Invitation to Inspiration

The public is invited on Wednesday evening (April 22nd) to attend a Fanshawe College, St. Thomas Campus student awards ceremony at which both award recipients and guest speaker are likely to provide plenty of inspiration.

Awards will be presented in recognition of student academic achievement and leadership in four programs at the St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus – Renewable Energies Technician, Mechanical Techniques (CNC/CAM), Electronics Engineering Technician (Industrial Controls) and Welding Techniques

Guest speaker Jody Mitic is a retired Canadian Armed Forces sniper who lost both legs below the knee while on patrol with the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment in Afghanisan. His speech will focus on his personal mantra: "Never Quit".

This celebration of achievement is made possible largely through the support of donors who have established awards and bursaries to support students. “Fanshawe College is very pleased to host this distinctive awards ceremony to celebrate the achievement of our students,” states Ross Fair, chair of the St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus.

Jody Mitic (NSB Photo)

Jody Mitic Biography
Jody Mitic is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. While on patrol in Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment in 2007, he stepped on a land mine and lost both legs below the knee. Following a period of rehabilitation and learning how to walk on prosthetic legs, Mitic made headlines across Canada when he completed a 5km charity run, and later the Canada Army Run half-marathon. His life has taken a number of extraordinary turns over the years. Mitic and his brother competed as a team on The Amazing Race Canada in 2013, finishing in second place. In October 2014, he was elected City Councillor for Innes Ward in Ottawa, and now represents nearly 40,000 constituents at Ottawa City Hall. Jody and his wife Alannah – one of the medics who treated him in the war zone – live with their two daughters in Ottawa.

The event begins at 6pm, is open to the media and members of the public are invited to attend. Dinner will be provided. Tickets may be purchased for $30 each by contacting Debra Burgess at 519-633-2030 or dburgess@fanshawec.ca. The St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus is located at 120 Bill Martyn Parkway in St. Thomas.

Fanshawe College St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus, located in St. Thomas, Ontario, is home to approximately 650 full-time students and 800 part-time students. The Campus offers certificate and diploma programs, academic upgrading, apprenticeships, continuing education, corporate training and career and employment services.