NIAGARA COLLEGE
NC celebrates over 1,000 graduates at day two of Spring Convocation

Niagara College continued its Spring 2024 Convocation ceremonies on Tuesday, June 11, celebrating over 1,000 new graduates as they culminated their academic journeys and became part of a proud community of more than 120,000 NC alumni.

School of Culinary Arts Dean's Academic Award winner Nicolas Campuzano Diago (right) and Craig Youdale, Dean, School of Culinary Arts.

 

Held at the Welland Campus Simplii Financial Athletic Centre, the morning ceremony celebrated graduates from the Schools of Culinary Arts and Environment and Horticulture, and the afternoon ceremony recognized graduates from the Schools of Hospitality and Tourism, and Wine, Beer and Spirits.

Dr. Chris McGrath, Vice President, Students, acknowledged the spirit of celebration in the air as the ceremonies joined family, friends, and loved ones to celebrate graduates, both at the Welland Campus and around the world via NC's livestream.

"This ceremony marks the achievement of a goal through much hard work and determination," said Dr. McGrath. "May you never forget or underestimate the magnitude of this accomplishment."

In his address to graduates, President Sean Kennedy highlighted that the heart of today's ceremony was about celebrating the unique dreams each graduate holds.

"This ceremony is about your dreams," said Kennedy. "The dream you've realized by joining our Niagara College alumni family, the dream you're stepping into as you enter new careers or further educational pathways, and the dreams you've yet to imagine for your future."

School of Environment and Horticulture Dean's Academic Award winner Amanda Consoli (right) and Evan DiValentino, Dean, School of Environment and Horticulture.

 

Tuesday's ceremonies also celebrated four outstanding graduates who earned the Dean's Academic Awards, presented to students who achieved the highest GPA in their academic schools.

Nicolas Campuzano Diago, who graduated from the Culinary Management program, received the Dean's Award for the School of Culinary Arts. Campuzano Diago initially aspired to become a restaurant owner, however, his NC journey sparked a new desire to pursue a career in education and become a professor in the future. He is currently an Executive Chef at The Shore Restaurant and The Jordan Hotel in Jordan Station.

A graduate of the Landscape Technician program, Amanda Consoli earned the Dean's Award for the School of Environment and Horticulture. Motivated by her personal aspiration to excel and set a positive example for her children, Consoli's academic path was driven by her genuine passion for the program's subject matter.

"I feel very confident with the education I have received from NC, and that I am well-prepared to step into the industry and contribute to the beautification of the environment," said Consoli. "I believe in continuous learning and bettering oneself, and I am excited to see what the future holds."

Recognized for her academic performance in the Hospitality - Hotel and Restoration program, Alexandra Billeci received the Dean's Award for the School of Hospitality and Tourism. Billeci credits her NC experience for transforming her life, describing it as one of the best decisions she has ever made. She particularly highlights the supportive environment and dedicated professors who motivated her to succeed. Equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, Billeci confidently embraced her new role as a Front of House Manager at a Hamilton brewery.

Justine Brown was also acknowledged for her academic performance in the Winery and Viticulture program, earning the Dean's Award for the School of Wine, Beer and Spirits.

Niagara College celebrated its second day of Spring 2024 Convocation with ceremonies held on June 11.

 

During the June 10 afternoon ceremony, the College bestowed a Distinguished Alumni Award to NC alumnus and Indigenous Elder, Dave Labbé. Additionally, Recreation Therapy program graduate Julianna Pennings was recognized with the Governor General's Academic Medal for achieving the highest overall GPA for a diploma program. Pennings was also presented the Dean's Award for the School of Community Services at the ceremony.

NC's Spring 2024 Convocation celebrations will continue June 12 with a morning ceremony for programs within the Schools of Media and Trades, and an afternoon ceremony for programs within the Schools of Technology and Trades. Wendy Wing, Senior Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Rankin Construction Inc. and President of Rankin Renewable Power Inc., will join the afternoon ceremony as an honorary guest, where she will receive an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies - Business Administration.

Convocation celebrations will extend throughout the week, concluding on Saturday, June 15, with ceremonies held daily at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. NC alumna and employee Becky Sciliberto will be honoured at the morning ceremony on June 13 with the Governor General's Academic Medal for her academic achievements in the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration - International Commerce and Global Development program.

All ceremony schedules and a list of programs graduating within each School can be viewed under the Ceremony Schedule' section of NC's Convocation website. NC's in-person Spring Convocation ceremonies will also be livestreamed via the Convocation website and ceremonies will remain on the website for later viewing.