$300,000 grant from Intellectual Property Ontario eliminates barriers, improves access

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) is helping small businesses and startups take the next steps to bring their products and services to market, as a result of a $300,000 grant from Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), expanding DC’s capacity to foster innovation and entrepreneurial growth in Ontario.

This new funding will further expand the intellectual property advisory services from DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE). More than 50 business clients are expected to take advantage of the tailored resources and mentorship to help them navigate the complexities of intellectual property and commercialization. DC students participating in FastStart, the college’s on-campus Entrepreneurship Centre, will have expanded opportunities to learn about intellectual property so that they can protect and leverage this vital business asset.

“By enhancing our services and providing commercialization expertise at DC, we’ll be able to educate our clients and student entrepreneurs on developing an intellectual property strategy and increase their understanding of the commercialization process – steps that are crucial to the long-term success of their products and services,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, ORSIE. “With the support of IPON, our office will continue to serve as a hub for innovation, fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for our clients, students and faculty to succeed.”

Training in intellectual property literacy will also be available, eliminating barriers clients face when navigating the process by themselves, often affecting their impact and profitability. A limited number of high-potential clients will also have access to financial support to cover costs related to filing and regulatory fees and to procure legal services.

Community members, business owners, start-ups and students can benefit from DC’s IP expertise during ORSIE’s first TechTalk event on Friday, October 27 at the Oshawa Campus.

 DC is among seven post-secondary institutions to receive the funding. IPON’s $2-million pilot project is part of the Commercialization Mandate Policy Framework, an initiative aimed at helping post-secondary institutions advance their research and innovation efforts for the benefit of Ontario.

For more information or to access advisory services, contact Joshua Cohen, Commercialization Specialist at DC, or visit us online to learn more about ORSIE and the college’s applied research services and projects.

 

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ABOUT DURHAM COLLEGE
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

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

ORSIE oversees five of the college’s six applied research centres: the AI Hub, Mixed Reality Capture Studio, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Social Impact Hub, and the Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation, and is also a partner in the province’s Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network along with Spark Centre and Ontario Tech through the  Autonomous Vehicle Applied Research initiative. Helping clients with applied research projects provides DC students with hands-on experiences in the industry, faculty members with an opportunity to provide their expertise in engaging and innovative case studies, and helps our community thrive with new technology, ideas and services.

 

MEDIA CONTACT
Carmen Doucette
Communications Officer
Durham College
Carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College is partnering with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) to undertake a six-year pilot program to determine the value of offering free memberships to students in engineering and applied science programs.

The pilot project will follow a single cohort of students through their two- or three-year college program, as well as the three-year period following graduation. Durham College recognizes the value employers place on professionals with a certification and that OACETT members and graduates from engineering and applied science programs go on to earn their certification as a Certified Technician (C.Tech) or a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.).

“We recognize the value of having industry certifications and the advantage they give graduates in a competitive job market,” said Tony Doyle, Executive Dean of Science, Engineering and Information Technology, at Durham College. “That’s why we are proud to introduce students to the OACETT and its certifications early in their studies to offer them opportunities to gain additional skills, training and mentorship that will help kick start their careers. We are thankful to OACETT for selecting us to partner with them on this pilot project.”

The pilot program will also include offering OACETT’s Professional Practice Exam (PPE) – one of the requirements for certification – while the students are still studying at DC, giving participating students advanced standing in achieving their C.Tech or C.E.T.

“There are two schools of thought about student membership in associations,” said Cheryl Farrow, CEO of OACETT. “One theory is that when students have to pay even a nominal fee, they are more personally committed and are more likely to convert to full membership upon graduation.  Another theory is that if membership is free, there is the potential to sign up more students, and even if not all of them become engaged, there still may be more that convert to full membership than from the smaller number of paid student members.”

The pilot will be available to students in the following programs:

• Biomedical Engineering Technology
• Chemical Engineering Technology
• Civil Engineering Technician and Technology
• Electromechanical Engineering Technology
• Electronics Engineering Technician and Technology
• Environmental Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technician, Technology, and Non-Destructive Evaluation

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 About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

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

About OACETT  

The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) is a non-profit, self-governing regulatory body and professional association of over 21,000 members.

OACETT is Ontario’s independent certifying body for engineering and applied science technicians and technologists and confers the certifications C.Tech. (Certified Technician) and C.E.T. (Certified Engineering Technologist). These certifications are recognized across Canada by employers and other engineering professionals.

OACETT promotes the interests of engineering and applied science technicians and technologists in industry, educational institutions, the public and government. OACETT was incorporated in 1962 and legislated under the Statutes of Ontario by the OACETT Act of 1984. The Act established OACETT as a self-governing body with right to title for its members. The provincial legislature passed the OACETT Act of 1998, a revised act that includes a description of work for technicians and technologists.

In addition to its regulatory role, OACETT membership, including student membership, provides an opportunity for engineering and applied science students to connect with industry-certified professionals with resources, events, and networking opportunities that broaden a student’s potential.  Student membership brings credibility and demonstrates a commitment to professional growth and differentiation in an increasingly competitive job market.

Media Contacts

Lindsay Holley
Communications, Durham College
Lindsay.Holley@durhamcollege.ca

David Terlizzi
Director, Member Engagement and Services, Government Relations, OACETT
dterlizzi@oacett.org
416-621-9621 ext. 250

Oshawa, ON – Eight Durham College students launched innovative urban agriculture projects this year, thanks to $5,000 in funding each from the RBC Urban Agriculture Work Integrated Learning Program.

The new grant program is a partnership between RBC and DC’s Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture (Barrett Centre) and aims to raise awareness of this critically important field which encompasses any farming or food production done in an urban area, such as aquaponics, aeroponics, rooftop farms and community gardens.

Students from a wide range of DC’s programs submitted ideas, bringing their unique expertise and experience to promote urban agriculture. Some project examples include:

• The expansion of the DC Farmer’s Market, led by Horticulture – Food and Farming student Natalie Cox.
• A community seedling program that provides seeds to promote planting in urban spaces, from Graphic Design student Labiba Raisa.
• A micro-garden system allowing clients to build their ideal 12’x12′ garden, led by Horticulture – Technician student Matthew McCready.

“With food insecurity a growing concern around the world, it’s more important than ever to develop alternative methods of food production,” said Brenna Bizley, partnership manager, Barrett Centre. “The RBC Urban Agriculture Work Integrated Learning Program is an amazing opportunity for Durham College students and graduates to develop, launch, or scale a project or business related to urban agriculture and make positive contributions to the community. We are grateful for RBC’s support and vision.”

“What an amazing opportunity for students to learn about urban agricultural skills alongside industry experts,” said Andrew Staniforth, RBC Vice-President, Business Financial Services Agriculture. “The RBC Urban Agriculture Work Integrated Learning Program will help students develop the critical sought-after skills and experience needed for jobs of the future and at the same time help address food insecurity in our communities.”

The projects are underway and the students must submit their final report by October 1.

 

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

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

About the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture

DC has established the Barrett Centre with the generous support of The Barrett Family Foundation.

The Barrett Centre’s vision is to become an internationally recognized hub of excellence in urban agricultural practices, research, education and training, to address some of society’s biggest challenges including food insecurity, access to safe and stable supplies of fresh food, and economic stability and regeneration of land for local food production.

Media contact:
Jason Chamberlain
Communications and Marketing
jason.chamberlain@durhamcollege.ca

Whitby, Ont. – Durham College (DC) celebrated the grand opening of two new modern and collaborative learning spaces – PROTO and an Electrical Vehicle (EV) Lab – on Wednesday.

Together, these new state-of-the-art spaces span 9,060 sq. ft inside DC’s Whitby campus’ main building. PROTO provides clients, industry partners, student engineers and skilled trades faculty members and students an opportunity to collaborate and develop creative solutions and prototypes to address industry challenges. The EV Lab – which makes DC one of only a few Ontario colleges with a dedicated EV learning space – equips students with the specialized skills required in the evolving automotive industry.

“PROTO and the EV Lab are propelling Durham College forward as a leader in innovation and transformative education,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College.  “The opening of these new spaces further demonstrates our commitment to driving change, generating big ideas and continuously adapting to meet the needs of our evolving industries.”

DC’s Whitby campus has developed exponentially over the past 30 years, becoming a skilled trades and automotive industry hub driven by student and faculty collaboration and partnerships with the local community.

“Our government is proud to support Durham College’s cutting-edge electric vehicle lab and PROTO, which will equip students with the hands-on experience and skills they need to secure in-demand jobs in the automotive industry,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Through collaboration with companies to solve real-world problems, students will be prepared for the workforce when they graduate, while at the same time strengthening our province’s position as a global leader in the manufacturing of electric vehicles and their batteries.”

With new spaces like PROTO and the EV Lab, students will gain unique opportunities through hands-on learning to enhance their expertise, strengthen their employability and help form meaningful connections with industry and community partners.

“Adapting and growing with industry demands and educating students just like me on the newest technologies and industry practices is what Durham College is known for,” said Electrical Techniques graduate and Canerector Scholar, Kathryn Fullerton, who spoke at the grand opening. “These new spaces will prepare students for the workforce and ensure they have the skills and knowledge they need to be successful.”

 

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ABOUT DURHAM COLLEGE
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

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

 

MEDIA CONTACT
Carmen Doucette
Communications Officer
Durham College
Carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca

Access to educational resources will help tackle food insecurity, inspire sustainable practices

Whitby, ON – Community education and engagement is the focus of a new food security and sustainability initiative launched by Durham College’s Barrett Centre for Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture (Barrett Centre), in partnership with the Town of Ajax through their new corporate giving program, the Ajax Partnership Fund.

The Barrett Centre’s new Food Literacy Innovation Zone aims to address challenges in food security and supply chains through the lens of urban agriculture by educating local community members about nutrition, gaining access to food and incorporating local and healthy food into their lifestyle.

“Food insecurity and supply chain constraints can lead to a lack of nutritious food that is accessible to the community, especially those who may be unable to locate a variety of food close to home,” said Brenna Bizley, partnership manager at the Barrett Centre. “Having educational materials in conjunction with the Barrett Centre Ajax Urban Farm will have an exponential impact on the community as people learn about the impact of food on their health and the importance of growing locally.”

The Zone, which is now under construction, will be based out of the Barrett Centre Ajax Urban Farm in North Ajax. At the farm, three garden models will be designed – a pollinator garden, home garden and balcony garden – and will act as a template to inspire community members to grow their own food at home. There will also be knowledge sharing through resources and materials to support and enhance food literacy via direct community engagements and the Barrett Centre Community Portal, coming in fall 2023.

“Ajax Council and the Town of Ajax are proud to support the Barrett Centre’s new Food Literacy Innovation Zone through the Ajax Partnership Fund. Thank you to Durham College for partnering with the Town to be able to offer these important resources to our community. This investment reinforces Ajax’s commitment to being a municipal leader in green and sustainable practices to ensure a healthier Ajax for all,” said Mayor Shaun Collier.

To recognize the farm’s launch and the partners who have supported the Barrett Centre projects to date, DC and the Town of Ajax will host an Open House event in October 2023, where community members will have the chance to explore the farm and Food Literacy Innovation Zone.

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

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

About the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture
Durham College has established the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture (Barrett Centre) with the generous support of The Barrett Family Foundation.

The Barrett Centre’s vision is to become an internationally recognized hub of excellence in urban agricultural practices, research, education and training, to address some of society’s biggest challenges including food insecurity, access to safe and stable supplies of fresh food, and economic stability and regeneration of land for local food production.

About the Ajax Partnership Fund
The Ajax Partnership Fund (APF) is an opportunity for organizations and individuals to partner with the Town of Ajax on events, initiatives and projects of shared importance making a difference for the residents and wider community of Ajax. Applicants submit their proposal to the Town and are evaluated against a set of criteria to ensure the highest and best use of funding. To learn more about the APF please visit ajax.ca/PartnershipFund.

Media contact:
Jessica Rivers
Senior Communications Officer
Durham College
jessica.rivers@durhamcollege.ca

$1.75-million Technology Access Centre grant will build AI talent, create new synergies 

Oshawa, ON – As more organizations incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in their daily operations, Durham College’s (DC) AI Hub is strengthening its reputation as an industry resource, increasing its research and development capacity, sharpening frameworks for delivery and growing its expert talent pool.

DC’s AI Hub is one of 16 recipients of the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program’s Technology Access Centres (TAC) grants, and will receive $350,000 per year over the next five years, creating new opportunities to support multi-sectoral organizations in Durham Region and beyond.

The CCI program is managed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

As specialized centres of expertise, TACs offer timely innovation support to organizations from the private, public, health care or not-for-profit sectors in a college’s community. DC’s AI Hub TAC team will:

• Enrich student training – Over the next five years, the AI Hub will hire: 15 students as members of the TAC delivery team; 100 students research assistants to support applied research and development projects; and 50 students with curricular work-integrated learning placements related to their field of study.
• Support skills acquisition – The AI Hub’s training plan facilitates the development of in-demand technical, scientific, professional, leadership and entrepreneurial skills that will provide students on the TAC delivery team with the knowledge employers are looking for to address the skills gap for AI professionals.
• Enhance service delivery plans – The launch of new services, including fee-for-service business and technical services and corporate AI training through DC’s Corporate Training Services, will further advance the Research & Development capacity the AI Hub is known for.

“The AI Hub team is fluent in the multi-sectorial business applications of AI technologies and the TAC grant will allow our researchers and industry partners to create new synergies that enable us to support clients from diverse sectors,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “This funding will also create new opportunities for our students to gain valuable research experience and close the skills gap in this in-demand, evolving industry.”

Located in DC’s new Centre for Innovative Research, the AI Hub has a strong track record of engaging students in applied research and preparing them to fill the demand for qualified AI professionals. Over the last four years, 219 DC students have been trained through the AI Hub and 22 of these students were immediately hired by our partners.

Comprised of faculty researchers and students, the AI Hub TAC team will incorporate research outcomes into DC’s AI curriculum and invite industry partners into classrooms as guest speakers. These training opportunities will enable students to apply classroom learnings to real-world challenges and develop their technical, professional and soft skills, all of which provide competitive advantages as they enter the workforce.

DC has been consistently ranked by Research Infosource as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges over the past eight years and won Applied Research and Innovation Excellence Bronze in the 2020 Colleges and Institutes Canada Awards of Excellence and the 2020 Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for Innovation.

 To learn more about DC’s applied research centres, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/orsie.

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

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

 Media contact:
Jessica Rivers
Senior Communications Officer
Durham College
jessica.rivers@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, ON – Durham College (DC) is proud to partner with Johnson Controls to help meet the growing need for skilled technology workers in Ontario by providing Electromechanical Engineering Technology students with financial support as well as mentorship opportunities.

DC has been approved for a grant from Johnson Controls that will provide:

• Annual entrance bursaries valued at $2,000 each to five students who demonstrate financial need and belong to an equity-deserving group entering their first semester of studies in the Electromechanical Engineering Technology program.
• Opportunities for students to be mentored and connect on and off campus with Johnson Controls employees to gain additional insight into their future careers.
• New equipment that will support DC’s Electromechanical Engineering Technology curriculum and the establishment of a new building automation lab.
• Opportunities to share the benefits of this program with new prospective students.

 The college will receive $95,000 this year, plus $5,000 in equipment, with the total $100,000 commitment renewable for three more years.

 “We are grateful for this partnership with Johnson Controls and its generous support to further strengthen our Electromechancial Engineering Technology program and its students,” said Don Lovisa, Durham College president. “With this gift, we will continue to lead the way by developing knowledgeable and experienced graduates who are able to step into rewarding technical careers that can make a difference in our communities.”

 Local Johnson Controls employees – many of whom are graduates from DC’s Electromechanical Engineering Technology program – will work with the college to mentor students in this automation program. Through relationship building with industry professionals, students will gain insight into their future career paths.

“Not only are we investing in the next generation of workforce leaders, but the mentoring associated with this initiative reminds our employees why we do what we do,” said Julie Brandt, president of Building Solutions North America at Johnson Controls. “We’re looking at our future and through partnership with these colleges we’re all contributing to a better-supported trades industry.”

 DC’s three-year Electromechanical Engineering Technology program combines electronics design, mechanical technologies and industrial automation. Students receive access to our world-class Integrated Manufacturing Centre, where they can engage with real-world controllers, robotics and more. This hands-on experience prepares them for successful careers as they gain the skills needed to design and troubleshoot automated systems used in various technical industries.

Since 2021, the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program has distributed $1 million annually across 10 community colleges in North America, focusing on vocational programs to inspire the next generation of workers. Grant recipients have the opportunity to receive a renewed grant for up to three years, creating long-term opportunities for program development. Each college has the option to receive the grants in full monetary value or to receive partial monetary funds along with technical equipment donated by Johnson Controls. Durham College is the only Canadian institution to receive funding this year and just the second in the program’s history.

First-year students beginning DC’s Electromechanical Engineering Technology program in September 2023 can apply for the Johnson Controls entrance bursary online.

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

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

About Johnson Controls
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.

Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms.

 Media Contacts
Carmen Doucette
Communications Officer
Durham College
carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca

Kari Pfisterer
Director, Public Relations and Media
Johnson Controls
Direct +1 414 217 1488
kari.b.pfisterer@jci.com 

Oshawa, Ont. – Neha Kalarikkal credits her co-op placement for her professional growth and future plans. The Durham College (DC) student, in her third year of human resources, said the experience working in a professional HR setting exposed her to new areas of the field and helped her discover a keen interest in data analysis and allowed her to tailor her learning and job search to this niche.

Work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities like Neha’s take classroom learning into real-world settings. Co-ops, field placements and applied research positions enable students to develop the workplace skills and knowledge employers are looking for and improve their financial and career-related outcomes.

Hands-on, practical education is a cornerstone of college education in Ontario and co-operative education, a longer and more intensive immersion in the workplace, is an increasingly important mode of WIL at DC. Supporting these valuable opportunities and other aspects of experiential learning and workplace preparedness was the motivation behind a recent transformational $2 million gift from philanthropist Diane Blake.

The Diane Blake Student Success Initiative (DBSSI) will support the development of essential employability skills designed to help students launch their careers. It will accelerate DC’s goal of developing co-operative education components in all appropriate programs and increase the number of employer partners, so all eligible and interested students can participate in WIL opportunities. It will support the acquisition of technology to develop students’ soft skills related to job search and the workplace and create more research assistantship opportunities in DC’s applied research centres. And, students facing barriers to participation in WIL opportunities – such as costs related to transportation or accommodation, childcare, personal protective equipment or uniforms – will be eligible for financial support through the DBSSI.

“Durham College is committed to providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that complement their practical applied education, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge and competencies to be well-rounded graduates,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Diane’s gift will make a difference in the lives of students who will have access to these incredible real-world experiences by improving our capacity to support and sustain these efforts.”

“Education is very important to me, and I am proud to support Work Integrated Learning at Durham College,” said Diane Blake. “The workplace is constantly evolving, as are employers’ expectations. New opportunities for students to participate in Work Integrated Learning will allow them to develop the necessary skills to meet employers’ expectations and be successful in their chosen careers. I am confident that students at Durham College will benefit greatly from this initiative.”

MEDIA CONTACT
Lindsay Holley, Lindsay.Holley@durhamcollege.ca
Communications and Marketing

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) recognized the outstanding academic achievements of the Class of 2023 at Spring Convocation, this week.

“Convocation is an incredible event that provides the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our students over the course of their studies,” said Don Lovisa, president. “With dynamic hands-on learning and innovative programs led by industry experts, our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead the way in their next chapter.”

A total of 2,604 graduates from the college’s eight faculties received their diplomas and graduate certificates, including the inaugural cohorts of the Behavioural Science Technician and Supply Chain Management – Global programs.

Guest speakers at the ceremonies included:

• Kerri-Ann Williams, project management professional and professor and 2016 Biomedical Engineering Technology program graduate.
• Stew MacDonald, president and chief revenue officer of OEG Sports & Entertainment Group, DC Alumni Leader, student mentor and 1981 graduate of the Sports Administration program.
• Matt Hamilton, automotive industry professional and 2014 Chemical Engineering Technology program graduate.
• Noor Ra’fat Ibrahim, television news on-air personality for Global News Toronto and 2017 graduate of the Journalism – Broadcast and Electronic Media program.

Over the course of the event, the college also recognized three deserving recipients with Alumni of Distinction awards based on their extraordinary contributions to society while achieving career success:

• Christine Cunningham, Social Service Worker, Class of 2015
• Stew MacDonald, Sports Administration, Class of 1981
• Tre Sanderson, Culinary Management, Class of 2015

For more information about Spring Convocation, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/convocation.

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

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

Media contact:
Lindsay Holley, Communications
lindsay.holley@durhamcollege.ca

 

 

Oshawa, ON – Durham College (DC) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2023 Alumni of Distinction award.

Christine Cunningham (Social Service Worker, 2015), Stew MacDonald (Sports Administration, 1981) and Tre Sanderson (Culinary Management, 2015) have all been selected this year and will be presented with their awards at Spring Convocation. It’s a meaningful milestone for all of the honourees, each of whom credits DC with playing a key role in their success.

“It was through Durham College that I was able to change my career and come into social service work,” said Cunningham, who runs a successful counselling private practice and is the founder and executive director of Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario (PWO). She also acts as a placement supervisor for Social Service Worker students from DC. “I believe in the work I’m doing in this community and it’s wonderful to have more people learn about it because of winning the award.”

MacDonald is president and chief revenue officer with the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League. Throughout his tenure, the team has won multiple Stanley Cup championships, hosted the NHL’s first-ever outdoor game and relocated to a new, state-of-the-art arena. Throughout his career, he has supported DC as an Alumni Leader, a participant in the DC Talks: Alumni Series, and a mentor to students.

“I am forever grateful to Durham College for accepting me as a student and for preparing me for my career,” he said. “I have always been very proud of being a Durham grad, so to be recognized by the College as an Alumnus of Distinction is a huge personal honour. The list of past recipients of this award is so impressive, and to be included in that group is incredibly special.”

Tre Sanderson made history last year as the first Black winner of Top Chef Canada. He has worked in some of Toronto’s best kitchens throughout his career and incorporates his diverse culinary influences into his creations. He returned to DC earlier this year as the guest chef for a special event at the campus restaurant, Bistro ’67, and shared his knowledge and experience with today’s students.

“This means a lot to me. Being recognized for my accomplishments since graduating from Durham with this awesome award is rewarding,” he said. “I’m very thankful.”

“We are proud to celebrate Christine, Stew and Tre who, throughout their remarkable careers, have epitomized what ‘leading the way’ is all about,” said Linda Flynn, associate vice president, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs. “These exceptional individuals show the power of a DC education, and they are an inspiration for our entire community.”

Learn more about this year’s nominees.

About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

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

Media contact:
Jason Chamberlain
Communications Officer
Durham College
jason.chamberlain@durhamcollege.ca