By 1971 , the demand for college programs in Chatham-Kent could not be ignored .
levels of potentiality .”
The diversity in St . Clair College ’ s programs means there is something available for almost anyone . The school ’ s current slogan , Start Here , Go Anywhere , applies to nurses , scientists , artists , naturalists , child care specialists and more . The newest offering , eSports , will launch in September , and is the first program of its kind in Canada .
“ I saw the new college system as a great new opportunity for students who , because of limited opportunities beyond secondary school , were not able , or willing , to go on to university ,” said Totten of the early days . “ Aside from the workforce , the university was the only option . The announcement of the creation of these new colleges was a perfect option for these students .”
By 1971 , the demand for college programs in Chatham-Kent could not be ignored . St . Clair College offered courses out of The Pines High School in Chatham , with 70 students enrolled that year . By 1976 , construction on a permanent facility - today know as the Thames Campus - had begun in Chatham .
“ In 25 years I never had a day that I didn ’ t look forward to going to work .” After Totten ’ s retirement from the Office of the
Registrar in 1993 , he remained involved with the college through the Retirees ’ Association . “ This has given me a chance to give something back to the college through various volunteer opportunities ,” said Totten . “ These have included the Retirees ’ Association Archive Project ; assisting as a volunteer with various college events and activities ; and presentations on retirement planning for current staff considering their futures . The Association also provides social opportunities for those who like to continue their relationship with the college .”
Although the first 10 years of the college ’ s life was particularly explosive with growth , St . Clair College has never stopped growing . Adding the Ford Centre for Excellence in Manufacturing in 2000 introduced top-of-the-line training facilities for automotive-related studies , as well as a home for the innovative Entertainment Technology program . The residence Quittenton Hall opened in 2002 - the same year the college received degree-granting status , allowing completion of some college programs to carry the same weight as a four-year university degree .
In 2007 , then college president John Strasser led the acquisition of the Cleary Auditorium in downtown Windsor ,