From leading powerful local initiatives to making a global impact, more than 120,000 Durham College (DC) graduates are finding success in their careers and enriching their communities.

Each year, DC is proud to recognize the accomplishments of some of its most outstanding graduates through the Alumni of Distinction Award and nominations for the 2026 award are now open. Recipients are chosen based on their professional, community and personal accomplishments, the scope of their impact, as well as their contributions to the advancement of DC.

“Our alumni are powerful ambassadors for Durham College,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President, DC. “We are incredibly proud of the impact our alumni are having around the world and the Alumni of Distinction Awards allow us to celebrate their remarkable contributions while reminding our students what is possible.”

The more than 120 alumni honoured have come from a wide range of fields and include respected medical practitioners to accomplished broadcasters and leaders in sport.

The 2025 Alumni of Distinction included Jeremy Burns and Aaron Dale, co-founders of the Military Veterans Wellness Program; Chris Cull, a mental health advocate, motivational speaker, and filmmaker; Shawn Small, founder and president of RISE Integrated Sports + Entertainment; and Paula Sojo, co-founder of Ostome Fashion.

The nomination form is available online at durhamcollege.ca/alumniofdistinction and must be submitted to alumni@durhamcollege.ca before 5 p.m. on Friday, March 6. As one of the college’s highest honours, the 2026 award recipients will be presented at DC’s Spring Convocation in June.