More than 5,000 first-year students to begin their studies this September

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College will welcome the start of the 2013-2014 academic  year next week as the college hosts its annual Orientation Week  on campus beginning Saturday, August 31.

Featuring several events including Get Prepared for Success; Program Orientation; Mature Student Social; DC First-Year Fun Fair; welcome barbecue; opening prayer and smudge; yoga in the yard; movie-on-the-lawn; First Blast; the annual Campus Cup pep rally and soccer matches; the Part-time Job Fair; the annual CampusFest Concert; and more, Orientation Week introduces new students to the college’s experienced faculty and staff, many student services and vibrant campus environment.

In addition, it provides students with an opportunity to learn about program expectations as well as student clubs and societies while making new friends.

Orientation Week 2013 activities include:

• Mature Student Social (Student Services building (SSB), Room 116), Oshawa campus, August 31, 11 a.m. to noon: an opportunity for mature students to meet fellow students and learn about the services available to help ensure academic success;
• Program Orientation (various locations and times), Oshawa campus, Tuesday, September 3, 8:30 a.m. to noon: students meet faculty and fellow students and receive detailed program information and a free orientation T-shirt;
• DC First-year Fun Fair (SSB courtyard and Founders 1 parking lot), Oshawa campus, September 3, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Students will enjoy a free barbecue, music and carnival games while checking out student clubs and visiting the DC Crew tent to get a personalized tour of where their classes will be held;
• Welcome Barbecue (Whitby campus main entrance), Wednesday, September 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: students will enjoy a free barbecue and concert hosted by the Student Association (SA);
• Opening prayer and smudge (SSB, Courtyard), Oshawa campus,  September 4, 9 to 11 a.m.: students are invited to join the Aboriginal Student Centre (ASC) as it recognizes the new academic year with an opening prayer and smudge followed by Bannock, Jams and Cedar Tea inside the ASC;
• Yoga in the yard (SSB courtyard), Oshawa campus, September 4, 5 p.m.: students can bring their yoga mats for an outdoor yoga class;
• Movie-on-the-lawn (SSB  courtyard), Oshawa campus, September 4, dusk: students will bring blankets, lawn chairs and friends to experience a movie night under the stars;
• First Blast (E.P. Taylor’s Pub and Restaurant), Oshawa campus, September 4, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.: first pub night of the year;
• 5th annual Campus Cup soccer games (Vaso’s Field), Oshawa campus, Thursday, September 5, 6 and 7 p.m.: students will support the Durham Lords as they take on the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Ridgebacks with the Campus Pep Rally at the Student Centre patio at the Oshawa campus from 1 to 4 p.m., followed by the women’s team playing at 6 p.m. and the men’s team at 7 p.m.;
• Part-time Job Fair (Gordon Willey building, South Wing corridor, first floor), Oshawa campus, Friday, September 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: students will being  their résumes and speak to local employers recruiting students for part-time jobs; and
• CampusFest 2013 Concert (Polonsky Commons), Oshawa campus, Friday, September 13, 2 to 10 p.m.: the concert event of the academic year featuring Wolfgang Gartner and Tommy Trash.

For more information on the above events and more, please visit the Orientation Week website.

Who:

• First-year Durham College students; and
• Durham College faculty and staff.

Where:

Durham College Oshawa campus
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ont.

Durham College Whitby campus
1610 Champlain Avenue
Whitby, Ont.

Parking:

• Oshawa campus – enter off Simcoe Street North and proceed to the Commencement  parking lot; and
• Whitby campus – enter off Champlain Avenue and proceed to the main parking lot.

For more information and/or to attend a specific event, please contact:

Allison Rosnak/Michelle Roebuck
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333/ext. 2197
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca/michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

Name chosen from more than 1,150 submissions in online contest

OSHAWA, Ont. – After a month-long naming contest, Durham College is pleased to announce today the name of its new full-service restaurant: Bistro ’67, located at the Whitby campus’ new state-of-the-art Centre for Food (CFF). In addition to serving the public, the restaurant will provide a supportive and creative teaching environment and hands-on learning experience that will train the chefs and hospitality professionals of the future.

The name was chosen from more than 1,152 online submissions through the Feed Us Your Ideas contest which was launched on June 21. After one week, a seven-person panel reviewed the entries and determined their top five choices. The public then voted on the top five and after 1,242 votes were cast, Bistro ’67 was determined as the winning entry.

“The name Bistro ’67 encapsulates the proud and rich history of Durham College by paying tribute to the year we opened our doors, with a fresh, modern perspective,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “I look forward to my first dining experience at the very first green-certified teaching restaurant in Canada. True to the inspiration of Jamie Kennedy’s local food movement, I am confident that Bistro ‘67 will be an excellent addition to the field-to-fork culinary landscape for years to come. Bon Appétit!”

The winning name was submitted by Gail McKenzie, manager of strategic initiatives with the School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services at Durham College. For creating the name, Gail will receive dinner for six at the chef’s table, a Durham College prize pack including an iPad mini, and will be recognized at the CFF’s grand opening event on Thursday, October 17 at the Whitby campus.

“I brainstormed and submitted a few ideas trying to incorporate a name that would reflect the history of the college,” said McKenzie. “Since the college opened in 1967, I thought Bistro ’67 would work well!”

Scheduled to open this September, Bistro ’67 is a 70-seat, full-service, teaching and learning restaurant which will be green certified and feature dishes prepared and served by students in our culinary and hospitality programs, including produce and delicious flavours of the region.

The CFF is designed to accommodate approximately 900 additional students studying in culinary, hospitality, tourism, agriculture and horticulture programs. This incredible new learning centre will also feature state-of-the-art labs including a food and beverage pairing lab and hotel living lab, classrooms and meeting spaces, a retail store and a lecture theatre.

Highly-skilled graduates in a variety of programs including Culinary Skills, Hospitality Management, Culinary Management and Cook Apprenticeship will fulfil the demand for next-generation workers in sectors critical to our local economy.

About Durham College
At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

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

Media contact:
Michelle Roebuck
Communications, Marketing and External Relations
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College announced today that John Davidson, a photography professor with the School of Media, Art & Design (MAD), has won the 2013 Beaches International Jazz Festival’s Annual Juried Photography Exhibition.

The fourth annual exhibition, which took place at the end of July, tasked participants with capturing images that display the essence of jazz music, jazz musicians and the audience who supports them with Davidson winning for his submissions titled Tab’s Guitar and Havana Guitar.

“The Jazz in Motion photography exhibition is a real marriage of two of my passions – jazz and photography,” said Davidson. “There were many wonderful entries and I feel very fortunate to have placed first.”

As the first-place winner he will have his work and biography displayed on the Beaches International Jazz Festival website and will be invited to return to next year’s competition as a juror.

Davidson, a part-time professor who has been with the college since 2006, teaches within in a variety of programs under the School of MAD including Pre-Media, Interactive Media Design, Advertising and Marketing Communications and Digital Photography.

“On behalf of the entire Durham College community I extend my sincere congratulations to John on this wonderful recognition,” said Greg Murphy, dean, School of MAD. “In addition to being a true testament to his talent, this award is a great example of our faculty’s commitment to continuing to gain real-world experience they can bring into the classroom and share directly with students.”

In addition to his teaching duties, Davidson also helped with the creation and implementation of the college’s History of Photography course. He continues to maintain his photographic work with both corporate and private clients.

“It is important to explore many of your interests as it will allow you to bring more to the classroom,” added Davidson.

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About Durham College
At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

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

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College is recognizing more than 2,500 graduates this week during its annual spring convocation ceremonies at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa, Ont. The class of 2013 is being joined by family members and friends and college faculty and staff as they accept their diplomas and certificates and celebrate their post-secondary achievements.

Being held June 20 and 21, the event is honouring graduates from the schools of Business, IT & Management; Continuing Education; Health & Community Services; Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services; Justice & Emergency Services; Media, Art & Design; Science & Engineering Technology; and Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology.

“As our graduates leave today’s ceremony, they do so with the right knowledge and skills required by today’s leading employers,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “All of us at Durham College take great pride in knowing they are well prepared for what the future holds. Congratulations to the class of 2013!”

In addition, a number of awards and recognitions are being given out including the presentation of the college’s fourth Honorary Credential to Linda Franklin, president and chief executive officer of Colleges Ontario, in the category of Public Relations.

Honorary Credential – Linda Franklin, president and chief executive officer, Colleges Ontario
In her role with Colleges Ontario, Franklin has built a successful and distinguished career in communications and government relations, using her knowledge and expertise in strategic planning to aid in bringing the province’s 24 colleges together into one singular organization. In addition, she has developed essential policy positions and increased media coverage and awareness of the college system through proactive marketing strategies.

Franklin previously held positions including chief of staff to the Honourable Ernie Eves, minister of Skills Development; director of the Public Affairs and Communications department with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario; vice-president of Enterprise Canada Consulting; and president of the Wine Council of Ontario.

She also goes beyond her professional work to better her community by serving on several charitable and community organizations including as a board member for Ontario Place and with the Canadian National Exhibition Association Board.

Professor Emeritus award
The college is also presenting Cala Dimitroff, a former Academic Upgrading professor, advisor and program co-ordinator in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services, with the Professor Emeritus award for her commitment to the success of her students and her dedication to offering a personalized student experience.

Alumni of Distinction awards
Lastly, the annual ceremonies are recognizing the college’s newest Alumni of Distinction recipients: Kevin Campbell, Paul Clark, Steven Dickson, Marnie Ham, Michael Lysko, Patricia Mazzotta, Eddy Racine and Erik Walchuk.  

Kevin Campbell, 2011 Renewable Energy Technician program graduate
An alumnus of the inaugural graduating class of the Renewable Energy Technician program, Campbell is committed to the energy systems of tomorrow through the construction and distribution of high-quality solar power equipment. In his current role as construction manager of the Energy Division of Bondfield Construction Company he manages all elements of the construction of commercial roof-top solar projects, including negotiating contracts with suppliers and supervising multiple projects at various stages of construction.

Paul Clark, 2008 Machinist program graduate
Clark worked at Eagle Machining Inc. for three years before eventually becoming a Red Seal-certified machinist. He then became 50 per cent owner and operator of the machining company, which repairs and refurbishes machine parts and offers welding and fabricating services.

Steven Dickson, 1998 Business Administration – Human Resources program graduate
Dickson has found success working with multiple municipal governments including his current position as senior legal counsel for the City of Mississauga. In addition he has maintained his commitment to continued learning, which includes currently completing a Master of Laws degree at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.

Marnie Ham, 1991 Air Transport and Industrial Engineering Technology program graduate
Since graduating Ham has shown a commitment to preparing the next generation of engineers during her 18-year career as a post-secondary educator. She is currently an assistant professor with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.

Michael Lysko, 1983 Sports Administration program graduate
Lysko is an established leader in sports marketing. A former commissioner of the Canadian Football League , he has been recognized with several business and marketing awards and currently serves as director of the Sport Management program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Patricia Mazzotta 1997 Practical Nursing program graduate
Mazzotta has shown a true dedication to nursing and the preparation of the next generation of nurses. She currently serves as a nursing professor and program co-ordinator at Centennial College, providing instruction and evidence-based practice for students in classes such as nursing research, health assessment and pathotherapeutics.

Eddy Racine 2011 Renewable Energy Technician program graduate
Also a member of the first graduating class of the Renewable Energy Technician program Racine is a renewable energy technician support at Westburne Electrical Supply. In that role he is responsible for handling national technical support calls for small and large solar and off-grid projects and providing project quotes while ensuring timely delivery of materials.

Erik Walchuk, 2004 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques program graduate and 2005 Gas Technician program graduate
Walchuk is currently an owner and partner with Taunton Trades and a facilities maintenance technician with the Town of Ajax. He has also achieved his Carpentry Level 1 certificate and is currently obtaining training in building environmental systems.

The 2013 spring convocation ceremonies bring the college’s total number of alumni to more than 62,000.

About Durham College
At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

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

Media contact:
Michelle Roebuck/Allison Rosnak                                                                            
Communications, Marketing and External Relations
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2197/ext. 2333
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca/allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

Honorary credential and professor emeritus recipients and alumni of distinction will also be recognized

OSHAWA, Ont. – More than 2,500 Durham College students, along with their family and friends and college faculty and staff, will celebrate their post-secondary success at the college’s annual spring convocation ceremonies on Thursday, June 20 and Friday, June 21 at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa, Ont.

On June 20 graduates from the schools of Media, Art & Design; Science & Engineering Technology; Business, IT & Management; and Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology; will receive their diplomas and certificates and on June 21 ceremonies will be held for the schools of Justice & Emergency Services; Continuing Education; Health & Community Services; and Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services.

In addition, the college will present its fourth Honorary Credential to Linda Franklin, president and chief executive officer, Colleges Ontario, in the category of Public Relations on Thursday afternoon and Cala Dimitroff, a former Academic Upgrading professor, advisor and program co-ordinator, with the School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services, will receive the college’s Professor Emeritus award on Friday afternoon. Alumni of distinction awards will also be presented to Kevin Campbell, Paul Clark, Steve Dickson, Marnie Ham, Michael Lysko, Patricia Mazzotta, Eddy Racine and Erik Wachuk over the course of four ceremonies taking place over two days.

When:

June 20

10 a.m.
School of Media, Art & Design
School of Science & Engineering Technology

2 p.m.
School of Business, IT & Management
School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology

June 21

10 a.m.
School of Justice & Emergency Services
School of Continuing Education

2 p.m.
School of Health & Community Services
School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services

Where:
General Motors Centre
99 Athol Street East
Oshawa, Ontario

For more information contact:
Michelle Roebuck/Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2197/ext. 2333
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca/allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca