One student after another crossed the stage in graduation robes — shaking hands with Niagara College president Sean Kennedy and receiving a piece of paper which represented months and years of studying, end-of-term exams and lab work. It’s an academic tradition that dates back to 1967, when the college first founded its Welland campus. For Kennedy, the annual ceremonies are “energizing and inspiring,” showcasing and celebrating what the college’s students have accomplished.
And that was no different this year — except this spring’s events were bigger than ever before. Niagara College saw its largest-ever graduating class, with 5,500 students in total, warranting an extra day of convocation, with the college hosting 12 ceremonies across six days. The record number of graduates reflects the college’s growth but was also a purposeful decision to ensure each ceremony was a “really terrific, celebratory, welcoming environment,” said Kennedy.
And the shorter ceremonies went “extraordinarily well.” “Terrific feedback from all of our guests and from our graduates around how much they’ve enjoyed the convocation ceremonies. It’s been just a terrific week of celebration,” he said.
On Wednesday, nearly 1,000 students from the schools of media, trades and technology crossed the stage, with Wendy Wing, senior vice-president of finance and administration at Rankin Construction, receiving an honorary degree in applied studies, business administration. Wendy Wi.