Today, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) announced the next phase of its partnership with Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). Under the terms of the five-year agreement, OPG is committing an additional $5 million to continue the long-standing partnership between the three institutions. Today’s announcement builds on the $10 million already invested by OPG in the university and college over the past decade.

The funding will support both post-secondary institutions and provide OPG with ’career-ready‘  graduates that are essential to its current and future business plans. This includes its nuclear station operations and key nuclear projects planned to ensure electricity supply for the future.

The continued partnership will enable all three organizations to work together toward the effective education and training of employees for the Canadian nuclear sector, including nuclear operations and project work.

KEY FACTS – PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS:

• DC and UOIT will work together to implement academic bridging programs to support the movement of qualified college and university students between the two institutions;
• DC will continue to align its science, apprenticeship, skilled trades and technology programs to meet employment criteria outlined by OPG; and
• UOIT will continue to develop post-graduate and professional development opportunities to prepare OPG employees for career advancement.

KEY FACTS – INVESTMENT:

• $2 million ($1 million to each institution) in support of program development that will provide highly-educated graduates to work in the engineering, maintenance and operations positions at OPG’s nuclear generating stations;
• $1.75 million for special training mock-up and display equipment to enhance the students’ learning experience and augment classroom training;
• $340,000 for student support (scholarships and bursaries); and
• $910,000 ($455,000 to each institution) for capital improvement support.

The unique collaborative partnership between OPG, DC and UOIT has resulted in benefits to each of the partners, and collectively for Durham Region and the province of Ontario. It is an excellent example of what can be achieved when mutually-beneficial opportunities are recognized and successfully implemented by a team of committed partners.

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About OPG

OPG provides about half the power Ontario relies on. The electricity OPG produces is 99.7 per cent free of greenhouse gas and smog causing emissions. For more information, visit opg.com.

About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and 16 apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the-art Student Services building and the college will soon break ground on the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50^th anniversary in 2017. The new facility will bring together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs. The Whitby campus features the Centre for Food, including Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About UOIT

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) advances the discovery and application of knowledge through a technology-enriched learning environment and the delivery of innovative market-driven programs responsive to the needs of students and industry. With more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in more than 75 programs, UOIT promotes social engagement, fosters critical thinking and integrates outcomes-based learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. UOIT’s commitment to accelerating economic growth and social innovation is realized through faculty research collaborations with leading organizations such as Ontario Power Generation, IBM, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the Durham Regional Police Service. To find out more, visit uoit.ca.

For more information, media may contact:

Bob Neufeld Durham College 905.721.2000 ext. 6219 robert.neufeld@durhamcollege.ca

Bryan Oliver UOIT   905.721.8668 ext. 6710     bryan.oliver@uoit.ca

Ontario Power Generation Media Relations 416.592.4008 or 1.877.592.4008 Follow us @opg

 

Receives fellowship from Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario

OSHAWA, ONT. – For nine years, Arlene de la Rocha has played an instrumental role in developing the Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Honours program curriculum at Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). On May 6, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) presented de la Rocha with one of its highest honours.

Professor de la Rocha was recognized with the prestigious 2016 HUB Fellowship for her demonstrated transformational leadership capacity and commitment to empowering nursing students to find a path that will develop their leadership strengths, whether at the clinical point-of-care or in traditional leadership positions.

Her leadership as a nursing educator includes her effort to bring greater realism to nursing education in a laboratory setting, which includes working with a research team aimed at introducing the use of technology such as iPads at the point of care for patients. She has also implemented a capstone project for fourth-year nursing students to help them identify emerging health issues.

Sponsored by HUB International, RNAO’s home and auto insurance provider, the fellowship recognizes an individual’s contributions to RNAO’s mandate: Speaking Out for Nurses, Speaking Out for Health. Nominated by their peers, recipients are chosen for their achievements in nursing and their commitment to RNAO.

As the winner of the 2016 fellowship, de la Rocha, who is currently enrolled in her PhD in Nursing at Queen’s University will have the opportunity to participate in a week-long, one-on-one placement with RNAO’s chief executive officer and 2011 UOIT honorary doctorate recipient, Dr. Doris Grinspun.

Quotes

“Receiving the HUB Fellowship is more than an honour – it’s the chance of a lifetime. Observing and working with Dr. Grinspun will provide me with invaluable insight into how she leads, motivates and empowers others, and I look forward to sharing all that I learn from her with my colleagues and students.”

• Arlene de la Rocha, 2016 RNAO HUB Fellowship recipient

“Arlene has established herself as a passionate, effective leader and we are thrilled to see her being recognized by the Ontario nursing community. As an educator, innovator, researcher and mentor, she embodies the spirit of the HUB Fellowship in all facets of her career.”

• Judeline Innocent, executive dean, School of Health & Community Services, Durham College

“Arlene’s enduring commitment to the UOIT-Durham College Collaborative BScN Honours program, and nursing education more broadly, is outstanding. Introducing students to the use of technology at the patients’ point-of-care aligns closely with UOIT’s commitment to technology-enhanced learning environments, and ensures that our Nursing graduates are well prepared for future practice.”

• Lori Livingston, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Related links

• Arlene de la Rocha faculty profile
• Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario
• About the UOIT/DC Collaborative Nursing program (DC description)
• About the UOIT/DC Collaborative Nursing program (UOIT description)

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Media contacts:

Allison Rosnak
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

Bryan Oliver
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
905.721.8668 ext. 6709
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca

 

Event will see Durham Region’s top employers discuss innovative economy designed to advance Durham Region; feature keynote presentation by John Baker, president and chief executive officer, Desire2Learn

Oshawa , Ont. – On Tuesday, May 10, representatives from eight of Durham Region’s largest employers, along with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, will meet at Durham College’s (DC) Centre for Food (CFF) for the region’s first-ever Idea Summit.

Via facilitated sessions and a panel discussion, the one-day conference will provide a platform for the development of a new strategy aimed at creating jobs and stimulating innovation in the region. In addition, it will enable an important first step toward the creation of a long-term dialogue that will offer recommendations to all levels of government on ways to improve Durham Region’s competitiveness and help attract investment opportunities.

Media are invited to attend the event’s opening remarks and keynote address, which will be delivered by John Baker, president and chief executive officer (CEO), Desire2Learn, a highly successful online learning systems software company.

When:
May 10 Welcome and introductions – 9:30 a.m.
Keynote address by John Baker, president and CEO, Desire2Learn – 9:45 to 10:05 a.m.

Where:
DC CFF (Whitby campus)
1610 Champlain Avenue, Whitby

Parking:
Enter at the main entrance to the Whitby campus off Champlain Avenue and proceed to the parking adjacent to the CFF.

For more information, please contact:
Bob Neufeld
DC Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 6219
robert.neufeld@durhamcollege.ca 

Students win gold, silver and bronze at Ontario’s largest skilled trades’ competition; will advance to national finals

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) announced today that four of its students were among the big winners at this week’s Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC), picking up two gold medals, a silver and a bronze in the Horticulture, Computer/IT and Carpentry categories. The event, which was held in Waterloo, Ontario, is sponsored by Skills Ontario, a non-profit organization that promotes the skilled trades as a first-choice career option for the province’s young people.

Jamie Marangon and Zachary Slaughter, both in their second year of the two-year Horticulture Technician program, won gold in the Horticulture and Landscape category. Together they beat out several teams for the top prize in constructing a garden based on plans and criteria provided to them during the competition.

“Once again, Durham College students have shown that they can compete with the best and come out on top, thanks to the high-quality training they receive here at DC combined with their dedication to their studies,” said Susan Todd, dean of the School of Science & Engineering Technology at Durham College. “On behalf of the entire DC community, I would like to recognize all of our participating students for their hard work and congratulate Jamie and Zachary on their tremendous success.” 

Congratulations are also in order for DC students Bryan Chamberlain and Sam Phillips. Chamberlain, a graduating student in the three-year Computer Systems Technology program, won a silver medal for the second consecutive year in the IT Network and Systems Administration category.  For his part, Phillips, a second-year student in Construction Carpentry – Sustainable, picked up a bronze in the Carpentry category

“Winning two medals in two years is quite an accomplishment,” said Judy Spring, executive dean of DC’s School of Business, IT & Management. “We’re very proud of Bryan for representing DC so successfully at this competition.”

Marangon and Slaughter will now take part in the Skills Canada competition, taking place from Sunday, June 5 to Wednesday, June 8 in Moncton, New Brunswick. Overall, 16 DC students put their skills to the test in this week’s OTSC event in various categories, including auto service technology, carpentry, heating system technician, plumbing and welding. The competition gives students the chance to compete against their peers, while also demonstrating that skilled trades are an accessible, interesting and enjoyable career option.  

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About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and 16 apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the college will soon break ground on the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50^th anniversary in 2017. The new facility will bring together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the Centre for Food, including Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contacts:

Bob Neufeld
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 6219
robert.neufeld@durhamcollege.ca

Free all-day event takes inspiring experiments out of the lab and into the community

 OSHAWA, ONTARIO – The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Durham College (DC) will welcome aspiring young scientists and community members to their shared Oshawa campus on Saturday, May 7 as the college and university host Science Rendezvous 2016.

The free event promotes science awareness for all ages, and is part of the nationwide Science Rendezvous celebration being held at post-secondary institutions across Canada.

What: Science Rendezvous 2016

When: Saturday, May 7

• Activities: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (best time for media: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
• Science Jeopardy Grand Finale: 2:15 to 3 p.m.

Where: UOIT and DC shared Oshawa campus, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario

Price: Free

Visuals/activities:

• Wind Warriors! Adventures in the ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel
• Clouds in a Bottle
• Crazy Catapult Challenge
• Good Bacteria, Bad Bacteria
• Butterflies: Mission Monarch Migration
• Using Computers with Virtual Reality

Other exciting, hands-on events include INVENTours and Science Cavalcade; Science Jeopardy;

mini-workshops; and the opportunity to explore LEGO Robotics and help solve the Graffiti Mystery in the Forensic Fun Zone.

Kids can pick up a copy of the Science Rendezvous program and get their official Science Rendezvous passport when they arrive. They can collect activity stickers for their passport at each station. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Visit the Science Rendezvous 2016 website for more details and a full list of activities. Event parking is free and food will be available for purchase.

Links

• UOIT/DC Science Rendezvous website
• National Science Rendezvous website
• @sci_rendezvous  
• #sr2016 and #OdySci

Media contacts:
Patricia Pickett
UOIT Communications and Marketing
905.721.8668 ext. 6710
patricia.pickett@uoit.ca

Allison Rosnak
DC Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

College will deliver acclaimed programming to booming craft beer industry

 Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) announced today that it has signed an agreement with the Chicago-based Siebel Institute of Technology (Siebel Institute), North America’s oldest and most prestigious brewing school, to deliver its craft brewing courses in Durham Region.  

As the only Canadian post-secondary institution currently approved to deliver the institute’s world-renowned brewing curriculum, the agreement will enable DC to deliver three different courses at its Centre for Food (CFF).

“Durham College is bringing the gold standard in brewing education to Ontario’s thriving craft brewing community, which is comprised in large part by entrepreneurs who are looking to further develop both their business and product knowledge,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “The industry’s rapid growth has translated into a significant demand for brewers who know what it takes to make, market and sell great beer and DC is answering that call with this agreement.”

Designed for the professional development of people aspiring to build their career in Canada’s craft brewing industry, the three courses are a natural fit for the CFF where faculty and students are already working on a brew line, including related research and recipe development.

“We are excited to be involved in bringing brewing-industry training to Ontario,” said Keith Lemcke, vice-president, Siebel Institute. “We look forward to working with Durham College and the brewing community in Ontario towards helping to train the next generation of great Ontario brewers.”

Providing current and prospective brewing professionals with the practical, hands-on experience required to further develop their skills and expertise, the courses include:  

• Brewing Microbiology, which provides the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to implement an effective microbiological quality control/quality assurance program.
• Brewing Technology, which offers comprehensive knowledge of the brewing process, brewing operation dynamics and issues affecting the industry.
• Sensory Analysis for Flavor Production and Control, which gives brewers the tools they need to effectively identify and control flavours and aromas in beer.

“From our first meeting with the management of Durham College we knew we would be working with professionals who were just as passionate about what was happening in craft brewing culture as they were about education,” said Lyn Kruger, president of Siebel Institute. “The groundwork they developed within the Ontario Craft Brewers Association and the surrounding brewing community has shown us the level of enthusiasm for professional brewing education that exists in Ontario, and we couldn’t be happier to be part of this program.”

The Siebel Institute has been an integral part of international brewing history for over 140 years and is widely recognized as the industry leader in brewing education. The institute’s alumni – which include names like Stroh and Busch – span more than 60 countries and can be found in almost every major brewery on earth.

“Our alliance with the Siebel Institute is all about DC’s ongoing response to an emerging and developing industry in Durham Region and the GTA, in particular the need for craft brewing education here at home,” said Lovisa. “We look forward to working together to effectively deliver the education Ontario microbrewers are telling us they need —training that until now was only available outside of Canada.” 

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About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and 16 apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the college will soon break ground on the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50^th anniversary in 2017. The new facility will bring together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the Centre for Food, including Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About Siebel Institute

The Siebel Institute of Technology offers courses in brewing, beer styles, distilling and other areas of fermented beverage technology. Established in 1872, the Siebel Institute and its World Brewing Academy affiliate conduct courses and programs at locations in Chicago, Munich, San Diego, and Montreal. We also feature the most extensive web-based training courses available in the brewing industry as well as a range of products and services for breweries worldwide.

Media contacts:

Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

 Keith Lemcke
Siebel Institute of Technology
312.255.0705 ext. 104 
klemcke@siebelinstitute.com

 

The Start of Something Amazing campaign kicks off activities

Oshawa, Ont. – A new website and publicity campaign was officially launched today to promote awareness of the Ontario college system’s upcoming 50^th anniversary celebrations in 2017.

“College education has had a real impact in our community and beyond,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College and chair of the College Sector Task Force that is planning province-wide activities in recognition of the milestone anniversary. “We have a lot to celebrate and an important opportunity to generate ideas about how we continue to build on our achievements.”

The campaign, called The Start of Something Amazing, will reflect on the college system’s tremendous legacy and look ahead to the next 50 years. Students, faculty, alumni and communities throughout the province will be part of the celebration that runs to the end of 2017.

In addition to the new website and social media activities, it will include an online yearbook and video reels, a province-wide bus tour, guest lecturer events that will be available online, a scholarship program for new students, special community events, and much more.

“This is a significant occasion that celebrates just how much college education has evolved and become pivotal to Ontario’s success,” added Lovisa. “As a system, we’re starting the work to promote awareness of all the activities planned for this milestone anniversary.”

Ontario’s colleges were training about 20,000 full-time students in the late 1960s. Today, enrolment is at an all-time high with 500,000 full-time and part-time students.

Today’s colleges offer about 900 programs that prepare students for a vast range of fields, including business, IT, advertising, health care, biotechnology, 3D manufacturing, digital animation and renewable energy. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has said access to college education has made Canada a world leader in post-secondary attainment rates.

“The coming year promises to be a banner one for Ontario’s colleges,” said Linda Franklin, president and chief executive officer of Colleges Ontario, the advocacy organization for the province’s 24 colleges. “We’re excited about this chance to mark our legacy and to engage everyone in a discussion about the future of college education.”

For more information and for ongoing updates, visit the 50^th anniversary website: http://www.amazing50.ca/

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About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and 16 apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the college will soon break ground on the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50^th anniversary in 2017. The new facility will bring together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the Centre for Food, including Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:
Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

Culinary student will pursue further study in Calabria, Italy this June

Whitby, Ont. – Durham College (DC) culinary student, Kristin Atwood will fly to Calabria, Italy for a week this June to participate in the Italian Culinary Exploration program at the Italian Culinary Institute.  This incredible experience is courtesy of the new Durham College (DC) Gold Medal Award, which Atwood was recently awarded in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the Culinary Management program at the Centre for Food (CFF).

The Gold Medal Award, an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to study at the institute, is offered by the college’s leadership team. All students studying in the Culinary Management program are eligible to apply with the award presented to a student who demonstrates excellence in attendance, volunteerism, professionalism, attitude and academic standing throughout their time at DC.

“Kristin is an exemplary student with a positive attitude and strong work ethic,” said David Hawey, professor of the culinary programs at the CFF. “Not only has she gone above and beyond in her own achievements, she has provided support through volunteerism and mentoring for her fellow classmates as well. She is an absolute joy, and we couldn’t be more pleased to present her with this award.”

Hawey, who will accompany Atwood to Italy, added that the Italian Culinary Institute was chosen as the preferred school because its philosophies align with and complement DC’s field-to-fork vision.

Among her many accomplishments, Atwood has interned at Momofuku Daisho in Toronto and  shown an interest in product development, creating recipes for nut-free macarons and low carbohydrate protein bars at her current place of employment, Frantastic Events in Whitby, Ont. She has also represented DC at numerous events both on and-off of campus including the first-ever Harvest Dinner held at the CFF last fall and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. In addition, she helped with preparation and service and spoke on behalf of the college at the 2016 Summit on Talent and Skills in the New Economy, which was held at the college’s Oshawa campus in January and attended by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.

“I’ve been working in restaurants and bakeries since I was 16, and my time at Durham College was so valuable in helping develop my skills and learn more about the industry,” said Atwood. “I feel very lucky to be able to do what I love every day, and I am so excited for this opportunity to visit the Italian Culinary Institute and learn even more.”

Ironically, Atwood’s post-secondary education didn’t start in the kitchen. While studying English literature at university, she worked at restaurants and bakeries to help offset the cost of her tuition. It was that work that stirred her passion for food. After graduation, she was offered a post-graduate opportunity at the University of Oxford in Oxford, England for creative writing. While overseas, her kitchen experience landed her a job working under Chef Kristin Frederick of Le Camion Qui Fume – a high-end food truck in Paris, France – and her career path forever changed.

“It was while working in Paris that I realized without formal culinary training certain doors in the industry would always remain closed to me,” said Atwood. “So I returned to school for a second time, choosing Durham College because of its excellent reputation in culinary arts. I knew after graduating from DC, those doors would begin to open.”

As she prepares to graduate this June, Atwood has already launched thebuttery.co – a culinary and travel online magazine that shares tips, tricks and recipes as well as stunning food photos guaranteed to make your mouth water. She is also in the process of developing a French version of the site.

“We are so pleased that Kristin chose Durham College to sharpen her skills and gain a competitive edge in the culinary industry,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “She has been a shining star in her program and will no doubt find success in all her endeavours. We are thrilled to present her with the first Gold Medal Award, and look forward to following this talented young woman in her new and exciting adventures.”

The Culinary Management program provides students with an opportunity to master the art of food and flavour. This includes exploring the possibilities of locally grown food, experimenting with ethnic and contemporary cuisine and developing abilities in the culinary arts. In addition, students learn valuable management skills to take their career to the next level. To learn more, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/cmgt.

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About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and 16 apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the college will soon break ground on the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50^th anniversary in 2017. The new facility will bring together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the Centre for Food, including Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

 

Media contact:
Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

Students, employees and industry partners to demonstrate creative vision and innovative advances across several disciplines

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) is excited to host its first-ever Hackathon on Tuesday, April 26, and its sixth annual Research Day on Thursday, April 28.

The Hackathon is a short, intensive session where teams are given a challenge and bring their own skills and resources to solve it. The event is open to students from all programs with this year’s theme focused on sustainability. Students must build an app, create a plan, present an oral report, or design a prototype – the options are unlimited – to address the challenge. The winning team will receive a $1,000 cash prize!  Winners will be announced at Research Day.

See the complete Hackathon program for more details.

This year’s Research Day will feature the first public unveiling of the As Real As It Gets (ARAIG) wearable gaming suit. Developed by Oshawa-based start-up IFTEch, in collaboration with DC and the Spark Centre, ARAIG is designed to take the immersive gaming experience to a whole new level.

Research Day 2016 is a dynamic forum that brings together members of DC’s research community, including student researchers, faculty and industry and community partners, to showcase current applied research and innovation projects in areas of significance to the local and provincial economies, including agriculture, health care, energy efficiency and wearable technology.

See the complete Research Day program for more details.

Event details:

Hackathon                                                                                         Research Day

When:                                                                                                  When:
Tuesday, April 26                                                                                     Thursday, April 28
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.                                                                                         9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Keynote address at 9:45 a.m.                                                                Keynote address at 9:15 a.m.
Hacking begins at 10 a.m.                                                                      Breakout sessions begin at 10:15 a.m.

Where:                                                                                                Where:
Student Services building, Room 116                                                  Student Services building
Durham College, Oshawa campus                                                        Durham College, Oshawa campus
2000 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa                                                                 2000 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa

Parking for both events is available in Commencement Lot 1 and 2.

 

 

Media contacts:

Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

New learning facility will replace aging Simcoe building; will bring together local, Indigenous and global communities

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College announced today that it has received $22 million in funding from the provincial government toward the construction of the Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE) at the Oshawa campus. The announcement, which was made by Reza Moridi, minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, at an event held at the Oshawa campus this morning, represents one of the largest investments in DC by the provincial government since the college opened its doors in 1967.

The CFCE will replace the college’s aging Simcoe building, which was originally built as a temporary structure and opened in 1969. The new three-storey facility, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50^th anniversary in 2017, will bring together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s innovative and ground-breaking programs.

“Although our Simcoe building has served us very well over the past 50 years, leaving behind a wonderful legacy of teaching, learning and memories for our students, faculty members and administrative staff, it has reached its end of life,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “As we prepare to celebrate DC’s 50^th anniversary in 2017, we are excited to bridge our past with our future through the creation of a new facility where students, employees and the broader community can work together in ways that transcend traditional concepts of education. On behalf of everyone at DC, I extend my sincere thanks to the provincial government for its wonderful support in bringing our vision for the Centre for Collaborative Education to life.”

DC has continued to experience tremendous growth year after year. This includes the addition of more than 40 new programs in high-demand and emerging areas of study; expanding its daily academic hours; increasing the number of students enrolled in both summer and winter-month programs; and adding more than 3,000 post-secondary registration spaces since 2008.  

“In addition to creating a strong need for physical infrastructure at the Oshawa campus, our significant growth has positioned Durham College as a college of choice for students in Durham Region and well beyond,” said Lovisa. “The new Centre for Collaborative Education is a direct reflection of that growth combined with our ongoing commitment to building a high-quality and sustainable post-secondary education system that meets the needs of our students, the local community and today’s economy.

The CFCE will house the following:

• The Aboriginal Student Centre.
• The Entrepreneurship Centre including the Spark Centre.
• Global, Open and Collaborative Space 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.
• Foundation programs designed to prepare students for the continuation of post-secondary education at college or university.

Final plans and costs for the project are still being determined including ongoing work with the government to obtain additional funding. In addition, the college will be launching a capital campaign designed to raise financial support for the construction of the building in partnership with individuals, corporations, community partners and alumni over a two-year period.   

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About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and 16 apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the college will soon break ground on the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50^th anniversary in 2017. The new facility will bring together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the Centre for Food, including Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000. 

Media contacts:

Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca