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Durham College dad alum shares his love of learning with his three kids who are all DC students

For Attila Kovacs, lifelong learning isn’t just a philosophy – it’s a way of life. A proud Durham College alum, he has a sticker on his laptop with a quote from writer Isaac Asimov: “Education is not something you can finish.”

He has shared that mindset with his children and all three are following in his footsteps at DC, each pursuing their own dreams.

Originally from Hungary, Attila holds a high school teaching diploma and a mechanical engineering degree. A few years ago, after moving to Grafton and finding his commute of more than an hour and a half for his job as a tool designer far too long, he decided to pursue a new career path.

Inspired by his wife, a nurse for three decades, he opted for the weekend-delivery Practical Nursing – Flex Program at DC, graduating in 2021.

“I worked during the week and studied on the weekends,” he explained, adding the flexibility allowed him to support his family while studying. “I was commuting to work from Grafton to Scarborough, so it was on the way home from work on Friday evenings, I would just stop at the Oshawa campus and then went back on Saturdays and Sundays.”

After graduating, he enrolled in the RPN to RN Bridging program at Ontario Tech University and is due to complete his Bachelor of Science in Nursing this spring, all while working at two long-term care facilities in Cobourg and Port Hope.

“The college nursing program is hands-on and patient-centred, focused on bedside care,” said Attila. “They taught us how to perform procedures so I really liked that.”

He’s an example for his kids, who are all finding their own career paths at DC.

Matthew is in his second year in the Welding Engineering Technician program, Adam is in his first year of Culinary Management, and Szandra is a first-year Paramedic student.

Szandra entered the paramedic program directly from high school and says that the best thing about being a DC student is the tight-knit community that developed in the program and how people really help each other.

“I really like the lab space here too,” said Szandra. “Durham College is the only college that has a 24-hour lab space, so I can go and practice scenarios at midnight if I wanted to, as long as I have my friends with me.”

Adam is also a first-year student, but took a gap year after high school. He said he decided to pursue a culinary career because he always enjoyed helping his parents in the kitchen. He participated in the culinary Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) in high school, so he was familiar with DC’s kitchens.

He said the teachers are the best part of his program.

“I can learn so much from all of them. They’re all wonderful chefs who have worked in the industry and that’s how people learn—having someone teach you who has gone through it.”

Matthew is due to graduate from the welding program this spring. He got a chance to try welding at his father’s former job on Take Your Kid to Work Day and it’s something that remained at the back of his mind. As an adult, he likes that his trade is in demand in many different industries.

“I really like that with one skill set, there are so many different directions I can take things,” he said, adding that his favourite part of the program is working hands-on and practicing in the weld shop at the Whitby campus.

“Our teachers encourage us to try and see what works for us, they give us direction on a good place to start—although welding is joining two metals together, there’s more than one way to make that happen, so you need to find a way that works for you and will be effective as well.”

All three students say they take inspiration from seeing both their parents continue on a path of lifelong learning.

“My dad is going to school and improving his life and our lives, it’s shown me it’s worth it, and you have to work for success,” said Adam.

DC alumna plays a key role for storied NHL franchise

Alumna spotlight: Laurenne Mercier

For Laurenne Mercier, completing the Sport Business Management graduate certificate program at Durham College (DC) was an invaluable stepping stone to the career of her dreams.

“I’d been told time and time again that the best way to break into sports was through an internship, not only for the experience, but for the networking and connections as well,” said the 2017 graduate.

That made DC’s program a perfect fit. Taking advantage of its 500-hour field placement, she combined her love of Nashville and sports by serving as a Community Relations Intern with the Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL).

With her foot in the door, she soon found work with the Edmonton Oilers. Since then, her career has taken her to Boston, where she serves as the Manager of Team Services and Hockey Administration for the legendary Bruins.

With a new NHL season underway, the DC alumna spoke to us about her successful career, her DC memories and more.

What was your DC experience like?

I had a very positive experience at DC. We had a really tight knit and ambitious group of classmates. I still keep in touch with many of them today. The most altering experience for me was the informational interview assignment in Jan Robinson’s class, where we had to interview someone from the industry we most wanted to be a part of. Finding someone at the NHL level to talk to me seemed like the most daunting task, but in the end, I still credit this assignment as one of the biggest steps in my sports industry journey.

What has your career path been like?

It certainly hasn’t been linear! My time in Nashville was very formative. Since I am a Canadian, I knew I couldn’t stay on in Nashville full-time post-internship, so I took it upon myself to get to know as many people as I could there and to shadow as many departments as I could. Brandon Walker, the Preds’ Director of Team Operations, a fellow Canadian, was so kind to me and mentored me not just in his role, but also as a professional. I knew that this was the role that I eventually wanted. However, I knew this wouldn’t happen overnight, as there are only one to two per team and the role very rarely turns over. But I had my mind and heart set on eventually doing this job. Post-Nashville, I had a few different career moves. It’s funny how in hindsight, all of these pieces, even those not related to the sports industry, came together to land me here.

What is your job with the Boston Bruins like? 

My role is to manage the players and their families, as well as our team travel. Myself and my colleague are in charge of the travel schedule and everything that comes with it, including booking our charter, contracting and executing the hotel stays, the meals, consulting with our opposing team on ice times, etc. We also manage the ‘at home’ side of the job including our own ice and practice rink, player concierge, the players’ home ticket requests, trades and relocations, etc. It’s ever-changing. I don’t think I have ever been busier in my entire life. It’s certainly the hardest, yet most rewarding role I have ever had. I love working with people and this role provides me the opportunity to work with all kinds of different people on a regular basis, whether it’s the players, their families, our coaching staff, management, hoteliers, flight crews, fans, bus companies, you name it.

How did DC prepare you for your career path and current role?

The biggest thing was networking. We were required to do a lot of volunteering, which I always enjoy. That built my network and my experience base. I also think being immersed in the Toronto scene was helpful. Scotiabank Arena hosted the World Cup of Hockey that year, and I was fortunate to be a part of many of these experiences.

Would you recommend your DC program to someone looking for a similar job and career?

In my experience, an internship is your best way to break into the sports industry and the DC program allowed me that opportunity. I think it is so important to make the most of your intern time. Everyone starts somewhere, and even when it feels like you’re at the bottom, those things add up. The grinding can be so tiring while you’re at it, but it builds you into the professional that you’ll eventually become.

DC also afforded me 30 classmates who are now contacts in the industry. I always preach the importance of networking and that was something that the DC program engrained in us too.

What advice do you have for current/future Sport Business Management students at DC?

Make the most of your internship and soak it up for all you can. You are surrounded by professionals who have made it. Get to know as many people as you can, shadow as many departments as you can, soak up all the friendships and social aspects of it. And if you have the opportunity, get out of your comfort zone. I moved to Nashville from Calgary, and it was the best thing I could have done.

And genuine, authentic networking, in my opinion, is the most important part of your career. It isn’t about getting to know just those who you feel can do something for you. It’s about getting to know everyone. Everyone will have their own story and you never know when someone will end up being a major part of your career journey.

What are your future goals?

I’d like to continue and evolve in this role. I love the operational side of my job, as well as how relationship and people based it is. Boston has been a great experience so far. It’s a lovely city! I think there’s a ton more I can learn to be better in this job, as well as an even stronger professional, which is where I have my heart set at this point.

Do you want to work in the sports industry? Our Sport Administration diploma, Sport Management advanced diploma and Sport Business Management graduate certificate are proven pathways to your dream career. Apply today!

Radio and contemporary media program powers storytelling

In today’s fast-paced digital age, where video streaming and podcasts dominate the media landscape, you might wonder if radio is still relevant. The answer is a resounding YES!

Radio continues to be a powerful medium, offering unique career opportunities for those passionate about storytelling, music and community engagement. If you’re considering a career in media, Durham College’s Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media provides a gateway to an exciting and fulfilling profession.

For Durham College graduate Noah Lorusso, a reporter working with My Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), radio is the perfect medium to bring together his passion for storytelling, social media and connecting with communities every day. Lorusso, who graduated from the Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media program in Spring 2023, not only provides up-to-the-minute local news coverage for stations in several Central Ontario communities including Peterborough, Brighton and Cobourg, but also puts his storytelling skills to work on social media, managing three of MBC’s top five TikTok feeds.

Lorusso started his career at MBC on a field placement that was part of the DC program.  He received a full-time job offer before the placement was even over and for the past year has been putting the skills he learned to work every day.

“One of the best things about the Durham College program is how it prepares you for every aspect of a career in broadcasting, with its strong focus on combining emerging technology with storytelling,” says Lorusso.  “Using social media and other tools to build engagement with audiences is woven into all aspects of the program, including its strong focus on multiplatform content.”

The Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media diploma program is focused on preparing students for a variety of careers in radio, television and internet storytelling, including roles in audio and video production and editing, sound engineering, scriptwriting, marketing, sales, and digital media integration. Whether you’re interested in being behind the microphone or camera, or working behind the scenes the program covers every aspect of the industry. Plus, the program is introducing curriculum focused on Generative AI and other emerging technologies.

Students get a lot of hands-on experience over the two-year program, with the opportunity to create audio and video content, produce podcasts, report on community events and host their own radio shows. Many students take advantage of the opportunities at the college’s Media Hub and Riot Radio, managed by the Durham College Student Association.  This hands-on experience allows students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom, develop their own unique style, and build a portfolio of work that showcases their talents.

What does Lorusso like most about his job?  “It’s connecting with communities,” he says. “Local radio stations often serve as hubs for news, culture, and entertainment, providing a platform for local artists, events and voices. I get to have a meaningful impact in the communities I cover by sharing stories that matter.”

He adds, “Radio stations that are succeeding are those successfully adapting to the digital age. With the rise of online streaming, podcasts, and social media integration, radio stations now have more avenues to reach their audiences. This adaptability ensures that radio remains a relevant and exciting career choice for those interested in media innovation.”

Learn more about the Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media diploma program.