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Grads-to-be learn about convocation and alumni benefits at Countdown to Grad

Durham College’s (DC) spring and fall 2017 graduates-to-be enjoyed more than just a free lunch during the college’s annual Countdown to Grad events held at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses and Pickering Learning Site.

The events provided students with a fun opportunity to find out everything they need to know about their upcoming graduation while also learning about alumni benefits, career development services and convocation details. They also enjoyed a free slice of pizza and received a gift from the Alumni Association.

The events, sponsored by the Durham College Alumni Association, were held on March 7 (Oshawa campus), March 9 (Whitby campus) and March 10 (Pickering Learning Site) and over 500 attended.

For more information about DC’s spring 2017 convocation ceremonies, please visit the Spring Convocation page.

DC grads wow audience with their success stories during Alumni in the Pit

On February 7, Durham College (DC) alumni captivated their audience with stories of hover engines and the Canadian Football League (CFL) during the college’s Alumni in the Pit event.

The event, which can be viewed here, saw John Hotts, associate creative director at OneMethod design shop, and Brent Lessard, technical co-ordinator at International Leak Detection (ILD) and co-founder of rLoop, return to campus to share their experiences following graduation. The DC grads also answered questions and provided guidance to students about to embark on their own career paths.

“When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work,” said Lessard, who graduated from DC’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program in 2014.

“Failure is okay,” added Hotts, a 2008 graduate of DC’s Advertising and Marketing Communications program. “You will make mistakes, but it’s important to learn from them.”

Although Lessard had already completed some post-secondary education before he began his DC journey, he said it was the applied learning experiences offered at the college that made a difference and kept him engaged in innovation and technology.

It was that engagement that also helped prepare Lessard for his biggest opportunity. When SpaceX, a company that manufactures and launches rockets and spacecraft, announced a Hyperloop pod competition, Lessard put his DC training to work and co-founded rLoop, a team of more than 140 people worldwide, to develop a prototype — one that ultimately won the competition’s non-student category.

“It’s like a plane without wings,” said Lessard of the travel pod. “It’s propelled by active magnetic levitation or ‘hover engines’, and moves through a tube at hyper speed.” He added that if implemented in Canada, the pod could transport people from Toronto to Montreal in 22 minutes. “You could live in Montreal, work in Toronto and go to Ottawa for dinner.”

Now recognized as one of Canada’s top creatives under 30 years old, Hotts also had past experience in his field before attending DC. He shared with students that it was the field placement opportunity through his advertising program that helped him break into the industry.

“You have to plan and put together a resumé and a portfolio you are proud of,” said Hotts of the experience. He added that one of his professors helped him and a classmate secure the interviews for their placements – a connection he remembers and is grateful for to this day.

It was at this placement that Hotts learned two career rules he still carries with him to any job: first, check your ego at the door, and second, ask all the dumb questions. Following these two rules combined with his unbridled creativity and talent have landed Hotts projects with big-name brands such as Sweet Jesus, Delissio, World Wildlife Fund, Kit Kat Canada and Coors Light. However, it’s his redesign of the CFL’s logo that stands out among the rest. “It has longevity and has been engrained into Canadian culture,” said Hotts fondly.

Alumni in the Pit is part of DC’s backpack2Briefcase program, a series of events designed to help students and recent alumni make a smooth transition from college to the workplace.

Events and workshops are held throughout the year to offer opportunities for both personal and professional development that will enhance the skills and training students learn in the classroom.

Ontario colleges launch 50th anniversary innovation fund contest for students and alumni

To help mark their 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017, Ontario colleges have launched a new William G. Davis Innovation Fund contest that encourages full-time students and alumni to pitch creative projects and initiatives to compete for cash prizes.

The fund is named after former premier William G. Davis, who served as Ontario’s education minister from 1962 to 1971 and brought in the legislation that established the college system. It serves as a tribute to the bold and creative thinking that revolutionized post-secondary education in Ontario.

Entrants can be a graduate or current full-time student from one of Ontario’s 24 colleges with an idea that could improve Ontario and beyond. Applications can be made in the categories of entrepreneurialism, health and welfare, arts and culture, or community benefit.

The first-place winner will receive $15,000 to help fund the project and the second-place entry will receive $5,000.

For full details about the fund, including a detailed timeline for submissions and voting, full contest rules and regulations, please visit amazing50.ca/innovationfund. Successful entries must be achievable, sustainable, measurable, original and linked to the individual’s college experience.

Current, full-time DC students as well as alumni will be able to start posting proposals in March. A shortlist of the top applications will be publicized in August and the winners will be announced in November.

Durham College celebrates student achievement and donor generosity

On January 30, Durham College (DC) recognized both academic achievement and community generosity during the college’s annual Student and Donor Recognition Evening.

The event celebrated the accomplishments of DC’s scholarship and bursary award recipients and gave DC the opportunity to thank the countless individuals, organizations and corporate donors who choose to support students and post-secondary learning. It also gave donors the opportunity to meet with the students who benefit from their generosity.

“The support of our donors means that our students can continue to access first-class post-secondary education, which in turn will enable them to gain the skills and knowledge they need to move confidently from college to a successful career”, said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Whether it’s sponsoring a bursary so a student can pursue their education without the burden of financial limitations, or funding a scholarship, which celebrates a student’s hard work and academic success, we are very grateful for the support of our community.”

During the evening Lovisa paid special tribute to two long-standing donors. The college has enjoyed a decade-long partnership with Ontario Power Generation. Over that period, OPG has invested more than $5-million to support student success, scholarships and bursaries, as well as capital expenditures, new program development and equipment.

In addition, the Roger Anderson Charity Classic, an annual fundraising golf tournament celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, was also recognized for being a long-time donor to DC. Funds raised at the event provide assistance to students across Durham Region, including those attending DC. Mr. Anderson was joined by his two sons Warren and Ryan, who also enjoyed the opportunity to meet student recipients of the bursary.

Several new donors were also recognized during the ceremony including:

  • Bowmanville Lions Club – Russell Oke Award
  • David Worsley Bursary
  • Debbie Low Premier’s Award Bursary
  • Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries
  • Kent and Douglas Farndale Culinary Award

2016 Holiday Food Drive a success

The co-chairs of the annual Holiday Food Drive would like to express their sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this year’s drive. A longstanding campus tradition, the campaign provides hampers and financial assistance to student families at Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).

“Last year we experienced a significant increase in demand for holiday season support, and this year was no different,” said Brad MacIsaac, co-chair, Holiday Food Drive. “Thanks to the generosity of our campus community, we raised nearly $41,000 over the month-long campaign, which will provide assistance to more than 230 DC and UOIT student families–that’s more than 500 people in total.”

“We could not have achieved any of this without the help of everyone who donated food and contributed financially, nor without our wonderful volunteers who joined us on December 18 to pack and deliver hampers,” added Kevin Dougherty, co-chair, Holiday Food Drive. “Once again this proved to be a wonderful opportunity for our campus community to come together for a great cause.”

Some recipients took to social media to express their appreciation:

“I’m blown away by everyone’s generosity. I’m not sure exactly how many people received hampers, but I know it has made a big difference to their holidays. When you have to choose between buying food or Christmas gifts for your children, it’s hard to enjoy the season. All I can say is thank you so much to everyone. When I can, I will be sure to pay it forward.”

From Backpack to Briefcase – DC supports student and alumni success

Durham College (DC) has launched an exciting new initiative to further help students and alumni make smooth transitions from college to the workplace and succeed throughout their careers.

The Backpack to Briefcase (b2B) initiative, which is offered in partnership with DC’s Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, Career Development and the Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions, provides students and new alumni with access to insight, skills and networks in addition to the expertise they gain in their academic programs.

DC’s b2B events include opportunities to:

  • Connect with employers
  • Learn how to build a comprehensive, relevant and appropriate social media presence
  • Gain valuable leadership skills

These are just a few examples of the non-academic components that are essential to achieving success as a young professional. 

The initiative also supports DC’s Co-curricular Recognition program, which acknowledges students’ participation in campus activities that complement their resumes, portfolios, academic transcripts and more. Students will receive one leadership point for attending four or more of the b2B events offered throughout the academic year. 

“This is a very positive initiative that will better enable DC to support our students from their first day with us, when they enter the workforce, and throughout their careers,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “The b2B program is another example of DC’s commitment to ensuring that the student experience comes first.”

In addition, students and alumni who attend select b2B events will be eligible to win a $100 door prize. To learn more about b2B and register for coming events, including those with door prizes, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/b2B.  

DC helps make it a ‘Merry Little Christmas’ for a local woman hoping to attend college

On December 15, Durham College (DC) helped make the holidays a little merrier for a local high school student with dreams of attending DC to study nursing. The college welcomed Samantha Garrow to its Oshawa campus where a smiling crew, including DC President Don Lovisa, was waiting to take her on a tour, offer guidance on planning for her post-secondary studies, and present her with a tuition certificate to the college.

Earlier in the month, Garrow was nominated and selected to receive some extra help this holiday season as part of Toronto-based 99.9 Virgin Radio’s annual Merry Little Christmas campaign. Garrow’s incredible story of pursuing her education while also caring for her young daughter on her own included a wish to someday study nursing at DC. Ross Carnwith, manager of Ancillary Services with the college, was listening that morning. He was so inspired by what he heard that he took quick action to bring Garrow’s story to the attention of his DC colleagues.

“When Ross shared Samantha’s story and wish to study at Durham College, we were moved to reach out to her,” said Lovisa. “She is working incredibly hard to earn her high school diploma and realize her educational goals so that she can make a better life for her daughter and herself. As a college, we are committed to giving back to the community, particularly during this season of giving, and are proud to be able to offer her some assistance.”

With the help of Virgin Radio’s morning show, Tucker in the Morning, DC was able to connect with Garrow. While visiting the college’s campus, she was given a glimpse into what a future studying at DC could look like as well as information on the admissions requirements and process related to DC’s Practical Nursing program.

“I am overwhelmed with everything that’s been going on,” said Garrow. “I can’t even express how grateful I am.”

A year of accomplishment for DC student musician Cale Crowe

As his last live performance of the year quickly approaches, Durham College (DC) student Cale Crowe feels confident about setting new goals for 2017.

On Friday, December 30, the third-year Music Business Management (MBM) student will play his 112th show of the year at Oshawa’s The Moustache Club, greatly surpassing his goal of doing 100 shows in 2016.

In addition to besting his goal, Crowe also landed a plum MBM work placement position at Warner Music Canada as a digital marketing intern.

“I wouldn’t have been able to land this internship if it wasn’t for my program at DC,” said the modern folk-rock troubadour, who has several videos on YouTube. “The MBM program has taught me how to be a better speaker and listener. The classes also provide safe learning spaces where it’s acceptable to make mistakes and to learn from them. The professors are there to not only share their knowledge, but to make sure students understand it, and that’s because they care about both the students and the future of the music industry.”

Crowe’s placement has allowed him to connect with people in different departments at Warner Music Canada and gain diverse experience. “A lot of my job involves collecting raw data and helping my superiors and supervisors analyze and interpret it. I’ve also done some work with the A&R [Artists & Repertoire] department.”  

His studies and training at DC have provided him with a foundation for a career and a life in music that he has always wanted, said Crowe, who was born and raised in Alderville, near Cobourg, and performs regularly in Kingston, Peterborough and Oshawa.

While 2016 has been a very good year for him, 2015 wasn’t bad either as Crowe released his debut album, Stars and Promises, which is available on iTunes. Looking ahead, as he prepares to graduate in 2017, Crowe feels positive about his life in music. “I crave the atmosphere that surrounds the music industry – be it live performance or administrative work, or something in between, as long as I’m contributing to music I will be satisfied.”

Crowe says he may even set a goal of 200 live shows in the New Year.

Photo credit: Lana Missen

Campus community celebrates newest athletics facility

The impressive list of leading-edge athletics facilities at Durham College’s (DC) Oshawa campus grew this fall with the opening of the Campus Fieldhouse, a multi-sport turf centre that the college shares with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). Formerly the Campus Tennis Centre, the transformed facility features two playing fields that can accommodate a variety of intramural sports and activities including soccer, field lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, flag football and bubble soccer, among others.

An official opening for the Campus Fieldhouse was held on November 24, which included a ribbon-cutting by Don Lovisa, president, Durham College and Tim McTiernan, president and vice-chancellor, UOIT. The celebration also saw students participate in an exciting score-to-win contest and an intramural game of soccer.

“We are excited to celebrate the opening of the Campus Fieldhouse, a facility that opens up a new world of athletic and recreational opportunities for our students,” said Ken Babcock, director, Campus Athletics. “Transitioning the tennis centre into the fieldhouse has been a positive move for students on campus. This is a facility that will serve as a hub for community activities for years to come.” 

When not being used by the Department of Athletics, the Campus Fieldhouse is available to be rented by community recreational leagues and other sport organizations. It can even be rented for birthday party celebrations.

To learn more about Campus Fieldhouse availability, contact Marta Prado or call 905.721.3122. Facility updates are also posted at www.campusicecentre.com.

Campus Fieldhouse facts and benefits:

  • Creates new recreational space for students at the Oshawa campus that can be used year-round.
  • Provides new opportunities for students and the community to participate in a wide variety of sports and activities.
  • Available for varsity athletic teams to train and prepare for competition, including the DC Lords.
  • Approximate size of turf field: two adjacent fields, each measuring 30 metres wide by 45 metres long, separated by a vertical net.
  • Turf composition: artificial sand-based infill grass system (similar to the surface used by the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre).
  • Change room onsite.
  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
  • The Campus Fieldhouse sports bubble is located along Founders Drive, near the Campus Ice Centre and Vaso’s Field (north of Conlin Road and west of Simcoe Street).

 

DC grad awarded by gallery for her creative photography

Durham College (DC) graduate Stephanie Foden has been recognized for finding art from behind the camera.

The 2011 graduate of Media Art and Design’s (MAD) Print and Broadcast Journalism program, has won the Emerging Photographer Award at this year’s Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) Exposed photography exhibition and auction on November 12. The award prize is a solo exhibition at the Oshawa gallery during the Contact Photography Festival in May. She also won the Community Choice Award as voted on by attendees of RMG Exposed.   

Foden said the college’s programs, resources and staff enabled her to explore many facets of media work. “I had some wonderful profs in my first and second years, such as Brian Legree (Journalism) and Gerry Rose (retired, Journalism professor and program coordinator).” She especially credits her third-year broadcast professor, Anna Rodrigues, for inspiring her to progress as a professional. “She’s a very innovative teacher and is always looking for new media and different forms of storytelling,” said Foden.

“With an open mind, I explored each field of journalism. I easily took to photography more than anything else. The ability to rent equipment and explore this possible career option helped my decision.”

In her third year, she focused on photojournalism learning valuable skills such as blogging, social media and how to integrate different forms of media into her storytelling. “I also learned more about being a documentarian and long-form storytelling, which I enjoy more than anything,” explained Foden, adding that she also enjoyed her college field placement at Canadian Geographic in Ottawa. “They had me working on incredible stories for both the magazine and multimedia for their website. After the internship they sent me on assignment and it was an amazing way to start my career off.”

Following graduation, she was hired as the managing editor of Downtown Oshawa News (DON). DON was developed by Rodrigues with funding from DC’s research and innovation funds as a project-based learning experience for journalism students.

Foden is currently planning her solo exhibition for the RMG in the spring, and is working on a personal project in Brazil. “I hope to continue to progress as a photojournalist, both working on personal work and assignments.”

Her RMG awards are an example of the valuable community relationship the gallery and the college have. “As a former associate dean of MAD and this year’s Chair of RMG Exposed, I was particularly pleased with Stephanie’s award-winning work,” said Charlotte Hale.

DC has been a sponsor of the RMG Exposed event for seven years. Students in the Fine Arts – Advanced program in the School of Media, Art & Design are given memberships and use the gallery for research and exhibitions throughout the year. Students also connect with local young artists, writers, photographers and musicians at RMG Fridays, in which live music, interactive art and social networking occur each month.