Oshawa, Ont., – The doors are open at Durham College (DC) for Fall Open House on Saturday November 9 creating opportunities for prospective students to explore 145+ career-driven programs, meet with faculty and to see state-of-the-art learning spaces including shops and labs.

Visitors can explore both the Oshawa (2000 Simcoe St. N.) and Whitby (1610 Champlain Ave.) campuses during Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kaeli Caguicla, a first-year Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices student, explains she found her path at a DC Open House last year.

With an interest in the skilled trades, Caguicla attended Open House at DC’s Whitby Campus and met with a faculty member from the program she wanted to pursue.

“It was very valuable, basically he just talked about how amazing the program was and how special it was,” she said, adding that she was interested to learn it was just one of two Elevating Devices programs in Ontario. “He seemed like he really enjoyed the program and highlighted the career options.”

Caguicla got her questions answered, learned more about the courses in the program and visited her future learning spaces. She also enjoyed the energy at Open House.

“It’s very welcoming and I really liked the atmosphere,” she said. “It was easy to get around and I thought the shop spaces were really cool.”

Now, she says she loves her program and looks forward to attending her classes.

Navjot Sehgal is a campus tour guide and marketing assistant at DC and he’ll be leading tours during Open House.

“One of things people get excited about on campus tours is seeing the facilities and services that we offer,” said Sehgal, who is also a student pursuing a Cybersecurity graduate certificate.

He said prospective students love seeing spaces like the fitness facilities and gyms at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre, the Esports Arena and learning about services like Career Development or Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) which provides free academic support to DC students.

“These are the kinds of things students really don’t know about before they come here,” Sehgal explains. “Durham College has a vast campus; you can’t really know about all the things we have to offer unless you visit us. There’s a lot to explore and you can get a first look at your campus life.”

He said Open House is a one-stop-shop event where they can meet the recruitment team, explore programs and meet faculty, take a tour and apply. DC will cover the $150 Ontario Colleges application fee for domestic students who visit an Apply Now room and submit their application.

Top reasons to register for and attend DC’s Fall Open House:

• Meet with expert faculty to learn about our 145+ career-driven programs
• Learn about DC’s supportive financial aid services, including over $5 million in available bursaries and scholarships
• Find out about campus life and why our students love DC
• Explore inspiring spaces with a guided campus tour
• Apply for a DC program at the event and we will cover the $150 application fee for domestic students

Register to attend Fall Open House! Attendees who register will be entered into a draw to win a $5,000 Durham College tuition credit.

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contact
Reka Szekely
Communications Officer
reka.szekely@durhamcollege.ca

Whitby, Ont. – Ten Durham College (DC) students are pursuing rewarding careers in the skilled trades through life-changing support from the Schulich Builders Scholarships for the Skilled Trades.

Five students received $20,000 scholarships for one-year programs and five received $40,000 scholarships for two-year programs through The Schulich Foundation whose goal is to help to combat the shortage of skilled trades in the province and amplifying their importance and value to the community. Applications for a third round of scholarships will open to students in 2025.

Kaeli Caguicla, a Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices, is among DC’s $40,000 winners.

She explains that her father originally encouraged her to pursue a career in accounting, but she took an automotive class in high school and found she loved being in the shop and working with her hands and on tangible problems with solutions.

Caguicla selected her program after attending a DC Open House and speaking with faculty in the Elevating Devices program as well as hearing from her neighbour who works in the industry and is passionate about it.

“It’s been a blast so far, I’ve never enjoyed school so much,” she said. “I truly look forward to most of my classes. I come to school early and leave late. It’s been really fun.”

Earning a Schulich Scholarship has made a big impact on her life covering not only her tuition costs, but other costs like books, food and GO Transit transportation fees for the Scarborough resident.

“I’ve known for a while I would have to pay for my own post-secondary schooling and for my whole life, for birthdays and Christmases, I never spent the money and saved it up into a bank account,” she explains. “But when I was in Grade 12, due to a family situation, all that money was gone so I was kind of stuck—I didn’t even have enough for one year—but then I found out about the Schulich Builders Scholarship and went through the process and received it and it really lifted the pressure off my shoulders, it was really great.”

She said that the scholarship also made it easier for her father and her grandparents to accept her decision to pursue a career in the skilled trades.

“They were proud of me because I won this scholarship.”

Josh Peacocke, a Power Engineering Techniques – Fourth Class student and $20,000 scholarship winner, said he always knew he was going to pursue a career in the trades but wasn’t sure which trade he wanted to pursue until attending a trades fair at the Tribute Communities Centre.

“They had a bunch of stands set up and they had a power engineering booth and I thought it was pretty neat,” he said.

Peacocke said he liked that the program was only a year and that he would receive nine-month reduction of qualifying experience time. After acquiring three months of experience and completing Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) exams, DC graduates may qualify for their Fourth-Class Operating Engineer Certificate of Qualification.

He said he heard about the scholarship through his guidance counsellor and was surprised when he found out he won.

“I just couldn’t believe it this happened to me,” he said. “I told my parents, my mom cried and she said this is life changing and my dad, he was pretty proud of me.”

Peacocke said there are several benefits to winning the scholarship.

“It’s a motivation to go to school and to finish everything and to do very well and I’m trying significantly harder because I know there’s money on the line. It was also very financially helpful paying for school, I didn’t know how much the books were. I paid a little over a $1,000 for my first semester books.”

Whitby campus Principal and Faculty of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Executive Dean Rebecca Milburn congratulated the scholarship winners.

“The skilled trades are the backbone of our economy in key industries like construction, manufacturing, automotive, and infrastructure maintenance and development and I want to thank the Schulich Foundation for supporting our students as they prepare to enter these fields,” she said. “The trades sector continues to offer sustainable, high-demand career opportunities and it is critical that we develop the next generation of skilled workers who will drive innovation and growth in Ontario.”

Durham College 2024 Schulich Builders Scholarship $40,000 winners:

Devon Babich (Cobourg) – Welding Engineering Technician

Kaeli Caguicla (Scarborough) – Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices

Blake Hutchinson (Oshawa) – Electrical Engineering Technician

Dimitre O’Reggio (Pickering) – Electrical Engineering Technician

Jarod Tieche (Pickering) – Mechanical Technician Millwright

Durham College 2024 Schulich Builders Scholarship $20,000 winners:

Tori Dimytruk (Whitby) – Trades Fundamentals

Amjad Masri (Oshawa) – Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician

Josh Peacocke (Brooklin) – Power Engineering Techniques – Fourth Class

Darcy Short (Whitby) – Trades Fundamentals

Tyler Webb (Toronto) – Trades Fundamentals

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contact
Reka Szekely
Communications Officer
reka.szekely@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Four new programs are launching at Durham College (DC) in fall 2025 to meet industry and community needs and ensure graduates are career-ready and in-demand.

Applications are now open for the Electric Drive Vehicle Technician diploma program, Environmental Technician diploma program, Immigration Case Management graduate certificate and Interior Decorating diploma program.

“At Durham College, our role is to ensure that we are preparing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to fill evolving and in-demand careers,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students. “Consulting with industry professionals and leaders is an important part of our rigorous program development process so we’re confident these new programs align with the expertise employers are seeking.”

Demand in the immigration field, for example, has increased in recent years as Canada has welcomed millions of newcomers. DC is meeting the demand for legal support skills in the highly specialized area of immigration, refugee and citizenship law by launching the Immigration Case Management program – one of only two available at a public college in Canada.

“Law firms are craving legal assistance,” said Ana Bernal, program coordinator for Immigration Case Management. “Immigration law firms, community centre and centres for that help newcomers are looking for people with specialized knowledge because employers are finding it difficult to train new employees in this complex field.”

Explore all the new programs at DC:

Electric Drive Vehicle Technician (EDVT) – This four-semester diploma program is one of only two in Ontario and meets the demand for technicians to service electric and hybrid vehicles. It’s focused on both traditional mechanical expertise and specialized EV knowledge with students training at DC’s state-of-the-art Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre.

Environmental Technician (EVTN) – Through this four-semester diploma program, students will train to play a key role in helping conserve Canada’s ecosystem and protecting the health of communities from environmental contaminants. They will learn to evaluate, monitor and control potential risks to the environment and public health and assist in environmental protection and sustainability efforts.

Immigration Case Management (IMCM) – This two-semester graduate certificate empowers students with specialized knowledge and skills required to support people engaged in the immigration, refugee and citizenship process. Students acquire specialized legal skills aimed at supporting law practitioners, government agencies and community centres with immigration-related case load.

Interior Decorating (INDR) – Students in this four-semester diploma program will explore the design process, space planning and decoration of both residential and commercial environments. They will learn to work with clients and tackle creative challenges to enhance quality of life through the curation of functional, accessible and beautiful environments.

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

 

Media Contact
Reka Szekely
Communications Officer
reka.szekely@durhamcollege.ca

Whitby, Ont. – As the demand for electric and hybrid vehicles continue to rise, so does the need for skilled technicians capable of maintaining and servicing these advanced systems. Responding to this industry need, Durham College (DC) has launched its new Electric Drive Vehicle Technician (EDVT) program, one of only two offered in Ontario. With the automotive sector rapidly transitioning to greener technologies, DC’s program is designed to equip graduates with the expertise needed to thrive while meeting the province’s demand for electric vehicle (EV) professionals.

“With the automotive sector undergoing a significant transformation, Durham College is committed to offering new programs that align with industry trends and provide students with career-ready skills,” says Dr. Rebecca Milburn, Executive Dean, Faculty of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship and Principal at Whitby campus. “What makes the Electric Drive Vehicle Technician program unique is its focus on both traditional mechanical expertise and the specialized knowledge required for electric and hybrid vehicle systems. Our graduates will be well-positioned to succeed in this growing field.”

For more than two decades, Canada’s clean transport industry has been the fastest-growing industry within the country’s clean energy sector. With significant investments, totaling over $17 billion since 2020, the Canadian and Ontario governments have prioritized EV manufacturing, positioning Ontario as a future hub for this innovative industry.

Emerging professionals in DC’s EDVT program will build on their understanding of conventional vehicle systems inside the college’s state-of-the-art Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre and develop expertise in diagnosing and servicing electric and hybrid vehicles from various manufacturers. Homer Manlangit, Faculty member, says the two-year diploma program is specifically designed to equip learners with the technical knowledge required to succeed.

“To ensure their success post-graduation, students will work with the latest tools and technologies used in the industry, while gaining practical experience in areas such as high-voltage electrical systems, electric drivetrains, and battery management,” he says. “The program also covers the fundamentals of hybrid vehicles, and we teach students how to service and maintain these increasingly popular vehicles, which combine traditional internal combustion engines with electric power.”

In addition to technical skills, students will develop critical problem-solving abilities by working on real-world scenarios in state-of-the-art shops, simulating the complexities they’ll encounter in the field. By the time they graduate, they’ll have completed a 56-hour EV capstone project that fuses learning from previous coursework in electric and hybrid vehicle technology, offering a hands-on, project-based experience.

DC’s EDVT program reflects the college’s commitment to sustainability and remaining future focused as an industry leader and is currently accepting applicants for September 2025. Those interested in creating a greener future and launching a career in this in-demand field are encouraged to apply online today.

 

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contact
Carmen Doucette
Senior Communications Officer
Carmen.Doucette@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College’s (DC) engineering technology graduates can get a head start on their degree thanks to a new pathway agreement with Queen’s University.

Students who graduate from DC with one of our advanced diplomas in Engineering Technology can now transfer into an upper year of the civil, mining, mechanical, or chemical degree programs offered by Smith Engineering at Queen’s.

“We are thrilled about the strong partnership between DC and Queen’s University. This is a testament to our commitment to providing students with the best possible educational experience,” said Kara Woods, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology. “By integrating practical learning from DC with the rigorous academic framework at Queen’s, we are empowering students to transition smoothly from diploma to degree.”

One such student is Mitch Connelly, a 2021 graduate of DC’s Civil Engineering Technology program who is part of the pathway’s inaugural cohort that began their studies in September. After years of working in the engineering field, he decided to return to school to upgrade his skills, and his timing was perfect.

“It’s a lot cheaper than doing a full undergraduate degree straight from high school, and college is also more practical. I think employers recognize that,” he said of the pathway. “It’s better to go this route. You get a better education and more connections.”

Mitch’s post-DC success and his pursuit of a degree at Queen’s serve as an example to today’s students, according to Civil Engineering Technology program coordinator Myla Minelli.

“Mitch exemplifies the dedication, hard work, and determination that we strive to instill in all our students,” she said.

More DC students are set to take advantage of the new pathway, with seven beginning the required online preparatory courses this fall before attending a full semester of foundational classes next summer. They will then enter their respective programs at Queen’s in September of 2025.

The Smith Engineering Bridge pathway is funded by the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT).

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contacts
Jason Chamberlain
Communications Officer, Durham College
jason.chamberlain@durhamcollege.ca

Researchers at Durham College (DC) are partnering with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and the Abilities Centre in Whitby to examine barriers to exercise for forensic patients and how community-based exercise could impact their physical and mental health.

Dr. Erin Dancey, a faculty member in DC’s Fitness and Health Promotion program, is leading the three-year project through the college’s Social Impact Hub. The research is made possible through a $350,000 College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CHIR) which was announced on September 13.

“We’re interested in the impact of exercise on not just physical fitness, but as a means to increase social connections and improve mental health and wellness and quality of life,” said Dancey. “We met with Ontario Shores and they were already trying to think about ways to get their patients exercising more and the Abilities Centre is close and aims to provide an inclusive space for all individuals in the community, so it all came together.”

The overall goal of the project is to develop exercised-based treatment options that will reduce health disparities and inequities experienced by Canada’s forensic patient population, people who have been found not criminally responsible for an offence or unfit to stand trial by the courts due to mental illness and are hospitalized and receiving treatment to improve their mental health.

Forensic patients with mental illness are more sedentary, have reduced levels of physical fitness and are at a higher risk for obesity as compared to the general population for several reasons including the impact of medication on metabolic health and barriers to exercise while accessing care in a hospital setting.

While other studies have demonstrated the benefits of exercise for people living with mental illness, there is limited research focusing specifically on forensic patients.

“It’s interesting, important research for patients in an institutional, hospitalized setting because it has the potential to improve their quality of life,” said Dancey.

The first phase of the research project will look at barriers to engaging in community-based exercise for patients receiving forensic psychiatry care at Ontario Shores. In the second phase, patients participating in the study will engage in community-based exercise at the Abilities Centre and the researchers will investigate the impact on physical fitness, quality of life, social isolation, mental health and sleep quality.

At DC, Dancey will work with Faculty of Heath Sciences faculty member Dr. David Copithorne and Jennifer Bedford, a faculty member in the Faculty of Media, Art and Design. The project also comes with experiential learning opportunities for students from both faculties.

“We will hire Fitness and Health Promotion students as well as Community Mental Health students as research assistants so they will gain experience with the research ethics approval process, data collection, fitness assessment and prescription, and working with a vulnerable population and community partners,” said Dancey. “We’re also going to hire Media, Art and Design students to help create a video outlining the project findings as well as infographics that will share our results with a broader audience.”

Benefits of the research may include creating a low-cost treatment for people living with mental illness that can be used in combination with medication which could be expanded to patients in the general psychiatry and outpatient clinics at Ontario Shores and elsewhere. It also provides the Abilities Centre and other similar community recreation centres with new tools and ways to support a marginalized group, people living with mental illness.

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contact

Reka Szekely
Communications Officer
Reka.Szekely@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Researchers at Durham College’s (DC) Social Impact Hub are launching a project to study and improve mental health care for Black communities thanks to a $360,000 federal grant.

Announced on September 13, the grant is from the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF), funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada (2022), 35.4% of Black Canadians experience significant psychological distress, but only 1.2% of them seek the aid of mental health services. With that in mind, ‘Bridging the gap: Developing Culturally Responsive Mental Health Care with and for Black Communities’ will explore the experiences of Black patients and frontline workers in emergency, acute and community mental health settings. Beginning this fall, researchers will collect data and work with members of the Black community, caregivers, and frontline workers to co-create resources from a culturally responsive lens.

The project will be led by researchers from the Social Impact Hub with a team consisting of Black community-members and academics.

“This is a very important project,” said Dr. Crystal Garvey, lead researcher and a faculty member in DC’s Nursing – Collaborative Bachelor of Science (BScN) program. “Historically, when decisions are being made for members of the community who have to access the healthcare system, they’re made by leaders and experts who are not representative of the groups they are serving or making decisions for. What makes this research different is that it is a co-creation piece, where those who actually use the services and are navigating the system will now have a say in what bridging the gaps look like”

The Social Impact Hub is partnering on the project with the Health Research Council for People of African Descent, the Regional Municipality of Durham, Black Health Alliance and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

DC students will have the opportunity to contribute to the new initiative, with three being hired each year. Two students from the Faculty of Health Sciences will provide support as research assistants, while one student from a Media, Art and Design program will assist in documenting and promoting the project.

“We have some really amazing stakeholders that are going to be engaged in this project. I am deeply grateful that they are ready and willing to listen, and that’s the first step to changing any narrative,” said Dr. Garvey. “I am so appreciative and humbled by our community leaders who are involved in this project. They are being intentional with giving space to voices who historically have been ignored or silenced. Because of this project we all now have a seat at the table to engage in sincere discourse to create the authentic change needed.”

Dr. Garvey and her fellow researchers hope to gain the trust of the Black community and encourage them to seek mental health support before crisis hits.

“I hope that we can be the community that breaks down barriers and makes sure that mental health care is being received equitably and fairly,” she said. “This research, in collaboration with community support and involvement, is going to change the status quo and belief systems associated with mental health.”

“I say with all confidence that it’s going to be a game changer.”

 

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

 

Media Contacts
Jason Chamberlain
Communications Officer, Durham College
jason.chamberlain@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – In response to the growing need for mental health supports on campus, Durham College (DC) is prioritizing resources and supports to ensure that students’ needs are met.

The fall 2024 semester is the first to welcome learners who experienced the pandemic throughout high school, starting in Grade 9, reinforcing the need for additional mental health supports in post-secondary education.

“Over the past few years, the CHWC has noted a substantial increase in both the volume and complexity of students’ mental health challenges post-pandemic, and we’ve implemented the supports to proactively address these needs,” said Jennifer Elliott, Director, Campus Health and Wellness Centre at DC.

To educate and empower employees to support student mental health, the CHWC has launched a comprehensive guide and quick reference flowsheet. The resources, developed by mental health experts on campus, support employees by enhancing their understanding of mental health while helping them navigate the college’s emergency processes. Both resources include a focus on user experience and are a part of DC’s broader effort to ensure that the entire campus community has the knowledge and support needed to succeed.

“These resources were developed in direct response to a growing demand for support among employees who are working diligently to assist these students,” said Elliott.

To support the launch of the CHWC’s mental health guide and flowsheet, DC is providing ongoing opportunities for employees to engage with CHWC mental health clinicians. Employees can ask questions and learn about how to support students in managing their mental health on campus. Additionally, employees have the option to book a classroom visit or health promotion session to explore various mental health topics.

For students, the CHWC offers access to confidential and comprehensive services with an expert team of health care professionals and are encouraged to visit the CHWC to learn about all the resources available. Students can also explore the online Wellness Directory, which highlights other resources available at the college to support them.

This month, on September 10, DC will be hosting the Canadian Mental Health Association Durham (CMHA) Durham’s Safety Expo, along with its partners, to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day. The event will include presentations and resource booths on key topics such as transgender care, suicide prevention, and more. Attendees will have access to valuable insights and the chance to engage with experts in the field, ensuring members of the community have the supports they need to thrive year-round; an initiative Elliott says is critical as mental health needs continue to evolve.

“Events like this further underscore DC’s dedication to prioritizing the mental health and well-being of its community, ensuring that support evolves alongside the needs of everyone.”

 

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contact
Carmen Doucette
Senior Communications Officer
Carmen.Doucette@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – 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!

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contact

Reka Szekely
Communications Officer
Reka.Szekely@durhamcollege.ca