Niagara College caps off six-day Spring Convocation with over 5,000 skilled graduates
Retired CEO John F.T. Scott presented with honorary degree
More than 5,000 new graduates from Niagara College’s Class of 2025 are now ready to hit the ground running after six days of Spring Convocation ceremonies and, to honorary degree recipient John F.T. Scott, each one represents hope.
As the College capped off the last of spring ceremonies on June 14, the retired Chief Executive from Niagara-on-the-Lake addressed graduating students from the School of Business and Management at the morning ceremony.
“You are now the stewards of your community, your nation and the world,” he said to the new graduates. “Make it a better place.”
Scott, who chaired NC’s Board of Governors from 2017 to 2020, called the experience “an unparalleled privilege,” which he attributed to his interaction with the students themselves. He fondly recalled shaking hands with graduands as they crossed the convocation stage.
“I saw young people coming forward confident in their future. I knew when I looked into their eyes that these would be the people who would, regardless of their choice of vocation, establish their families; sustain our communities and build our nation in the years ahead. And that is where I found hope – in you,” he said to the Class of 2025. “I thank you for all that you will do in the future in whatever worthy endeavour you engage.”
Scott acknowledged that graduates would make “great decisions” and “spectacular mistakes,” but emphasized the importance of learning from both to build their success.

“Receiving this degree from Niagara College is one of the greatest honours of my professional career,” said Scott. “One day, some of you may even have the thrill of coming back and being on this stage.”
NC President Sean Kennedy and Vice President Academic Fiona Allan highlighted Scott’s extraordinary contributions to the retail food industry in Canada during his career as CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers before presenting him with an Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration – International Commerce and Global Development. They also noted Scott’s impact during his tenure on the NC Board of Governors – a time when the College launched Canada’s first Teaching Distillery, as well as the first Artisan Distilling and Commercial Cannabis Production programs in the country, and hired the College’s first new president in 25 years.
“John’s strategic leadership and years of industry expertise have been invaluable to Niagara College, and he has truly left a legacy here,” said Kennedy.
More than 745 new graduates from the School of Business and Management were celebrated on June 14, capping off six days of Spring 2025 Convocation and 12 ceremonies held each day at the Welland Campus Simplii Financial Athletic Centre.
“Wherever your path takes you next, know your NC family is proud of you, and behind you every step of the way,” said Kennedy in his presidential address during the ceremonies.
Spring Convocation highlights
NC hosted two ceremonies per day from June 9 to 14 in celebration of its Class of 2025 – each honouring different areas of study.
The first day of ceremonies on June 9 saw more than 960 new graduates from the Schools of Academic and Liberal Studies, Justice and Fitness, and Community Services. Rochelle Bush (St. Catharines), owner of Tubman Tours, was presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award during the afternoon ceremony.
On June 10, more than 825 new graduates were celebrated from the Schools of Hospitality and Tourism, Business and Management, Culinary Arts, and Wine, Beer and Spirits. Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality) graduate Abigail Tuckwell (Chatham/ St. Catharines) who achieved a 95% average, was announced as this year’s prestigious Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal recipient – reserved for the student with the highest average in a degree program.
Convocation continued June 11 with 1,045 graduates from the Schools of Media, Trades, and Technology. The Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Academic Medal – awarded to the graduating student with the highest average from a diploma program – was presented to Kane Jennings (Waterdown/Hamilton), who graduated from the Acting for Film and Digital Media program with a 97.83% average (morning ceremony).
On June 12, a new group of skilled nursing and healthcare professionals were ready to enter in-demand careers as over 685 students graduated from the Myhal School of Nursing and the School of Allied Health.
Day five of Spring Convocation on June 13 marked a special milestone for more than 1,035 new graduates from the Schools of Business and Management, Environment and Horticulture, Academic and Liberal Studies, and English Language Studies.
Ceremonies were livestreamed throughout the week and are available for viewing on NC’s Convocation website.
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.
Recent Convocation media releases
June 13: Niagara College celebrates over 1,035 graduates on day five of Spring Convocation
June 11: Acting student earns top academic medal during third day of Niagara College Convocation
June 10: Niagara College awards top academic medal to Hospitality graduate
June 9: Niagara College kicks off week-long Spring Convocation ceremonies
June 5: Niagara College to celebrate class of 2025 at Spring Convocation
Media inquiries, please contact:
Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
905-328-2532
[email protected]
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