Niagara College employees are invited to attend a Global Learning Lounge session on September 24 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), facilitated by the office of International Student Services. During this online Zoom session, you will explore the international student’s life cycle.

Please join Gary Torraville, Senior Director, Global Business Development; Shawna Luey, Senior Director, International Students; and Jana Boniferro, Director, Alumni Relations as they share insights about the international student journey from recruitment to the alumni experience

Are you interested in having a better understanding of the NC life experience from an international student’s perspective? Join us for a session to learn more about the international student life cycle.

What you can expect to take away from this session: 

•  Admissions and International Student Recruitment: Discover key strategies and insights for attracting and enrolling international students.
• Student Application Process: Understand the step-by-step process for student applications, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
• Agent Support and Training: Learn how agents are effectively supported and trained to enhance their recruitment efforts.
• Pre-Departure and Be NC Ready: Get essential information on pre-departure sessions and training modules for Be NC Ready to help students transition smoothly.
• Orientation and Student Engagement: Explore activities and initiatives designed to engage students from the moment they arrive.
• Student Advising and Settlement Services: Gain valuable insights into advising and settlement services that support student success.
• Preparation for Graduation and Convocation: Understand the necessary steps and preparations for a successful graduation and convocation experience.

Registration is not required. NC employees can join the session using the Zoom link posted to the employee portal (MyNC portal under ‘Staff Announcements’). The Zoom link will also be shared via campus notice email.

Today is NC’s first-ever Employee Alumni Summer Celebration!

Hosted by Alumni Relations, NC employees who are also NC alumni are invited to join us at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus from 3 – 5 p.m. for an afternoon of fun.

The event will feature hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and mocktails (while supplies last), and it’s a great opportunity to connect with your peers and alumni colleagues.

If you haven’t already, please RSVP by emailing [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you there.

Niagara College’s Spring 2024 Convocation is approaching with the most exciting ceremonies yet as the College celebrates a record number of 5,500 graduates. This year’s events will highlight the achievements of the Class of 2024 and honour two distinguished guests, including a prominent Niagara business leader and a notable NC alumnus and Indigenous Elder.

The Spring Convocation ceremonies will be held at Niagara College’s Welland Campus in the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre from Monday, June 10 to Saturday, June 15.

“Spring Convocation is a time of pride and celebration at Niagara College,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “We are thrilled to honour our Class of 2024 and their remarkable achievements. This year, we are particularly excited to recognize two outstanding individuals whose exemplary contributions to their fields and communities embody the welcoming, trailblazing, and passionate characteristics of NC and will inspire our graduates as they embark on their own journeys.”

Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies – Business Administration: Wendy Wing

Wendy Wing, Senior Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Rankin Construction Inc. and Port Colborne Quarries Inc., and President of Rankin Renewable Power Inc. will be presented with an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies – Business Administration.

Wendy Wing, the Senior Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Rankin Construction Inc. and Port Colborne Quarries Inc., as well as President of Rankin Renewable Power Inc., will be presented with an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies – Business Administration. Recognized for her leadership in business and construction and her community stewardship in Niagara, she will be honoured during the ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 at 3 p.m., which celebrates new graduates from the College’s School of Technology and School of Trades.

Wing’s career at Rankin Construction spans over 30 years, during which she has led numerous real estate and renewable energy projects, including wind and hydro power developments. Her expertise in finance and administration has been pivotal in the successful completion of various heavy civil construction projects, such as roads, bridges, and marine work. Wing’s strategic role in the company involves analyzing new business opportunities and assessing their long-term financial impact.

Wing and her family are valued supporters and advocates of Niagara College, contributing to student success by funding scholarships and awards and by helping expand and improve campus so that students have the best teaching, learning, and gathering spaces. Across Niagara, Wing and her family founded the Rankin Cancer Run, which has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and support for patients. They have generously supported the Niagara Health System and many other community organizations.

Demonstrating her commitment to enhancing education, Wing was a dedicated member of Niagara College’s Board of Governors from 2016 to 2021, serving as Chair from September 2021 to August 2022 and as Vice-Chair from 2020 to 2021.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful to Niagara College,” said Wing. “I found my time on the Board of Governors enriching, and I am so excited to be back to celebrate with graduates on their special day. I wouldn’t be accepting this honour without the strength and support of our team at Rankin.”

Distinguished Alumni Award: Dave Labbé

Elder Dave Labbé, who graduated from Niagara College’s Electronics Engineering Technology program in 1971, will be presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award.

Dave Labbé, a member of the Innu from Northern Quebec, will be presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award during the ceremony on Monday, June 10 at 3 p.m., which celebrates new graduates from the College’s School of Community Services.

Labbé was part of the first class of students at Niagara College in 1967, graduating from the Electronics Engineering Technology program in 1971. Decades later, he returned to the College as an Elder, drawing on his own education to impart knowledge in a way that mirrors the unique learning he experienced as an NC student.

In 1995, Labbé became a Powwow Coordinator at the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, a role that aligned with his calling to help people. He eventually became the Centre’s Youth Coordinator and soon after managed the youth program full-time, dedicating his efforts to supporting young men in overcoming addictions.

Labbé’s dedication to helping others led him back to Niagara College after his retirement, this time as an Elder. In this role, he mentors students, shares wisdom, and participates in college ceremonies.

In 2023, Labbé received the Celebration of Nations Outstanding Achievement Award for Empathic Traditions, recognizing his transformative work and dedication to supporting Indigenous people within Niagara and beyond. Known as “The Eagle that Flies,” Labbé is celebrated for his ability to connect with students, make them feel at ease, and foster a sense of belonging and support.

Twelve Spring Convocation Ceremonies

NC will host 12 Spring Convocation ceremonies at its Welland Campus, marking a record number of ceremonies for the College. Ceremonies include:

• June 10, 10 a.m. (School of Justice and Fitness and School of Allied Health)
• June 10, 3 p.m. (School of Community Services)
• June 11, 10 a.m. (School of Culinary Arts and School of Environment and Horticulture)
• June 11, 3 p.m. (School of Hospitality and Tourism and School of Wine, Beer and Spirits)
• June 12, 10 a.m. (School of Media and School of Trades)
• June 12, 3 p.m. (School of Technology and School of Trades)
• June 13, 10 a.m. (School of Business and Management)
• June 13, 3 p.m. (School of Business and Management)
• June 14, 10 a.m. (School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, School of Academic and Liberal Studies, and School of Business and Management)
• June 14, 3 p.m. (School of Academic and Liberal Studies and School of English Language Studies)
• June 15, 10 a.m. (School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker)
• June 15, 3 p.m. (School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker)

A highlight of Spring Convocation will be the presentation of the prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medals to two graduating students who have achieved the highest overall grade-point average (GPA) – one from a diploma program and another from a degree program. Additionally, thirteen graduating students will receive Dean’s Awards for earning the highest GPA within their school of study.

To view the schedule and list of programs graduating within each School, visit 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.

Students thank donors on Student Appreciation Day

Thank you for your kindness towards the college and us,” wrote international Business student Pranab Chapagai.

“Generous donors like you have a positive impact on students like me,” wrote Horticulture Technician student Sameet Patel.

“Thank you for putting a smile on our faces each morning,’ wrote Hospitality student Sabina Djotka.

There was an outpouring of gratitude at NC’s Development team table on Student Appreciation Day. What began as an initiative to thank students transformed into an opportunity for students to thank College supporters.

The team set up a table at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake (outside of E102) on November 2 as part of a college-wide event, which offered students an assortment of treat giveaways and a chance for them to ‘pay it forward.’

Students had an opportunity to write thank-you cards to NC donors – specifically those who support NC’s Nourishing Minds Fund (through the Giving Tuesday initiative in November). Seventy-five students wrote cards to thank NC donors in just two hours.

A student takes time to write a thank-you card to donors to the Nourishing Minds Fund.

“I was blown away by the positive energy and enthusiasm during Student Appreciation Day,” said Emily O’Connor,  Development Officer who organized the initiative. “As a newer employee, it was great to interact with students and learn more about the programs they are taking or why they’ve chosen to attend NC. Many of them commented that they’ve participated in the Rise and Shine breakfasts that NCSAC puts on through the Nourishing Minds fund and when they found out they could thank donors and supporters of the program with a handwritten card, they were eager to give back.

“We underestimated how popular this activity would be and quickly ran out of cards and snacks within the first hour of being set-up.  Can’t wait to do it again!”

Students who wrote thank-you cards were entered into a draw for a chance to win a $50 gift card to the campus store. The winner was Stella Ng.

The notes will be given to supporters who donated to NC’s Giving Tuesday initiative last year, which raised  $9,250 for the Nourishing Minds Fund. Established by NC Student Administrative Council, the Nourishing Minds Fund addresses food insecurity by supplying electronic grocery cards to help students in need, to buy food, toiletries, and other life necessities.

NC plans to raise additional funds for Nourishing Minds Fund on Giving Tuesday 2023, which will take place on November 28.