The newest members of St. Clair College's alumni community officially received their diplomas, certificates and degrees during five Spring Convocation ceremonies in Windsor and Chatham over the past week.
More than 3,000 graduates from programs across the College were recognized during four convocation sessions in Windsor on June 2 and 3, and one in Chatham on June 8.
Graduates now join a growing network of more than 150,000 St. Clair College alumni who are making an impact in communities around the world.
"Convocation is a celebration of achievement and you graduate with something that carries real and lasting value – a St. Clair College education," said St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi. "It represents more than the successful completion of your program. It reflects a learning experience grounded in practical application, guided by faculty with real-world expertise, and shaped by opportunities to engage directly with your chosen field. It is an education designed not only to inform, but to prepare – to ensure that you are ready to contribute from your very first day beyond these walls."
Across the five ceremonies, graduates heard from some of St. Clair College's recently distinguished Alumni of Distinction, who delivered convocation addresses and shared words of encouragement and inspiration during each ceremony.
During session one, Nic White, co-owner and CEO of Handy Bros. Home Comfort delivered the convocation address to graduates of the Schools of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships and Engineering Technologies.
Mark McGuire, the executive director of Give and Go Sports Education, delivered the keynote to graduates of the Zekelman School of Business during session two.
On June 3, Ed Marocko, a past recipient of the Alumni of Distinction award and current faculty member in the Police Foundations and Protection, Security and Investigations programs, offered words of advice to graduates in the Schools of Community Studies and Zekelman School of Information Technology.
During the fourth session, Jennifer Jovanovski, the CEO of the John McGivney Children's Centre, provided the convocation address to graduates in the Schools of Nursing and Health Sciences.
And in the fifth session in Chatham, the keynote was delivered to graduates of all academic programs at the Chatham Campus by Jenn Pestrin, the executive director of Community Living Windsor. Pestrin is also a graduate of the Developmental Services Worker program in Chatham.
Since the program's inception in 1992, 148 alumni have been recognized with the Alumni of Distinction honour.
At the ceremonies this past week, four students were also honoured for going the extra mile during their studies at St. Clair College.
Two students received the President's Medal, which is awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement combined with meaningful participation and leadership during the student's years at the College.
Those recipients included Darrelle Vaughn, a graduate of the Police Foundations program in Windsor.
"A model of excellence, leadership, and community engagement, Darrelle has consistently gone above and beyond in all aspects of college life," said President Silvaggi. "A dedicated and inspiring leader, she has left an indelible mark on her program, peers, and the wider college community."
Vaughn led and participated in countless initiatives, including road clean-ups, pancake sales for Play for a Cure, charity golf tournaments, Hallowe'en for Hunger, the Royal Ball fundraiser and more.
"A proud member of the Indigenous community, Darrelle serves as a trusted liaison between band members and Chief and Council, providing a safe space for open dialogue and contributing to stronger community connections. Her leadership and cultural advocacy enrich both the classroom and campus life," President Silvaggi said. "In every setting, her professionalism, poise, and collaborative spirit shine."
Vaughn was honoured to receive the award.
"It's amazing to know that so many people see what other people are capable of," she said after the ceremony. "I love to help out in the community. It's amazing to see how what one person does can help other people, and other people are going to feel good about what you do."
In Chatham, the President's Medal went to Kaitlynn Byrne, a graduate of the Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant program.
"It feels surreal, like it flew by. Two years, all that blood, sweat and tears, and now it's all done – it's a happy-sad moment," Byrne said. "But I'm happy to be done at the same time."
Byrne will be sticking around at the College for another year, serving as the President of the Thames Student Inc. student government.
"I really love TSI, I love all the advocacy work the organization does and it's changed a lot about me, so I'm happy to give back.
Two students – one at Windsor and one from the Chatham Campus – also received the Student Leadership Medal from Sr. Vice President of International Relations and Student Services, Ralph Nicoletti.
"It feels very amazing. I'm very proud to have the opportunity to participate in all the things I've been part of during my time at St. Clair," said Mckinley Lenehan, a Student Leadership Medal recipient and graduate of the Protection, Security and Investigation program at Windsor Campus. "Never give up, hard work really does pay off, and if you dedicate yourself to something – even if it's tough – you'll end up on the right path."
Roxanne Aldan-Popa, a graduate of the Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant program, received the Student Leadership Medal for Chatham Campus.
She's a mature student who wanted to explore a second career here in Canada after working as an engineer in the gas industry in Romania.
"It's a huge thing to come back to school after 20 years, and I did very well, so I'm very proud of myself," Aldan-Popa said. "I just wanted to change, follow my passion and help kids with disabilities, and I'm glad I followed by passion."
"It's amazing to go back and have colleagues of all ages and still have leadership and be there for them. It was amazing."
President Silvaggi sent graduating students off during each session with words of inspiration.
"You are now, and always will be, part of Saints Nation," President Silvaggi said. "So today, as you take this next step, take pride in what you have accomplished, be confident in what you have learned and be optimistic about what lies ahead. Because this moment is not an ending – it is a beginning."
"And it's a beginning filled with opportunity, potential, and the ability to shape your own future."
