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.