More than 4,600 students will graduate at Niagara College’s 2017 Spring Convocation Ceremonies to be held June 20-23 at the Welland Campus.

This year’s ceremony takes on a special significance as NC joins all Ontario colleges in celebrating its 50th anniversary.

“Our Convocation ceremonies are the highlight of our academic year, and this spring they take on a very special significance as we celebrate this important milestone,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “I can think of no greater example of our college’s evolution over the last half century than the Class of 2017 – a record number of graduates who will go on to drive key industries here in Niagara and around the world.”

Niagara College’s 2017 Graduates and their guests will be treated to convocation addresses from a variety of accomplished business and community leaders who will also receive special honours from the College in celebration of their achievements.

Tuesday, June 20

• 3 p.m. : School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport; Canadian Food and Wine Institute
  Speaker: Patrick Whalen is the director of The Global Tourism Institute at Niagara University. Whalen will receive an Honorary Diploma in Tourism Management.

Wednesday, June 21

• 10 a.m.: Schools of Academic and Liberal Studies; Justice and Fitness Studies
  Speaker: Deborah Newman is a distinguished visiting professor, Ryerson University, and the former deputy minister in the Ontario Public Service. Newman will receive an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies.
• 3 p.m. : Schools of Business and Management Studies; Environmental and Horticultural Studies
  Speaker: John Ferguson is the CEO and president of Purolator Courier, one of the largest shipping networks in Canada. Ferguson will be the recipient of an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies.

Thursday, June 22

• 10 a.m.: School of Community Services
  Speaker: Sean Conway is a visiting professor, Ryerson University and a former Ontario minister of education. Conway will receive an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies.
• 3 p.m: Schools of Allied Health Studies; Nursing and Personal Support Worker Studies
  Speaker: Derek McNally is the executive vice president of Clinical Services, as well as a chief nursing executive at Niagara Health System. McNally will receive an Honorary Diploma in Health Studies.

Friday, June 23

• 10 a.m.: Schools of Media Studies; Technology Studies; Trades
  Speaker: Murray Brewster is an Ottawa-based correspondent for CBC News, where he works as a senior parliamentary defence and foreign policy writer. Brewster will be the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from Niagara College.

For those unable to attend, Niagara College’s convocation ceremonies can be streamed live at https://livestream.com/accounts/15502389/NCgrad2017

Currently celebrating its 50th year as a College of Applied Arts and Technology, NC is a leader in applied education and a key contributor to the economies of Niagara and Ontario. A regional college with global reach, NC offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs.

-30-

Media inquiries, please contact:

Susan McConnell
Media advisor
905-641-2252 x 4330
Cell: 905-933-6259
smcconnell@niagaracollege.ca