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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.

“The weekend delivery format has been an absolute game-changer”: Kelsie Olynyk’s experience advancing her career while being a first-time mom

As we navigate through different chapters of our lives, sometimes unexpected opportunities arise, urging us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace new challenges. Kelsie Olynyk, a seasoned professional and new mom, did just that last fall when she enrolled in Durham College’s (DC) Human Resources (HR) Management Graduate Certificate weekend delivery program while on maternity leave.

Before joining DC, Kelsie had already developed a successful career path, holding a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology and Justice from Ontario Tech University. With nearly a decade of experience under her belt, including seven years at Investigative Solutions Network Inc., Kelsie’s decision to pursue a graduate certificate at DC was a natural progression for her, given her passion for HR and her desire for continuous learning.

“Throughout my professional experience in operations and administration I have had the opportunity to engage in HR activities and have always enjoyed those responsibilities,” she says. “When I saw the weekend delivery option at Durham College, I thought it was a great opportunity to tackle during my maternity leave, providing a stimulating outlet for my mind while temporarily stepping away from my 9 to 5.”

Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with an academic workload presented its own set of challenges for Kelsie. However, with effective time management and unwavering support from her family, she developed a new routine.

“Balancing family life and motherhood while being in school requires effective time management, communication, and a strong support system,” she shares. “I prioritize tasks, establish a structured schedule, and communicate openly about my commitments and needs. It is not easy, but I remind myself that this sacrifice is temporary, and that my efforts now will benefit our family’s future.”

As she prepares for graduation this spring and looks ahead to her post-graduation goals, Kelsie remains focused on her commitment to personal and professional growth. “Immediately upon completing my studies, my objective is to obtain the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation,” she says. Additionally, Kelsie is excited to contribute to the mission of She Connects, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering women through mentorship, where she volunteers her time as a Board Member.

Reflecting on her experience as a DC student, Kelsie emphasizes the program’s delivery format and the quality of its professors. “What I enjoy most about being a DC student is the structure of this program and the caliber of professors,” she says. “They have extensive real-world experience and bring a wealth of practical knowledge to the classroom, and the weekend delivery format has been an absolute game-changer.”

Kelsie also shared that she has found a lot of joy in forming connections with fellow students and professors. “Initially, I hadn’t anticipated such meaningful relationships, especially in an online setting,” she says. “However, the collaborative nature of our interactions, whether within the class environment or while collaborating on group projects outside of it, has truly exceeded my expectations.”