A Year in Review – Durham College Highlights from 2020

Category: DC Awards & Accomplishments

While 2020 was a challenging year for many, we had some great moments along the way.

Whether it was shifting services, events and classes to virtual formats, or helping our local healthcare providers through the donation of equipment and PPE, we’re so #DCProud of our students, alumni, faculty and staff and everything you’ve accomplished this year.

Below is list of just some of the many of the highlights from the DC community– we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2021!

  • 1. Construction begins on Durham College’s Whitby campus Phase IV expansion

    We started the year by kicking off the start of construction on DC’s Whitby Campus Phase IV expansion project. The 60,000 sq. ft. expansion will support programs in DC’s School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology.

  • 2. Durham College opens Mixed Reality Capture Studio

    On January 23, DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship once again found itself on the leading edge of technology with the opening of the Mixed Reality Capture Studio (the MRC Studio). The MRC Studio offers organizations access to technical expertise and a state-of-the-art motion capture stage with virtual reality tracking equipment.

  • 3. DC puts 3D printers into action making PPE for donation to workers on frontline of COVID-19

    Working out of their garages and basements, DC students, employees, alumni and community members are used 3D printers to create the frames for face shields used by the healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative launched on March 26 and resulted in the production of 32,700 ear savers and 6,350 face shields.

    The team was led by DC faculty member Chris Daniels, who later went on to receive the Minister of Colleges and Universities’ Award of Excellence for his dedication to the local community, his students and the broader post-secondary sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • 4. DC Journalism students put learning to work, gain real-work experience creating COVID-cation podcast

    Faced with COVID-19-related cancellations and postponements of their field placements, six Journalism – Mass Media students decided to create their own real-work experience by launching a weekly podcast. Each episode focuses on a specific theme – from education to emotional wellbeing to finances – while exploring the impact the pandemic has had on students of all ages. This is just one of the many examples of our students and faculty adapted and shifted their thinking as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • 5. DC launched a new Strategic Plan and mission statement

    In March, DC unveiled its 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, which included a bold new mission statement that will serve as the guiding touchpoint for the wide-reaching college community. The college’s new Strategic Plan was developed over many months, drawing upon in-depth consultations held with every major stakeholder group, including students, alumni, employees and industry and community partners.

  • 6. DC on the frontlines – celebrating our heroes

    These are the faces and stories of our DC community members who are serving and protecting others each day in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and well beyond. From students and alumni to present and past employees – together, we’re leading the way in delivering compassionate care that makes a difference.

  • 7. DC recognized as a GTA Top Employer, Canada’s Greenest Employer and one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges

    DC was named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the fourth time, and to was recognized as a GTA Top Employer for the tenth year. Topping it off, DC was also once again been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges! This marks the 7th time the college has been included on the list.

  • 8. DC Lords Esports Rocket League team win NECC championship

    The DC Lords Varsity Esports team earned their first championship win after the Rocket League squad captured the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) championship on November 22! After winning their regular season finale, the Lords completed a perfect 6-0 regular season run in NECC competition, entering the post-season as the number two seed overall. From there, DC dominated their first-round match before knocking off another team in an exciting championship final.

  • 9. DC continues its ongoing work towards ensuring an equitable post-secondary experience for all students

    In July, President Don Lovisa signed the BlackNorth Initiative’s CEO pledge, joining more than 200 leaders from across Canada in committing our organization to realizing specific actions and targets designed to dismantle anti-Black systemic racism and create opportunities for all those in the underrepresented BIPOC community.

    DC also launched new learning series for employees on equity, diversity and inclusion. Developed jointly by DC’s Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions and its Centre for Academic and Faculty Enrichment, the series is titled Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Pedagogy and Practice and comprises five modules.

  • 10. DC professor Edward Logan receives Minister of Colleges and Universities’ Award of Excellence

    Edward Logan, a professor in DC’s post-secondary and apprenticeship plumbing programs, received a Minister of Colleges and Universities’ Award of Excellence. Edward demonstrated his Ontario spirit when the pandemic forced DC to close its campuses, by organizing two national virtual Community of Practice (CoP) events for plumbers and skilled trades faculty.

  • 11. DC students being recognized for their work and contributions within their chosen industries

    From prestigious photography awards, to marketing and sales competitions, journalism awards, packaging design competitions, and work-integrated learning awards, DC students are being recognized for their work and contributions within their chosen industries.

  • 12. Celebrated the achievements of more than 3,800 graduates

    They may not have crossed the stage at the Tribute Communities Centre, but DC’s more than 3,800 graduates are being recognized through a variety of online festivities, designed to acknowledge and celebrate their hard work and achievements.

    The DC Alumni Association (DCAA) also helped ensure the class of 2020 was celebrated by providing free, DC-branded lawn signs, via curbside pick-up, that are now displayed at graduates’ homes to show college pride while celebrating their success.

We’re so #DCProud of the entire Durham College community. For more news and notable moments from 2020, click here. From all of us at DC, we hope you have a safe, healthy and happy New Years.

See you in 2021, DC!