Hundreds of students walked across the stage at the historic Chatham Capitol Theatre Thursday afternoon for the St. Clair College Chatham Fall 2025 Convocation.
Students from more than a dozen programs in the Schools of Nursing, Engineering Technologies, Skilled Trades and Community Studies donned traditional black robes and St. Clair College stoles on Oct. 2, 2025, as they received their diplomas after years of hard work.
"Convocation may be described by one word that describes this final experience of our students: culmination," observed St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi. "Crossing the stage with credentials placed in their hands is the well-deserved culmination of years of hard work to acquire the state-of-the-art knowledge and skills for the rewarding careers that await them."
"There is another word that also applies: celebration," President Silvaggi said. "It's a celebration for everyone involved: the graduates, their family and friends in the audience, and the College's faculty and staff who are so extremely proud of our newest Saints alumni."
Students were engaged during a special convocation address by recent Alumni of Distinction, Paula Reaume-Zimmer, the President and CEO of Bluewater Health in Sarnia.
"I stand here not just as a healthcare leader, but as someone who once sat exactly where you are now – filled with pride, anticipation, and maybe a little uncertainty about what comes next," she told graduates, noting she remembers her turn, 31 year earlier, quite vividly. "If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing! St. Clair College prepared me to be ready to put my best self forward, ready to enter into the workplace setting with a degree of familiarity from my college placements, and ready to launch into my career and into my journey as a lifelong learner."
Reaume-Zimmer graduated from the College's Chatham campus in the Nursing program in 1994. During her studies, she did a hospital nursing placement in her home community at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. It was there she first felt inspired and nurtured, eventually blossoming into a lifelong passion for helping through healthcare.
From mental health and addictions services to clinical manager and now in her role as President and CEO of Bluewater Health, Reaume-Zimmer has worked in many facets of the healthcare sector in Ontario.
Since taking the helm at Bluewater Health, Reaume-Zimmer has overseen the implementation of a new technology – Savi Scout – to make breast cancer surgeries less invasive. The hospital is also offering a ‘scar-free hysterectomy' surgery, called vNOTES, where the new procedure leaves no external scars and offers patients less pain, shorter hospital stays, and a faster recovery.
Bluewater Health is also investing in its human resources, hiring on new medical specialists, as well as student clerks to enhance learning opportunities for regional health care students.
Reaume-Zimmer's message to students wasn't all about academics but rather doing the little things that make a big difference.
"Always act as if someone is watching – because someone is," she said. "Whether it's a patient, a colleague, or a future mentor, your integrity matters."
She also encouraged students to treat every day at work like a job interview, say yes to opportunities, be open-minded and kind, show gratitude, and never be afraid to ask for help.
"In a new career setting, you will need to reach out to others for help, support, reassurance and intel. Don't wait until you need something from someone to get to know the people you encounter," she said. "Giving has a reciprocal affect, and people will want to help you, just the same."
She also had a special message to the many Nursing and Personal Support Worker program students who took part in Convocation.
"Health care is fast paced, demanding, and deeply rewarding. You are now part of a profession that touches lives in profound ways," Reaume-Zimmer said. "Never underestimate the power of your presence, your words, or your compassion. You may be the most meaningful part of someone's day – make it count."
"You've earned this moment. Go forward with courage, curiosity, and compassion. We need you!"
