All are welcome. Register your cars by July 3.

From vintage classics and hot rods to tuners, 4x4s, motorcycles and electric vehicles, the Niagara College Community Car Show returns for its third year and will feature a diverse lineup of vehicles for every car enthusiast and curious visitor alike.

The event at the Welland Campus on Saturday, July 4 kicks off at 10 a.m. and includes family-friendly activities – a bounce house, kids activity zone, construction vehicles courtesy of Rankin, and an ice cream truck – food vendors, and plenty of cars. The outdoor event is free for spectators and hosted in partnership with NC’s School of Trades, the Motive Power program, and Community Relations and Events.

“What began three years ago as a modest idea to help promote the program has continued to grow with the support of dedicated students, staff volunteers and automotive enthusiasts from across the region,” said Pete D’Elia, coordinator of NC’s Motive Power program.

Opening ceremonies kick off at 10:15 a.m. with awards by car class at 1:30 p.m. Prize draws and a 50/50 raffle will raise funds for the Wayne Toth Motive Power Scholarship, named in honour of the former program coordinator.

“The scholarship adds even deeper meaning to a day fueled by community spirit, mentorship and opportunity,” said D’Elia. “We look forward to welcome the community to Niagara College to celebrate automotive excellence and the next generation of skilled trades professionals.”

Students and staff from the Motive Power program will offer guided tours of the automotive labs throughout the event, which runs until 2 p.m.

Have a unique car? Register to showcase it here by July 3 at 12 p.m. to be considered for awards.

Event details

Location: 100 Niagara College Boulevard in Welland.
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Attendee parking: Attendees can park in lots A and C. See campus maps. (Please note: Lot G is closed).
Price: Free for spectators; $15 to register a vehicle for the show ($20 day of).
Vendors will accept cash, debit or credit.
In the event of rain, the event will be moved to Sunday, July 5.

For event-specific questions, please email Sarah Scott at [email protected].

A leader in applied education, Niagara College offers diploma, bachelor degree, post-graduate and apprenticeship programs at specialized campuses in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland. Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research colleges, NC is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world that provide students with important hands-on-experience. NC welcomes students from across Niagara, Ontario, and around the world who are studying in in-demand programs that support key sectors and industries in Niagara and beyond, with graduates making important contributions in all corners of our community. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries:
Jessica Torok
Communications Consultant
905-932-1520
[email protected]

The post Rev up for the Niagara College Car Show on July 4 appeared first on Niagara College.

A deeply rooted partnership between Niagara College and Walker Industries branched out into a new era with a formalized two-year agreement designed to cultivate real-world expertise in sustainable horticulture and drive circular economy innovation.

The collaboration brings premium, sustainable growing media into the hands of students from NC’s School of Environment and Horticulture while enhancing the College grounds. As part of the agreement, Walker Industries is contributing approximately 500 cubic yards of high-performance soil, mulch and growing media annually to the College. The donation enriches campus beautification, greenhouse production and hands-on learning opportunities for students across several academic programs.

By streamlining the College’s supply with a single, environmentally leading local partner, the initiative helps reduce the College’s  footprint. The premium growing media will be used in greenhouse trials before plants are transferred across campus for environmental remediation work, including erosion control and invasive phragmites prevention.

Plans are also underway for formal product validation trials at the College’s Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) – part of NC’s trailblazing Research and Innovation division.

NC President Sean Kennedy thanked Walker Industries, for its decades of support – from generous equipment gifts to foundational support for the College’s Walker Advanced Innovation Centre and more. He noted that the collaboration aligns with NC’s sustainability plan and their shared ethos as stewards of the land, providing students with access to an industry leader in the community.

“Niagara College’s partnership with Walker Industries runs deep and, with this agreement, our shared commitment to environmental stewardship is quite literally woven into the very soil of our campus,” said NC President Sean Kennedy.

“This collaboration is a powerful example of how industry and academia can co-create solutions for a more resilient future. By integrating Walker’s sustainable innovations into our learning environments, we are advancing our sustainability goals while providing our students with unparalleled exposure to the cutting edge of a green economy.”

“At Walker, we believe that strong partnerships and hands-on learning opportunities help prepare the next generation of industry leaders. Through our partnership with Niagara College, students are gaining practical experience with sustainable growing practices and learning how innovative products can help produce healthy, nutrient-rich plants while minimizing environmental impact,” said Geordie Walker, President and CEO, Walker Industries.

“Meaningful progress happens when industry, education, and community partners come together with a shared purpose. We are proud to work alongside Niagara College to support experiential learning, advance awareness of sustainable growing solutions, and help raise the standard for environmental stewardship together.”

Dean of Business and Environment Evan DiValentino applauded the partnership and its positive impacts on campus sustainability and student learning.

“While Walker’s generous contributions allow our College to reinvest more into great student learning opportunities, the true value goes way beyond physical product,” said DiValentino. “This collaboration impacts students across the entire School of Environment and Horticulture who have the opportunity to work with advanced real-world formulas, ensuring they have hands-on, ‘boots-on’ experience needed to hit the ground running in the workforce.”

Second-year Horticulture Technician student Hayley Rempel, who is currently completing her co-op at the Teaching Greenhouse, noted how students reap the benefits of the partnership. She and her classmates have been able to work with Walker soil, mulch and growing media products in the NC Teaching Greenhouse and apply Walker’s mulch and topsoil throughout the campus gardens.

“One of the most valuable parts of my education here at NC has been the opportunity to connect what we learn in the classroom with real-world horticultural practices,” said Rempel. “Rather than just learning about topics such as soil structure, water retention, and drainage in textbooks, we get to see these concepts in action every day. Working directly with these products has helped me better understand how growing media and soil can influence plant performance and overall landscape success.”

Rempel added that the collaboration demonstrates a meaningful investment in the next generation of professionals.

“Knowing that companies like Walker are contributing to our learning makes us feel connected to the industry and hopeful for the future,” she said.

A leader in applied education, Niagara College offers diploma, bachelor degree, post-graduate and apprenticeship programs at specialized campuses in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland. Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research colleges, NC is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world that provide students with important hands-on-experience. NC welcomes students from across Niagara, Ontario, and around the world who are studying in in-demand programs that support key sectors and industries in Niagara and beyond, with graduates making important contributions in all corners of our community. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco

Niagara College Communications Consultant

905-328-2532

[email protected]

Cody Cabral

Walker Industries Communications Lead

289-257-0528

[email protected]

The post Flourishing partnership: NC and Walker plant seeds for sustainable future appeared first on Niagara College.

After six days, 12 high-energy ceremonies and thousands of congratulatory handshakes, Niagara College officially concluded its largest ever Spring Convocation on Saturday, June 13.

The marathon event marked a historic milestone for the College, adding approximately 7,000 new graduates to its global alumni family of well over 150,000.

Throughout the week, the Welland Campus transformed into a hub of celebration that highlighted how the College directly supports crucial economic sectors, with new graduates ready to bring applied knowledge and hands-on experience to the workforce.

Saturday’s final ceremonies brought a dynamic close to the week, celebrating more than 1,600 graduates from the School of Business and Management and Niagara College Toronto.

Niagara College president Sean Kennedy challenged the Class of 2026 to embrace the future with passion. He left the new graduates with a powerful prompt, quoting poet Mary Oliver’s poem, “The Summer Day” asking them what they plan to do with their “one wild and precious life.”

“Graduates, your ‘wild and precious life’ is yours to design. You had a plan when you came to NC, an interest that informed your program choice, that has hopefully grown into a passion upon which you will build a career,” said Kennedy. “Your plan may have changed since you started, and it may change many more times as you build the life you wish to live.”

He encouraged the Class of 2026 to prioritize connection with people and nature, and to take time to unplug.

“Wherever your ‘wild and precious life’ takes you next, know that your NC family is incredibly proud of you, and behind you every step of the way,” he said.

Spring Convocation highlights

The College rang in Spring Convocation on June 8 with hundreds of future healthcare heroes crossing the stage among almost 1,045 graduates from the schools of Allied Health, Health Sciences, Academic and Liberal Studies, and the Myhal School of Nursing.

Ceremonies on June 9 honoured more than 1,180 graduates from its schools of Academic and Liberal Studies, English Language Studies, Health Sciences,  Justice and Fitness, Community Services, and the Myhal School of Nursing.

Recreation Therapy graduate Alleeya Guthro (Welland) was honoured with the prestigious Governor General’s Bronze Academic Medal, for achieving the highest average in a diploma program.

On June 10, the College recognized almost 980 graduates from the schools of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, and Wine, Beer and Spirits, providing an immediate boost to Niagara’s skilled labour force as a premier destination for tourism, as well as the schools of Justice and Fitness and Trades, equipped for careers that support safer, stronger communities and help fill critical workforce needs.

More than 1,115 graduates were honoured from the schools of Media, Trades, and Technology on June 11, ready to bring their sought-after skills to Ontario’s tech and industry sectors.

June 12 celebrated 910 graduates from the schools of Business and Management, Environment and Horticulture, and Hospitality and Tourism.

The Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal was awarded to Nashwa Higazy (St. Catharines), a graduate of the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resources) program, for achieving the highest average in a degree program.

This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Celeste Anderson (Toronto), CEO and co-founder of Digital Sports Administration Inc., who graduated from the Tourism Management – Business Development program in 2020. A trailblazer in the gaming industry, Anderson was Canada’s first female professional gamer and currently serves as Director of Business Operations for the Women of Halo executive team.

Community guest Bob Martin (Lincoln) was awarded an Honorary Diploma in Environment and Horticulture. The former General Manager of Martin Farms Ltd. was recognized for his decades of exceptional leadership in the horticultural sector.

From June 8 to June 13, ceremonies were held twice daily at the Welland Campus (Simplii Financial Athletic Centre). All ceremonies were livestreamed and remain available for viewing on the Niagara College Convocation website.

A leader in applied education, Niagara College offers diploma, bachelor degree, post-graduate and apprenticeship programs at specialized campuses in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland. Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research colleges, NC is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world that provide students with important hands-on-experience. NC welcomes students from across Niagara, Ontario, and around the world who are studying in in-demand programs that support key sectors and industries in Niagara and beyond, with graduates making important contributions in all corners of our community. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

 
Related releases

Six days, 7,000 grads: NC hosts Spring Convocation June 8-13

Niagara College celebrates Media, Trades and Technology grads ready to shape their industries

NC’s newest graduates ready to contribute to Niagara’s leading industries

Future healthcare heroes take the stage as Niagara College kicks off Spring Convocation

Recreation Therapy student accepts top academic award during day two of Niagara College’s Spring Convocation

Top grads, honoured guests celebrated on day five of Niagara College’s Spring Convocation

Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
905-328-2532
[email protected]

The post NC celebrates historic Class of 2026 with 7,000 skilled graduates as Spring Convocation concludes appeared first on Niagara College.

Today’s Niagara College graduates are ready to create, build, and power what comes next. 

June 11 marked the fourth of six days of NC’s Spring Convocation, with students in the Schools of Media, Trades, and Technology crossing the stage and into their futures.  

The morning ceremony celebrated more than 680 graduates from the Schools of Technology and Trades. In the afternoon, over 400 graduates from the Schools of Media and Technology earned their credentials. 

“Graduands, this ceremony marks the achievement of a goal, through much hard work and determination,” said Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie, NC’s Vice-President, Academic. “May you never forget or underestimate the magnitude of this accomplishment.” 

In the afternoon, Dean’s Award recipient Brett Gilliam from the Mechanical Engineering Technology (Co-op) program, was recognized for top marks (96.6 per cent) in the School of Technology. The Niagara native already has a job lined up from one of the two paid eight-month co-ops in his program. 

Graduation marks the start of a second career for Gilliam, who returned to school after seven years as a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programmer. 

“I became more involved with the other automated equipment in the shop, and that sparked my interest in studying mechanical engineering,” said Gilliam. 

His co-op placements included roles in machining, management, and mechanical design, giving him a broad range of experience. 

“Being able to experience so many potential career paths within the field of mechanical engineering was invaluable to my education and my future career path,” said Gillam, who now works as a Mechanical Engineering Technologist at Reynold Stokes Engineering Inc. in St. Catharines. 

Gillam earned his advanced diploma studying part-time during a particularly busy season of life: getting married and welcoming his first child. 

“At times it was quite difficult to keep up with my studies,” he said. “Earning the Dean’s Academic Award after all of this shows me that I still managed to get the most out of my education.” 

Jeonghwan Oh, a Computer Programming graduate from Port Colborne (originally from South Korea) was the Dean’s Award winner from the School of Media with an average of 96.95 per cent.  

Computer Programming was a departure for Oh, who studied contemporary music at a university in South Korea and worked as a guitar teacher.  

“I wanted to change my direction and felt that programming could be a great fit, even though I had absolutely no prior experience,” said Oh. “The reason I chose Niagara College was its smooth integration of practical, hands-on learning into the curriculum.” 

At NC, Oh supported NC’s first student-led coding competition and volunteered as a judge for the DSBN coding skills challenge. 

While he prefers to keep an open mind when it comes to his career, Oh is interested in where his two passions intersect. 

“I would like to explore the grey areas between music and technology,” said Oh. “They seemed contradictory at first, but I found that they are closely related.” 

At the Wednesday afternoon ceremony, Sing Fai Lau from the Carpentry and Renovation Technician program was the recipient of the Dean’s Award in the School of Trades. 

On Thursday, Acting for Film and Digital Media program student Destiny Paquin of Welland also joined the Class of 2026. A familiar face within the NC community, Paquin was a Knights basketball athlete, Indigenous student leader, and most recently the face of promotional campaigns for the College. 

Following a teaching degree at Brock University, Paquin’s passion for acting drew her to NC. 

“My program was incredible,” said Paquin of her time at the College. “The people, the lessons and teachings, everything that I experienced in my two years I will take with me forever.” 

NC’s Spring Convocation Ceremonies continue June 12 and 13. To view the schedule and a list of programs graduating within each school, or to watch the livestream of any ceremony, visit NC’s Convocation website.  

A leader in applied education, Niagara College offers diploma, bachelor degree, post-graduate and apprenticeship programs at specialized campuses in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland. Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research colleges, NC is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world that provide students with important hands-on-experience. NC welcomes students from across Niagara, Ontario, and around the world who are studying in in-demand programs that support key sectors and industries in Niagara and beyond, with graduates making important contributions in all corners of our community. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca. 

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Related Spring 2026 Convocation press releases: 

• June 8: Future healthcare heroes take the stage as NC kicks off Spring Convocation 

• June 9: Recreation Therapy student accepts top academic award during day two of Niagara College’s Spring Convocation 

• June 10: NC’s newest graduates ready to contribute to Niagara’s leading industries 

Media inquiries: 
Jessica Torok 
Communications Consultant 
905-932-1520 
[email protected] 

The post Niagara College celebrates Media, Trades and Technology grads ready to shape their industries  appeared first on Niagara College.

The future of healthcare received a significant boost on June 8 as Niagara College launched its Spring Convocation. Hundreds of students crossed the stage to mark their transition from the classroom to the frontline of patient care.

The morning ceremony celebrated 650 grads from School of Allied Health, School of Health Sciences, and School of Academic and Liberal Studies, representing fields ranging from dental hygiene and massage therapy to pharmacy technicians and paramedics. 

The afternoon ceremony featured almost 500 graduates from the Myhal School of Nursing. As the Practical Nursing and Personal Support Worker students walked across the stage, they received their professional pins – a traditional rite of passage symbolizing their entry into the field.

“Graduands, I am so proud of you and full of hope for what you will achieve and the ways in which you will change our world,” said NC President Sean Kennedy in his address to the Class of 2026. “Be a force for good, be willing to change, be willing to change your mind and think about the world differently and be passionate in all that you do.”

For many, graduation marked the end of a deeply personal journey.

St. Catharines resident Adrian Vicentini enrolled in in the PSW program at age 43, motivated by his wife’s experience following a severe car accident.

“I decided to learn about how to care for others so that I could better care for my family,” he said. “I am passionate about my field of study because I can positively impact the lives of other people and help improve their quality of life.”

Vicentini’s program placement at a long-term care home proved to be a turning point.

“When I went to my placement, I felt I could rely on the knowledge taught to me throughout the program to succeed. I was able to care for every resident in my unit with confidence while making a positive impact on their lives. I could not ask for a better PSW program; I felt over-prepared if anything,” he said.

“I had many residents of the long-term care home saying how much I would be missed and that they hoped I would be back to see them again … I knew right then that I had finally found my place in this world, and I knew I made the right decision to go back to school and pursue this career path.”

Vicentini has already enrolled in the Personal Support Worker to Practical Nursing Bridge program – a new Nursing Transformation Initiative for working PSWs who wish to continue their studies toward qualifying to practice in Ontario as a Practical Nurse.

“Going back to school at 43 was a major decision, and I was incredibly nervous – I wasn’t sure what to expect or if I was still capable,” he said. “ But with all the support, guidance, and encouragement I received, I’ve learned that anything is possible if you just try.”

Welland resident Scotty Poitras graduated from Practical Nursing with the Dean’s Award from the Myhal School of Nursing for the highest cumulative average in his school, found his calling after working in rehabilitation and volunteer support.

“I’ve always been interested in biology and the natural world, and nursing felt like a good fit,” he said.

Regarding his academic path, he noted how he faced challenges after stepping away from high school, but he completed academic upgrading and graduated with top marks.

“Setbacks are not a reflection of where your future will lead,” said Poitras. “It is possible to achieve far more than you might imagine.”

Niagara Falls resident Tara Gray graduated from the General Arts and Science program after more than 15 years of working in healthcare administration. She balanced her studies with family responsibilities – she even gave birth and cared for a newborn during her final term – and earned the Dean’s Academic Medal for the highest cumulative average in her school.

“Being able to maintain excellent grades while managing these responsibilities is something I am extremely proud of, and it makes receiving this award even more meaningful,” she said.

While Gray initially enrolled in the program to school to improve her skills and further her career, she discovered a genuine passion for learning and plans to return to NC in September.

“Education has become something I genuinely love, and I am passionate about exploring different subjects and expanding my understanding of the world around me,” she said.

London, Ont. resident Amna Ahmed, graduated from the Dental Hygiene advanced diploma program following her successful board exam last. She is already working as a Registered Dental Hygienist.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the program was seeing the real impact of patient care and education,” she said. “The biggest highlight, for me, was the [NC Dental] Clinic – especially being able to finally apply what we were learning in a real client setting.

“I really enjoyed building relationships with patients over time and seeing the impact of client education and care in real life situations.”

The first day of ceremonies also recognized academic excellence with several Dean’s Academic Awards for the highest cumulative average in each academic school: Tara Gray, (General Arts and Science) for the School of Academic and Liberal Studies; Andi Gordon, (Pharmacy Technician) for the School of Allied Health; Tanya Evdokimova (Dental Hygiene) for the School of Health Sciences; and Scotty Poitras (Practical Nursing) for the Myhal School of Nursing.

By the time Spring Convocation concludes on June13, NC will have conferred credentials on approximately 7,000 new graduates. Ceremonies will continue daily with ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Simplii Financial Centre at the Welland Campus.

Highly anticipated for the week ahead include the presentation of the Governor General’s Bronze Academic Medal to Welland resident Alleeya Guthro (Recreation Therapy) on June 9 (3 p.m. ceremony), and the Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal to St. Catharines resident Nashwa Higazy (Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resources) on June 12 (3 p.m. ceremony) – for the highest average in a diploma and degree program, respectively.

On June 12 (3 p.m. ceremony) the College will present a Distinguished Alumni Award to Toronto resident Celeste Anderson, CEO and Co-founder of Digital Sports Administration Inc. Anderson is a graduate of the Tourism Management – Business Development program (class of 2020)

On June 12 (10 a.m. ceremony), Lincoln resident Bob Martin, former General Manager of Martin Farms Ltd., will be presented with an Honorary Diploma in Environment and Horticulture.

All ceremonies will be livestreamed and available for viewing on the College’s Convocation website. For a detailed list of programs graduating within each school and the full schedule, please visit the w.niagaracollege.ca/enrolmentservices/convocation.

A leader in applied education, Niagara College offers diploma, bachelor degree, post-graduate and apprenticeship programs at specialized campuses in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland. Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research colleges, NC is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world that provide students with important hands-on-experience. NC welcomes students from across Niagara, Ontario, and around the world who are studying in in-demand programs that support key sectors and industries in Niagara and beyond, with graduates making important contributions in all corners of our community. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Related:

Six days, 7,000 grads: NC hosts Spring Convocation June 8-13

Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
905-328-2532
[email protected]

The post Future healthcare heroes take the stage as Niagara College kicks off Spring Convocation appeared first on Niagara College.