It was 31 years ago when Paula Reaume-Zimmer received her Nursing diploma from St. Clair College at the Thames Arena in Chatham – a day she remembers vividly.
"I remember the pride in my parents' eyes, the laughter with classmates, and the quiet excitement about stepping into the world as a nurse," she recalled. "I also remember the weight of the unknown—what would come next, and whether I was truly ready."
Today, Reaume-Zimmer is the President and CEO of Bluewater Health after a storied career as a nurse and health care administrator in southwestern Ontario.
On Monday, June 9, 2025, the recently named Alumni of Distinction at St. Clair College delivered the Convocation address at the seventh session of the 58th annual Convocation at Chatham's Capitol Theatre.
She shared with students something she wished someone had told her that special day, more than three decades ago: "You are more ready than you think."
Reaume-Zimmer spoke to graduates from the School of Nursing and School of Health Sciences, including those enrolled in the Personal Support Worker, Pre-Health Sciences, Occupational and Physiotherapy Assistant, and Paramedic programs.
"I was shaped by the incredible instructors here—people who didn't just teach, but inspired," she said. "They modelled professionalism, compassion, and integrity. They showed me that our words and actions can either lift someone up or hold them back."
"That lesson has stayed with me every day of my career," she remembered fondly.
From mental health and addictions services to clinical manager and now President and CEO of Bluewater Health, Reaume-Zimmer has worked in many facets of the healthcare sector in Ontario.
Through her years of service, she's learned many lessons and was eager to pass along some sage advice, including the value of integrity, the importance of saying 'yes' to new opportunities, and always doing what is right.
"Healthcare 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."
Earlier in the day, fellow Alumnus of Distinction Walter LaPlante had the chance to address students in the School of Academic Studies, during the sixth session of the 58th annual Convocation, also noting he fondly remembered the feeling of graduating.
"I started my journey at St. Clair College almost 20 years ago in the Mechanical Engineering Technology – Mechatronics program, right here on the Thames Campus. It feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago," LaPlante noted.
After graduating, LaPlante went on to pursue additional post-secondary education before landing at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, where he now resides with his family.
LaPlante has emerged as a leader in the field of vehicle control and connectivity and is sought after for his innovative ideas. LaPlante credits his time at St. Clair College for helping him discover his passion for specific areas of engineering and better understand how to apply theory through hands-on learning.
LaPlante, who is Deaf and uses a combination of a sign-language interpreter and lip-reading to help him communicate, has overcome many obstacles to get where he is today. But it positioned him well for his job, where he and his colleagues in the Stamping division must also overcome challenges on a daily basis to make parts that go into Ford vehicles.
"The most valuable lessons, I believe, are often the ones learned in the real world – the perseverance you've built, the friendships you forged, the understanding and knowledge you've gained will be your true compass," he told graduates.
LaPlante offered up three tips for new grads as they navigate their paths forward: Stay curious, stay connected, and lead with kindness.
"You are graduating from a place that has equipped you not just with knowledge, but how to adapt, and contribute meaningfully to this world," LaPlante said. "You carry the spirit of The Saints with you."
"The world is waiting for you. Go out there and be you, be passionate and authentic, and make your mark."
