Apr 02, 2025
Student researchers and Research and Innovation staff present their Safety Village digital twin project at the 'Saints Strong:
Marching Forward' event on March 28, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
At the heart of every thriving community lies the spirit of collaboration, and the Saints Strong: Marching Forward event proved to be a living testament to this.
The event, held at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts on March 28, 2025, was hosted by the Research and Innovation team and saw students, the local community, and industry leaders come together to share, learn, and grow.
The theme, "Marching Forward," embodied the College's commitment to not only educating but also to making a meaningful impact where it matters most: the community.
Through interactive sessions, podcasts, and live discussions, more than 120 attendees had the chance to engage with a diverse range of speakers, each reflecting the College's vision of thriving together.
"This event mirrors the ethos of what we aspire to be: a college that sits at the heart of the community, actively responding to its needs and working hand-in-hand with local and global industries to build a better future," said Dr. Karamjeet K. Dhillon, the Director of Research and Innovation at St. Clair.
The day's discussions were rich with insights, each speaker exemplifying both the success achieved through collaboration and the untapped potential that lies ahead.
From students showcasing innovative projects to industry leaders offering expertise, the event was a dynamic blend of grassroots efforts and forward-thinking approaches.
Matthew Gorial, a Junior Technologist at St. Clair College has been involved with the research team in creating a Safety Village digital twin, where the interactive experience is fully digital, yet still immersive.
"If they can't use the physical location, we have a digital alternative. So, for winter or other difficult weather, they'll have this. And I think that creates another level of accessibility for it, while providing the same education," Gorial said.
A guest interacts with a research project at 'Saints Strong: Marching Forward' on March 28, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
Gorial said it was very beneficial to showcase the work his team has been creating because it's interactive and the team appreciated watching guests use the program.
"It's nice to engage with other people and understand how to makes things better with feedback. And it's also just nice to see people experience this thing we've been designing for so long, and I see they really enjoy it."
It wasn't just about what the College has achieved but also about what it can continue to do. Marching Forward underscored the importance of ongoing work at the grassroots level, cultivating future leaders who are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities the community faces.
"We aim to foster an environment where the College is not just a place of learning but a key player in the community's growth and success," said Dr. Dhillon.
Karen Metcalfe of WeSpark Health Institute was among the attendees and said it was inspiring to see collaboration across multiple sectors and stakeholders.
"It signals growth in Windsor, and it shows something that can really only happen in Windsor, because I think we're big enough to make big things happen, but we're small enough that we all know each other," said Metcalfe. "Collaboration is sort of where the magic is here."
"The College is really moving forward with doing more research, and I think St. Clair College has positioned itself really well to be able to do that," said Metcalfe. "They're known in this community. Everywhere you look you see St. Clair College, and I think they're a well-respected partner."
"I think for them to be able to elevate this, these types of events will bring the people in, they'll hear what they're doing, and it'll just start skyrocketing," Metcalfe added.
The Marching Forward event is a glimpse into the College's long-term vision: to be a place that nurtures talent, embraces diversity, and builds bridges between education, industry, and the community at large. The spirit of collaboration is alive and well, and the College is poised to continue its vital work in shaping the future.
"Today's event is proof that real power lies in the hands of the people. It's where our stories collide, our voices rise, and our work turns into action," said Dr. Dhillon. "From the ground up, we craft a future fueled by resilience, joy, and the unbreakable bond of our shared purpose."
Guests listen to a speaker at 'Saints Strong: Marching Forward' on March 28, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
Karen Metcalfe, a guest at 'Saints Strong: Marching Forward'
speaks with members of the Research and Innovation team on March 28, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
Courtesy: https://www.stclaircollege.ca/news/2025/saints-strong-marching-forward-event-showcases-power-community-collaboration
