St. Clair College graduates over 5,000 in virtual event

REGIONAL – St. Clair College has graduated over 5,000 students with a virtual convocation held on Thursday, June 17.

The schools represented were Academic Studies Chatham, Community Studies, Engineering Technologies, Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades, Health Sciences & Nursing (including Chatham), Media Art & Design, Business and Information Technology and Ace Acumen Academy.

Students who received academic medals from each of their schools were also recognized.

The convocation ceremonies included messages from St. Clair College President Patti France, Board of Governors Chair Nancy Jammu-Taylor, Alumni President Andrew Rowberry, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff and Ross Romano, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

The 2021 Grad Pack from St. Clair College.

Graduates received two lapel pins — one from the Alumni Association and another from the College depicting Gryphon Wings, the school’s official emblem.

College President Patti France told the graduates in her message that the wings signify their “innate and undeniable quality to excel at whatever challenge is presented.” France said the graduates showed great perseverance in the face of adversity as they completed their studies during a global pandemic.

“Remarkably, throughout the pandemic, St. Clair has achieved our highest ever enrolment levels and staged several convocations featuring our largest ever graduating classes,” President France said. “This week’s ceremonies will add to those numbers, as over 5,000 new graduates will be added to our half-century of 120,000 alumni.”

All students were offered the opportunity to submit a slide, with a photo and a quote, to be included in the virtual convocation.