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College takes home four medals: two gold and two silver

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College is proud to announce that four of its students received top recognition in their fields of study at the 23^rd annual Ontario Technological Skills Competition, hosted by Skills Canada – Ontario, which took place in Waterloo, Ont. from April 30 to May 2.

During the awards ceremony held on May 3, Plumber apprentice Ryan Voscek received gold in the Plumbing category and third-year Computer Systems Technology student Mike Wade received gold in the IT Network Systems and Security Administration category. In addition, third-year Graphic Design student Ben Martin received silver in the Graphic Design – Studio Production category and third-year Computer Systems Technology student Alistair Belyea received silver in the IT Network Systems and Security Administration category.

The competition, the largest skilled trades competition in Canada, with more than 1,900 competitors and 30,000 spectators, saw students judged on both theoretical and practical components.  

“Participation in the Ontario Technological Skills Competition provides our students with the opportunity to showcase their talent and skills,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic.  “The entire Durham College community is very proud of the students who competed this past week and are particularly thrilled with the accomplishments of Ryan, Michael, Ben and Alistair. I congratulate each of them on their impressive success.”

Voscek was assessed on his knowledge of plumbing systems with a focus on accuracy of installation, quality of workmanship and gas and water pressure testing. Wade and Belyea were assessed on their ability to set up and run a network suitable for a small to medium-sized business including their ability to manage and configure Windows and Linux servers and build a network using Cisco networking hardware.

In addition, Martin was challenged on various aspects of studio production including practical skills in such applications as Adobe InDesign, Corel Paint or Macromedia Freehands, design basic knowledge and technical competence.

All four students also participated in a job interview category, which required them to bring a prepared résumé and be ready to answer interview questions related to their technical career path.

The Ontario Technological Skills Competition was a great experience,” said Martin. “There was so much positive energy around all the programs that we have available here in Ontario.  I learned just how dedicated each school is to providing information for future students and my success at the competition shows that the Graphic Design program at Durham College has provided me with the skills I need for my future. “

Voscek and Wade will move on to compete at the 18^th annual Skills Canada National Competition being held in Edmonton, Alta. from Sunday, May 13 to Wednesday, May 16 with hopes of eventually progressing to the 2013 WorldSkills International being held in Leipzig, Germany from Tuesday, July 2 to Sunday, July 7, 2013. 

Skills Canada – Ontario is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting skilled trades and technologies to Ontario youth through various programs and initiatives such as in-school presentations. The organization also facilitates qualifying and provincial competitions like the Ontario Technological Skills Competition. 

“The success of our winners speaks to their dedication to learning and perfecting their skills and to our wonderful faculty who facilitate their learning and champion them along the way,” added Robinson. “We wish Ryan and Michael all the best at the upcoming Skills Canada National Competition and in their future career paths.”

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2011, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 8,400 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.

For more information:

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

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College is proud to announce that Ruth Rodgers, a professor with the School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services and a teaching and learning specialist with the college’s Centre for Academic and Faculty Enrichment, has been named the recipient of the inaugural College Sector Educators Award by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) for her outstanding work in college teaching and peer leadership. 

 “On behalf of the entire Durham College community I extend my sincere congratulations to Ruth on this outstanding accomplishment,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic. “This national recognition is a direct reflection of her passion and dedication to teaching excellence and innovative curriculum delivery.  We are extremely proud of the work she has done to support the professional development of our faculty, helping us to ensure our students have the best possible learning experience.”

The STLHE College Sector Educators Award recognizes Canadian educators who have made quality efforts to promote and support the development of their peers in teaching excellence in addition to providing exceptional leadership regionally, provincially, nationally and internationally in the field of teaching and learning.

“As I near retirement, I find myself more focused on legacy issues at the local, provincial and national levels,” said Rodgers. “If I can leave behind people, processes and products that will contribute to the future of the Canadian college system and its role in higher education, I will feel that I have achieved my personal and professional goals.”

Rodgers joined the Durham College team as a teaching and learning specialist in 2008 with more than 30 years of experience in higher education.

She will officially be honoured with her award at the annual STLHE conference on Thursday, June 21 in Montreal, Que.

“The chance to share resources and opportunities with my peers is the aspect that brings me the most satisfaction so it is a tremendous honour to receive this prestigious award for my contribution to faculty development,” added Rodgers.

Comprised of faculty and teaching and learning resource professional members from post-secondary institutions, STLHE strives to be the pre-eminent national voice and a world leader for enhancing teaching and learning in higher education. It supports research and its dissemination and increased awareness and application of research through scholarly teaching and learning.

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2011, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 8,400 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.

For more information:

Rhonda Daley
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
rhonda.daley@durhamcollege.ca

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OSHAWA, Ont. – Students at Durham College will have the opportunity to learn from one of Canada’s top entrepreneurs on Thursday, March 29 when W. Brett Wilson, host of Risky Business and the most popular ‘dragon’ of all time, comes to campus.

Organized by students in the college’s Business – Entrepreneurship and Small Business program, which is housed under the School of Business, IT & Management, the event will see Wilson share his insight on business success, the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation and philanthropic leadership.

As host of Risky Business and a former panellist on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, Wilson is one of the most successful businessmen in the country. He is one of the founding partners of First Energy Capital Corporation, helping to create the energy industry’s leading investment bank, and a respected philanthropist, giving and engaging others to give tens of millions of dollars to charity.

Who:

• W. Brett Wilson;
• Don Lovisa, president, Durham College; and
• Durham College students.

When:
March 29
10 to 11 a.m. – student session
11 to 11:15 a.m. – media availability 

Where:
Durham College Oshawa campus
Gordon Willey building, Room C113
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ont.
L1G 0C5

Parking:
Enter off Simcoe Street North and proceed to the Commencement parking lot

To confirm attendance, please contact:
Allison Rosnak
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

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