Ibiso Briggs travelled a great distance and made many sacrifices for her chance at a better future.
And Briggs says she got that on Tuesday when she - and thousands of other new graduates had their diplomas and degrees conferred at St. Clair College's eleventh and twelfth sessions of Fall Convocation on Sept. 30, 2025, at the WFCU Centre.
"I'm so excited today. It's so good to be here and everybody's feeling happiness - me, especially," Briggs said.
She came to Windsor from Nigeria, and after a few years of studying, is a graduate with distinction of the Hospitality - Hotel and Restaurant program at St. Clair College.
"It's a milestone I've been looking forward to. This really proves that I can do and be anything I want to be," Briggs said after the ceremony. "It feels so good, and I know I'm going to go places."
She credits the hands-on learning opportunities during her time at St. Clair, graduating at the top of her class, and is now ready to find a job in her field.
"I'm confident. And the College has given me everything I need to go out there and get it done," she added.
Students from all academic schools within St. Clair College transitioned from student to alumni on Tuesday, and were treated to one final lesson, thanks to a pair of St. Clair College's newest Alumni of Distinction.
Sheri Lynn Koscielski, a Business Common graduate a senior mentor with FIRST Robotics, and Adelina Sisti-DeBlasis, a Culinary Management graduate and Red Seal endorsed Chef, both delivered moving convocation addresses to inspire graduates to reach their potential.
"I very much appreciated the opportunity to share in their big day," said Sisti-DeBlasis, adding it was a special honour to have convocation on the Day of Truth and Reconciliation for Indigenous peoples.
"I was very excited to see graduates look so ready to take on their next steps of the future," she said. "I remember what it was like when I was in their seat, and I just wanted them to hear that anything is possible."
Sisti-DeBlasis is a Teacher with the Greater Essex County District School Board and recently competed in the Culinary Olympics in 2020 and 2024 and received the 2023 National Chef of the Year honours.
"Today is just the beginning of all the wonderful things to come if you stay open to learning," she told students. "Don't stop learning, don't stop trying and don't be afraid to dream so big it scares you. The world needs your skills, creativity and courage."
Sheri Lynn Koscielski took the stage for the morning session, kicking her speech off with the school's motto of Start Here, Go Anywhere.'
"I am truly humbled and honoured to have received the Alumni of Distinction Award, and I want to thank St. Clair College for this incredible recognition. It's brought me here today not only to reflect on my own journey - but to celebrate yours," she told graduates.
"Being able to put the speech together, it's stuff you don't think about a lot," Koscielski reflected. "You can just go through life doings things. But just being able to look back at what I've done and see how I've helped others - and can continue to help others - without even realizing it. Being able to reflect on that and address students coming out of where we all were at one time, I think that was really cool."
Koscielski has worked office jobs, been a stay-at-home mom to four kids and an entrepreneur, but she said the biggest calling is being a volunteer.
"Each chapter taught me something new. And through it all, one passion kept rising to the surface: volunteering," she said. "Whether it was helping at my kids' schools, leading Scout and Guide groups, or coaching in FIRST Robotics - I discovered that giving back is what truly fuels me."
She celebrated the graduates' momentous milestone, noting graduation day also serves as a launchpad to whatever comes next.
"Don't forget to give back. Whether it's through community service, mentorship, or volunteering, finding purpose outside your career will enrich your life in ways you can't imagine," said Koscielski.
With the conclusion of this year's Fall Convocation ceremonies, the College's alumni network will surpass 150,000 graduates who will continue the Saints tradition of making an impact in our community and across the globe.
