There were some warm words about the University of Windsor and the city Thursday from the CEO of Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles.

Sergio Marchionne opened up about his time at the university, calling it a "phenomenal experience."

Marchionne was keynote speaker for the 2016 Georgie-Odette leadership symposium.

He sat down for a question and answer session, showing a funny and more personal side to himself.

Marchionne received a business degree from the University of Windsor in 1979, and earned an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2005.

He described the learning environment as an open place, and said the teaching staff was “engaged and accessible.”

Marchionne also told the group of mainly undergraduate and MBA business students to never limit the scope of their ambitions, and as they get started in their careers, he said it's important they show humility.