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Following in his parents’ DC footsteps

When Carter Graham began his studies in the General Arts and Science program at Durham College (DC) last fall, he was carrying on a family tradition.

Both his parents are alumni of the program. His father Andrew graduated in 2006 while his mother Michelle followed in 2008. So, when Carter was considering his own post-secondary options, the path was clear.

“We both had success with that program, and he was a little unsure of what he wanted to do,” explained Michelle. “It’s a good starting point.”

Students in General Arts and Science have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects while earning credits that are transferable towards future post-secondary programs. At the same time, they strengthen the essential academic skills that they’ll need to succeed.

For Carter, the program has come as advertised. He’s immersed himself in the college experience while learning about a variety of topics, from the history of the universe to the history of video games.

“It’s been great,” said Carter. “I’ve met a bunch of people in my program that I’ve become friends with. All the teachers are really good, and everyone is very welcoming. I’ve taken some fun classes. It’s widened my knowledge on certain things.”

It has also helped him narrow his focus as he considers his future prospects. Having always had a passion for astronomy, for instance, he took a course on it to see if it merited further study.

His father had a similar experience in the program.

“It gave me a good overview of different things that I never got to study in high school,” said Andrew. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so it was a great way to get my foot in the door in college, try a bunch of things and see what interested me.”

For him, the journey took him to DC’s Advertising program, while Michelle enrolled in Child and Youth Care. Carter will also be extending his time at DC after graduation, having been accepted into the Trade Fundamentals program for this fall.

For each member of the Graham family, the General Arts and Science program proved to be an important steppingstone on their academic and professional journeys.

“It has great value,” said Michelle. “It helped direct me when I was unsure of what I wanted to do.”

It’s now done the same for her son.

“It’s definitely given me an insight on what interests I could study in the future,” he said.

Durham College alumna helps students find their Pathway to success

Maddie Gulenchyn has a passion for guiding other students on their educational journeys.

As a Client Support and Engagement Representative on DC’s Transfer Services team, she helps students choose their next steps. When DC students are planning their futures and considering a transfer to university, it’s Gulenchyn who gives them all the information they need.

By helping today’s students make the most of DC’s many pathway options, Gulenchyn realized she had the same opportunity. She enrolled at Ontario Tech University in Educational Studies – Digital Technologies and, thanks to the credits she earned as a 2019 Journalism – Mass Media graduate, she started in the third year of that four-year program last fall.

“I didn’t really know about pathways when I graduated. If I had, I definitely would have gone straight to a university program,” she said.

Students in all programs can get a head-start on their university studies thanks to DC’s numerous partnerships and articulation agreements with institutions across Ontario and Canada, as well as internationally. These agreements allow DC graduates to leverage the credits they’ve earned towards programs at other schools. From credit transfer to the intricacies of prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR), she walks them through the process and provides recommendations based on their goals.

By meeting with Maddie and the Transfer Services team, it’s easy for students to learn how many of their college credits will be transferrable to their university program.

And it’s never too early to consider your options.

“It should be on a student’s mind from the moment they accept their offer to DC,” she said. “We always say that you should work backwards from your furthest goal, and find out what education you need to achieve it. It’s just knowing what you want to do in the future and knowing how you’re going to get there.”

For students who want to get the most out of their post-secondary program, there are plenty of advantages to combining a college and university education, including cost-effectiveness.

“If you want a university degree, a pathway is going to save you money and give you the knowledge and hands-on learning that you need,” she said. “College prepared me for work, but it also gave me the communication, the organization, and the collaboration skills to succeed in my university program.”

Having benefitted from her own experience, Gulenchyn is even more motivated to help current DC students find their own pathway.

“I love my job. It’s so rewarding to work with students and see them flourish as they go on their educational journeys and decide what they want to do after college.”

Are you planning your own educational future? DC’s 2025 Pathways Fair can give you a head start on your next credential. Join us on Tuesday, February 4 at the Oshawa campus and Wednesday, February 5 at the Whitby campus to connect with post-secondary institutions from across Ontario, Canada and beyond.

PR alumna returns to communicate three pieces of advice with grads at Fall Convocation

ALUMNI GUEST SPEAKER PROFILE: RACHAEL WRAITH

Durham College (DC) alumna Rachael Wraith brings her public relations education together with 17 years of strategic communications, public engagement, and reputation management experience to her role as Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications at Global Public Affairs – Canada’s largest privately-held public affairs firm.

Before joining Global, Rachael served as the Manager of Corporate Communications for the Town of Ajax, one of Ontario’s fastest-growing municipalities. Rachael’s understanding of the municipal sector provides key insights into the issues and challenges facing local government. Her efforts in a previous role at an environmental non-governmental organization awarded her recognition as one of Canada’s Top 25 Environmentalist under 25 from 2011 to 2013.

Rachael used the skills and discipline she acquired during her education at DC to springboard a successful career in communications. After graduation, she brought her industry expertise to the Program Advisory Committee to help shape the evolution of the college’s public relations program.

During this year’s Fall Convocation, Rachael was invited to share words of wisdom and inspiration with the Class of 2024 as a guest speaker.

What did you enjoy most about being a DC student?

What I enjoyed most about being a DC student was the incredible faculty. I had the privilege of learning from industry leaders, top-tier journalists, and communications experts who were genuinely invested in my success and educational journey. My program provided a blend of theory and real-world experience and allowed me to explore my own creativity and interests.

Can you describe how your time in the PR & Strategic Communications program prepared you for your career?

At DC, I immersed myself in the program, engaged with my professors, and connected with my peers. I credit my program head Lynn Gough for preparing me for the industry. Her unwavering dedication and passion for her student’s success was evident each day. Lynn’s high standards and commitment to quality helped lay the foundation for my strong work ethic. Those experiences honed my skills and my character. They taught me not only about my field of study but also about the power of community and collaboration.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

A typical day at work for me involves being a trusted advisor to industry leaders across various sectors. I focus on reputation management, digital strategy, crisis communications, and campaign development. I also lead a team of talented professionals, and collaborate with some of Canada’s brightest minds, which is both a privilege and an inspiration.

You previously served as Chair on the PR and Strategic Communications Program Advisory Committee. What inspired you to give back to DC with your time and what did you gain from this experience?

I’m deeply passionate about our industry and the emerging leaders of tomorrow. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors who shared their wisdom and guided me at crucial moments. Giving back is important to me, whether through serving on the advisory committee, guest lecturing, or mentoring placement students. I strive to be an ambassador for both the program and DC as a whole, helping to shape the future of our field.

What is your favourite memory or lesson from DC?

My favorite memory from Durham College was our final project—a mock media launch. My team collaborated with War Child and brought in local musicians for the event. This experience allowed me to blend my newly acquired skills with my passion for music, reaffirming that I was on the right path and igniting my excitement for the future. Since then, I’ve executed hundreds of media launches, press conferences and media availabilities.

What is your advice to new graduates?

I have three key pieces of advice.

Stay curious, seek knowledge, and be open to new experiences. At DC, you have been equipped with skills and training that will serve you well into your career, but your education shouldn’t stop here. The world is constantly evolving, and so should you.

Cultivate and appreciate “your people.” Building a strong network isn’t about collecting contacts like followers; it’s about creating and maintaining meaningful relationships.

Empower a healthy mind and body. Prioritize your well-being as an equal indicator of your success. Don’t forget to take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. Seek to find balance in your life. Make time for self-care. Pursue your personal passions. All your endeavours will be made better when you can bring your full self forward.

DC now offers a Public Relations graduate certificate, which prepares graduates to master the art of communicating in today’s digital age.

Driven DC alumnus and entrepreneur returns to share advice at Fall Convocation

Alumni Guest Speaker Profile: Adam Ruppel

 

Adam Ruppel’s passion, creativity and dedication have transformed the events industry. A 1997 graduate from Durham College’s (DC) Business – Human Resources program, he began his career in event management from the corner of his bedroom, founding Chico Racing. For the past 30 years, Adam has been at the helm of this company, producing the largest 24-hour mountain bike event in North America, the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice, held at Albion Hills Conservation Area. Adam also co-founded Mud Hero in 2011 and the Drive Festival in 2021, a three-day outdoor automotive exhibition at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park attracting over 30,000 attendees annually.

Adam is also a proud 2024 Alumni of Distinction award recipient, a testament to his impressive career and accomplishments since graduating from DC.

During this year’s Fall Convocation, Adam was invited to share words of wisdom and inspiration with the Class of 2024 as a guest speaker. We caught up with him to hear the inside scoop on his experience at DC, his life now, and for his advice to new grads.

How did your education in human resources propel you into a career in event management?

I chose the Business – Human Resources program as I felt it was challenging and offered me more structure, something I tend to miss a bit, but I think I always wanted to be an entrepreneur first and foremost. During my time as a student at DC, I found and have retained great relationships with faculty, employees and contractors.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

There is no typical work day, which is what I like. I generally try to get tasks done based on my lists, but what I like most about event management is the on-site work. For most of my events, the on-site work is between 10 and 20 per cent of the actual workload; meaning the other aspects of running a business – research, human resources, financial planning, marketing and logistics – take more of my time. I also really enjoy and developing new ventures. I recently shut down one of my companies and I will be building something new hopefully in the next few years.

What would you say to someone considering taking the Business – Human Resources program?

It’s a great opportunity to get a skillset that is in demand. For me, I took the business program to get more experience and a different perspective.

This spring, you received DC’s Alumni of Distinction award. What did that recognition mean to you?

I am humbled to have received this award. I just set out to do great work and build events that fit with my passion. I have made many mistakes along the way and I hope my best work is still ahead of me.

What is your favourite memory or lesson from DC?

I think it was presenting to a class about marketing and event management. I had started my business and it was inspiring to see other classmates interested in what I was doing.

What is your advice to new graduates?

There has to be more to life than just working. In North America we seem to be obsessed with financial success and our careers taking over our lives. If you find a passion in life and in what you are doing, you’ll likely be more content and satisfied. I have tried to blend my passion and business, and for the most part it has worked out.

Learn more about Adam’s career achievements by watching the 2024 Alumni of Distinction video.