Our Students Are Leading the way
With change comes possibility and our students seized every opportunity to learn, grow and make a difference. They demonstrated incredible resilience and the ability to adapt while believing in the notion that despite the challenges, this was “their year” to shine.
Discover how our students are leading the way, forging their own paths to a bright and successful future.
Demonstrating their talent, this time on a national stage, our students rose to the challenge, taking the technical, hands-on skills they have been honing during their studies at Durham College and applying them with innovation, creativity and passion to their respective competition challenges. We are extremely proud of their success.
DR. ELAINE POPP
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, ACADEMIC
Our People Are Leading the way
With an unwavering commitment to the success for our students, DC employees provided innovative learning environments, supportive services and an unwavering commitment to innovative and transformative education that defines the DC experience.
As the industry continues to evolve in response to digital technology, Brian has demonstrated that journalism programs are worthy of continued investment at a higher education level, and we are very fortunate to have his sense of perseverance and passion at Durham College.
Greg Murphy
executive dean, School of Media, Art & Design
Our Work Is Leading the way
After transforming the way we work, learn and live, we slowly welcomed the return of many pre-pandemic campus operations and activities, allowing DC to celebrate some of the many initiatives that were, in some cases nurtured during, while others were brought to completion throughout the pandemic.
When the students saw how much Professor James enjoyed his work, it offered a glimpse into some of the incredible career possibilities that are available in the robotics field. We are very grateful to collaborate with Durham College and look forward to future learning opportunities.
Terri Pellerin
Grade 8 teacher, Kedron Public School
Our community Is Leading the way
The support of our broader community inspires our institution to achieve success in every thing we do. As we continue to grow and offer options that are responsive to industry needs and market demands, we recognize we are part of a community committed to success and driven by a shared purpose, confident that together with our partners, we are leading the way to a prosperous future.
This collaboration with Durham College is precedent setting. Bringing educators, the business community and students together across municipalities to deliver strategic programing supports our collective desire to nurture talent in our region. This partnership ensures we have the workforce to sustain the continued growth and prosperity of our communities.
Durham Region
joint Chambers and Boards of Trade
DC By the Numbers
Our students are Leading the way
With change comes possibility and our students seized every opportunity to learn, grow and make a difference. They demonstrated incredible resilience and the ability to adapt while believing in the notion that despite the challenges, this was “their year” to shine.
Discover how our students are leading the way, forging their own paths to a bright and successful future.
Durham College becomes the first Canadian post-secondary institution to win PCMA North American Student Challenge
A team of Durham College (DC) Event Planning students were announced as winners of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) North American Student Challenge. In its first year participating, DC is the only Canadian post-secondary institution to reach the finals in this prestigious competition, bringing distinction to both the Event Planning program and the college on an international stage. Emily Last, Michelle Corradetti, Naomi Brock, Nicole Rayment and Ryan Windsor – all second-year Event Planning students – competed against 12 other schools, with 21 submissions, to proudly bring the winning title home to DC.
DC students earn podium finishes with a gold and two bronze at the Skills Canada Virtual National Competition
Three Durham College (DC) students are celebrating after successfully finishing on the podium at the Skills Canada Virtual National Competition (SCVNC).
DC students win big at Microsoft Office Specialist Canadian National Championship 2021
In June 2021, seven Durham College (DC) School of Business, IT & Management students competed against their peers at the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Canadian National Championship 2021. Hosted by CCI Learning, an education technology company, the MOS competition tests the skills of students aged 13 to 22 years old in Microsoft Office applications.
Our people are Leading the way
With an unwavering commitment to the success for our students, DC employees provided innovative learning environments, supportive services and an unwavering commitment to innovative and transformative education that defines the DC experience.
DC faculty Brian Legree wins Exemplary Leadership Award for innovation in journalism studies
Nominated for his work as program co-ordinator of Durham College’s (DC) Journalism – Mass Media program, Brian Legree, professor, School of Media, Art & Design (MAD) was the recipient of the Chair Academy’s 2021 Exemplary Leadership Award.
Durham College professor wins gold medal for cybersecurity invention at international competition
Leading the way to global spotlight for Durham College (DC), Dave Palachik, a part-time professor in the Electronics Engineering Technology program, was awarded with a gold medal in the Software Invention category at the 6th Annual International Invention Innovation Competition for his Quantum Resilient Encryption cybersecurity solution.
DC faculty Jay Fisher receives John Dobson Enactus Fellow of the Year award
Jay Fisher, a faculty member in Durham College’s (DC) School of Business, IT & Management and lead faculty advisor for the EnactusDC team, has been recognized with a John Dobson Enactus Fellow of the Year award for his outstanding contribution in advancing entrepreneurial learning at the post-secondary level. The award was presented virtually at the 2021 Enactus Canada National Exposition.
Our work is Leading the way
After transforming the way we work, learn and live, we slowly welcomed the return of many pre-pandemic campus operations and activities, allowing DC to celebrate some of the many initiatives that were, in some cases nurtured during, while others were brought to completion throughout the pandemic.
With opportunities to attend once again grand opening events and announcements to celebrate successes with colleagues and industry partners in-person, these achievements brought a much-needed sense of normalcy back to our campus community, demonstrating how DC continued to innovate in the face of uncertainty.
Durham College leads the way in skilled trades and technology training with new facility
On April 21, Durham College (DC) welcomed donors, community partners, employees and guests to experience the grand opening of the Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology (CSTT). Located at the Whitby campus, the 60,000-square-foot facility is home to numerous specialized labs and shops, which will allow DC to increase its industrial skilled trades training capacity in Whitby by 750 students.
Durham College launches The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture
In an effort to combat food and farming challenges emerging both within the industry and broader community, while championing excellence and innovation in urban farming, Durham College (DC) announced the official launch of The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture (The Barrett Centre). Established thanks to a $5-million donation from The Barrett Family Foundation, its vision is to become an internationally recognized hub of excellence in urban agriculture practices, research, education and training.
DC inspires Kedron P.S. students with mentorship program and robotics lab tour
The School of Science & Engineering Technology (SET) at Durham College (DC) continued to support community outreach efforts by partnering with Kedron Public School in Oshawa to offer an interactive mentorship program to students in Grades 6 through 8.
Our community is Leading the way
The support of our broader community inspires our institution to achieve success in every thing we do. As we continue to grow and offer options that are responsive to industry needs and market demands, we recognize we are part of a community committed to success and driven by a shared purpose, confident that together with our partners, we are leading the way to a prosperous future.
Durham College’s Youth Justice and Intervention students leading the way in human trafficking prevention
Durham College (DC)’s Youth, Justice and Interventions program (YJI) hosted the 10th annual Youth Justice Symposium on March 24, 2022, in partnership with Victim Services Durham Region (VSDR). Each year, a topic impacting young Canadians is selected as the focus of the event. This year’s chosen issue was Human Trafficking Prevention, identified by VSDR as an important subject for youth aged 12 to 15 to understand.
Durham College Personal Support Worker students collaborate with the City of Oshawa for rewarding experiential learning opportunity
Durham College (DC) students enrolled in the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program had a unique opportunity to learn outside of the classroom as a result of a collaboration between the college and the City of Oshawa. Recognizing the impacts COVID-19 has had on many vulnerable populations, PSW students studied the challenge of isolation in older adult communities during the pandemic and explored ways to address their unique needs, given that many do not have the financial resources or abilities to use digital technology.
Durham College announces partnership with Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade across Durham Region
Durham College (DC) announced a region-wide partnership between the college’s School of Business, IT & Management (BITM) and the eight Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade located in Durham Region. Launched in Fall 2021, this partnership provides every first-year BITM diploma student a membership in all Durham Region Chambers and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation.
Leading the way in research
As a leader in applied research, the college’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship enjoyed a very successful, award-winning year, including the launch of the Social Impact Hub, the college’s fifth applied research centre, and funding support for key projects and experiential learning opportunities for faculty and students.
Durham College receives more than $106,000 in funding to support first-ever postdoctoral fellowship
Durham College’s (DC) Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) is pleased to announce its first-ever postdoctoral fellowship, thanks to a Mitacs Accelerate grant totaling $106,666, including a contribution and collaboration with the City of Oshawa’s Fire Services through TeachingCity Oshawa.
Durham College launches fifth applied research centre, the Social Impact Hub
Over the last several years, through funded collaborations with community partners, Durham College (DC) has developed a distinct cluster of 14 valuable applied research projects focused on social innovation, receiving $1,324,544 in overall funding. These projects tackle everything from homelessness and mental health, to equity and accessibility, training and more.
Leading the way in athletics
From representing DC on the playing field and on the podium, to being recognized for academic and athletic excellence, the Durham Lords and our student athletes had a lot to celebrate this past year.
Durham College recognizes 65 student athlete academic award winners
The Durham Lords proudly recognized 65 student-athletes for their academic achievements in 2021-2022, including four student-athletes who earned Academic All-Canadian Awards. The CCAA’s most prestigious student-athlete award is presented to a student-athlete who has been named to their respective conference all-star teams in a CCAA sport and achieve honours standing.
Hildebrandt, Hooper and Fraser named Durham College Athletes of the Year
Durham College (DC) was proud to honour three student-athletes as Mia Hildebrandt (Women’s Volleyball), Devyn Fraser (Women’s Volleyball/Golf) and Malcolm Hooper (Men’s Rugby) were named DC’s 2021-2022 Athletes of the Year. Celebrating its 50th year, DC’s athletic banquet welcomed the return of an in-person celebration, offering students, coaches and employees the chance to recognize the incredible successes of our students.
Durham College athletes lead the way to the podium
Our student-athletes proudly represented Durham College (DC) on the podium as six athletic teams took home winning titles last year, including:
- Women’s Softball (Gold)
- Women’s Rugby (Silver)
- Men’s Rugby (Bronze)
- Men’s Indoor Soccer (Bronze)
- Women’s Golf (Bronze)
- Women’s Volleyball (Bronze)
With their golf medal win the women’s softball program claimed their 21st OCAA softball championship banner in school history, adding to a legacy as the most decorated individual league team in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA).
Leading the way in our global community
DC is home to 1,900 international students, representing more than 70 countries, and also leads the way in international education through global projects focused on skills development, training and opportunities for knowledge exchange with other institutions worldwide.
Inter-ministerial workshop collaboration
Since 2021, DC has led a partnership with Vancouver Island University and Fanshawe College to complete five inter-ministerial workshops with the Ministries of Education in Columbia, Mexico, Peru and Chile, that developed four national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) post-secondary education initiatives. As part of the Pacific Alliance Education for Employment Program, the project places an emphasis on women in education. This two-year partnership is funded by the Government of Canada, and co-ordinated by Colleges and Institutes Canada and will conclude in March 2023.
Kenya education for employment program
As a contributing member of the Kenya Education for Employment Program (KEFEP), DC has been involved in three additional Young Africa Works in Kenya projects, alongside other Canadian institutions, funded by Mastercard Foundation.
Despite the challenges and restrictions posed by the pandemic, six DC students and one faculty member successfully completed one long and six short documentaries that represent a comprehensive legacy of the KEFEP program. The project’s success is a result of the strong collaboration between DC and our partners in Kenya, the dedicated leadership of DC faculty and the perseverance of our students.
The KEFEP program is designed to support the Ministry of Education and the Directorate of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to strengthen the quality of skills training, increase effectiveness of institutions to deliver programs that meet industry needs and support the effectiveness of national Kenyan agencies to implement TVET reform initiatives.
Arriving in Canada, smooth sailing
To ensure DC’s international students had a successful and positive experience and to help them transition to life in Canada during the pandemic, the International Education Office organized a series of Arriving in Canada virtual drop in sessions. Topics included: navigating evolving quarantine rules; how to land a first job; and how to make friends.
Weekly sessions offered students a single information source for all travel-related queries and lessened anxiety around moving to Canada at an unprecedented time in history. Complemented by DC’s International-Ask-Us-Anything sessions, which provided an opportunity for more than 4,000 international student visitors from 80 countries to speak with student support, admissions and finance, these virtual events provided a bridge for students as they navigated their journey to DC.
Leading the way in Alumni success
Durham College is proud to celebrate the incredible ways our graduates are leading the way in industries all across the globe. A community more than 100,000 members strong who are making a positive difference in the lives of others, our alumni are making their mark and making a difference every day.
DC grad launches inclusive bandage brand Heal in Colour
For Tianna McFarlane, a Durham College (DC) Supply Chain and Operations – Business (formerly Business Operations) alumna, starting her own company had always been a lifelong dream – but the opportunity to create something significant didn’t present itself until 2019, when she was inspired during a simple trip to the drugstore to buy bandages.
DC grad nominated for Daytime Emmy® Award and James Beard Foundation Award
Kristin Atwood, an alumna of the Durham College (DC) Culinary Management program, has been combining her passion for food and filmmaking since graduating in 2017. What began as a freelance gig creating media content for local restaurants, has since evolved into an award-winning independent production company called Chef Studio, where she produces cooking tutorials and web series that bring the joy and magic of cooking to digital streaming and video-on-demand platforms.
Switching gears – how one Durham College grad’s return to post-secondary studies as a mature student paid off
Jean-Paul Hernandez never imagined he’d be returning to school in his 40s. When it came time to enrol in Durham College (DC)’s Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant (OTA and PTA) program, Jean-Paul was hesitant. Age aside, he had never lived outside Toronto, he was only a year into his relationship with his partner, and was worried about learning new skills in an entirely different field.