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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.

Students get ready for Convocation at Countdown to Grad

The Durham College (DC) class of 2024 is ready for graduation.

Last week, Countdown to Grad events were held at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses. Over 500 students took advantage of the early opportunity to register for graduation, book their grad photos, enjoy a free pizza lunch and more.

For Interactive Media Design students Yvett Forrester and Ilia Slesarchuk, it was an opportunity to reflect on their DC journeys while looking to the future at Convocation and beyond.

“I’m really excited. I can’t wait for graduation,” said Forrester. “I’m not nervous, I just want that moment to come.”

Now that the finish line is in sight, Slesarchuk enjoyed the opportunity to take a break from his studies and prepare for graduation.

“I’m a little tired, but it’s great,” he said. “I’m not nervous at all, I’m just excited.”

There was a lot of excitement in the air at both events according to Mary Weller, Alumni Development Officer.

“The students that I’ve spoken to are enthusiastic to come in and see what they’re entitled to as alumni,” she said.

One of the best offerings that all alumni have access to is the Career Development Office and the many services they provide, according to Weller, who makes sure to point each student in their direction.

“Career Development is available to every alumnus for the rest of their life. If they ever need help with their resume, cover letter or interviewing skills, they can reach out to Career Development, and it’s free.”

As lifelong members of the Durham College Alumni Association (DCAA), graduates also get exclusive benefits and discounts using the free DC Alumni Connect app.

Alumni are encouraged to stay connected with DC on social media and share the stories of their success with us. They’re also eligible for DC’s Alumni of Distinction award, which recognizes graduates who make extraordinary contributions to society while also achieving career success.

Journalism alumni gather to celebrate 50 years of The Chronicle

Earlier this month, the DC Talks: Alumni Series presented “A Celebration of The Chronicle’s 50th Anniversary.” The special event, produced by the Faculty of Media, Art & Design and the Durham College Alumni Association, recognized a half-century of quality journalism from Durham College’s (DC) campus publication.

Six alumni of DC’s Journalism program gathered in the Rotary Global Classroom to take part in a wide-ranging panel discussion. They shared stories from their time in journalism and related fields, reflected on the immense changes the industry has faced, and offered advice to today’s students who are preparing for their own careers.

The panel included:

  • Rob Massey (1977), who served as the Sports Editor at the Guelph Mercury for three decades before founding the Guelph Sports Journal.
  • Chris Bovie (1987), an award-winning journalist and editor who is now the Director of Corporate Communications at the Durham Regional Police Service.
  • Rob Leth (1996), a television personality and videographer for City News and CBC, reporting around the Greater Toronto Area.
  • Jesara Holla (2006), a seasoned communications professional currently serving as the Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs for New Nuclear at Ontario Power Generation.
  • Stephanie Foden (2011), a freelance documentary photographer who has worked for The New York Times, TIME magazine, National Geographic and more.
  • Cheyenne Jarrett (2022), a Communications Advisor at the Region of Durham.

“We are celebrating journalism in this room today,” said Professor Lon Appleby. “Who are the people who keep our leaders on their toes? Who are the ones that reflect our society back to us in the most truthful and dedicated way? Who are the fourth estate in our society? Journalists.”

DC President Don Lovisa moderated the discussion, and commended the Journalism program for its proven track record of producing award-winning students and professors who deliver the news from campus and the surrounding community with accuracy and integrity.

“It’s wonderful to see this, that we continue the tradition of quality stories in journalism and that we are recognized for that across Ontario,” he said.

Despite their varied career and life experiences, all the panelists agreed that their DC education set them on the path to success.

“The program has really rocketed my career,” said Jarrett. “I learned so much. The professors gave me opportunities to expand on my writing abilities and get the job that I have now, straight out of school.”

With traditional media outlets downsizing and shuttering, tomorrow’s journalists are in for a challenge as they build their careers. With that in mind, the panelists offered the benefit of their experience to the assembled students.

“You have to have a passion for it, and you have to take advantage of your opportunities,” said Leth. “It’s so important to learn as many skills as you can. You just never know when that break is going to come, and if you’re willing to learn everything that you possibly can, you make it that much more likely that an employer will hire you.”

They will also find that the skills they honed in school will be relevant outside of journalism, according to Bovie.

“As journalism students, you understand how to communicate. You start to understand relationships and people and what motivates them,” he said. “There are so many skills that you get out of a journalism program that are transferable to so many different career paths.”

At the end of the event, Appleby thanked the panelists and encouraged the students to heed their example as they develop their own careers.

“These are professionals, and that’s what we build here; the professional mindset.”

The full panel discussion is available online.

Tre Sanderson hosts another successful dining event at Bistro ‘67

For the second consecutive year, Durham College (DC) alumnus Tre Sanderson showcased his culinary skills at Bistro ’67.

RBC presents ‘A Night with Tre Sanderson’ was held on February 9 and 10 and was a hot ticket with local foodies, who filled the popular restaurant to experience the young chef’s modern take on Caribbean cuisine. The 2015 graduate of DC’s Culinary Management program and winner of Top Chef Canada Season 10 unveiled a six-course tasting menu that featured mouth-watering treats like lucky lime oyster, rice and pea risotto and sweet potato pudding.

Coming back to the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (CFF) is always special for Tre, who was part of the first cohort of students to learn his trade in the state-of-the-art facility.

“It’s humbling every time I come here,” he said. “This event is amazing because I get to come back, showcase my skill set and present food that I grew up on in a different form. But I can also give back to the students and help pave the way for the next generation.”

DC students and the Bistro ’67 team worked tirelessly in the kitchen to help Tre perfect his menu. Working alongside one of Canada’s brightest culinary talents was an invaluable experience for them according to Lori Saint, CFF General Manager.

“It’s a great opportunity for our students to work with Tre and for him to coach them and show them how his skills have expanded since he left the program,” said Saint. “He’s a fantastic chef and it’s been really great for all of us to work with him.”

Pantry Technician Anna Mae Baksh has worked on both of Tre’s DC events. She has been particularly impressed by his willingness to try new things in the kitchen, and his determination to make each of his menu items the best they can be.

“Getting to know him as a person has been great, and his drive to be perfect is something to be inspired by,” she said.

First-year Culinary Management student Paige Daniel and her classmates are now following in Tre’s footsteps. The knowledge that Canada’s Top Chef was a student like them just a decade ago is all the motivation they need.

“To see where Tre is and then to be working with him in the kitchen is inspiring. It’s a constant reminder that the sky’s the limit,” said Daniel.

More than any recipe or cooking method, that’s the lesson Tre hopes to impart to today’s students.

“Once you graduate, anything is possible,” he said. “As long as you put your mind to it and have passion behind it, you can really make your dream come true.”

DC’s Social Justice Week prompts thoughtful discussions on equity

Durham College’s students and employees had the opportunity to listen and engage with a diverse group of speakers who helped elevate awareness on social inequality, during Social Justice Week in January.

The digital event featured speakers from within the DC community and beyond who shared their experiences and perspectives on a number of social issues including homelessness, child welfare and addiction.

DC Faculty of Social and Community Services professor and event organizer Jason Vassell dubbed the event a success.

“Five speakers led seminars on social justice-related concerns and these speakers enlightened and educated all who were able to listen in on the sessions,” he said.

DC Journalism professor Alvin Ntibinyane discussed the role of journalists in promoting social justice and fighting oppression. He said that too often journalists have served as the voice of the powerful.

“To combat marginalization, journalism should report on and from marginalized communities,” he said, adding that journalists should seek out diverse cultural voices—especially from under-represented communities. He also spoke about the role of journalism in exposing systemic violence including reporting around murdered and missing Indigenous women.

Ntibinyane further challenged the role of hard objectivity—giving equal voice to both sides of an issue—and said many organizations have dropped objectivity as a goal, instead replacing it with truthfulness and fairness.

“I think objectivity in journalism has been the biggest enabler of oppression because in most cases it represents a false equivalence between the oppressor and the oppressed,” he said.

Chris Cull, a DC alum, discussed his docuseries Surviving Addiction and his lived experience with mental health and addictions as well as recovery.

In her presentation, Trent University researcher coordinator Uzma Danish shared a photo-voice project called Exclusion in Immigrant Experiences of Securing Professional Employment.

“Photo-voice is a very powerful tool in research where participants are given a camera and it is up to their discretion as to the photos they take and how they relate those photos to their experiences,” she explained.

In Danish’s research, participants related their experience as immigrants searching for work in Durham Region. Themes shared by the participants included exclusion, discrimination, devaluation of their credentials and their experiences, prejudice and a lack of information they felt they had when they were looking for employment. The research included a call to action from participants.

Members of the DC community who would like to hear recordings of the events can contact Jason Vassell to gain access.

Social Justice Week received support from the Durham College Student Association and Durham College’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion via RISE.

Photo: DC professor Alvin Ntibinyane and alum Chris Cull were featured speakers during this year’s Social Justice Week event.

Durham College seeking to honour exceptional alumni who are leading the way

Nominations for 2024 Alumni of Distinction award now open

With thousands of alumni making a mark in their communities, Durham College (DC) is now accepting nominations to recognize the trailblazers among them through the Alumni of Distinction Awards.

DC’s remarkable alumni community exceeds 114,000 people who play impactful roles both locally and internationally. Since 1990, over 100 alumni have been honoured with the Alumni of Distinction Award. Recipients are chosen for their professional, community and personal accomplishments, contributions to the advancement of DC, and the scope of impact for their achievements. Winners have ranged from respected medical practitioners and educators to accomplished broadcasters and engineers.

“A Durham College education has been a launching pad for tremendous success for our alumni in both their personal and professional lives,” said Don Lovisa, DC President. “Celebrating their exceptional accomplishments through these awards offers a unique opportunity to recognize and applaud their achievements as they serve as the inspiration for the upcoming generation of DC alumni leaders.”

The 2023 Alumni of Distinction included Edmonton Oilers executive Stew MacDonald, Top Chef Canada winner Tre Sanderson and Christine Cunningham, founder and executive director of Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario.

Nomination forms are available online at durhamcollege.ca/alumniofdistinction and should be submitted to alumni@durhamcollege.ca before 5 p.m. on Friday, March 1. The awards will be presented at DC’s Spring Convocation in June.