Published Jun 18, 2025 • Last updated 1 minute ago • 2 minute readBehavioural interventions graduate Emily Holmes receives the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Gold Medal Award from Andrew Lafford, NSCC vice-president academic. The Annapolis Campus, including the Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS), convocation ceremony occurred June 3 in Middleton. Photo by ContributedWhat’s next? That’s the question I had the privilege of asking the almost 5,000 new graduates as they accepted their credential at one of Nova Scotia Community College’s 21 convocation ceremonies.Each response was as unique as the graduate. While each learner came to the college with their own story, their own priorities, their own goals and purpose, they left with a collective sense of purpose and pride that permeated through our amazing Class of 2025. To say I am proud is such an understatement.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content Don Bureaux is the president of the Nova Scotia Community College. Photo by ContributedFor two weeks, I was on the road to our campus communities – from Yarmouth to Springhill to Sydney – the cheers and tears filling those campuses and arenas and community centres was so heartwarming. To see the faces of all those friends, family members, loved ones and employees, on hand to cheer the graduates – knowing just how much effort everyone put into reaching that milestone – annually reminds us of our purpose as a college. Lynn Hartwell, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) vice-president of campuses and communities, presents information technology programming graduate Jordan Kelsey with the Board of Governors’ Award during the June 3 convocation ceremony in Middleton. Photo by ContributedOur valedictorian at the Burridge Campus in Yarmouth shared some sage advice for her fellow graduates. “Success isn’t about being the smartest in the room – it’s about showing up with integrity, asking for help when you need it and trusting that growth takes time,” said Ashley Nickerson, a graduate from the practical nursing program. “You belong here.”We know that when an individual sticks to their goals through life’s ups and downs, the transformation both personally and professionally is remarkable. Thanks to each student’s strength and determination, along with our tremendous faculty and staff who teach and support our learners through their journey, they are now prepared for the next milestone in their life. Whether this is a new job, additional education, or perhaps starting their own business … they are ready to follow their next pathway which will contribute to a positive future for them, their community and for all of us. Continuing care graduate Ismaila Salau, right, receives the President’s Award from Nova Scotia Community College president Don Bureaux during the convocation ceremony for the Annapolis Campus, including the Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS), June 3 in Middleton. Photo by ContributedAt a time when change is more of a constant state of being, I have great faith in the ability of these graduates – all who have weathered their own storms and sailed through to a brighter side – to be prepared for the future state of change and help us navigate our way through. I can’t express how excited I am knowing the potential energy and talent entering the workforce in communities across our province.Congratulations and good luck to our Class of 2025.Don Bureaux is the president of the Nova Scotia Community College.Article content
COMMENTARY: Congratulations NSCC Class of 2025
