"The opportunity to be the helper, and to be the helped, lies in each and every one of us."
These inspiring words to Niagara College's Class of 2020 came from six-time Olympic medalist and mental health advocate Clara Hughes, guest speaker for NC's week of Virtual Convocation ceremonies and the recipient of an Honorary Diploma in Health Studies.
On June 17, her message resonated deeply as the College celebrated 1,185 new graduates - most from Community and Health Studies, who plan to dedicate their careers to helping others.
"Remember, it's not about what you gain, what you earn, what you have, what title you have, what status you get to. It is about how you connect with others, how you give back, how you lift up," said Hughes. "It's about realizing that, although we may seem different, we are all the same."
NC president Sean Kennedy spoke of the important role that many of the day's graduates will have in their fields and communities. The College celebrated 610 new graduates from the School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker Studies during the morning ceremony; and 585 from the schools of Allied Health, Community Services; Nursing and Personal Support Worker Studies; and Academic, Liberal and Access Studies during the afternoon.
"In the face of Covid-19, the critical skills of many of our graduands, who are dedicating their careers to providing care for others, are as vital as ever," he said. "Many are already working to make a difference in fields, such as practical nursing, personal support worker, social service worker, and more."
For more information
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