the way, she discovered a growing interest in crisis intervention and domestic violence counselling, experiences that have helped shape her future career goals.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ruby is preparing to continue her education while pursuing\u00a0career\u00a0opportunities in her field. She plans to work toward a Social Work degree through Algoma University while building a career dedicated to supporting individuals and strengthening communities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q&A with Ruby Hill<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How do you feel about your upcoming\u00a0convocation\u00a0day? What does\u00a0it personally\u00a0mean to you?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A huge achievement and a step towards furthering my\u00a0education..<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What led you to study at Niagara College and your program of study?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u00a0wasn’t\u00a0entirely set on what I wanted to do\u00a0postgrad. I switched to Niagara College and furthered my education in a program that intrigued me while figuring out my next steps.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What interests you in, or why are you passionate about, your field of study?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I am extremely passionate about law and justice, specifically youth corrections and getting involved in a career that can\u00a0impact\u00a0the lives of others.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program? Did it change since you started?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u00a0wasn’t\u00a0set on a career when I started at NC, but now I would love to work in crisis intervention and domestic violence counselling.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How did you find your program experience? Any highlights?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I loved the hands-on aspects of the program and thoroughly enjoyed the experiences the teachers had to offer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What did you find rewarding about your program and area of study? Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time\u00a0at\u00a0NC?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learning ways in which to best\u00a0assist\u00a0the community in a field that is extremely challenging.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All through college I worked almost full-time hours, balanced a photography business, social life, and my\u00a0pet\u00a0horse.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Did you\u00a0work\u00a0a placement or co-op as part of your program?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I had my placement at the John Howard Society.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Were you involved in any clubs, teams, or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I volunteer with United Way Niagara outside of NC.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I feel prepared to start a full-time career and am eager to apply my knowledge to the field.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What’s\u00a0next for you?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I will be working full-time in a position in my field while pursuing my\u00a0part-time education\u00a0and working towards my degree in Social Work at Algoma University.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A lifelong resident of St. Catharines,\u00a0Community and Justice Services program\u00a0grad\u00a0Ruby\u00a0Hill\u00a0transferred to\u00a0NC\u00a0after spending a year studying Sociology at Brock University. While she\u00a0wasn’t\u00a0entirely certain of her long-term career path at the time, she was drawn to a program that would allow her to explore her interests in law, justice, and community support while helping her\u00a0determine\u00a0her future direction.\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":229,"featured_media":1627051,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[198,7,21,300],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1627050","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-convocation","category-my-people","category-school-of-justice-and-fitness","category-spring-2026-convocation"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>NC Grad Success Story: Dean's Award recipient Ruby Hill,\u00a0Community and Justice Services program\u00a0 | InsideNC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/10\/nc-grad-success-story-deans-award-recipient-ruby-hill-community-and-justice-services-program\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NC Grad Success Story: Dean's Award recipient Ruby Hill,\u00a0Community and Justice Services program\u00a0 | InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A lifelong resident of St. Catharines,\u00a0Community and Justice Services program\u00a0grad\u00a0Ruby\u00a0Hill\u00a0transferred to\u00a0NC\u00a0after spending a year studying Sociology at Brock University. While she\u00a0wasn’t\u00a0entirely certain of her long-term career path at the time, she was drawn to a program that would allow her to explore her interests in law, justice, and community support while helping her\u00a0determine\u00a0her future direction.\u00a0 […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/10\/nc-grad-success-story-deans-award-recipient-ruby-hill-community-and-justice-services-program\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/niagaracollege\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-10T13:00:08+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/IMG_0405-1.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"311\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"550\" \/>\n\t<meta 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Therapy student accepts top academic award during day two of Niagara College’s Spring Convocation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><em>Governor General’s Medal recipient among more than 1,000 graduates celebrated <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>More than 1,000 graduates crossed the stage during day two of Niagara College’s 2026 Spring Convocation celebrations on June 9, joining the College’s alumni community of more than 125,000.<\/p>\n<p>Among the graduates recognized was Welland native <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/09\/governor-generals-bronze-academic-medal-recipient-alleeya-guthro-channels-her-creative-spirit-through-recreation-therapy\/\">Alleeya Guthro<\/a>, recipient of this year’s prestigious <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gg.ca\/en\/honours\/governor-generals-awards\/governor-generals-academic-medal\">Governor General’s Bronze Academic Medal<\/a>, which is awarded to the graduating diploma student with the highest academic standing. Guthro achieved an exceptional 98.37 per cent average in Niagara College’s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/communityservices\/program\/recreation-therapy\/\">Recreation Therapy<\/a> program within the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/communityservices\/\">School of Community Services<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>“The level of hands-on learning I experienced at Niagara College was truly unparalleled,” said Guthro. “Overall, my experience at Niagara College has been truly life changing. The experiences, opportunities, and relationships I gained throughout my time at NC have shaped me both personally and professionally in ways I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1627553\" style=\"width: 459px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1627553\" class=\" wp-image-1627553\" src=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-morning-ceremony-300x200.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"449\" height=\"299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-morning-ceremony-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-morning-ceremony-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-morning-ceremony-800x533.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-morning-ceremony-540x360.webp 540w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-morning-ceremony-338x225.webp 338w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-morning-ceremony-180x120.webp 180w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-morning-ceremony-810x540.webp 810w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-morning-ceremony.webp 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 449px) 100vw, 449px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1627553\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Students who graduated on day two of NC’s Spring Convocation have joined an alumni community of more than 125,000.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, Guthro found Niagara College’s Recreation Therapy program to be a natural fit. Through her experiences at the College, she discovered a passion for supporting individuals with disabilities and acquired brain injuries by using recreation and creativity to enhance their quality of life and well-being.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to receiving the Governor General’s Bronze Academic Medal, Guthro was also presented with the Dean’s Academic Award for the School of Community Services during the afternoon ceremony. Dean’s Academic Awards are presented to students who achieve the highest cumulative grade-point average within each academic school.<\/p>\n<p>In a video message played at the ceremony, Guthro encouraged her fellow graduates to pursue their dreams. “You should always believe in yourself, and you shouldn’t put limits on what you can accomplish,” she said. “If you try, and you do your best, you can go places that you never thought you could.”<\/p>\n<p>Addressing graduates at both ceremonies, Niagara College President Sean Kennedy congratulated the Class of 2026 on their achievements and encouraged them as they embark on the next chapter of their personal and professional journeys.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1627554\" style=\"width: 453px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1627554\" class=\" wp-image-1627554\" src=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-President-300x200.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"443\" height=\"295\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-President-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-President-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-President-800x533.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-President-540x360.webp 540w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-President-338x225.webp 338w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-President-180x120.webp 180w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-President-810x540.webp 810w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-9-President.webp 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1627554\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">NC President Sean Kennedy addresses the Class of 2026 on day two of NC’s Spring Convocation Ceremonies.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>“At Niagara College, we are deeply committed to student success, and nothing brings us more joy than to celebrate you and your hard work during Convocation,” said Kennedy. “Wherever your life takes you next, know that your NC family is incredibly proud of you and is behind you every step of the way. Congratulations to the class of 2026.”<\/p>\n<p>The morning ceremony celebrated graduates from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/liberal\/\">School of Academic and Liberal Studies<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/english\/\">School of English Language Studies<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/healthsciences\/\">School of Health Sciences<\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/nursing\/\">Myhal School of Nursing<\/a>. Among those recognized were students involved in INSCol, one of Niagara College’s valued international partners that supports nursing graduates through access to work-study opportunities and pathways to professional practice around the world.<\/p>\n<p>The afternoon ceremony honoured graduates from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/communityservices\/\">School of Community Services<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/justiceandfitness\/\">School of Justice and Fitness<\/a>, recognizing their dedication to serving and supporting communities through a range of professions.<\/p>\n<p>By the conclusion of Convocation Week on June 13, Niagara College will welcome more than 7,000 new graduates into its alumni community.<\/p>\n<p>Niagara College’s Spring Convocation continues through June 13, with ceremonies taking place daily at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre on the Welland Campus. All ceremonies are livestreamed. To view the convocation schedule, explore graduating programs, or watch a ceremony online, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/enrolmentservices\/convocation\/\">Niagara College’s Convocation website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/tndxi9yham5du5djy84k6\/45459_GG_Award_Winner_Alleeya_Guthro_20260609.mp4?rlkey=p5pgity90q5umbdzwvrpehs34&e=1&dl=0\"><strong>Governor General Award Winner Alleeya Guthro video.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Governor General’s Medal recipient among more than 1,000 graduates celebrated More than 1,000 graduates crossed the stage during day two of Niagara College’s 2026 Spring Convocation celebrations on June 9, joining the College’s alumni community of more than 125,000. Among the graduates recognized was Welland native Alleeya Guthro, recipient of this year’s prestigious Governor General’s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":180,"featured_media":1627552,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[284,198,4,296,52,206,15,22,20,196,21,300],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1627547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni-relations","category-convocation","category-featured","category-myhal-school-of-nursing","category-news-releases","category-recreation-therapy","category-school-of-academic-liberal-studies","category-school-of-allied-health","category-school-of-community-services","category-school-of-english-language-studies","category-school-of-justice-and-fitness","category-spring-2026-convocation"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Recreation Therapy student accepts top academic award during day two of Niagara College's Spring Convocation | InsideNC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/09\/recreation-therapy-student-accepts-top-academic-award-during-day-two-of-niagara-colleges-spring-convocation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Recreation Therapy student accepts top academic award during day two of Niagara College's Spring Convocation | InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Governor General’s Medal recipient among more than 1,000 graduates celebrated More than 1,000 graduates crossed the stage during day two of Niagara College’s 2026 Spring Convocation celebrations on June 9, joining the College’s alumni community of more than 125,000. Among the graduates recognized was Welland native Alleeya Guthro, recipient of this year’s prestigious Governor General’s […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/09\/recreation-therapy-student-accepts-top-academic-award-during-day-two-of-niagara-colleges-spring-convocation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/niagaracollege\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-09T20:02:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-09T20:36:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/GG-Award-Winner-Alleeya-Guthro.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"448\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"550\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" 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Grad 2026: Recreation Therapy grad breaks ground in applied research"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Matthew Bosnich didn’t have to go far to find his dream career. Long before he officially graduated from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/communityservices\/program\/recreation-therapy\/\">Recreation Therapy<\/a> on June 9, this Welland resident began putting his skills to work on campus as part of NC’s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncinnovation.ca\/innovation-centres\/healthy-aging-and-wellness\">Healthy Aging and Wellness Innovation Centre<\/a> (HAWIC).<\/p>\n<p>Since completing the program last year, the new NC grad has been working as a HAWIC – the latest innovation centre from the College’s trailblazing Research and Innovation division – as a Research Associate. Alongside Research Lead Christine Wilkinson and the HAWIC Team, he’s been working to help shift perspectives on senior care, transforming evidence-based theory into real-world solutions that improve the quality of life for older adults. From leveraging robotic animals to help seniors living with dementia, to investigating fairer driving assessment tools for those in the “Gray Zone,” Bosnich is proving that when it comes to supporting our aging population, the possibilities are limitless.<\/p>\n<p><em>InsideNC<\/em> caught up with Bosnich and asked about some of his work at HAWIC. Here is what he had to say:<\/p>\n<p><strong>How were you first involved with the Fins, Feathers and Fur initiative?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I started as a Research Assistant for Christine Wilkinson on a Photovoice project exploring what “academic success” meant to students. That led to me supporting her on the Fins and Feathers project. At first, I was helping format and build the project’s toolkit boxes and helping with the logo design.<\/p>\n<p>I took part in the first pilot training at Linhaven Long-Term Care home in the spring of 2025, assisting with set-up, facilitation, and take-down. From there, I helped transcribe post-session interviews and prepared a data analysis presentation. In the fall, I assembled toolkit sets–including robotic birds and seals–for our partner LTC homes, and developed a pricing list to help us scale production.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How did you feel about being involved in this initiative as a student?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It was an excellent opportunity to bridge classroom learning with the real world. We learned about evidence-based practice in the Recreation Therapy program, and this really enforced how important research is in ensuring that our interventions are effective. There should always be a purpose behind what we do for our clients!<\/p>\n<p><strong>What are you now doing for the project in your full-time role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Since starting full-time in January, I’ve been developing new resources for our toolkits, creating promotional materials, and planning the rollout of a study comparing robotic cat and dog models. We are currently working on training for the “Fur” addition to the project. I also had the opportunity to attend the 2026 International Society for Gerontechnology Conference in Vancouver with Christine to promote the work we are doing at HAWIC. That was a really cool experience.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What inspired you to take on this staff position with HAWIC?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I had never considered a research career before, but after a year as a Research Assistant, the opportunity to contribute more to what is being built with HAWIC was too good to pass up. It’s a great feeling to see a project develop from its early stages to a point where it is making a meaningful impact in the community. I felt I had the right skill set to contribute meaningfully.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do you feel about the robotic animals research?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It is inspiring and incredibly important. We hear a lot about the detrimental effects of loneliness in long-term care. These robots aren’t often utilized to their full potential, but our toolkits help recreation professionals deliver meaningful interactions. They become more than just a comfortable distraction; they stir deep conversations, such as reminiscing about a childhood pet, which helps fulfill social and emotional needs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What do you find rewarding about this work?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Knowing that our work makes a real, positive impact on the lives of older adults. It is also rewarding to help fellow recreation therapy students and professionals develop the skills they need to best serve their residents.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do you have a favourite robotic animal or experience?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The PARO seal is a favourite. We see such wonderful reactions from residents–the smiles and physical responses we captured during our training videos at Linhaven were really heartwarming. I can’t wait to see what we discover with the robotic cat and dog research!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell me about the driving simulator study you presented at the Niagara Health Knowledge Institute (NHKI) Research Day in May.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The project, “From Cognitive Assessments to Road Readiness,” is a collaboration between Niagara College, the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region, the Centre for Research on Safe Driving at Lakehead University, and several other health partners. We are exploring if a driving simulator can act as a fairer assessment tool for older adults in the “Gray Zone”–those diagnosed with a cognitive impairment who hold a valid license but face uncertain driving safety. We are testing the simulator at Niagara College to see if participants find it a valuable and acceptable part of the assessment process.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do you feel about being involved with the driving simulator project?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It’s been a great opportunity to refine my research coordination skills. It’s a very meaningful project; our findings will hopefully lead to a more accessible, fairer assessment option for those who are still safe drivers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us about your experience presenting the research poster at this industry event?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I had never done a poster presentation before, so it was a great accomplishment to prepare for the event and present our learnings. It gave me the chance to connect with group members and discuss potential for further collaboration.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<p><em>Matthew Bosnich’s convocation ceremony was on the afternoon of June 9.<\/em><\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Matthew Bosnich didn’t have to go far to find his dream career. Long before he officially graduated from Recreation Therapy on June 9, this Welland resident began putting his skills to work on campus as part of NC’s Healthy Aging and Wellness Innovation Centre (HAWIC). Since completing the program last year, the new NC grad […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":1627538,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[198,28,20],"tags":[301],"class_list":["post-1627524","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-convocation","category-research-and-innovation","category-school-of-community-services","tag-campus-update"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>NC Grad 2026: Recreation Therapy grad breaks ground in applied research | InsideNC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/09\/nc-grad-2026-recreation-therapy-grad-breaks-ground-in-applied-research\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NC Grad 2026: Recreation Therapy grad breaks ground in applied research | InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Matthew Bosnich didn’t have to go far to find his dream career. Long before he officially graduated from Recreation Therapy on June 9, this Welland resident began putting his skills to work on campus as part of NC’s Healthy Aging and Wellness Innovation Centre (HAWIC). Since completing the program last year, the new NC grad […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/09\/nc-grad-2026-recreation-therapy-grad-breaks-ground-in-applied-research\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/niagaracollege\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-09T18:51:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/HAWIC.trio_.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"342\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"247\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Julie Greco\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@niagaracollege\" \/>\n<meta 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General’s Bronze Academic Medal recipient Alleeya Guthro channels her creative spirit through recreation therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>From art student to budding recreation therapist, Alleeya Guthro’s journey has been anything but linear. Shaped by creativity, perseverance and a strong work ethic, her path is an example of what’s possible when you believe in yourself.<\/p>\n<p>The Welland native is graduating from Niagara College’s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/communityservices\/program\/recreation-therapy\/\">Recreation Therapy<\/a> program with an outstanding 98.67% average, earning her the Governor General’s Bronze Academic Medal and the Dean’s Award for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/communityservices\/\">School of Community Services<\/a>. Both awards will be presented to Guthro on Tuesday, June 9 during the College’s afternoon (3 p.m.) convocation ceremony.<\/p>\n<p>Guthro’s success as a student and aspiring recreation therapist highlights her resilient spirit, having overcome her life-long struggles with severe anxiety to thrive in her college program.<\/p>\n<p>“Receiving this award feels like a testament to the idea that if you believe in yourself and refuse to place limits on what you can achieve, you can reach places you never thought possible,” she said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1627586\" style=\"width: 2010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1627586\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1627586\" src=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Alleeya_stage.jpg\" alt=\"four people stand on stage wearing graduation robes\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Alleeya_stage.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Alleeya_stage-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Alleeya_stage-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Alleeya_stage-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Alleeya_stage-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Alleeya_stage-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Alleeya_stage-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Alleeya_stage-540x360.jpg 540w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Alleeya_stage-337x225.jpg 337w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Alleeya_stage-180x120.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Alleeya_stage-810x540.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1627586\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Recreation Therapy graduate Alleeya Guthro (middle left) receives her Governor General’s Academic Medal and Dean’s Award during her June 9 convocation ceremony. Pictured with Guthro from left: Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie, Vice-President, Academic; Jaclyn Frail, Dean, Community Services, Justice and Fitness Studies; and NC President Sean Kennedy.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>She first pursued an education in visual and creative arts before taking time away to reflect on her path forward. Consistently returning to the same core values – wanting creativity to remain part of her work, seeking a sense of stability in her career, and being driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others – she found her true calling in the Recreation Therapy program, where she was able to merge her creative spirit with her desire to help others.<\/p>\n<p>“There is no greater joy than knowing my contributions have had a positive impact on someone else’s well-being,” said Guthro.<\/p>\n<p>“Through this work, I feel connected to something greater than myself, and I feel that I have found a sense of purpose in sharing the joy and therapeutic benefits that recreation can bring. These experiences have also helped me rebuild my own relationship with art and creativity after losing that connection while trying to pursue art as a career.”<\/p>\n<p>During her studies, she completed two placements that had a profound impact on her professional development and personal growth.<\/p>\n<p>Her first placement at Tanguay Place in Welland unlocked a new passion for supporting individuals with disabilities.<\/p>\n<p>“I am incredibly grateful for my time at Tanguay Place, as both the residents and staff were so welcoming, supportive, and positive,” she said. “Through that experience, I learned a great deal about myself and about the kind of Recreation Therapist I wanted to become.”<\/p>\n<p>Guthro’s final placement at Brain Injury Association of Niagara (BIAN)’s Oasis Clubhouse in St. Catharines allowed her to leverage her creative spirit while providing recreation to individuals with acquired brain injuries.<\/p>\n<p>“I had so many positive experiences during my (BIAN) placement, from engaging creatively with members, sharing laughter together, and discovering the unique strengths and personalities of each individual. Every single day, I left my placement happier than when I arrived,” she said.<\/p>\n<p>Guthro also participated in applied learning projects that enriched her program experience and broadened her understanding of the field. She had the opportunity to deliver leisure education to staff members at a Bethesda conference, helped design a functional therapeutic space for dementia care, and conducted evaluative research for the College.<\/p>\n<p>“The level of hands-on learning I experienced at Niagara College was truly unparalleled,” she said.<\/p>\n<p>Outside of the classroom, she participated in NC’s Orientation Day and Fall Open House, giving a speech at both events to share her passion for the Recreation Therapy program with prospective students. She also joined the 2026 Welland Girls Sports Day (WGSD) committee, supporting the NC and City of Welland collaborative event that helps young girls overcome barriers to participating in sports and active recreation.<\/p>\n<p>“Being part of WGSD has been an invaluable learning experience, and I feel incredibly grateful to contribute to an initiative that gives back so meaningfully to my community.”<\/p>\n<p>A welcome financial boost, Guthro received donor-funded scholarships from the Dill family and the P. Louis and Philamena A. Giagnorio Fiorentino Scholarship Fund that supported her through her studies.<\/p>\n<p>“These scholarships had a tremendous impact on me by helping to ease some of the financial burden that comes with pursuing higher education, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies,” she said.<\/p>\n<p>Of all the memories she has made, Guthro is most grateful for the meaningful connections she formed with her classmates and professors.<\/p>\n<p>“Overall, my experience at Niagara College has been truly life changing. The experiences, opportunities, and relationships I gained throughout my time at NC have shaped me both personally and professionally in ways I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related media release:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/blog\/2026\/06\/09\/recreation-therapy-student-accepts-top-academic-award-during-day-two-of-niagara-colleges-spring-convocation\/\">Recreation Therapy student accepts top academic award during day two of Niagara College’s Spring Convocation<\/a><\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From art student to budding recreation therapist, Alleeya Guthro’s journey has been anything but linear. Shaped by creativity, perseverance and a strong work ethic, her path is an example of what’s possible when you believe in yourself. The Welland native is graduating from Niagara College’s Recreation Therapy program with an outstanding 98.67% average, earning her […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":151,"featured_media":1624884,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[198,7,206,20,300],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1627445","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-convocation","category-my-people","category-recreation-therapy","category-school-of-community-services","category-spring-2026-convocation"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Governor General's Bronze Academic Medal recipient Alleeya Guthro channels her creative spirit through recreation therapy | InsideNC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/09\/governor-generals-bronze-academic-medal-recipient-alleeya-guthro-channels-her-creative-spirit-through-recreation-therapy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Governor General's Bronze Academic Medal recipient Alleeya Guthro channels her creative spirit through recreation therapy | InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From art student to budding recreation therapist, Alleeya Guthro’s journey has been anything but linear. 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Shaped by creativity, perseverance and a strong work ethic, her path is an example of what’s possible when you believe in yourself. 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lived experience to social impact:\u00a0Social Service Worker grad\u00a0pursues\u00a0career\u00a0in\u00a0youth mental health\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For Olivier Lapierre-Thomas, graduating from NC’s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/communityservices\/program\/social-service-worker\/\">Social Service Worker program<\/a> is the result of years of personal growth, self-discovery, and perseverance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">“My convocation day means the world to me,” he said. “It represents the amount of change I have made in my life and the amount of work I have been willing to put into myself.”<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, Olivier chose NC because it felt like a place where he could grow both personally and professionally. Drawn to the Social Service Worker program through his interest in mental health, he found a field that connected deeply with his own lived experiences.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">“My passion for social services, especially in mental health and substance use, comes from having seen and experienced how complex and deeply rooted these challenges can be,” he said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Throughout his time at NC, Olivier balanced school while working, staying involved in his community, and navigating the realities of living as a low-income student. Along the way, he completed two placements, built meaningful relationships with classmates and community partners, and gained clarity about the impact he wants to make in the field.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">“What stands out most is how the program helped me turn my lived experience into something purposeful,” he said. “It gave me the tools, confidence, and clarity to move forward in a way that feels authentic to who I am and the kind of impact I want to have.”<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Following his NC\u00a0convocation on June 9,\u00a0Olivier\u00a0is preparing for a move to Toronto to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work at Toronto Metropolitan University while continuing to work toward his goal of supporting youth through one-on-one work in mental health and substance use services.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q&A with Olivier Lapierre-Thomas<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day? What does it personally mean to you?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I am extremely proud of myself and the people around me who have helped build me up and helped me see the person I can be. This program has not been a solo\u00a0sport,\u00a0it has been a team effort where my friends and I have lifted each other up.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What led you to study\u00a0at\u00a0NC and to your program of study?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The reason I first considered Niagara College was because when I initially came to\u00a0Open\u00a0House and had a conversation with Health, Wellness & Accessibility Services (HWAS)\u00a0and the Social Services professors,\u00a0I was told that I would be able to access\u00a0accommodations\u00a0for my disabilities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I chose to study at Niagara College because it felt like a place where I could grow both personally and professionally. I really valued the focus on hands-on learning and the supportive environment, which made it feel less intimidating and more aligned with the kind of student I am.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I was drawn to the Social Service Worker program because of my personal interest in mental health and substance use. These are issues that I’ve seen impact people in real and complex ways, and it made me want to understand them more deeply rather than just seeing them on the surface.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I realized that I didn’t just want to learn about these challenges, I wanted to be in a position where I could\u00a0actually support\u00a0people going through them. Choosing this program felt meaningful to me because it connects to my values of empathy, understanding, and helping others navigate difficult situations. It’s not just about a career path for\u00a0me,\u00a0it’s about doing work that feels real and has a positive impact on people’s lives.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What interests you in \/ why are you passionate about your field of study?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It’s given me a different perspective, I don’t just understand these issues academically, I understand what they can feel like in real life.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Because of that, I’m especially passionate about reducing stigma and meeting people where they’re at. I know how important it is to feel heard, understood, and not judged, especially when you’re going through something difficult. That’s what motivates me to be someone who can offer that kind of support to others.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For me, this field is more than just a career path. It’s about turning my experiences into something meaningful, using them to connect with people, build trust, and help others navigate challenges in a way that\u00a0feels\u00a0realistic and supportive.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program? Did it change since you started?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When I first enrolled at Niagara College, my goal was to complete my Social Service Worker diploma and go straight into the field, ideally working in case management. I was focused on gaining practical skills and starting to support people as quickly as possible, and at the time, that felt like the right path for me.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Since then, my goals have\u00a0definitely evolved. Through my experiences in the program and learning more about the field, I realized I wanted to deepen my knowledge and expand my opportunities, which led me to\u00a0continue on\u00a0to a Bachelor of Social Work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I’ve also found myself more drawn to direct, one-on-one work rather than primarily case management. Now, I’m especially interested in working closely with youth, building relationships, and supporting them in a more personal and consistent way. That shift feels more aligned with who I am and how I want to show up in this field.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So,\u00a0while my initial goal was more focused on entering the workforce quickly, it’s grown into something more intentional and centered on the kind of impact I want to have.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How did you find your program experience – any highlights?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I found my program experience to be\u00a0really meaningful, especially because of the placement opportunities and the connections I built along the way.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">My placements were\u00a0definitely a\u00a0highlight,\u00a0they gave me the chance to apply what I was learning in real situations and build confidence in my ability to support others. Being in those environments helped me better understand the realities of the field and figure out the kind of work I’m most drawn to, especially when it comes to working directly with people.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another big part of my experience was the social connections I made. I built strong relationships with classmates who shared similar goals and values, which made the program feel more supportive and collaborative. We were able to learn from each other, lean on each other during stressful times, and grow together.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Overall, the combination of hands-on placement experience and meaningful connections made the program feel more than just academic it felt like a space where I really developed both personally and professionally.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What did you find rewarding about your program \/ area of study? Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time\u00a0at\u00a0NC?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Being able to take what I was learning in class and apply it in real-life settings made everything feel meaningful. It helped me build confidence and showed me that I’m capable of supporting people in real, tangible ways.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One of the biggest things that stands out to me is how my perspective and goals evolved over time. I came into the program planning to finish my SSW and go into case management, but through my placements and interactions with others, I realized I’m more passionate about one-on-one work, especially with youth. That shift is something I’ll\u00a0always remember because it really shaped the direction I’m taking now with my Bachelor of Social Work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I’ll also never forget the connections I built, both with classmates and within my placements. Being surrounded by people who share similar values and having the opportunity to build genuine relationships made a huge difference in my experience. It created a sense of community and support that made the program feel\u00a0more like\u00a0just school.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One of the biggest challenges I faced while studying at Niagara College was managing school while living as a low-income individual. Balancing tuition, rent, and basic expenses was already stressful, and on top of that I was also working and staying actively involved in my community.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At times, it felt like I was constantly trying to keep everything afloat, especially during placements when my schedule was more demanding. I had to become very intentional with my time, set boundaries, and stay focused on my priorities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Although it was challenging, it built a lot of resilience and discipline. Overcoming that is something I’m\u00a0really proud\u00a0of, and it made graduating feel even more meaningful.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Since completing my studies at Niagara College, I’ve been focused on preparing for my next chapter, both personally and professionally.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I’ve been getting ready for a move to Toronto, which is an exciting step that will\u00a0open up\u00a0more opportunities in the social services field. At the same time, I’ve also been working on starting a business centered around education and awareness in substance use.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Between planning the move and building something of my own, this period has been about growth and setting a strong foundation for the future. It feels like a natural next step where I can apply both my education and lived experience in a more independent and impactful way.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For Olivier Lapierre-Thomas, graduating from NC’s\u00a0Social Service Worker program is the result of years of personal growth, self-discovery, and perseverance.\u00a0 “My convocation day means the world to me,” he said. “It represents the amount of change I have made in my life and the amount of work I have been willing to put into myself.”\u00a0 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healthcare heroes take the stage as NC kicks off Spring Convocation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The afternoon ceremony featured approximately 395 graduates from the Myhal School of Nursing. As the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/nursing\/programs\/rpn-practical-nursing\/\">Practical Nursing<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/nursing\/programs\/psw-personal-support-worker\/\">Personal Support Worker<\/a> students walked across the stage, they received their professional pins – a traditional rite of passage symbolizing their entry into the field.<\/p>\n<p>“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.”<\/p>\n<p>For many, graduation marked the end of a deeply personal journey.<\/p>\n<p>St. Catharines resident Adrian Vicentini enrolled in in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/nursing\/programs\/psw-personal-support-worker\/\">PSW<\/a> program at age 43, motivated by his wife’s experience following a severe car accident.<\/p>\n<p>“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.”<\/p>\n<p>Vicentini’s program placement at a long-term care home proved to be a turning point.<\/p>\n<p>“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.<\/p>\n<p>“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.”<\/p>\n<p>Vicentini has already enrolled in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/parttimestudies\/online\/programs\/nti\/\">Personal Support Worker to Practical Nursing Bridge<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p>“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.”<\/p>\n<p>Welland resident Scotty Poitras graduated from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/nursing\/programs\/rpn-practical-nursing\/\">Practical Nursing<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p>“I’ve always been interested in biology and the natural world, and nursing felt like a good fit,” he said.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>“Setbacks are not a reflection of where your future will lead,” said Poitras. “It is possible to achieve far more than you might imagine.”<\/p>\n<p>Niagara Falls resident Tara Gray graduated from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/liberal\/program\/gas-college-exploration-wc\/\">General Arts and Science<\/a>\u00a0program 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.<\/p>\n<p>“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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>“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.<\/p>\n<p>London, Ont. resident Amna Ahmed, graduated from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/alliedhealth\/program\/dental-hygiene\/\">Dental Hygiene<\/a>\u00a0advanced diploma program following her successful board exam last. She is already working as a Registered Dental Hygienist.<\/p>\n<p>“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.<\/p>\n<p>“I really enjoyed building relationships with patients over time and seeing the impact of client education and care in real life situations.”<\/p>\n<p>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, (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/liberal\/program\/gas-college-exploration-wc\/\">General Arts and Science<\/a>) for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/liberal\/\">School of Academic and Liberal Studies<\/a>; Andi Gordon, (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/healthsciences\/program\/pharmacy-technician\/\">Pharmacy Technician<\/a>) for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/alliedhealth\/\">School of Allied Health<\/a>; Tanya Evdokimova (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/alliedhealth\/program\/dental-hygiene\/\">Dental Hygiene<\/a>) for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/healthsciences\/\">School of Health Sciences<\/a>; and Scotty Poitras (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/nursing\/programs\/rpn-practical-nursing\/\">Practical Nursing<\/a>) for the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/nursing\/\">\u00a0Myhal School of Nursing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 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data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[]}\" data-image-title=\"June 8\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-300x200.webp\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8.webp\" width=\"660\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1627150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8.webp 825w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-800x533.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-540x360.webp 540w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-338x225.webp 338w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-180x120.webp 180w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-810x540.webp 810w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1627150'>\n\t\t\t\tNC celebrates graduates from the School of Allied Health, School of Health Sciences and School of Academic and Liberal Studies at the morning ceremony.\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/08\/future-healthcare-heroes-take-the-stage-as-niagara-college-kicks-off-spring-convocation\/june-8-vp\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"1627149\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-VP.webp\" data-orig-size=\"825,550\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[]}\" data-image-title=\"June 8 VP\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-VP-300x200.webp\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-VP.webp\" width=\"660\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-VP.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1627149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-VP.webp 825w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-VP-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-VP-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-VP-800x533.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-VP-540x360.webp 540w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-VP-338x225.webp 338w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-VP-180x120.webp 180w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-VP-810x540.webp 810w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1627149'>\n\t\t\t\tNC Vice-President Academic Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie applauds the new graduates from the podium, joined by the platform party.\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/08\/future-healthcare-heroes-take-the-stage-as-niagara-college-kicks-off-spring-convocation\/tara-gray\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"1627151\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Tara-Gray.webp\" data-orig-size=\"825,550\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[]}\" data-image-title=\"Tara Gray\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Tara-Gray-300x200.webp\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Tara-Gray.webp\" width=\"660\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Tara-Gray.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1627151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Tara-Gray.webp 825w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Tara-Gray-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Tara-Gray-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Tara-Gray-800x533.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Tara-Gray-540x360.webp 540w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Tara-Gray-338x225.webp 338w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Tara-Gray-180x120.webp 180w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/Tara-Gray-810x540.webp 810w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1627151'>\n\t\t\t\tTara Gray is presented with the Dean’s Award from the School of Academic and Liberal Studies\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/08\/future-healthcare-heroes-take-the-stage-as-niagara-college-kicks-off-spring-convocation\/june-8-president\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"1627148\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-President.webp\" data-orig-size=\"825,550\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[]}\" data-image-title=\"June 8 President\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-President-300x200.webp\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-President.webp\" width=\"660\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-President.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1627148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-President.webp 825w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-President-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-President-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-President-800x533.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-President-540x360.webp 540w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-President-338x225.webp 338w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-President-180x120.webp 180w, https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2026\/06\/June-8-President-810x540.webp 810w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1627148'>\n\t\t\t\t NC President Sean Kennedy addresses the Class of 2026 on day one of NC\u2019s Spring Convocation Ceremonies.\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>By the time Spring Convocation concludes on June 13, 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.<\/p>\n<p>Highly anticipated for the week ahead include the presentation of the <strong>Governor General’s Bronze Academic Medal<\/strong> to Welland resident Alleeya Guthro (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/communityservices\/program\/recreation-therapy\/\">Recreation Therapy<\/a>) on June 9 (3 p.m. ceremony), and the <strong>Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal<\/strong> to St. Catharines resident Nashwa Higazy (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/business\/program\/ba-hons-human-resources\/\">Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resources<\/a>) on June 12 (3 p.m. ceremony) – for the highest average in a diploma and degree program, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>On June 12 (3 p.m. ceremony) the College will present a <strong>Distinguished Alumni Award<\/strong> to Toronto resident Celeste Anderson, CEO and Co-founder of Digital Sports Administration Inc. Anderson is a graduate of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/hospitalityandtourism\/program\/tourism-management\/\">Tourism Management – Business Development<\/a>\u00a0program (class of 2020)<\/p>\n<p>On June 12 (10 a.m. ceremony), Lincoln resident Bob Martin, former General Manager of Martin Farms Ltd., will be presented with <strong>an Honorary Diploma in Environment and Horticulture<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>All ceremonies will be livestreamed and available for viewing on the College’s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/enrolmentservices\/convocation\/\">Convocation website<\/a>. For a detailed list of programs graduating within each school and the full schedule, please visit\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/enrolmentservices\/convocation\/\">niagaracollege.ca\/enrolmentservices\/convocation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h4><strong>Related:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/blog\/2026\/06\/04\/six-days-7000-grads-nc-hosts-spring-convocation-june-8-13\/\">Six days, 7,000 grads: NC hosts Spring Convocation June 8-13<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":1627146,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,296,52,15,22,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1627145","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-campus-update","category-myhal-school-of-nursing","category-news-releases","category-school-of-academic-liberal-studies","category-school-of-allied-health","category-school-of-nursing-and-psw"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Future healthcare heroes take the stage as NC kicks off Spring Convocation | InsideNC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaracollege.ca\/insidenc\/2026\/06\/08\/future-healthcare-heroes-take-the-stage-as-niagara-college-kicks-off-spring-convocation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Future healthcare heroes take the stage as NC kicks off Spring Convocation | InsideNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The future of healthcare received a significant boost on June 8 as Niagara College launched its Spring Convocation. 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