Dan Badour Law & Security '89
Director of Intelligence and Field Support
Canadian Border Services Agency (Windsor, ON)
While attending school at St. Clair College in the Law & Security program Dan was able to secure a summer position as a Customs Inspector which gave him the applied knowledge to help him finish his final year at the College and also launch his career.
Immediately following graduation Dan was hired as a full time Customs Inspector with the Windsor Tunnel and Bridge. Dan was soon promoted and spent the next 9 years of his career working in different capacities for the Canadian Border Services Agency. This included working closely with the RCMP and other Canadian enforcement agencies. Dan worked with these agencies in identifying smuggling routes of criminal organizations that were planning on trafficking contraband, illegal immigrants and other dangerous materials into Canada.
In 2001 Dan was promoted to Chief of Intelligence Operations for the Ambassador Bridge and shortly after that was promoted again as the District Director of the Ambassador Bridge and in 2009 became the District Director of the Tunnel. In these capacities Dan worked closely with Canadian enforcement agencies, Homeland Security and the US Customs and Immigration services in the enforcement of high risk people and contraband and prevents their entry into Canada.
Through Dan's career he has been actively involved in the shaping of our future Law and Security enforcement officers. He has developed and administered training programs with the Ontario Police College as well as other Canadian training facilities.
Dan is currently the Director of Intelligence and Field Support for the Canadian Border Services Agency. In this position he coordinates the intelligence activities of field and international operations for the delivery of the appropriate program to organizations and agencies involved in the entry of illegal immigrants and national security issues.
Dan was nominated for, and is the recipient of many Canadian Border Services Agency awards and has received multiple letters of commendation from U.S. and Canadian law enforcement organizations.
Dan is a family man, devoted to his wife, Kim, and their three children.
Debra Cooper Burger Nursing '74
President & CEO
Unionville Home Society (Unionville, ON)
Debra Cooper Burger has worked in the health care sector for more than 30 years. Her experience spans all areas of the industry, including acute care nursing in hospital settings, occupational health nursing, case management and administration services in community and home care settings, as well as health care labour relations.
Debra was educated at both the Salvation Army Grace Hospital School of Nursing and St. Clair College. She was a member of the first graduating class of nurses of St. Clair College after the Salvation Army School of Nursing closed.
Debra began her full time nursing career at Windsor's Grace Hospital. Debra is a Registered Nurse and holds a Master of Continuing Education degree from the University of Calgary. In 1981, she served as President of the Ontario Nurses Association.
Prior to moving to the Markham area, she was a member of the Central East LHIN Peterborough Collaborative; a panel member of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Alternate Level of Care Assessment and Review; and a member of the Trent University Nursing Program Advisory Committee.
Debra is an active volunteer and serves on the College of Nurses of Ontario's Nursing Leadership Advisory Group. She has also served as Chair of the College Compensation and Appointment Council. She served two terms on the Board of Governors of Fleming College, including one term as Chair.
Since 2009, she has been the President and CEO of the Unionville Home Society in the York Region. The Unionville Home Society has become a leading senior's facility in Ontario. The Society provides a comprehensive range of quality care and special services to older adults and their families.
Debra and her husband Michael have two sons.
Errol Da-Re Business Advertising '85
Senior Vice President Sales
Shaw Media (Toronto, ON)
Errol grew up in Windsor and like many Windsor residents, he loved the Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, Lions, Wolverines and the Windsor Spitfires. This love of sports very clearly overlaps onto his approach to business as he continually reinforces the ideas of teamwork and working together within the entire Broadcast Sales Group.
Errol studied at the University of Windsor and after graduation he then enrolled at St. Clair College where he earned his Business Advertising diploma in 1985.
Errol started with Leo Burnett Advertising Agency as a part time employee while he was in his final semester of studies at St. Clair College. This then evolved into the start of Errol's career in the advertising industry. He moved to Toronto in the early 1980's to begin his new position with Leo Burnett Advertising Agency as a media estimator and buyer.
After a few years at Burnett, Errol moved on to CBC to become a Marketing Analyst. From there he took a position as a Sales Representative for various stations including: CTV affiliates, independent stations, CityTV and the New VR.
Errol moved to the CTV Television Network as an Account Executive.
When Baton Broadcasting merged with CTV, he was promoted to Group Director of National Sales as well as Group Director, Network Sales.
In 2001, Errol moved to Alliance Atlantis, where he was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2006. In 2007, Errol was promoted to Executive Vice President, Broadcast Sales, for both the Canwest and Alliance Atlantis networks and merged both sales teams into one after Canwest took over Alliance Atlantis. They broadcast a number of channels including the Food network, Showcase, IFC, Action, Mystery, History and National Geographic.
At the present time, he sits on the board of the Television Bureau of Canada (TVB) and the Broadcast Executive Society (BES).
Errol Da-Ré is married to Addie Gallop and they have two sons.
John Kryk Journalism '86
National Entertainment Editor
Toronto Sun / Sun Media (Toronto, ON)
John grew up in Windsor with the mindset to be an engineer, as his father had been. Realizing he also possessed a lively creative nature; he attended the University of Windsor and applied himself to Communication Studies. After hearing about the Journalism courses offered at St. Clair College in his final year from his professor, he decided to make the move.
Once graduated from Journalism at St. Clair, John left Windsor to work as a sportswriter in Timmins. Sports would also be his main beat working in Sudbury and then he was off to Toronto to work for The Toronto Sun.
Now positioned to move up the ranks of The Sun and Sun Media, John took on the position of Associate Sports Editor until 1999. He then changed departments and began working on the entertainment side of The Toronto Sun as its Executive Entertainment Editor. In 2006, John became the National Entertainment Editor for all of Sun Media.
Along the way, John still yearned to do more as a writer so in 1994, he authored "Natural Enemies: The Notre Dame-Michigan Football Feud". Readers don't have to be Michigan or Notre Dame Football fans to enjoy this book. John does a riveting job of describing the history of one of U.S. College Football's greatest rivalries……and the famous personalities involved in it. John begins at the genesis: the very first game between the schools in the late 19th Century, and he recreates that era through an imaginative use of magazine and newspaper accounts of the time.
John has been an award winning journalist and design award recipient and enjoys being a husband to Melinda and father to his four children.
Billy Panagiotopoulos Computer Systems-Technology '08
I.T. & Network Administrator
Motor City Casino & Hotel (Detroit, MI)
As one of the youngest honourees, Billy grew up loving computers during his high school days. Billy graduated from computer networking at St. Clair College winning the Student Leadership Award during his final year at St. Clair, only to go on to land what would turn out to be the job of his dreams.
Billy began his working career in 2008 when he joined the Information Technology team at Motor City Casino and Hotel in Detroit, Michigan. Motor City Casino is owned by Marion Illitch of the Illitch family who also owns Little Caesars Pizza, the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers.
Billy began turning heads property-wide from the very beginning although he was fresh out of college. Today, Billy is the "go to" guy for virtually every IT related issue at the Motor City Hotel and Casino. He has the ability to troubleshoot all systems, using his resources with great diligence.
In June 2010, Billy won the Employee of the Year Award beating out over 3,000 employees at Motor City Casino Hotel. This honour spotlights his leadership abilities and the level of skill and the positive attitude he brings to work every day. Co-workers will acknowledge the respect he has earned and his upbeat demeanor that makes him easy to work with. Even when Billy is not working, he's always answering his phone, ready to help in any situation.
Billy sits on the Metro Detroit United Way and Helping Hand Committees and shares his success with his parents and brother.
Peter Quiring Mechanical Product Design '91
Owner & President
Nature Fresh Farms (Leamington, ON)
Peter was brought up on a farm in the Leamington area working hard to become a leading greenhouse operator in Canada. He fine tuned his skills after graduating from the Mechanical Product Design Program at St. Clair College in 1991 and Nature Fresh Farms was established by Peter in 2000. It is located on 150 acres of farmland at the corner of Hwy. 77 and Concession 7 in Leamington.
Nature Fresh Farms operates one of the most technologically advanced greenhouse complexes in all of North America. In doing so, it employs modern Dutch technologies in all-natural growing operations. The results are nutrient rich perfect peppers and cucumbers for the consumer market. The company's advanced technologies also enable it to incorporate environmentally friendly practices, making the operation 100 per cent recyclable.
For the fourth time in a decade, Nature Fresh Farms has achieved the opening of a new phase of operations. Completed in January 2010, Nature Fresh's Phase 4 adds another 31 growing acres to its 67 acre greenhouse complex, for a combined total of 98 growing acres.
Already the largest producer of Greenhouse bell peppers in North America, this new acreage of greenhouses focuses exclusively on producing Tomatoes on the Vine, Cluster Tomatoes and boasts a shipment of 3 million boxes of tomatoes and peppers combined to ship in 2010.
Nature Fresh Farms and its sister company, South Essex Fabricating, continue to lead the way in innovation, technology and distribution. As well, Nature Fresh Farms also participates in a major produce donation program for local food banks and for similar facilities across Ontario.
Peter has two children that work with him in the business.
2009 Honourees
Nick Brancaccio
Journalism '81
Staff Photographer, The Windsor Star
Nick Brancaccio was a graduate of the Journalism program at St. Clair College in 1981. He is an award winning staff photographer for The Windsor Star. Growing up in Windsor, one of his first jobs was being a paperboy for The Star. Nick has been at that newspaper since 1979, starting out as a reporter and now working as a photojournalist.
His many achievements as a staff photographer at The Star include winning the Canadian Best Spot News Photography award for the best picture from across Canada in the 1991 competition.
Nick has covered many stories and events for the local newspaper. Like all great photographers, his photos have told the story of an event, complementing written accounts in a powerful way. He especially enjoys covering breaking news and loves "street level" photojournalism.
He is the recipient of Western Ontario Newspaper Awards, Ontario Newspaper Awards and Canadian Newspaper Awards for his photographic skills. He was recently runner-up for the Photojournalist of the Year in the Ontario Newspaper Awards.
Nick has been involved in many charity efforts in Windsor and Essex County.
He and his wife Noria are the parents of four children.
Anita Harris is a graduate of the Nursing program at St. Clair College Class of 1975: the first nursing class to graduate. Anita grew up in Sandwich and knew from a young age that she wanted to be part of the healing arts. She serves on the Senior Management Team of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital, where she is the Vice President of Clinical Affairs and Chief Privacy Officer.
Following graduation, Anita served as a staff nurse at Hôtel-Dieu Hospital, eventually joining the Critical Care Unit. Within two years of service in the Critical Care program, Anita became an instructor in Critical Care at St. Clair College (Continuing Ed.); then went on to become a sessional instructor for the Nursing Program at the college. Anita continues to be a guest lecturer in the St. Clair Nursing program.
Anita returned to school and earned her Law Degree at the University of Windsor, being admitted to the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1999.
She is a "Do Good Diva" and sits on the Board of Directors for the Windsor Family Health Team.
Anita and her husband John have three children.
Ed Marocko
Law & Security '89
Staff Sergeant, Leamington Police Services
Ed Marocko is a 1989 graduate of the Law & Security program at St. Clair College. He currently serves as Staff Sergeant for Leamington Police Services, with responsibility for five police platoons, the criminal investigations branch, police training and police service internal investigations. Ed has been with Leamington Police Services for over 20 years. Not long after finishing college, Ed was appointed to the Essex County Drug Squad, representing Leamington Police. He recently received the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery.
Ed was a part time instructor at St. Clair College, teaching Police Foundations - Law & Security. There, he demonstrated his great motivation and enthusiasm for police services. The faculty with whom he taught established the"Ed Marocko Bursary to assist Police Foundations - Law & Security students.
On behalf of the Leamington Rotary Club, Ed travelled to New Zealand to exchange methods and ideas with police services there. Officials from New Zealand have recently travelled here and were hosted by Ed and Leamington Police Services as part of that exchange.
He is the husband of Tammy and the father of two girls.
Edward Pillon
Mechanical Engineering '67
Fire Chief - Essex, Town of Essex
Ed Pillon graduated in 1967 from the Western Ontario Institute of Technology (W.O.I.T.)……the forerunner of St. Clair College.
Ed obtained his degree from the Mechanical Engineering program. Following graduation, he was employed by Allied (General) Chemical in Amherstburg. Over 37 years, he worked in many positions, advancing to Operations Supervisor at the plant.
Throughout his career, he was a volunteer firefighter with the Harrow - Colchester South Fire Department. He began his service as a firefighter when he was a teenager: a reflection of the commitment to serving others which has been evident throughout his life. Before amalgamation of Essex County municipalities, Ed served as Deputy Chief of the Harrow Fire Service. In 2004, he assumed the position of Fire Chief for Essex, Harrow and Colchester South.
Ed is well known as a dedicated and active supporter of the community. He is involved in the Goodfellows and Toys For Tots campaigns. He was a coach in minor league sports and still enjoys lacing up his skates to continue playing recreational hockey.
For 38 years, Ed has been the husband of Gail. They have two sons and two grandchildren.
Rocco Tullio
Business '88
CEO & Owner, Rock Developments
Rocco Tullio was a 1988 graduate of the Retail Management program at St. Clair College after graduating from Assumption High School.
He is the chairman of Rock Developments in Windsor. This is a real estate development company with projects which include office, retail, design-build facilities and industrial and commercial land developments. Many familiar ventures in Windsor and Essex County were built by Rock Developments. The company also has numerous projects and properties in the Greater Toronto area.
Rocco owns and operates the three Lifestyle Family Fitness Centres in Windsor and Tecumseh which are dedicated to a focus on wellness and include a wide range of exercise alternatives, nutrition, personal training and lifestyle counseling. His first fitness centre has been transformed from a small Tecumseh racquetball facility of 5,000 square feet to a Lifestyle Fitness Centre boasting over 30,000 square feet. The Lifestyle Fitness success story has set a standard of fitness excellence by which other such facilities and programs are measured.
Since 2007, Rocco has also been principal owner of the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club of the Ontario Hockey League. Oshawa's hockey alumni boasts names such as Bobby Orr, Alex Delvecchio and Eric Lindros.
Rocco and his wife Danielle have three children.
2008 Honourees
Rick Farrow
Business Administration '72
President & CEO, Russell A. Farrow Ltd.
(Windsor, ON)
In 1990, Rick was appointed to his current position of President and CEO of Russell A. Farrow Limited. He is part of the third generation of the Farrow family who manages the company. The Farrow Group of companies is the largest privately owned customs brokerage in Canada. It has 600 employees with 33 offices and warehouses throughout Canada and the United States. Founded in 1911, the Farrow Group provides a comprehensive range of integrated solutions to North American importers and exporters.
Rick has served eight years as a National Director of the Canadian Association of Customs Brokers. He is also an active member of the Detroit Michigan Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and is moderator for his YPO Forum group.
He has focused his personal interests in the volunteer support of the Windsor affiliate for Habitat for Humanity as board member and President. In 2005, Rick was fortunate to host former U. S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, who came to Windsor as our part of Habitat for Humanity's Jimmy Carter Work Project in which six homes were built.
Raymond Payne
Electrical Engineering '68
President & CEO, Chatham Kent Energy (CKE)
(Chatham, ON)
Raymond graduated from W.O.I.T. (Western Ontario Institute of Technology) which was our campus in Windsor, before St. Clair College was built. After his graduation, he began his professional career working at Ontario Hydro throughout the province. In 1998, he was selected as the General Manager of both the Hydro and Water/Wastewater utilities for the PUC (Public Utility Commission) of Kent County. He has worked in management, marketing, sales and customer service. Raymond even found time to be an instructor at St. Clair College in Windsor teaching marketing and sales.
In 2000, the Ontario Government deregulated the electrical distribution business. As a result, hydro and water utilities were separated. This restructuring formed Chatham Kent Energy Inc. (CKE). Raymond is the President and CEO, reporting to the Board of Directors. CKE is the holding company for Chatham Kent Hydro Inc., Chatham Kent Utility Services Inc. and Middlesex Power Distribution Corp.
CKE serves approximately 40,000 customers and is responsible for collections of $85 million. Raymond and his son are both proud alumni of St. Clair College.
Gina Liovas
Early Childhood Education '87
Administrator, CAW Child Care Centre
(Windsor, ON)
Gina has been instrumental in securing funding and exceptional child care for CAW workers and their families. This breakthrough concept of child care started in Windsor by the CAW. Windsor was the only city in which all of the Big Three had manufacturing facilities. They promoted and enabled child care for CAW workers on day and evening shifts.
There are now 3 of these centres across the province. The CAW believed it was imperative to meet the needs of shift working parents who had to care for their children, from infant to twelve years old. Gina also worked toward a flexible model for child care in homes. Caregivers were recognized as employees, because they took care of their own and other children.
Gina heads the drive for child care in our area bringing together new programs and partnerships with labour, government and parents. Gina is the director of 73 staff in our area and is a mentor and resource to many of our present St. Clair College Early Childhood Education Alumni.
Vicki Butzer
Jason Campigotto
Blake Chamberlain
Architectural Technology '05
Award-Winning Architectural Design Team
(Windsor, ON)
After graduating from St. Clair College in 2005, Jason, Vicki and Blake, enrolled at Lawrence Technology Institute in Southfield, Michigan. All three continued their studies to earn their Bachelor of Science degrees in Architecture.
During their schooling at Lawrence Tech, all three classmates, joined as an architecture team for a North American design competition. This student-design competition had 325 entries from students from more than 50 universities from the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The competition challenged student teams to submit designs by students to design the next "Museum of Steel" for a proposed museum for the steel industry in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Our students worked together on the competition, including travelling to Pittsburgh, in preparation for their entry. Over the four months of this project, each of our alumni, utilized their knowledge and skills learned on campus to produce the winning design against their peers across North America.
All three students are presently employed n their respective fields with all three planning to pursue their Masters degrees in Architectural Design.
Nancy Berthiaume
Nursing '87
Clinical Practice Manager
Windsor Regional Hospital
(Windsor, ON)
In 1987, Nancy was recognized by St. Clair College as the recipient of the College's Student Leadership Award. It was only a few years after her college education that she started to lead the way in the health profession in the Windsor and Detroit health care community. Nancy has been the key person in local area hospitals, responsible for coordinating, supervising and educating staff in operating and recovery rooms. Nancy is a valuable member of the team of health professionals at Windsor Regional Hospital as their Clinical Practice Manager.
As manager, she oversees the orientation of newly hired staff and the continuing education in the OR, Recovery Room and the Central Sterilization Room. She is also a trainer for hospital wide nurse orientation.
Windsor Regional Hospital is modernizing their health care service by turning to electronic charting for patient care. Nancy is a "Super User" for the preparation and education of electronic charting for Preoperative Services. With a wealth of experience in nursing care and administration she has become an outstanding model of a health care professional for both her co-workers and patients.
Roseann Danese
Journalism '83
Assistant Managing Editor
The Windsor Star
(Windsor, ON)
Roseann always knew she wanted to be a journalist. How could she foresee, as a girl growing up in Amherstburg, that her work in journalism would have an impact on the lives of citizens and civic business in Windsor and Essex County.
Roseann's only employer has been The Windsor Star. She began working weekends while attending the college as a journalism student. She worked as an intern at school and then was hired by The Star after she graduated from St. Clair. Roseann received newspaper writing awards and nominations for her work on the articles "Our Troubled Children" and "Crack: An Unquenchable Fire".
In 2005, she received the Rogers Cable Award for Municipal Writing with her work in investigating the City of Windsor's involvement with MFP Leasing. Roseann used her journalism skills, taught at St. Clair College, to investigate and help unravel many of the arrangements negotiated with MFG to assist the citizens of Windsor better understand what took place. Today, Roseann works on the electronic online distribution of news on the internet for the immediate flow of news on the world wide web.
Roy Conliffe - Industrial Engineering Technology ‘72
Roy graduated from the College’s Industrial Engineering Technology
Program in 1972. He played defence on the College hockey team
and earned an impressive second team O.C.A.A. All-Tourney berth.
He continued his educational pursuits at the University of Michigan
where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication
in 1975.
Early in his career he discovered a deep affinity for working with
people and human issues. During the last 27 years Roy has held
Labour Relations positions within the Loblaw Group of Companies.
He is currently Senior Vice-President of Labour Relations and
Corporate Officer for George Weston Limited and Loblaw
Companies Limited, a position he has held for the past 10 years.
Loblaw Companies is the largest non-government employer in
Canada.
Roy is a member of the Conference Board of Canada,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans,
and Joint Labour Management of Commercial Retail
Foods.
Lynda Monik - Nursing ‘80
Lynda is a 1980 graduate of the St. Clair College Nursing program. Her
formal education also includes a B.A. from the University of Windsor
and an MBA from St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
During her nursing career, Lynda has worked with renowned surgeons
and as an integral part of critical care at several hospitals in Southwestern
Ontario. Today, Lynda remains convinced that being a nurse is the
best job in the world.
As of September 1, 2007, she was appointed Executive Director of
Sandwich Community Health Centre. From 1998 to Sept. 1, she held
various positions at Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital, most recently as
Director, In-Patient Services. While at HDGH, Lynda worked closely
with patients/families, staff and physicians to drive process change,
improve overall efficiency and move the organization toward seamless
care.
Over the past several years, Lynda has received certificates from the
Rotman School of Management, Queen’s University School of Business,
and the University of Michigan Faculty of Engineering.
She is the recipient of numerous awards including:
The Canadian College of Health Service Executives,
Nursing Leadership Award; the Registered Nurses
Association of Ontario Leadership Award in Nursing
Administration; the RNAO Leadership Award in
Political Action; and, in 2007, the prestigious RNAO
Hub Fellowship Award which is bestowed on nurses
who have made outstanding contributions to the
profession of nursing in Ontario.
Lu-Ann Cowell
Developmental Services Worker ‘75
As a teenager babysitting young children with disabilities, Lu-Ann
recognized early in life the field that she would pursue. In 1975 she
graduated from the College’s Developmental Services Worker
Program at Thames Campus and through Humber College later
completed a course on preschool programming for children with
developmental delays.
Upon graduation she assumed a front line position at the
Developmental Centre, now known as Community Living in
Chatham-Kent. Lu-Ann has advanced within the organization and
since 1992 has held the position of Executive Director of Community
Living Chatham-Kent.
Currently she is also the Chair of the Coordinated Access to
Developmental Services for the community of Chatham-Kent and
Chair for the Ontario Executive Directors Coordinating Group.
Lu-Ann works diligently with a large group of staff and Board of
Directors and has instituted many innovative programs. She is
committed to full servicing from within the
community for people with disabilities. Lu-Ann’s
passion for supporting and improving the lives of
people and families who live with intellectual
disabilities has earned Lu-Ann recognition as a
leader, both locally and provincially.
Mike Gibb - Journalism ‘98
Mike graduated in 1998 from the College’s Journalism program. He
credits the 3 month internship required to successfully complete the
program as the catalyst to his successful career.
From 1998 to 2001, he held journalistic positions with Canadian
Press, The Ottawa Sun, The Hockey News, and the Northwest Herald.
During this time, one of Mike’s stories placed second in the 2000
Statewide Newspaper Association’s sportswriting division.
Since 2001, Mike has been employed with Royal Media Group, a
leading financial services media company, providing specialized
information and insights to executives. The Company operates from
offices in New York and Houston and focuses on print and electronic
publishing, market research, and live and audio conference
production. From 2001-2003 Mike was the Associate and Managing
Editor. In 2003, he was appointed Senior Editor and has also recently
been appointed as Sales Director.
Frank Moceri - Business – Accounting ‘80
Frank’s graduation from the Business - Accounting Program in 1980
equipped him with the background to make sound business and risk
management decisions.
After graduation, he worked for several years in accounting positions
at various businesses, including industrial companies, public practice,
and banking.
For 13 years he has held the position of Chief Financial and Chief
Executive Officer of Windsor Disposal Services which received the
Business Excellence Award in 2000, the Canadian Italian Business
Award in 2002, and achieved the first ISO 14000 designation in
Canada in the waste and recycling industry.
Frank is an Executive Vice-President of the Federation of the Canadian
Italian Professional and Business Association and a member of the
Association’s International Board in Toronto; President of the Windsor
Executive Association; sits on the Board of Directors of the Ontario
Waste Management Association in Toronto; and is also on the
Executive Board of Directors of the Windsor
Chamber of Commerce.
Cheryl Rettig - Journalism ‘06
Cheryl is a 2006 graduate from the Journalism Program at St. Clair
College. While seeking employment, Cheryl became frustrated by job
descriptions stating that field experience was a requirement. She
found a web page that discussed international internships and read
about opportunities funded by the Canadian International
Development Agency.
This discovery subsequently resulted in her travelling to Ghana, Africa
to begin a 6-month assignment with a human rights organization
called Gender Studies & Human Rights Documentation Centre. While
in Africa, Cheryl spent time writing proposals, reports and articles
about Human Rights and teaching the people of Ghana about
women’s rights and gender equality.
Cheryl’s humanitarian journey has only just begun. Her next mission to make a personal difference with her pen will be to
a summer internship in Washington, D.C. She will be working in public
relations/ communications for a non-profit organization called
“Shared Hope,” a group that works in the U.S. and
around the world to investigate, eradicate and help
victims of human trafficking.
Michael Burns – Child and Youth Worker '81
Michael Burns graduated from the CYW program at St. Clair in 1981 as a mature student, and took with him the necessary knowledge to build a successful career in this field. Over the past 30 years, Michael has worked as a front-line Child & Youth Worker in a variety of settings, all the while maintaining his own private practice. Michael has held faculty positions with Lambton College, St. Clair College, Fanshawe College, Grant McEwan College and is currently a professor at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, ON. Michael has written several books and numerious articles relating to the field of Child & Youth Work and is the most-published CYC in Canada. Michael is also a successful entrepreneur and owns his own Publishing Company, Child Care
Diane Gagner – Office Administration - Legal, '74
With her diploma from the Office Administration program providing a solid base, Diane Gagner continued her educational pursuits to receive her BA from the University of Windsor, her MBA from the Ivey School of Business and her CFP and CHRP designations. Using her experience and education, Diane became a successful entrepreneur and established her own Financial Planning and Management COnsulting businesses, all the while remaining involved in the family farming business. In 2001, Diane decided to enter into Municipal Politics, and ran for position of Mayor of Chatham-Kent, despite having no prior political experience. Successful in this endeavor, Diance was elected as Mayor in 2001, and was re-elected for her 2nd term in 2003.
Jason Newhook – Electrical Engineering Technology, '93
Following graduation from the Electrical Engineering program in 1993, Jason Newhook began a successful career with Navistar International Truck & Engine, where he held a variety of positions until eventually relocating to Mexico to launch their new production plant in Escobedo. Utilizing the Six Sigma training received at Navistar, Jason then accepted a position with a US-based Six Sigma consulting firm where he remained for 3 years, until opening his own company with his partners in 2003. Datazinc has since established itself as a dynamic leader in the fields of Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing and Assessment & Implementation services. Datazinc's founders and Master Black Belt trainers and revered as being among the top Six Sigma pioneers and practitioners in the world.
Christopher Popowich – Lighting and Sound '75
Christopher Popowich has been the lighting designer for numerous theatre productions across Canada, UK, Asia and the USA. Christopher previously taught at the Central School of Speech & Drama in London, UK and was the Head of the Lighting Department at the Banff School of Fine Arts. He was also Adjunct Lighting faculty at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama in Pittsburgh, PA from 1996-2002. Christopher recently moved into the field of Archtectural Lighting Design and has won international awards for his work at the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh. Christopher works closely with his wife and fellow lighting designer, Cindy Limauro, who together have formed C&C Lighting in Pittsburgh.
Dr. Lawrence Schmidt – Medical Laboratory Technology '73
After graduating from St. Clair's Medical Laboratory Technology program in 1973, Lawrence Schmidt set his sights on further education and began down a path that led to his graduation from the University of Western Ontario with his MD in 1983. Dr. Schmidt practices as a Family Physician in London, ON, and provides a comprehensive range of services to his patients, with an active interest in obstetrics and women's health. In order to ensure that his patients do receive the most well-rounded care, Dr. Schmidt has incorporated certain non-traditional medical approaches into his practice, including midwifery support and acupuncture. dr. Schmidt has been a full-time faculty member at UWO since 2001.
Joe DiGiorgio – Advertising '80
Following his graduation from St. Clair's Advertising program in 1980, Joe Di Giorgio pursued the path of radio advertising. Joe held a variety of positions at local radio stations which allowed him to use his creativity and gain behind the scenes experience and knowledge. One day, Joe was placed on hold while phoning an auto body shop and was entertained by the hold messaging service that the owner had contracted from a Florida-based company. After researching the idea, Joe used his creative nature and technical knowledge to start his own messaging service, Hold Please Communications and currently has clients all over the world. Joe was able to find a way to use his creativity to turn a local business venture into an international success story and credits his instructors at St. Clair for giving him the encouragement needed to pursue his passion.
John Hall – Food Processing Technology '70
When John Hall graduated from St. Clair College in 1970, there was no doubt in his mind that he wanted to work in the beverage alcohol industry, and actively pursued this path while accepting a position with Campbell Soup Company. In his time there, John was able to develop his palate as a member of the tasting panel, so when Labatt's called upon John to work in their wine division he was more than ready. After 19 years with Labatt, John pursued his dream of creating his own product and founded Kittling Ridge Estate Wines and Spirits. In addition to his wine-making, Hall is the last remaining independent whisky maker in Ontario. John encourages all current and future students to embrace the entire College experience, not just the classroom. His time at St. Clair was filled with s number of life experiences that have contributed directly to his success today.
Dr. Shelley Lalani – Dental Assisting '80, Dental Hygiene '83
Dr. Shelley Lalani has been involved in dentistry since her early college days, when she was working in the dental office of a family friend. Her academic success in the Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Programs at St. Clair College, provided the basis for her continued pursuit of academic achievement and laid the groundwork for a successful career in Orthodontics. Following her graduation from the University of Detroit Mercy with extensive credentials, Dr. Lalani purchased her own practice in Leamington, Ontario, where she continues to provide high quality of treatment in a caring, friendly and professional atmosphere. Dr. Lalani credits St. Clair with not only providing a solid educational base for building her career, but also with giving her the confidence needed to progress further with her education and career path.
Guy Parent – Security Administration '75
Guy Parent was a graduate of the first Security Administration program offered at St. Clair College. Guy quickly embraced this new and growing career field, and contributed significantly to the growth of a number of rising security companies of the time. In 1988, Guy founded Corporate Investigation Services Ltd. Now with offices in London, Windsor and Ottawa, his company serves all corporate investigative needs and interests in Canada. Guy has committed to a lifelong career in Security Administration, and has enjoyed much success as a result of his dedication to the profession. In reflecting on his time at St. Clair, Guy recognizes the challenges his professors faced as they were implementing a brand new program. He credits this outstanding line-up of teachers with instilling in him the knowledge and the drive to achieve what he has today.
James Petrozzi – Mechanical Engineering '70
A graduate of St. Clair's Mechanical Engineering program in 1970, James Petrozzi was fortunate to immediately start working in his chosen field. His combined practical education and experience would soon allow him to rise to the top of the food production industry, holding senior management positions at Green Giant and J.M Schneider before coming to M&M Meat Shops, where he holds the current position of CEO. Under Petrozzi's leadership, M&M has grown from the 45 franchise stores in existence in 1989 to the 400 stores currently in existence today.
James recognizes that the practical experience gained at St. Clair College allowed him to make an easy transition into his first job. Above that practical knowledge however, James believes that “education teaches you how to think on your feet, how to analyse problems and how to set values for yourself”, and those lessons learned are what determines your success.
Kay Douglas '80
Following her graduation from St. Clair, Kay Douglas went nowhere but up. She and a partner created DBA Marketing, which grew steadily for 9 years. Then in 2002, she merged with Tom Harris, owner of 30-year old Harris Marketing Communications. Agency accounts have doubled since the alliance, resulting in new job creation, rewarding client relationships and exhilarating work days. “This is an exceptional time for us”, says Kay. “The team we have put together is really talented and supportive, and our clients are simply terrific. I feel so blessed to be a part of all of this.”
Mary Jo Haddad '76
Mary Jo is the current President and CEO of The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, and was the 2004 Premier's Award Recipient in the Health Sciences Category. She has held a variety of health care administration and nursing positions in both the United States and in Canada. May Jo graduated from St. Clair in 1976 and continued on to the University of Windsor (BScN, 1984), and the University of Toronto (MHScA, 1998). She is an active community member and involved in a number of projects and organizations including the United Way and the Cedarbrook Society.
David Heyens '81
From a modest beginning, David Heyens decided to become a success story. While attending St. Clair in 1980 and graduating in 1981, David realized that he loved to learn. David excels at everything he does. He was salesman of the year for two companies, held various management positions for a variety of companies and joined Cardinal Health as Vice-President Sales and Marketing. He quickly became President of Cardinal Health's Encapsulation business for North America. By the age of 45, David has a complete $200 million a year business under his control.
Gerry Lesa '65
Gerry Lesa graduated from the Western Ontario Institute of Technology (W.O.I.T.) in 1965 from Electronics Engineering Technology. A self-made success story, Gerry has owned and operated G.M. Lesa Associates, Phoenix Log, and SWT Specialty Products group in Tecumseh since the early 1970's. Gerry is a family man with 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren, and is active in the community as a volunteer and supporter to many organizations. In 2002, Gerry sold his company and is now enjoying retirement.
Lynn Martin '77
Shortly after graduating from St. Clair's advertising program in 1977, Lynn Martin relocated to California and began working in the advertising business. Lynn eventually moved back to Windsor to begin working in radio as a producer. She soon loved into an on-air position, and ultimately became a daytime talk-show host. Lynn is actively involved in the community and has earned celebrity status for her work and volunteer efforts.
Kent Billinghurst '93
As a College employee, Kent has been a fixture at St. Clair since the 70's. A faculty member and a local child-rearing guru who shares his knowledge through entertaining and informative parenting seminars or as an expert on call on local radio. For Billinghurst, it all boils down to finding ways to have an impact, and finding ways to place himself in a position to help others. "My goal is to leave a legacy in the lives of people I reach and touch".
Glen Angus '94
Glen Angus always knew there would be busy days ahead. He just didn't realize until recently that being a successful high end gaming software developer would limit his free time to sleeping hours. Married and living in Wisconsin, Angus applies his talents in several ways, creating concept art, skin textures and cinematic matte paintings. Angus is a former instructor for S. Clair College and was known for his serious approach to his craft. St. Clair sparked the drive for me to become and illustrator as opposed to an unfocused aspiring artist.
Dr. Laura Arbour '76
Dr. Arbour is an Assistant professor in the University of British Columbia Department of Medical Genetics. As a pediatrician and practicing Clinical Geneticist at UBC, she works at the B.C. Women's health centre and she is also chair of the B.C. Children's Hospital Clinical Ethics Committee. "My nursing education helped me to formulate how I saw health care and the practice of medicine. The patient is a person in a family, community and population. Relative health or 'unwellness' impacts on not only the individual but all who are connected to them in various ways."
Cal Haddad '94
Former President of Mohawk College in Hamilton, Haddad became a staunch advocate of student life first and St. Clair College. " I've graduated from three other institutions of higher learning, and what I took at St. Clair has benefited me more than anything. I got my teaching certificate, my B.A. and my masters, and it wasn't as hard as my three year Business Diploma." Haddad puts it all down to his dedicated teacher. "My instructors were all so very hard working...they were terrific."
Real Tanguay '72
After his first year at the University of Windsor, Tanguay realized he wanted a more practical education and enrolled at St. Clair College, in electrical engineering. "I went to school so that I could get a job," says Tanguay. "I wanted more practical training. My focus was to get in the door. St. Clair College gave me that." Tanguay became the first Canadian to take the top position at Toyota when he became President in March 2002. Attitude is a key factor in anyone's success. "I love to work, and I love to work with people. When you have that attitude, you find your place in the world. You have to always be looking ahead, and willing to do the jobs that no one else wants to do."
Paul Allsop '65
Paul Allsop has never been one to sit still when there's work to done. It's a by product of caring so much. Caring about the past, present and future. From the days as a student activist at the Western Ontario Institute of Technology (where Paul graduated from in 1965) through his distinguished career at Hiram Walker and his efforts to preserve pieces of Canada's architectural history; from his stint in 1999 as the co-chair of Canada's most successful United Way Campaign, through his retirement and lifelong involvement with his church, Allsop has always made things happen.
Elaine Maloney '79
Elaine Maloney's name is potentially on the lip's pf every pharmacist in Ontario these days, usually at a moment when they are dealing with a professional dilemma. In her role as Practice Advisory Officer at the Ontario College of Pharmacists - Maloney admits she must draw from her experiences from all her previous jobs. "The Pharmacy Assistant program at St Clair College got me started in something. It's hard to believe how fare we've come as a profession"
Dr. Francis Olu Ogunsakin '82
Dr. Ogunsakin successfully completed a three-year business Administration diploma with a major in accounting in 1982. In January 2001, he was appointed as the Cultural Diversity advisor to the city of London (England) as well as the advisor to the Police Authority on Race and other Diversity issues. As the England Police Commissioner for the City of London Perry Nove says "His commitment, his personal style and his ability to introduce difficult and sensitive issues to personnel in all roles in the organization, and to positively influence those individuals is particularly impressive".
Paulah Dauns '74
Paula graduated from St. Clair College in '74. From world travel to championing human rights to writing legal texts on the protection of children, Dauns has led her family on a merry -- and sometimes sad chase. Originally Paulah Edwards, a name she uses when she comes to Windsor, Dauns lives in Vancouver B.C. She has published two legal texts, one Crown counsel handbook and three training videos all dealing with sexual offenses against children. :What I like best about my job is that I need to read and understand the history, politics, legal structure, current events, culture and geography of over 50 countries...what could be better?"
Guy Diponio '68
Guy earned a tool and die scholarship to the Western Institute of Technology and ended up graduating from the newly named St. Clair College. He would serve as the Development Commissioner at 35 years of age. The single greatest highlight in his tenure was the locating of the Ford Essex Engine plant and Essex Casting facilities in east Windsor. "to do justice to raising a family of four, to do justice to your spouse, and to do justice to your employer and your career, you need to make fine adjustments every day to achieve balance" he says.Dr. Sheila Horen '84
Dr. Horen graduated from St. Clair's medical Technology program in 1984. She now is a family physician with a thriving practice in Leamington Ontario. She spends 60 plus hours a week with her practice, plus a half-day at Windsor cancer centre and other time as an operating room assistant and her roles for the Essex County Medical Society Executive. "Our country is in dire need of young enthusiastic students (and old energetic alumni) interested in medicine and related fields."
Alan Butterbaugh '86
Alan graduated from the Advertising program at St. Clair College in 1986. In 1987 he joined Ross Roy Communications as Account Administrator. By 1994 he was the Senior Account Executive. In January of 2000 Alan became President of McGill - a company that uses technology to help companies sell products. Under his leadership, McGill has tripled in size and completely refined its product and service offerings to anticipate advances in technology and client needs. "(McGill) is not just another dot com company. St. Clair taught me how to deal with people first, and how to deal with communications objective and marketing messages."
Bill Carter
Bill recalls how St. Clair college influenced his business career and accommodated his needs. "The confidence I gained at St. Clair College allowed me to enter the workforce in January of 1970, even before graduation." Not surprisingly, Carter is a staunch supporter in the value of education, but not just as a means to finding a high paying job. "Most of the instructors at St. Clair College were mentors of mine, and I've kept those relationships alive to this day."
Walter Fox '72
You'd think, sitting atop the mountain that is a multi-national corporation operating with divisions all across Canada, the western United States and even in Magadan, Russia, that Walter Fox (1972 Business Accounting) is the quintessential aggressive businessman who must win at all costs. And, you'd think in his role as President and CEO of Wajax Limited, a company with 1999 revenues of $1.03-billion, he must be a cutthroat corporate kingpin. And, you'd be wrong. Walter Fox, is, first and foremost, a family man who just happens to run a 150 branch conglomerate with a clear sense of immutable business ethics and respect for his 2,700 fellow workers.
Tim Kane '79
Advertising grad Tim Kane founded Delta Media following nearly two decades ago with leading advertisers, advertising and public relations agencies, as well as governments in Canada and abroad. In his role as Chairman and CEO of Delta Media Inc. and as a member of the Board of Directors of the New York based Worldcom Public Relations Group Inc. Tim has worked with Delta's clients on a wide range of high profile issues. "During the college prep program, I was given an aptitude test that indicated very clearly that I should pure a career in public relations and advertising."
Hazel McDonald '77
Things might have been very different for Hazel McDonald, and by extension the hundreds of people she has touched with her rare gift of caring, if she hadn't listened to her husband Allan's gentle advice one evening long ago. It all started as she prepared to attend a Nursing department open house at St. Clair College in Chatham.
Today, Hazel displays a youthful exuberance about her career as a certified emergency room nurse at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance Hospital. Perhaps it's because her career is really only a small part of what makes Hazel remarkable. She gives from her heart, pays for her trips to Honduras out of her own pocket by working extra shifts at the hospital, and is constantly giving to others. She works very long hours in a high stress area. . . and never stops caring about all humanity and the rights of others. She looks for opportunities to inspire and encourage people to be the best that they can be. She never stops sacrificing, never stops studying, and always encourages other people to study.
Ron Wingelear '77
If there was a person who functioned best while staying out of the limelight, It's St. Clair Plastics Technician grad Ron Wingelear. Long a champion of local charities in Windsor, Ron was the driving force behind the charitable efforts of Recko Tool and Mould for as long as anyone cares to remember. "I just find getting involved with kids very satisfying. It's satisfying to get a kid, even as a coach and help them to believe in themselves" he says.
Nick Brancaccio
Anita Harris
Ed Marocko
Edward Pillon
Rocco Tullio
Rick Farrow
Raymond Payne
Gina Liovas
Vicki Butzer
Nancy Berthiaume
Roseann Danese
Roy Conliffe - Industrial Engineering Technology ‘72
Lynda Monik - Nursing ‘80
Lu-Ann Cowell
Mike Gibb - Journalism ‘98
Frank Moceri - Business – Accounting ‘80
Cheryl Rettig - Journalism ‘06
Michael Burns – Child and Youth Worker '81 
Diane Gagner – Office Administration - Legal, '74 
Jason Newhook – Electrical Engineering Technology, '93 
Christopher Popowich – Lighting and Sound '75 
Dr. Lawrence Schmidt – Medical Laboratory Technology '73 
Joe DiGiorgio – Advertising '80
John Hall – Food Processing Technology '70
Dr. Shelley Lalani – Dental Assisting '80, Dental Hygiene '83
Guy Parent – Security Administration '75
James Petrozzi – Mechanical Engineering '70
Kay Douglas '80
Mary Jo Haddad '76
David Heyens '81
Gerry Lesa '65
Lynn Martin '77
Kent Billinghurst '93
Glen Angus '94 
Dr. Laura Arbour '76 
Cal Haddad '94 
Real Tanguay '72 
Paul Allsop '65
Elaine Maloney '79
Dr. Francis Olu Ogunsakin '82
Paulah Dauns '74
Guy Diponio '68
Dr. Sheila Horen '84
Alan Butterbaugh '86
Bill Carter
Walter Fox '72
Tim Kane '79
Hazel McDonald '77
Ron Wingelear '77
