OSHAWA, Ont. – Thanks to the support of sponsors, donors, volunteers and participants, the 16th annual Roger Anderson Charity Classic golf tournament was another huge success, raising $324,000. Held on June 13 at Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facility in Ajax, Ont., the annual event hosted more than 240 golfers as they teed off for a chance to improve the lives of individuals living in Durham Region.

The tournament, hosted by Durham Region Chairman and CEO Roger Anderson, has created and maintained a legacy of giving to community organizations including providing assistance to students in financial need at Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and child and youth initiatives at the Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health.

Representatives from each of the three organizations receiving proceeds from the tournament were on hand for a cheque presentation and the chance to extend their gratitude for the ongoing and enthusiastic support of everyone involved in the tournament.  

Tournament organizers would also like to recognize all of the sponsors for their ongoing and generous support.  Special thanks to major sponsors AECOM, Covanta Energy Corporation, Lenovo, Metroland Media, Metropia, Ontario Power Generation, Runnymede Development Corporation, Scotiabank Group, Brookvalley Developments, Fieldgate/TACC/Paradise Homes, The Miller Group and Tribute Communities and tournament sponsors Fraser Ford, HDR Corporation and King Square.

 

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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

Fifth national medal claimed by college since 2008

OSHAWA, ON. – Following a successful showing at last month’s 2013 Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC), Durham College announced today that it has also made an impact at the national level. Michael Mills, a Level 3 – Advanced Tool and Die Maker apprenticeship student, won silver in the Precision Machining category at the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), which was held from June 5 to 8 in Vancouver, B.C., giving the college its fifth national medal in only five years.

Prior to claiming the national title, Mills won gold in the same category at the OTSC, held in Waterloo from May 6 to 8. In addition, Mitch Tempro, a second-year student in the Mechanical Technician – Mechanical Maintenance and Control program, also competed at the national competition in the Industrial Mechanic Millwright category after winning gold at the OTSC.

“Once again, our students have achieved exceptional results on the national stage,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic, Durham College. “Their accomplishments are a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment they put into their studies and the instruction and mentoring they receive from their professors, re-affirming that the skills and programs taught at Durham College prepare students for success in their professional careers. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Michael on his performance at this highly regarded competition.”

The 19th annual event is an Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology competition welcoming more than 500 competitors from across the county to compete in more than 40 trade and technology categories.

“I am honoured and privileged to have had the opportunity to compete at the OTSC, representing Durham College and the province of Ontario,” said Mills. “I owe a big thank you to my workplace and Durham College for all the knowledge they have given me to help me be successful. Without them I would not be where I am today. I would also like to thank my professor Andrew Prior for giving me the opportunity to compete and the faculty in the Tool and Die Maker program for their help along the way. Also thanks to my family and friends for their support during this amazing experience that I will never forget.”

Skills Canada is a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies to Canadian youth. The organization offers experiential learning opportunities including skilled trades and technology competitions for hundreds of thousands of young Canadians through regional, provincial/territorial, national and international events, as well as skilled trade awareness programs.

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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:
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

Event has raised more than $4 million dollars for students and area youth

AJAX, Ont. – Regarded as one of the most successful fundraising golf tournaments in Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area, Region of Durham Chairman and CEO Roger Anderson will welcome golfing enthusiasts and community dignitaries for the Durham Region Roger Anderson Charity Classic golf tournament, being held on Thursday, June 13 at the Deer Creek Golf Club and Banquet Facility in Ajax.

The annual event will directly benefit students in financial need at Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and child and youth initiatives at the Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health. Now in its 16th year, the Charity Classic has raised more than $4 million including $313,700 at last year’s tournament.

During the tournament, players will have the chance to win one of three cars provided by Fraser Ford in Oshawa, Ont. This year’s event also features a variety of exciting live and silent auction prizes including full use of a private box for 12 guests at a Toronto Maple Leafs game in the 2013-2014 season; autographed NHL memorabilia; a BigWin Island Golf Club package; a variety of fine dining experiences; Durham College and UOIT tuition packages and much more.

When:
Thursday, June 13
9 a.m. – Registration and brunch
10:30 a.m. – Board golf carts
10:45 a.m. – Shotgun start (cocktails will be served as golfers return to clubhouse following their rounds)
5:30 p.m. – Dinner and live and silent auctions

Where:
Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facility
2700 Audley Road North
Ajax, Ontario

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

OSHAWA, ON. – Durham College is pleased that Premier Kathleen Wynne has agreed to start a process to consider establishing three-year degree programs at the province’s public colleges.

 “Employers are increasingly seeking people with a combination of a post-secondary degree and career-specific skills and qualifications,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College.  “Expanding the range of degree-level programs at Ontario’s colleges will help more people find meaningful work when they graduate, especially our young people.”

The presidents of Ontario’s 24 colleges met with Premier Wynne on Tuesday afternoon at Queen’s Park. The meeting was arranged to discuss measures to strengthen post-secondary education in the province. Other issues addressed at the meeting included fiscal challenges and apprenticeship reform.

At the meeting, Premier Wynne said the government wants to work with colleges to ensure the province has the ability to meet labour market needs. At the end of the meeting, the premier agreed to investigate the three-year degrees issue in partnership with the colleges.

“We appreciated getting the opportunity to meet with Premier Wynne and especially her openness to a dialogue about an issue we are passionate about,” said Lovisa. “We are looking forward to working with the government to implement changes to help more people get the education, training and retraining they need.”

Ontario’s colleges successfully deliver four-year degree programs in a range of career-specific fields. Three-year degree programs are currently available at universities but those programs aren’t designed for people seeking an applied education.

In most of the world, graduates of three-year post-secondary programs earn a degree. Furthermore, many of Ontario’s three-year college programs are already aligned with provincial standards for baccalaureate education.

Providing more career-focused degree programs at colleges will help greater numbers of people, including those in underrepresented groups and students at risk, pursue a wider range of career options.

Ensuring the credentials in Ontario accurately reflect the program of study will also open up more career opportunities for unemployed people seeking retraining and provide more opportunities for students to ladder into honours programs and graduate studies.

This is important as Ontario works to close the skills mismatch – the gap between the skills held by many people seeking work and the qualifications sought by employers. Many people looking for jobs can’t get hired for available positions because they don’t have the right credentials and skills.

The problem is expected to get worse as technology continues to transform the workplace. In his ground-breaking report on the issue – People Without Jobs, Jobs Without People – Seneca College president emeritus Dr. Rick Miner said more than 700,000 Ontarians will be unemployable by 2021 due to insufficient education and training. Meanwhile, more than one-million jobs will go unfilled.

The government understands the skills mismatch is a significant challenge. As Premier Wynne said recently in the Toronto Star, “We need to make sure that we are providing training programs in areas where there actually are jobs.”

To help address the mismatch, Ontario should offer a full range of degree, diploma and certificate programs to help more people find meaningful work and achieve long-term success, the college presidents said. The province should also reform the apprenticeship system to encourage more young people to enter the trades.

“We need to ensure more people entering the workforce have the qualifications and skills to find meaningful work,” said Lovisa.

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

Two students to compete at Skills Canada National Competition in June

OSHAWA, ON. – Continuing Durham College’s tradition of incredible results at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC), four students proved they have the skills to succeed this week, winning four provincial medals, including two gold, one silver and one bronze, at the 2013 OTSC, which was hosted by Skills Canada – Ontario from May 6 to 8 in Waterloo, Ont.

Second-year Mechanical Technician – Mechanical Maintenance and Control student Mitch Tempro took home a gold medal in the Industrial Mechanic Millwright category and Michael Mills, a Level 3 – Advanced Tool and Die apprenticeship program student, won gold in the Precision Machining competition.

In addition, Don Reid, a Level 2 – Intermediate Plumber apprenticeship student, won silver in the Plumbing division while third-year Computer Systems Technology student Conner Saunders claimed bronze in the IT & Network Systems Administration category.

“I want to congratulate all of the Durham College students who enjoyed incredible success at the annual Skills Ontario competition,” said Don Lovisa, president of Durham College.   “It is very impressive to return home with two golds, one silver and one bronze medal and this truly demonstrates the high quality of our students and the teaching and skills offered by the college.”

In total, nine students from Durham College took part in the provincial event. As winners in their respective categories, Tempro and Mills will next compete at the 19th annual Skills Canada National Competition, being held in Vancouver, B.C. from Wednesday, June 5 to Saturday, June 8.

“I would also like to recognize our faculty members responsible for teaching and guiding these students and leading them to achieving these well-deserved honours,” added Lovisa.  “Well done everyone and good luck to Mitch and Michael as they represent Durham College at Skills Canada.” 

Skills Canada – Ontario is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the skilled trades and technologies as viable, first-choice career options to Ontario youth. With the support of partners, it encourages young people to consider a career in the skilled trades and technologies through programs and initiatives such as in-school presentations, qualifying and provincial skills competitions.

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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:
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

OSHAWA, ON. – Durham College announced today that it has received more than $46,000 in funding from the Sim-one Ontario Simulation Network (Sim-one). The funding is being used to purchase simulation equipment for use by students in the college’s Personal Support Worker (PSW) program during their practicum rotations to further enhance their training.

The equipment, which will be housed at Learning Lab 2 located at the Whitby campus, will enable the college to provide students with unique opportunities to gain the necessary knowledge and skills required to provide safe and competent care to seniors in a home environment.

Learning Lab 2, a 1940s era house that was originally moved to the Whitby campus from Oshawa in January 2011 for use by students in the college’s renewable energy programs, will be used as a senior’s Living and Learning Home by PSW students. As a realistic depiction of the current living environment of many seniors including low ceilings, narrow hallways and smaller room sizes, it will feature a kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom equipped with low- and high-fidelity simulation equipment. Students will have the opportunity to apply skills related to the activities/daily living of seniors within their own home with a focus on restorative care aimed at increasing their overall quality of life.

“Durham College is committed to actively planning for the future education of our PSW students with regard to aging Ontarians,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic. “As the PSW role evolves and fluctuates to meet the challenges of providing support to the aging population, we are dedicated to improving the ‘lived-experience’ focus of our curriculum. This includes offering a unique and innovative learning environment focused on both acute and home care. We are very grateful to Sim-one for its wonderful support of our students and commitment to helping us enhance the skills of our PSW students through education, research, evaluation and innovation.”

Designed to offer students a case-based learning experience, the equipment will immerse them into the home and life of a senior while helping them develop skills to meet the demanding challenges that face the future of health care in Ontario (e.g. experiential learning related to dementia care and other neurological disorders such as strokes and mobility issues).

Sim-one provides valuable services to the simulation community including education and training, research grants, the SIM-one Provincial Equipment Co-ordination Service and an Ontario Simulation Exposition. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is providing the organization with up to $2.4 million in one-time funding to expand and further enhance simulation-based PSW training to support seniors aging at home. In addition, the province has committed to funding three million additional PSW hours for seniors in need as part of its Seniors Care Strategy, which relies on well-educated, skilled PSWs who can support and collaborate with other community-based health-care professionals supporting seniors aging at home.

Durham College’s PSW program teaches the skills required to provide a safe and positive environment for patients experiencing physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges while effectively interacting and communicating with patients and their family members. Students graduate with an Ontario College Certificate and are educated to work at hospitals, long-term care facilities, community service agencies, home care agencies, group homes and private residences.

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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.

Media contacts:
Allison Rosnak
Communications officer
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

College will highlight applied research and innovation projects currently underway on campus

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College faculty, staff, student researchers, industry collaborators and other guests will join the college’s Office of Research Services and Innovation (ORSI) on Wednesday, May 1 when the college hosts its third annual Research Day on campus.

Designed to provide a first-hand look at the innovative applied research projects the college currently has underway, the event will highlight research in the areas of entrepreneurship, engineering, education, healthcare, information technology and the humanities.

Significant progress has been made in establishing a strong applied research environment at Durham College since ORSI opened its doors in 2009. Through the creativity and expertise of faculty, staff and students, the college has sustained the engagement of several community partners and small- and medium-sized businesses, launching several research projects and collaborations in just four years.

In addition, it has also received funding from several government funding agencies such as the Colleges Ontario Network for Industry Innovation, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Ontario Centres of Excellence, Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer, Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and more.  

Who:

• Durham College researchers, students and faculty members.
• Don Lovisa, president, Durham College.
• Debbie McKee Demczyk, director, ORSI.
• Business, community and funding partners.  

When: Wednesday, May 1, 8:30 to 11:45 a.m.

Where:  Room SSB117, Room SSB118 and Room SSB119, Student Services building, Oshawa campus, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ont.

Parking: Enter off Simcoe Street North and proceed to the Founders 2 parking lot.

For more information, contact:
Allison Rosnak
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

College proud to play key role in Durham Region’s first social innovation competition for post-secondary students

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College in conjunction with the Community Innovation Lab (ilab), today announced that Sandra Young, Jennifer Russell, Elizabeth Willatt and Dana Murray, all first-year students in the college’s Paralegal program, are the winners of Durham Ideas Den 2013, a social innovation competition for post-secondary students. The competition was co-hosted by the college through the Global Class which is housed under the School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services and the ilab, and sponsored in part by the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment.

“Durham College is very proud to be part of this forward-thinking student challenge,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Durham Ideas Den 2013 has provided a unique platform for students to develop creative ideas and solutions for real-world issues being faced right here in Durham Region. We are extremely proud of the submissions from all of our students as they are a true testimonial to the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well on our campus. Congratulations to Sandra, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Dana on their outstanding success and to all of the finalists on their significant accomplishments.”

The competition, which began in December 2012, saw teams of students work together to generate ideas for solutions to complex community problems based on five key themes identified during an Ideas Jam with community stakeholders hosted by the ilab in 2012. In February 2013 students were presented with the five themes and invited to brainstorm ideas and/or solutions for each including re-imagining engagement of our youth; enhanced transportation systems and alternatives; poverty; image of our region; and climate change.

More than 100 submissions were received with 25 teams shortlisted as semi-finalists. From there, six teams were invited to pitch for the top three awards at the final competition. Hosted on March 28 at the Durham College Student Services building by Dena Chiarcossi, host of Rogers Daytime TV, the event saw each team present their social venture idea to a panel of judges.

“The Community Innovation Lab is pleased to launch the 2013 Durham Ideas Den, in partnership with Durham College, the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment and a growing list of community sponsors and partners,” said Pramilla Ramdahani, executive director, ilab. “There is nothing greater than engaging and challenging our students’ creativity and building their social innovation DNA by incentivizing their ‘stillborn’ ideas into opportunities. This is a real opportunity for our stakeholders to further explore the impact of youth social entrepreneurship and its return on investment for the region.”

Each team was responsible for articulating how their proposed social venture would impact local communities and contribute to sustainable solutions with the team of Young, Russell, Willatt and Murray named the first-place winner for their submission titled Durham Involves Youth (youth engagement theme). As the winners of the competition, they will receive $5,000 toward the incubation of their ventures at the ilab in the summer of 2013.

Stephanie Morris, Kristen Dormer and Travis Richter, first-year General Arts and Science students finished second for their submission titled Peer-to-Peer Mental Health (youth engagement theme), while Greg Park, Tyler MacDonald, Nate Lawrence and Mitchell Feyen, four first -year Paralegal students were named the third-place winners for their submission titled Big Belly Compactor (re-imagining the image of our region theme). The second and third place teams received $3,500 and $2,500 respectively toward the implementation of their ventures at the ilab.

The three remaining teams received $1,000 towards further iteration and development of their ideas in collaboration with a mentoring team of coaches, advisors and social innovators. These teams were comprised of Scott Harrison, a second-year Advertising and Marketing Communications Management student; Eduardo Valladares, Taylor Gates and Phil Garbe, three first-year students in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program; and Megan Hueser and Julie Burnett, first-year Social Service Worker students.

Additional sponsoring partners in Durham Ideas Den 2013 included Corel21, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise, Rogers TV, Durham Workforce Authority, the Region of Durham Economic Development, Powernoodle and the School for Social Entrepreneurs.

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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.

About Community Innovation Lab

The mission of the Community Innovation Lab is to harness and strengthen the talent and skill sets of post- secondary youth by facilitating experiential opportunities in social innovation to increase employability and entrepreneurship options. Our commitment is to play a leading role in fostering social innovation in the region by creating an enabling environment where youth can access the tools, resources and opportunities to design sustainable ventures that benefits communities, while test driving career options and participating in a portfolio of transformational skill building initiatives with employers. Our vision is to build a pipeline for ‘next generation leaders in social innovation’.

In addition to the Durham Ideas Den initiative, the Community Innovation Lab engages with other stakeholders via ideas jams (design labs), pop up labs and social innovation guest speaker series.  For more information visit: www.communityilab.ca or www.durhamideasden.com or contact Pramilla Ramdahani at 905.409.2823.

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

Oshawa, Ont. – Second-year Durham College Digital Photography students, who will graduate this June as the college’s first graduating class for the Digital Photography program, will present an exhibition titled DC Vision at the Ajax Public Library this April.

Part of their final project for their Field Trips and Visiting Lecturers’ class, the exhibition is designed to showcase a variety of photographic styles and genres using studio or environmental portraiture, street, landscape and still-life photography.

Media are invited to attend the opening reception taking place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 4 with the exhibit itself on display until Thursday, April 18, during regular library hours.

One of the college’s newest course offerings, the Digital Photography program is designed to prepare students for commercial success, allowing them to gain technical, aesthetic and critical thinking skills.

Who:

• Second-year Digital Photography students;
• Alan Fournier, program co-ordinator, Digital Photography program; and
• Holly McClellan, exhibition co-ordinator/professor, Digital Photography program.

When:
April 4 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Where:
Ajax Public Library, Main Branch
55 Harwood Avenue South

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