March 28, 2007

Awards honour career achievement and community involvement of college graduates

OSHAWA, Ont. – Continuing the tradition of honouring the great work and accomplishments of Durham College graduates, the college is actively seeking nominations for its 2007 Alumni of Distinction Awards.

Awards are given in the categories of Business, Community Services, Creative Arts and Design, Health Sciences, Technology and Recent Graduate, with nominees required to demonstrate success in their chosen career and a contribution back to Durham College and/or the community.

Past winners include health-care leaders, business owners, CEOs, communications professionals, journalists, nurses, multimedia designers and many more.

The awards will be presented at the college’s convocation ceremonies on Friday, June 22. Winners will also be nominated for the prestigious Ontario Premier’s Awards for College Graduates, which are awarded annually to recognize six graduates from Ontario’s 24 colleges for making important social and economic contributions.

To submit a nomination, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/alumni and select Alumni of Distinction.

The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, April 20, 2007. For more information, please contact Lori Connor at 905.721.3035.

About Durham College

For close to 40 years, Durham College has provided high-demand programs, professors with real-world experience, the latest technology, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Number one in the Greater Toronto Area based on a combined ranking in the areas of student, graduate, and employer satisfaction; graduate employment; and graduation rate for seven years running according to the provincial government’s indicator surveys, the college also has the highest graduate employment rate – 93.1 per cent – of all six GTA colleges. The college has close to 6,000 full-time and 23,000 part-time students enrolled in over 100 programs and courses and over 1,500 apprentices. For more information, visit the website at www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:
Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
905.721.3111 ext. 2209
tony.doyle@durhamcollege.ca

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

March 23, 2007

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College President Leah Myers announced today that she is pleased with the 2007 provincial budget’s commitment to capital improvement and repairs for Ontario colleges. 

Yesterday’s budget announced that the province will be providing an additional $390 million in support of quality improvements in higher education for 2007/2008 including an investment of $105 million for college facilities renewal such as building maintenance costs and $35 million for college capital projects. 

“Durham College has a pressing need for capital and facilities renewal funding and the provincial budget’s $140 million allocation will allow us to improve our facilities and invest in up-to-date equipment, ensuring our graduates learn the market-ready skills needed to become a significant part of Ontario’s workforce,” said Myers. “Providing quality post-secondary education, training and re-training is essential to Ontario’s prosperity and I am pleased to see the provincial government recognize the value of Ontario’s colleges in such a significant way.”

Other highlights of the budget include: 

• Recognition of the important role colleges play in research and development; and
• New funding for nurses and hospitals (Ontario’s colleges provide training for 70 per cent of the healthcare workforce).

In addition to the Ontario government’s commitment to post-secondary education, colleges across Ontario will also be working with the province to determine how the additional $800 million in Canada Social Transfer (CST) funding starting in 2008/2009 that was announced in Monday’s federal budget will be allocated.

“We welcome both the provincial and federal government’s increased support of colleges and look forward to working with the province to determine how the increased federal funding promised in Monday’s federal budget will be invested wisely in post-secondary education,” added Myers.
 

About Durham College

For close to 40 years, Durham College has provided high-demand programs, professors with real-world experience, the latest technology, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Number one in the Greater Toronto Area based on a combined ranking in the areas of student, graduate, and employer satisfaction; graduate employment; and graduation rate for seven years running according to the provincial government’s indicator surveys, the college also has the highest graduate employment rate – 93.1 per cent – of all six GTA colleges. The college has close to 6,000 full-time students and close to 80 different post-secondary programs, as well as 23,000 part-time registrations and over 1,500 registered apprentices. For more information, visit the website at www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Allison Rosnak 
Communications and Marketing
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca 

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

March 20, 2007

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College President Leah Myers welcomes the positive investment in post-secondary education outlined in yesterday’s federal budget. 

“Yesterday’s budget demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to improved investment in post-secondary education today and in the years to come,” said Myers. “Colleges make a significant contribution to Canada’s prosperity and Durham College’s commitment to quality, access and success for all of our students and programs will benefit from this increased investment.”

The budget outlines an additional $176 million in funding for colleges and universities for 2007/2008 through increased Canada Social Transfer (CST) funding and an additional $800 million investment in post-secondary education across the country beginning in 2008/2009. 

“Finance Minister Jim Flaherty breaks new ground in making the CST fairer to Ontario by allocating cash support on a per capita basis to ensure equal treatment of all provinces with respect to the funding of post-secondary education,” said Myers.

The budget also makes specific commitments to: 

• New and long-term funding of $500 million per year beginning in 2008/2009 for strengthened labour market programming including literacy and basic skills upgrading, much of which is delivered through colleges;
• Improved funding for applied research collaboration between colleges and industry;
• Increased access and support for underrepresented groups and new immigrants; and
• Modernized student financial assistance programs.

“These are all important priorities for Durham College. I look forward to more details on how and when colleges will be able to use the additional funds,” added Myers. 

The budget also offers $2 million over the next two years to launch a new international education marketing campaign to attract students to Canada and addresses post-secondary costs for students and their families by eliminating the $4,000 limit on annual Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs), increasing the lifetime RESP contribution limit from $42,000 to $50,000, and boosting the maximum Canadian Education Savings Grant annual amount from $400 to $500. 

About Durham College

For close to 40 years, Durham College has provided high-demand programs, professors with real-world experience, the latest technology, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Number one in the Greater Toronto Area based on a combined ranking in the areas of student, graduate, and employer satisfaction; graduate employment; and graduation rate for seven years running according to the provincial government’s indicator surveys, the college also has the highest graduate employment rate – 93.1 per cent – of all six GTA colleges. The college has close to 6,000 full-time students and close to 80 different postsecondary programs, as well as 23,000 part-time registrations and over 1,500 registered apprentices. For more information, visit the website at www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Allison Rosnak 
Communications and Marketing
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

March 15, 2007

Community Integration through Co-operative Education program to launch this fall

OSHAWA, Ont. – The result of almost two years of planning and partnering with key community stakeholders, business leaders, and parents, Durham College announced today that it is launching a new program this September that will deliver workplace-ready skills and opportunities for further post-secondary study to individuals with intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, mental health issues, and other learning challenges. 

Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) is a two-year program that will enable students to learn the skills they need to be employed by placing them in an integrated and supported educational setting that will ensure their growth academically, socially, and emotionally. Twenty-five seats will be offered this September. 

Students will also develop job skills through a number of career-related, supervised field placement opportunities that will enable them to receive on-the-job training from leading employers across Durham Region and beyond. Graduates will be able to find work in a variety of jobs, depending upon their area of study, or go on to pursue further studies. 

“Durham College is very proud to introduce our new Community Integration through Co-operative Education program, which was born out of an identified need in our communities and then acted upon by a dedicated group of leaders at the college and in the community in a true demonstration of partnership,” said Leah Myers, president, Durham College. “This program will significantly increase access to post-secondary education for people with intellectual disabilities, learning challenges and other identified needs. Durham College is proud to be a champion for all learners and celebrates the diversity of all our students.”

Depending on abilities and interest, CICE students will experience college life each semester by choosing courses that have been modified to fit their academic needs from most program areas and attending classes with their peers. They will also study core programming common to all CICE students and receive supports such as curriculum, assignment and test modifications; note taking; tutoring; and more. 

Among the program goals are full inclusion of CICE students in all aspects of college life; providing the opportunity for the development of increased self-esteem; promoting the opportunity to make choices; presenting students with opportunities to interact and develop friendships; encouraging students to work co-operatively with other students towards educational goals; combining resources to meet the individual needs of a diverse range of students; and broadening employment opportunities.

“Along with being of great benefit to the students, the CICE program will also help promote greater acceptance of individual differences across our campuses,” said Myers. “I’m also tremendously pleased with the extensive community involvement in the program development process as it fits into the college’s goal of actively pursuing and delivering on new partnership and business opportunities and relationships.” 

The launch of the program can be traced back almost two years to summer 2005. A group of Durham Region parents formed the Action Committee on College Education for Students with Special Needs (ACCESS) in response to their desire to increase the number of post-secondary educational opportunities for children with learning challenges.

A focus group of community and academic stakeholders, including Durham College faculty, was formed in January 2006 with representation from parents; boards of education; social service agencies such as the Oshawa Clarington Association for Community Living and the Durham Down Syndrome Association; and employers from local and regional areas. The partners agreed that the college should begin the development of the CICE program and subsequent meetings were held with curriculum advisors to review a program proposal, proposed curriculum, and admission criteria.

“The CICE program is a wonderful reflection of Durham College’s valued partnerships and the ongoing community support it receives,” said Judy Spring, dean of the Durham College School of Integrated Studies, which will oversee the new program. “A number of key stakeholders played important roles in the development of this program and in helping Durham College ensure it is relevant, timely and able to provide students with the skills they need to find jobs or additional academic pathways to further post-secondary study. We look forward to welcoming the first class of students this fall.”

Among the program admission requirements are an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Certificate or mature student status, along with specific CICE program admission criteria that includes a demonstrated academic need that requires program modification to succeed; a willingness to participate fully in the program; a level of independence that precludes constant support; and an ability to get to and from college and field placement.

About Durham College
For close to 40 years, Durham College has provided high-demand programs, professors with real-world experience, the latest technology, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Number one in the Greater Toronto Area based on a combined ranking in the areas of student, graduate, and employer satisfaction; graduate employment; and graduation rate for seven years running according to the provincial government’s indicator surveys, the college also has the highest graduate employment rate – 93.1 per cent – of all six GTA colleges. The college has close to 6,000 full-time and 23,000 part-time students enrolled in over 100 programs and courses and over 1,500 apprentices. For more information, visit the website atwww.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
905.721.3111 ext. 2209
tony.doyle@durhamcollege.ca

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

February 23, 2007

OSHAWA, Ont. – A celebration hosted today by students and staff at Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) marked the 100th birthday of generous donor, Harold ‘Pat’ Dooley. Joined by Durham College President Leah Myers, UOIT President Dr. Ronald Bordessa, faculty, staff, and friends, Mr. Dooley was also honoured for his passion and commitment to helping students pursue their post-secondary dreams.

“I wanted to give kids the opportunity to do what I was never able to do,” said Mr. Dooley, who over the past decade has personally contributed $50,000 to Durham College. Dooley’s generous donations have met the criteria necessary to be eligible for the Government of Ontario’s matching program to create a $100,000 endowment called the Harold ‘Pat’ Dooley Education Fund. This fund has helped many students realize their potential and develop the workplace ready skills necessary to help them in their future careers.

Mr. Dooley will also be providing additional funding to UOIT students in financial need by establishing a legacy through his estate that will help future generations of students reach their full potential through post-secondary education.

“It is our great pleasure to share in celebrating a century of living,” said Dr. Bordessa. “On behalf of the students at UOIT, I would like to offer our sincere thanks to Mr. Dooley for planning for such a generous bequest. His support will mean more UOIT students than ever will have access to UOIT’s academically challenging and leading-edge learning environment.”

Mr. Dooley’s demonstrated generosity is a great example of how supporting students is an investment in the future, and one that many individuals can help with, either through an endowed award or a planned estate gift. Donors have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the educational lives of Durham College and UOIT students, just as he has.

“Durham College is delighted to celebrate this significant milestone in the life of our longtime friend and supporter, Mr. Dooley,” said Myers. “We are deeply grateful for his generous contributions over the years, which have provided countless opportunities for students to benefit from the premier educational and student life experience we offer here on campus.”

A retired electrician, Mr. Dooley immigrated to Canada from England as an orphan at just 12 years of age. He worked across North America until he was 74 years old. When asked his secret to living well, he said, “I just keep thinking about doing more for the kids. That’s what keeps me going.”

About Durham College
For close to 40 years, Durham College has provided high-demand programs, professors with real-world experience, the latest technology, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Number one in the Greater Toronto Area based on a combined ranking in the areas of student, graduate, and employer satisfaction; graduate employment; and graduation rate for seven years running according to the provincial government’s indicator surveys, the college also has the highest graduate employment rate – 93.1 per cent – of all six GTA colleges. The college has close to 6,000 full-time and 23,000 part-time students enrolled in over 100 programs and courses and over 1,500 apprentices. For more information, visit the website at www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT’s 4,300 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario’s first laptop-based university, UOIT offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT’s commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including several Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

Media contact:
Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
905.721.3111 ext. 2209
tony.doyle@dc-uoit.ca

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

February 22, 2007

New program prepares grads to ensure quality and safety of Ontario’s drinking water 

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College and the Regional Municipality of Durham Works Department were recently honoured by the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) for collaborating on the development of an innovative Water Quality Technician program.

The OPWA handed out the Management Innovation award to the college and Region for their joint development of a two-year, full-time program for water and wastewater treatment operators earlier this month. Offered by the college’s School of Applied Sciences & Technology, the program provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of water and wastewater treatment plants, water distribution and wastewater collection systems, and environmental monitoring.

“At Durham College we are committed to student success and excellence. The Water Quality Technician program, like all our programs, is shaped by market needs,” said Leah Myers, president of Durham College. “We are delighted to receive this award for our part in working with the Region to prepare our graduates for the vital responsibility of maintaining water quality and safety.”

Currently there are 27 students enrolled in the Water Quality Technician program, which will soon be offered to current Works Department employees. The program focuses on the impact water quality has on human health, the environment, engineering concepts, and professional responsibility relating to co-workers, the public and regulators.

“Together, we have created a two-year program that will ensure the Region has the opportunity to hire fully trained operators for our water and wastewater plants,” said Cliff Curtis, commissioner of the Regional Municipality of Durham Works Department. “Durham College is one of the top colleges in the province and this program is taught by outstanding professors who are true leaders in this field.”

In addition to time spent in classrooms and the lab, the program provides a field placement opportunity for students to further enhance their hands-on skills while gaining real-world experience. Graduates of the program are ready to be certified under the standards of the Ontario Environmental Training Consortium.

Potential students interested in learning more about the Water Quality Technician program can visit  www.durhamcollege.ca for more information.

About Durham College

For close to 40 years, Durham College has provided high-demand programs, professors with real-world experience, the latest technology, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Number one in the Greater Toronto Area based on a combined ranking in the areas of student, graduate, and employer satisfaction; graduate employment; and graduation rate for seven years running according to the provincial government’s indicator surveys, the college also has the highest graduate employment rate – 93.1 per cent – of all six GTA colleges. The college has close to 6,000 full-time and 23,000 part-time students enrolled in over 100 programs and courses and over 1,500 apprentices. For more information, visit the website at www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

February 20, 2007

OSHAWA, Ont. – Parents and potential students attending Durham College’s annual ‘In the Loop’ event on Wednesday are going to find out why the student experience comes first at Durham College!

Students in Grades 9, 10 and 11 looking for more information about how to prepare for their post-secondary education are invited to bring their parents and visit Durham College’s Oshawa campus to find out more about the college’s market-ready programs, expert faculty, numerous student support services and, most importantly, how to choose the post-secondary home that’s right for them.

‘In the Loop’ educates students and their families about the benefits of a college education and provides tips on how to prepare for the future. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the campus; learn more about the admissions process including application deadlines, fees, and financial aid (such as bursaries and awards); and enter a draw for a chance to win a year’s worth of free tuition.

When:
Wednesday, February 21
7 p.m.

Where:
Durham College Oshawa campus
2000 Simcoe Street North
Science building, Room 1350 (lecture hall)

Parking:
Enter off Simcoe Street and proceed to the Founders 1 parking lot.

For more information contact:

Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
Durham College
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

February 20, 2007

Second-year Graphic Design student commended for high quality and creative logo design

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College announced today that Heather Anderson, a second-year Graphic Design student, has been named a regional winner of the Premier’s Awards 15th Anniversary Student Logo Design Competition.

Anderson, one of three regional winners recognized for their high-quality and creative logo design, placed first in the Eastern Region, earning a $500 prize and nudging out eight other submissions in that category and close to 200 students overall.

“I am very honoured and thankful to receive this award,” said Anderson. “It was a co-worker who brought this competition to my attention and I am thankful that she encouraged me to enter. In addition, I am truly impressed with the Premier’s Awards committee for providing the province’s design students with an opportunity to excel in their field of study while rewarding their efforts with these outstanding awards.”

Established in 1992 to mark the 25th anniversary year of Ontario’s public colleges, and administered by the College Compensation and Appointments Council, the Ontario Premier’s Awards for College Graduates honour the important social and economic contributions made by college graduates.

Presented annually, the awards acknowledge six outstanding graduates, one each from the areas of Creative Arts and Design, Community Services, Business, Health Sciences, Technology, and Recent Graduate. The recipients are chosen from nominations submitted by Ontario’s 24 colleges. Award winners are given a medal designed by sculptor Dora de Pedery-Hunt and the graduating college receives a $5,000 bursary. Jeffrey S. Boyce, a 1980 graduate of the Durham College General Business- Marketing program was named one of the six recipients for 2006 and Ian Ball, a 2002 Business Administration -Marketing graduate and Sheila Corriveau, a 1988 Creative Arts and Design program graduate also received nominations.

Last fall, college students across the province were invited to enter the 15th Anniversary Student Logo Design Competition. Participants were invited to try their hand at designing the winning logo for the Premier’s Awards ceremony for a chance to become the overall provincial winner – taking home a grand prize of $1,000 or one of three regional prize winners for the Central, Eastern and Northern Regions, taking home a prize of $500.

“On behalf of Durham College I’d like to extend my sincere congratulations to Heather on such a tremendous achievement,” said Leah Myers, president of Durham College. “As one of Ontario’s leading post-secondary institutions, Durham College is 100-per cent committed to student success and excellence. We are very proud of Heather’s success and the quality of her work. I am more than confident she is well on her way to an outstanding future career.”  

Anderson received her award at the 2006 Premier’s Awards Ceremony held last night at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto.

About Durham College

For close to 40 years, Durham College has provided high-demand programs, professors with real-world experience, the latest technology, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Number one in the Greater Toronto Area based on a combined ranking in the areas of student, graduate, and employer satisfaction; graduate employment; and graduation rate for seven years running according to the provincial government’s indicator surveys, the college also has the highest graduate employment rate – 93.1 per cent – of all six GTA colleges. The college has close to 6,000 full-time and 23,000 part-time students enrolled in over 100 programs and courses and over 1,500 apprentices. For more information, visit the website at www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

February 19, 2007

OSHAWA, Ont. – Members of the media are invited to campus on Friday, February 23 as Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) celebrate the 100^th birthday of longtime supporter and community philanthropist Harold ‘Pat’ Dooley, complete with refreshments, cake and a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday!

The college and university plan to help make this a milestone birthday to remember while thanking Mr. Dooley for his passion towards education and the community throughout the years, including his incredible generosity towards Durham College and UOIT.

Media are invited to learn more about the Harold Pat Dooley Education Fund while celebrating Mr. Dooley’s kindness and spirit. He continues to inspire others while creating an enduring legacy that will benefit students for generations to come.

When:
Friday, February 23
11 a.m. to noon

Who:
Harold ‘Pat’ Dooley
Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president of UOIT
David Chambers, vice-president of Advancement, Durham College and UOIT
Students, faculty and staff at Durham College and UOIT

Where:
Durham College and UOIT
Campus Library Cafe
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ontario

Parking:
Enter off of Simcoe Street North and proceed to the Founders 1 parking lot.

For more information:
Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
allison.rosnak@dc-uoit.ca

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

February 9, 2007

Durham College President Emeritus Dr. Gary Polonsky has been honoured with the third annual Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for his significant contribution to Ontario’s college system.

“With this Lifetime Achievement Award, we are recognizing Dr. Polonsky’s tremendous leadership and his long-time contributions to our postsecondary students and our system,” said Minister Chris Bentley in announcing Dr. Polonsky as this year’s recipient. “I congratulate him on this honour and thank him for promoting excellence within our college system.”

Dr. Polonsky, who retired as president of Durham College in 2006, will be presented with this prestigious award at the annual Association of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology of Ontario Achievement Awards ceremony in Toronto on February 19, 2007.

Durham College offers its wholehearted congratulations to Dr. Polonsky!

For more details on the award, please see the Minister’s news release.

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.