Durham College (DC) announced today that it has won a prestigious Whitby Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Achievement Award in the category of Business Achievement (50+ employees). The awards were presented on November 17 at a gala held at the Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility.

“On behalf of everyone at DC, I’d like to thank the Whitby Chamber of Commerce for this 2016 Business Achievement Award, which recognizes the college as a valued member of the business community and contributor to the growth of Whitby and Durham Region,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “To be acknowledged by our peers in this way is a testament to the tireless work of our employees to enhance the business community through initiatives such as partnerships, program expansion, research and innovation, and creating a healthy workplace.”

The Peter Perry & Business Achievement Awards are held each year to recognize the success and outstanding contributions of companies and individuals within the Whitby Chamber of Commerce membership. Winners are honoured for their excellence in one or more of the following areas of operation: enhancement to the broader business community; business development and company growth; strategic alliances and partnerships; community relations; product or service advancement; brand profile and reputation; marketing/branding innovation; and healthy workplace.

Over the past six years, DC has invested more than $45 million at the Whitby campus to further its evolution into a community hub focused on innovative learning, skilled trades and applied research, highlights of which include:

• The addition of new skilled trades programs, including Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices that will launch in January 2017.
• The ongoing development of cold-frame technology by faculty and student researchers, making it possible to grow fresh, local produce year-round by harnessing the sun’s energy and redirecting it to support growth on cold days. Cold-frame technology uses framed boxes built from cedar wood that have special insulation and triple polycarbonate glass on top. Filled with sand, the boxes direct heat collected from the sun to stimulate growth.
• The W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (CFF). The CFF is focused on the sustainable field-to-fork concept, as supported by its ambassador, celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy. Home to a range of complementary programs in baking, culinary, food and farming, horticulture, hospitality, and event management, the CFF boasts numerous sustainable features and extensive grounds that include an apple orchard, agricultural planting fields, gardens, hoop house and greenhouses that support applied learning and research while growing produce for use in the CFF’s kitchens and laboratories, as well as Bistro ’67 and Pantry.

In addition, DC has established a strong relationship with Habitat for Humanity, a partnership that enables students from the college’s Construction Carpentry – Sustainable program to gain hands-on experience outside of the classroom while providing a way for DC to give back to our community with students and employees assisting with the construction of four homes for families in need.

DC was also a driving force behind the inaugural Idea Summit, held at the CFF in May 2016. The event brought together business leaders and employees from some of Durham Region’s largest employers, who discussed how to promote the region and the development of a set of recommendations to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation. The summit saw the creation of several task forces that are currently working to develop recommendations on how governments at all levels can support the region and its highly-educated and motivated work force.

“DC remains a strong, vibrant presence in Durham Region, and Whitby in particular, where the expansion of our campus has mirrored the community’s growth,” added Lovisa. “This growth and leadership has resulted in more opportunities than ever for our students, and supports the social and economic health of our communities. We look forward to continuing to work with the Whitby business community, including the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, to advance initiatives for the betterment of our community.”

Durham College (DC) announced today a $250,000 commitment from the DC Alumni Association to support the Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE) at the college’s Oshawa campus.

“This pledge is a true testament to the commitment DC alumni have to their alma mater,” said Chris Vale, president, DC Alumni Association. “I am proud of the Alumni Association’s decision to support the continued growth of the college. In particular, it underlines our belief in the importance of the Centre for Collaborative Education. We could not be prouder to be helping to build a facility where students, employees and the broader community can come together in ways that extend beyond the scope of traditional education.”

The donation, announced on November 10 at an Alumni Association networking event, is being made over a period of five years. This significant contribution serves to set the pace for the college’s Building Something Amazing fundraising campaign, which will see the college aim to raise $5 million over two years toward the construction of the CFCE. In addition to the association’s commitment to the CFCE, it has also supported the college via several other initiatives over the years including ongoing donations to scholarship and bursary programs, the Building for Our Future and Growing for Our Future capital campaigns and the annual campus holiday food drive.

“On behalf of everyone at Durham College, I extend my sincere thanks to the DC Alumni Association for this wonderful support of our new Centre for Collaborative Education,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “This generous pledge is in keeping with the loyalty and commitment the Alumni Association has demonstrated to the college time and time again. As a key member of the DC family, we are delighted to have its support as we work together toward building something amazing.”

A legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017, the CFCE will be a multi-level, 75,000-square-foot-facility that will serve as an educational access point for students while bringing together local, Indigenous and global community groups and members of key business sectors. It will provide a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs including:

• The School-College-Work Initiative and the affiliated Centre for Success program, a partnership between DC and the Durham District, Kawartha Pine Ridge District, Durham Catholic District, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District, and Trillium Lakelands District school boards, that assist in-risk students by helping them find their way to college.  
• The Aboriginal and Student Diversity Centres.
• Entrepreneurial, Innovation and Creative spaces including the Spark Centre, which will expand applied research opportunities for students, faculty and small- and medium-sized businesses.
• Global, Open and Collaborative spaces that will enable faculty, students and the broader community to use technology in creative ways to gain unprecedented access to students, educators, thought leaders, subject matter experts and other visionaries from more than 40 countries around the world.
• Health science facilities including state-of-the art classrooms and labs and a spa focused on massage therapy, cosmetology and aesthetics.
• Foundation programs designed to prepare students for the continuation of post-secondary education at college or university.
• Significant collaborative learning and social spaces for students, faculty, staff and community.

While the fall season meant the beginning of school for many Durham College (DC) students, it has also brought an exciting culmination of post-secondary pursuits for others. Those achievements were celebrated on October 27 at the college’s annual fall convocation, commemorating the graduation of 1,159 students from 109 programs.

The event also honoured students who earned a place on the highly regarded President’s Honour Roll as well as recipients of scholarship and leadership awards.

Graduates from the Centre for Food and the schools of Business, IT & Management; Continuing Education; Health & Community Services; Interdisciplinary Studies; Justice & Emergency Services; Media, Art & Design; Science & Engineering Technology; and Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology were awarded their diplomas and certificates in front of hundreds of family and friends.

In his address to graduates, DC President Don Lovisa encouraged students not to buy into the negative perceptions of their generation often perpetuated by the media.

“Some of you are part of the generation that’s been loosely termed as ‘millennials’ or ‘Generation Y’ and for a lot of media commentators, it’s become a handy stereotype to say that this generation has a sense of entitlement when it comes to their work and personal lives,” said Lovisa. “My advice to you is simple. Don’t accept that. Don’t accept for a minute that your generation, and those who follow you, are any less prepared, any less capable and any less willing to work than previous generations. I know this to be true because of my work at DC, and when I look at you here today, I see individuals who are ready to take on the important issues of the world and make a positive difference.”

DC also bestowed its prestigious Faculty Emeritus award to retired professor William (Bill) Marlow in recognition of his outstanding contributions and exemplary service to the college community. During his more than 30 years with the college, Marlow brought his expertise and good humour to several positions including professor and co-ordinator for the Computer Programmer Analyst program, field placement co-ordinator, and acting dean of the School of Business, IT & Management. He also served as a faculty member of DC’s Academic Council where he helped select the software and best practices that have supported the college’s evolution into a modern post-secondary institution.

With the fall convocation, Durham College now boasts more than 76,000 alumni over its 49-year history.

Durham College (DC) president Don Lovisa is giving James Corden, host of The Late Late Show with James Corden, some competition! Lovisa has teamed up with DC alumnus (and returning student) Sarah Mark to celebrate her recent achievements, including her Top 40 hit song Tun Up, with a take on Corden’s popular Carpool Karaoke videos.

“Sarah’s success story is quite unique, so we knew we wanted to share it in a unique way,” said Lovisa. “And what better way to celebrate a graduate of our Music Business Administration program and her burgeoning music career than with a video that features her song and lets us have some fun at the same time?”

An international student from Trinidad and Tobago, Mark graduated from DC in June 2016 just as her song was beginning to get airtime on popular radio stations across Canada, and even catching the attention of TV personality and radio host Ryan Seacrest. She returned to DC in September to complete a third year of studies and earn additional credentials in DC’s Music Business Management program.

The two-year Music Business Administration and three-year Music Business Management programs prepare students to enter the competitive music industry equipped with a solid foundation of business knowledge and plenty of hands-on experience. Students develop skills in management, marketing, promotions and small business while also learning the essentials of event production, live sound reinforcement, studio operations and media.

Kia Canada Inc.’s (Kia) slogan – The Power to Surprise – was in evidence today as the award-winning automotive manufacturer donated a 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium to Durham College’s (DC) School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology.

Representatives from Kia, including Ted Lancaster, vice-president and chief operating officer, were joined by DC President Don Lovisa and DC students and employees at an event held at the college’s

Whitby campus to reveal the details of the donation. This includes the importance of community partnerships to both organizations and the value that donations such as this provide in terms of offering students access to hands-on training opportunities using current and in-demand technology and equipment.  

“At Durham College we prepare our students to meet the demands of a technology-driven workplace,” said Lovisa. “Thanks to Kia’s continued support of our automotive programs and this donation of the world-class Cadenza Premium, our students will be equipped with the latest skills and training required to be successful in Canada’s competitive and evolving automotive industry post-graduation.” 

The Cadenza Premium, a fully-equipped sedan rivaling its luxury counterparts, was delivered to the college’s Whitby campus last week. It will serve as an important training tool for students enrolled in the Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship, Motive Power Technician – Service and Management program and the School-College-Work Initiative – Dual Credit and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship.

“Kia Canada is proud to be supporting the community at Durham College by donating a Kia Cadenza to prepare students for the future through education and experience.” said Lancaster.  “This vehicle offers cutting-edge technologies which will provide students hands-on experience and the depth of knowledge necessary to succeed in their careers.”

Known for its well-designed interior cabin, the 2014 Cadenza Premium has loads of standard features and a powerful 293 horsepower V6 engine. It has received high praise and numerous accolades for its smooth ride and handling as well as its high level luxury features including onboard navigation and entertainment systems, premium Nappa leather interior, heated and cooled front seats, Lane Departure Warning System (LDW), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Blind Spot Detection System.

Next month, 26,000 people will take part in The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM) and this year Durham College (DC) will be front and centre! Earlier this year, DC was selected as an official charity for the event and on Sunday, October 16, three teams of DC walkers and runners, comprised of employees, students and alumni, will participate in the marathon, half-marathon and 5 km events to help raise funds for the construction of the new Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE) at the Oshawa campus. To support the Run for DC, please visit DC’s page on the STWM website.

A legacy project tied to the college’s 50th anniversary in 2017, the CFCE will replace the aging Simcoe building, which was built at the Oshawa campus in 1969. It will serve as an educational access point for students while bringing together local, Indigenous and global community groups and members of key business sectors.

“We’re very grateful to everyone who has signed up to participate in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon to support the new Centre for Collaborative Education,” said Linda Marco, associate vice-president, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs. “We hope that our terrific college community, along with our alumni and community supporters, will rally and sponsor our walkers and runners.  With the college’s 50th anniversary in 2017, now is the time to help us build something amazing at Durham College.”

The STWM, is an elite-level marathon with Gold Label status from the International Association of Athletics Federations. Both the marathon and half marathon begin at Queen Street West and University Avenue in Toronto and finish on Bay Street, with the 5 km starting on Lake Shore Blvd and also finishing on Bay Street. Event activities get underway at 8 a.m. with the 5 km kicking off first.

Go DC!