University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) reached a defining moment in its history on May 21, 2026, welcoming more than 900 graduates across two ceremonies at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre for the university's inaugural Convocation.
Graduates from the Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications, Master of Data Analytics, and Master of Management programs crossed the stage before an audience of family members, faculty, and staff, marking the first time UNF has formally conferred degrees upon its students.
The morning ceremony carried additional significance as the occasion for the formal installation of Professor David Gray as UNF's first President and Vice-Chancellor. The installation was presided over by Cyndi McLeod, CEO of GUS North America, and acting Chancellor for Convocation. She previously served as the university's interim President prior to Gray's appointment last September.
"This inaugural Convocation is proof of what becomes possible when bold vision meets genuine commitment to students," said McLeod. "These graduates are the living embodiment of what UNF set out to achieve: a diverse, world-class community of learners who came together, supported one another, and emerged ready to lead. It is one of the proudest moments in GUS North America's history, and we are only just beginning."
In his address, President Gray spoke directly to the significance of the day. "We are celebrating not only the achievements of our first graduates, but the continued growth and future of University of Niagara Falls Canada," he said.
The ceremonies also included the presentation of four Distinguished Impact Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose early leadership and belief helped bring UNF into being. Recipients included Dr. Francis Pang, founder and chairman of the AKD network of schools in China; Sheldon Levy, president emeritus of University Canada West and Toronto Metropolitan University; Victoria Martin, Chief Commercial and Compliance Officer for GUS North America; and the City of Niagara Falls' Business Development Department, accepted by Mayor Jim Diodati.
Congratulatory remarks were shared on behalf of Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario's Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, Nolan Quinn. Each graduate also received a congratulatory letter from Premier Doug Ford.
Recordings of both the morning and afternoon ceremonies are available on UNF's YouTube channel.
