What is the difference between graduation and convocation?
Graduation is the official process where you request the college review your record to confirm you have completed the academic requirements for your program in order to be officially awarded your credential. Convocation is the formal ceremony where graduates are recognized and celebrate their achievement. Attending convocation is optional and does not affect your graduation status.
Convocation FAQ
Here are some common Convocation questions. For more information, contact us at convocation@nlc.bc.ca
NLC’s 2026 Convocation dates:
May 28, 2pm — Dawson Creek
Join us via livestream
June 4, 2pm — Fort St. John
Join us via livestream
June 17, 2pm — Fort Nelson
Join us via livestream
Register for convocation by completing the form (coming soon) below (you can print or download to fill) and returning it to Campus Services by March 28, 2025.
Graduate Information:
• Graduates should arrive at 12pm for gowning
• Group photo will be taken at 1pm
• Ceremony begins at 2pm
• Leave all valuables at home or with a friend or family member
• Following the ceremony, you will return to the gowning area to return your gown
• The ceremony length will be 90–120 minutes
Following the ceremony, join us in welcoming our newest alumni
at the Alumni Among Us Convocation Celebration.
Have some light refreshment and celebrate your graduate!
This event is open to students and their guests, and will be held in the upstairs lobby of the Ovintiv Events Centre in Dawson Creek, the student gowning area at the Fort St. John Curling Club, and the lobby of the Phoenix Theatre in Fort Nelson.
Guest Information
- Convocation is a by invite only event and is not open to the general public
- Doors open for guests at 1:15pm, the ceremony will begin at 2pm
- Guests do not require tickets, seating is available on a first come first served basis
- Guests are not permitted in the gowning areas prior to the event
- Parking is free
- All venues are wheelchair accessible
Celebrate your big moment with professional grad photos!
Cap & Gown Photos
- Dawson Creek (DC) Campus: May 26–27
- Fort St. John (FSJ) Campus: June 2–3
Students can attend either campus, so pick the dates that work best for you!
Register for DC Here • Register for FSJ Here
Don’t miss your chance to capture this milestone in style — book your spot today!
Valedictorian Nominations will open on March 16, 2026
The valedictorian is the student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and contribution to school life. This student is given the honor of delivering a speech at convocation, celebrating the accomplishments of their graduating class.
Nominations for valedictorian will be accepted from March 16 to April 10, 2026.
Keep an eye on the website and your email for the nomination form.
Don’t miss your chance to recognize a classmate who exemplifies excellence and inspires others!
2025 Valedictorians
Chetwynd — Rhochelle Clarice Bernardo
We’re excited to introduce you to your 2025 Chetwynd Valedictorian, Rhochelle Clarice Bernardo!
Rhochelle recently completed her Certificate in Business Management. Congratulations!
Dawson Creek — Destiny LePretre
Your 2025 Dawson Creek Valedictorian, Destiny LePretre!
Destiny recently completed the College and Career Preparation program. Congratulations!
Fort St. John — Lorelyn Arejola
Your 2025 Fort St. John Convocation Valedictorian, Lorelyn Arejola!
Lorelyn recently completed her Diploma in Social Services Worker. Congratulations!
Fort Nelson — Michelle Rhead
Your 2025 Fort Nelson Convocation Valedictorian, Michelle Rhead!
Michelle, an Applied Business Technology graduate.
Congratulations, Michelle!