The St. Clair College community is mourning the passing of a former president.
Dr. John Strasser died on September 14 at Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Nova Scotia at the age of 79.
Strasser was the college's fifth and longest serving president, holding the role from 2000 to 2015.
Current President Michael Silvaggi attributed the growth of St. Clair College, in part to Strasser.
"When one considers the architectural expansion of the school that occurred under his presidency: our residences, the SportsPlex in Windsor and HealthPlex in Chatham, obtaining the former Cleary Convention Centre and converting it to the Centre for the Arts to establish a college presence in the downtown, MediaPlex, the downtown Student Centre, the Toldo Centre for Applied Health Sciences, and the Centre for Construction Innovation and Production," said Silvaggi.
He added the college's involvement with the community also blossomed during his time at the college.
"He was a proud supporter of the S'Aints annual Christmas concert to assist area food banks, authorized substantial donations by the College and its Alumni Association to a number of charities, and ensured that St. Clair would be there whenever a worthy event needed a venue or a sponsorship," said Silvaggi.
According to his obituary, Strasser was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia and was raised in the Pier.
"His professional career was hallmarked by serving as President of Sydney Steel, and President of St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario. He was proud to be awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for his contributions to education and community, and his induction into the first class of the Wall of Honour at Sydney Academy," it reads.
The obituary said a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.