Becoming an Alumni Leader

Many alumni look for opportunities to give back to Durham College (DC), helping to support future generations of students through co-op opportunities, mentorship, and philanthropy. The Alumni Leaders category recognizes DC graduates who have made an annual donation to DC of $500 or more, further building upon the lasting impact they’ve had on the college.

We caught up with Alumni Leader and President of the Durham College Alumni Association (DCAA) Board of Directors, Drew Samuels to ask him about why he chose to give back to DC and what philanthropy means to him. A 2011 graduate of the Paralegal graduate certificate program, Drew is a licensed paralegal as well as a part-time professor at DC.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GIVE TO DC?

Often when you go through life and experience a challenging time, you ask yourself, “Why me?” I think you should also ask yourself the same question when you experience good times. For that reason, I feel it is imperative that I give back to DC. During your post-secondary educational journey, you may experience difficult times. There is a sense of urgency and with that urgency comes stress. However, some of the best times are experienced at school as well. Giving to DC can help students who are in need and allow them to fully embrace the student experience.

BEYOND YOUR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS AS A DONOR, YOU GIVE BACK TO DC THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM ON THE DCAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ARE ASLO A PART-TIME PROFESSOR. HOW HAVE THESE ROLES BENEFITED YOUR CAREER OR YOU PERSONALLY?

Money is an important factor in giving back but time can be impactful too. On the DCAA Board of Directors, I have the privilege of speaking with alumni about their experiences and helping to define the vision of how we engage with alumni. Through teaching in DC’s Paralegal program, I get to be the professor I always wanted to be and am able to assist others on their pathways to success.

My volunteerism and my time as a part-time professor has enriched both my career and personal life. There are numerous benefits, including professional development, networking opportunities, visibility in the community, personal fulfilment, and also skill diversification.

HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COLLEGE HAVE IMPACTED STUDENTS?

One of the most important things we can pass on to students is information. I often meet students who just want to know how to galvanize their education and create a career path. Part of that journey is understanding that someone before them had similar concerns and fears, as well as similar hopes and dreams. To know a person just like them overcame odds and achieved success is a burden lifted from them and can inspire hope. I think it propels the students I speak with to go on and achieve far greater success than I have. I cannot think of a greater feeling than trying to provide a student with inspiration by providing them information, mentorship, and/or sponsorship and then watching that student execute and achieve their dreams.

WHAT ROLE DOES PHILANTHROPY PLAY IN YOUR LIFE?

With the resources I am fortunate enough to have – both time and money – I am able to influence social change which will outlive me. Your legacy can certainly be your family, but it can also be accompanied by your philanthropic endeavours. What you do today will have an effect on tomorrow and quite possibly generations to follow. I believe my legacy is intricately tied to the good I do with the resources I can provide.


If you’re interested in becoming an Alumni Leader, contact the Advancement & Alumni Relations team for more information or make a donation online. A contribution of $50 a month to the Student Experience Fund can help ensure students have access to new and industry standard equipment in their field.  


Career Launch event series prepares soon-to-be grads and alumni for their next step

Durham College (DC) helps students gain not only industry-specific skills, but also provides invaluable opportunities to hone soft skills, make connections and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

Over the past three months, soon-to-be grads and alumni participated in Career Launch, a series of events to help them develop confidence and smoothly transition from college to the workplace.

“These activities are designed to complement classroom learning and ensure that they are ready to enter professional environments,” said Mary Weller, Alumni Development Officer. “It’s wonderful to see students and alumni make connections that will open doors and leverage opportunities for personal and professional development.”

Building your brand

During the LinkedIn Mastery Seminar, PUNCH media’s Leslie Hughes shared tips for optimizing a presence on LinkedIn. Guests received new, professional headshots, taken by students in DC’s Photography program. Students also practiced their elevator pitches at three Pitch Perfect sessions.

Learning new skills

Representatives from TD Wealth Financial Planning were on hand at the Financial Literacy Session to answer questions about budgeting, investing and debt management during the Financial Literacy Session.

Back by popular demand was DC’s Etiquette Dinner. Led by etiquette consultant Susy Fossati, guests participated in a practical lab to gain dining tips to use at their next interview or meeting – all while enjoying a three-course meal at DC’s own Bistro ’67.

“There is a lot to think about during a formal dinner,” said Computer Programming and Analysis student Christian Weersink. “I learned a lot and was even recognized for my honesty in the number of mistakes I made! What a fun way to pick up tips and guidance.

Making connections

Events focused on networking included the campus Job Fairs, Student Leadership Summit, and International DC Talks. These events allowed students to build relationships with potential employers, industry leaders and alumni.


The Career Launch program is organized by Career Development, Student Development, International Education and the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations.

After graduation, alumni also have lifetime access to career development services through the college’s Hired Portal where they can to search for job listings, explore career resources, or book an appointment with a Career Coach.


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.


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.


DC Alumni reconnect while cheering on the Oshawa Generals

It’s always a good time when Durham College (DC) alumni get together – especially when the home team gets the win. With the Oshawa Generals taking the lead in the third period, it was good cheer all around at the annual DC Alumni Hockey Night on January 24.

Hosted by the Durham College Alumni Association (DCAA), the event welcomed DC alumni, employees, and their friends and family to watch the Oshawa Generals take on the Peterborough Petes at the Tribute Communities Centre (TCC). Guests reconnected while enjoying dinner and the game in the TCC’s Medallion Lounge.

“Durham College Alumni Hockey Night brought together more than 170 attendees this year, showcasing the incredible strength of our alumni community,” said Mary Weller, Alumni Officer at DC. “A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsor, TD Insurance – their support makes nights like this possible!”

At the top of the game, DC’s Vice President, People, Equity and External Relations, Bonnie St. George; DCAA President, Drew Samuels; and DC’s mascot, Lou, represented the college during the ceremonial puck drop.

Next year, the DCAA will be celebrating the 10th DC Alumni Hockey Night. DC grads are encouraged to watch for more information about this and upcoming events in the digital Alumni Newsletter or on DCAA’s Instagram account.


A family affair: A mother leads the way for an education legacy

When Brenda Lynch enrolled in Durham College’s (DC) Business Administration-Accounting program in 1986, she had no idea that all three of her children would later follow in her footsteps.

Beginning her journey at DC as a mature student, Brenda’s youngest child was in kindergarten and her eldest children were 10 and 13.

“One of the things I remember was how helpful the financial aid office was,” explained Brenda. “Going to college as a single mom with three growing kids, I was grateful for the assistance they provided, helping me figure out which bursaries and grants to apply for. I also had teachers who really wanted to help me succeed.”

After graduation, Brenda continued her education and received a Certified Management Accountant designation before landing an accounting position at EHC Global, where she ultimately held the role of Financial Analyst until retiring in 2021. During her career, she stayed connected to DC, bringing on many co-op students – recognizing the skills and experience they bring – as well as returning to the college as a guest speaker, member of the Program Advisory Committee, and even as an instructor.

Almost a decade after Brenda took her first steps in the halls at DC, her eldest child Paul Smale graduated from the college’s Business–Marketing program, closely followed by his sister, Melissa Petty, who graduated from the Early Childhood Education program. Both Paul and Melissa found jobs in their areas of study after graduation. Paul is now a Senior Business Management Analyst at TD while Melissa works in an elementary school.

The youngest of the family, Sarah Smale, graduated from DC’s Paralegal in 2008. She was able to leverage her co-op placement with the federal government’s Department of Justice to secure a role as a Legal Assistant, and then as a Paralegal, bringing her to live and work in Iqaluit, Toronto, and Ottawa. After working in the federal government for 10 years, she returned to Durham Region and decided to take the next step in her career by enrolling in DC’s Victim Justice and Interventions graduate certificate program.

“It’s a hard decision to go back to school after all of these years,” said Sarah. “For anyone who is questioning what they want to do next, going back to school is really going forward. It’s a commitment, but give it a go!”

Brenda shared a sense of pride when reflecting on her and her family’s success. “I know that they saw the struggles I went through when they were still in school and I was trying to support everyone. I don’t think it really registered with me that my kids were graduating from the same school I did until afterwards and I thought, ‘We’ve all done it!’”


Durham College grad receives G.W. McLaughlin Award

Durham College (DC) alumnus Kyle Douglas has been named the 2024 G.W. McLaughlin Award recipient by the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce (GOCC), recognizing the profound impact he has made in his community. Selected by the Chamber’s Board President, this award is given to an individual who displays exceptional dedication to the community, outstanding career achievement, civic pride and who has been a mentor, both in business and in life, to the Board President.

“Kyle truly embodies the spirit of the G.W. McLaughlin Award,” said GOCC CEO, Jason King. “I’ve only known Kyle for just over three years. In this time, I’ve seen firsthand his dedication to both the Chamber and the Oshawa community. His easy style of community leadership, enthusiastic commitment to service, and genuine care for others make him more than deserving of this recognition.”

Winning this award so early on in his career underlines Douglas’ natural commitment to community, which he says was instilled in him by his family who emphasized the importance of giving back. In addition to leadership roles on various Chamber committees, he also served on the GOCC’s Board of Directors from 2018 to 2019, making him the youngest President in the Chamber’s history.

Outside of his involvement with the GOCC, Douglas currently volunteers his time through coaching his children’s sports teams, on the Durham Regional Police Appreciation Dinner & Awards Night committee, and as a Durham College Alumni Association (DCAA) Board Director.

“Joining the DCAA Board of Directors felt like a great way for me to stay connected with the college,” explained Douglas. “To give back to the institution that played such a pivotal role in my life is really important. I’ve always believed that supporting the alumni association strengthens the community. It’s inspiring to see the positive impact our college has on students and the local workforce.”

A 2011 graduate of DC’s Human Resources – Business Administration program, Douglas began his DC education as a mature student and attributes his choice to enroll at DC to the college’s strong presence in the community. In his role as Manager, Corporate Services at DKI CRCS, a family-owned business started by Douglas’ parents, he acknowledges his company hires a large percentage of DC grads from a wide range of programs.

“Durham College provides their students with the practical skills and real-world experience they need to succeed in their career,” said Douglas. “You can get an education anywhere, but when you have top-level faculty, staff and facilities, it really makes it difference in in what students get out of their school.”

DKI CRCS provides residential and commercial restoration services from their offices in Oshawa and Peterborough. The company just celebrated its 45-year anniversary in September.


Outstanding Durham College alumni nominated for 2024 Premier’s Awards

Durham College is proud to celebrate five exceptional alumni nominated for the 2024 Premier’s Award.

The awards have been presented by Colleges Ontario since 1992 and they recognize outstanding college graduates who are making an impact in Ontario and throughout the world.  More than 100 graduates are nominated for a Premier’s Award each year, which recognizes achievements in areas such as health care, science, technology and engineering, community services, the arts, business and the skilled trades.

“At DC, we’re more than 114,500 alumni strong and we’re proud to select these five graduates who have built successful careers and made a significant impact on the lives of others,” said Bonnie St. George, Vice President, People, Equity and External Relations at Durham College (DC). “Our nominees this year not only excel in their chosen fields, they are also making important contributions to their communities including advancing diversity and mental health.”

Jeremy Burns – Law & Security Administration Class of 2004; Penology and Youth, Class of 2005
Aaron Dale – Police Foundations, Class of 2005

Building on their college education and military service, Toronto police officers Jeremy Burns and Aaron Dale co-founded the Military Veterans Wellness Program (MVWP), designed to help law enforcement members support veterans in crisis. MVWP has been endorsed by organizations including Veterans Affairs Canada, National Defence’s Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group, Royal Canadian Legion, and is now part of mandatory training for Toronto police officers. They are nominated in the Community Services category.

Chris Cull – Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician, Class of 2007

Founder of Inspire By Example, Chris Cull is a motivational speaker and filmmaker who uses his experience as a recovering opioid user to advocate for mental health and addiction recovery. He has cycled across Canada twice and produced two films to raise awareness and educate the public, transforming many lives. Chris has shared his expertise at numerous notable events, including the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. He is nominated in the Health Sciences category.

Shelby Nelson – Sport Administration, Class of 2000

With a love for sports and community, Shelby Nelson, has dedicated 24 years to the Toronto Blue Jays organization. With a DC education as a foundation, Shelby’s career trajectory has seen him rise to Vice President of Florida Operations where he leads a team responsible for Spring Training, the Dunedin Blue Jays, and the Player Development Complex. As the local face of the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Shelby is a respected community leader and a champion of diversity. He is nominated in the Business category.

Paula Sojo – Video Production, Class of 2024

At the age of 18, Paula Sojo was diagnosed with a severe case of Crohn’s disease, resulting in 17 surgeries and a permanent ostomy. Determined to help others, she teamed up with her brother to found Ostome Fashion, a thriving business that provides fashionable and empowering options to all ostomy users. With help from family, friends and mentors, she has not only changed her life, but promoted representation and acceptance and empowered her community. She is nominated in the Recent Graduate category.

The winners of the Premier’s Awards will be announced on November 25, 2024. Good luck to all the DC nominees!


Music Business grad nominated at 2024 Canadian Live Music Awards

This spring, Durham College (DC) alumnus Brendan Kennedy was nominated in the Road Warrior (Tour Manager) of the Year category at the 2024 Canadian Live Music Industry Awards (CLMIA), recognizing his more than 10 years on the road working with bands including The Glorious Sons, Valley and Billy Talent. The 8th annual CLMIAs took place on June 4 and celebrated Canada’s live music industry.

Kennedy grew up in Brockville, Ontario, playing in local bands as a drummer. In a small town with minimal resources, he also took on the role of promoter and sound technician – creating a clear vision for a career in the music industry.

Coming from a musical family, with both of his parents being teachers, he was encouraged to get a post-secondary education in an area he felt passionate about. He enrolled in the Music Business Administration program at DC and graduated in 2013.

“I went into the program with a pretty solid goal of what I wanted to accomplish, but the courses and faculty helped me understand how the whole music industry ecosystem works,” said Kennedy. “I took every available opportunity to gain experience doing sound. I did every open mic and took on a really big leadership role at The Reel Music Festival.”

The Reel Music Festival, now Oshawa Music Week, is an annual event organized by students in DC’s Music Business Administration/Music Business Management program and features live music showcases, entertainment for music lovers, and music-industry education for aspiring and established music-business practitioners.

After graduation, Kennedy moved to Toronto with his band, but quickly found his existing connections in the industry were opening opportunities for him to kick-start his career off stage. He began working in the studio with his friend, and future Juno Award-winning producer, Derek Hoffman. He then secured a position doing sound at two Toronto venues working DJ nights and shows. A bartender at one of the venues was Chris Cresswell from Canadian punk-rock band, The Flatliners. Cresswell heard Kennedy mixing a show and invited him on tour.

Since that first tour, Kennedy has been on the road with different bands consistently for 10 years touring Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada and the United States.

He attributes his success not only to technical skills but to soft skills like organization, problem solving and an ability to connect with people. “You have to be good at your job, but being personable is also important,” he said. “I’ve been told I’m a very patient person, so that helps. I’ve always attributed that to my grandparents because they were so patient with my cousins and me as kids.”

A self-described open-book, Kennedy returns to campus when he can to offer guidance and inspiration to current students. His advice to those starting out in the music industry is to find an area you enjoy and stick with it.

“If you know you want to go into tour management for example, find people in that role to network with and just work really hard at that one thing. Putting yourself out there is the most important thing you can do in this business, and if you can stick close to your goals, it’ll pay off.”

* photo credit: Becca Hamel


Five ways to stay connected as a DC alum

Whether you just crossed the convocation stage or graduated decades ago, you might be wondering how to get the most out of being a Durham College (DC) alum. The best way to leverage your alumni community is to stay connected. There are so many benefits to choosing DC – even beyond graduation – including professional, social and financial perks. We’re going to break them down for you in this handy list to get you started!

  • Update your info

    The first step to staying connected is to ensure we’ve got your updated info. Filling out a quick form let’s us know what you’ve been up to since graduating and will make sure you’re getting the latest alumni updates via our monthly enewsletter.

  • Download the app

    We’ve made it easy to find alumni news, perks and contests by putting it all on the DC Alumni Connect app. Download the app today to get access to the information you need to stay connected – right at your fingertips!

    There are more than 100 alumni perks, helping you get discounts on attractions, restaurants, services and shopping. On the app you’ll also find the DC Alumni Marketplace, allowing you to browse alumni-owned businesses or even add your own.

  • Attend alumni events

    The Durham College Alumni Association hosts a wide variety of well-attended events each year. Reconnect at the Alumni End of Summer BBQ, bring the family to DC Alumni Hockey Night at the Tribute Communities Centre, hear from fellow alum and industry experts at DC Talks, or network at the AGM – there’s something for everyone. Keep a lookout for information about our next event on our social media channels or in the DC Alumni enewsletter.

  • Give back to DC

    If you’re looking for a way to make a lasting impact on future generations of DC students, there are a number of ways to give back through volunteerism or by making a donation. Contact the DC Alumni team or visit durhamcollege.ca/giving to learn more about giving at DC.