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A Year in Review: 2025 at Durham College

Durham College (DC) marked another year of growth, achievement, and community impact in 2025. From launching bold new programs and strengthening industry partnerships, to celebrating a record-breaking Convocation and hosting thousands of visitors on campus, our students and employees continued to shine. Across athletics, applied research, and community initiatives, DC remained a place where talent is nurtured, curiosity is encouraged, and careers are launched.

Explore some of the highlights that made 2025 a year to remember.

News

Durham College unveiled a new Strategic Vision that will guide the institution’s priorities and decision-making for the years ahead, strengthening our focus on students, employees and community impact.

The Minister of Colleges and Universities Nolan Quinn visited DC to experience the hands-on learning of our in-demand culinary and hospitality programs alongside local MPPs.

A new bursary established by The Joyce Family Foundation is expanding access to preparatory programs at DC and helping remove financial barriers for learners.

At our state-of-the-art Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology, we welcomed Ajax Fire and Emergency Services for a unique, hands-on emergency elevator rescue training session.

A $75 million provincial investment in post-secondary institutions will expand construction and planning programs across Ontario, ensuring DC will play a central role in strengthening the province’s workforce.

Thousands of future students and supporters visited campus at our Open Houses in Spring and Fall as well as our Program Information Nights, giving learners and families the chance to explore programs, meet employees and experience life at DC.

The annual Mature Student Event showcased why our supportive services and flexible delivery models make DC the perfect place to help returning students strengthen their professional skills.

We highlighted student ingenuity across engineering and sustainability challenges at the DC Innovation Showcase, where learners presented creative projects and connected with industry partners.

There was a real buzz on campus when DC was officially recognized as a Bee Campus by the Pollinator Partnership, recognizing our sustainability efforts to support pollinators and protect biodiversity.

DC marked a historic milestone at Spring Convocation 2025, celebrating the achievements of our career-ready graduates.

A collaborative applied research project was launched to empower parents with cognitive challenges by developing tools and supports that enhance daily living and family well-being.

A strategic partnership with NAIT was formed to advance AI literacy in Canada’s energy sector, equipping learners and industry with skills for emerging technologies.

The Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation expanded its capabilities with a new grant to strengthen industry-aligned training and applied research in craft beverage production.

Indigenous artist Emma Whiteye created space for reflection and connection within the DC community.

Accolades

DC was once again named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc., affirming its national leadership in applied research and innovation.

Durham College faculty were recognized this year for excellence, innovation and teaching, with Dr. Teresa Avvampato honoured with the OSOT Innovation and Impact Award, Dave Hawey earning a prestigious Worldchefs Global Certification, and Professor Chris Daniel named an Outstanding Educator by OACETT.

The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture was honoured with a 2025 Durham Region Accessibility Award for its commitment to inclusive design and community impact.

DC student Abigail Ansell received golden recognition from Colleges and Institutes Canada, celebrating student leadership and achievement on a national stage.

Durham College graduate Daylan Belsey claimed first place in animation at the Ubisoft Toronto NEXT Challenge, highlighting student talent and creative achievement on a global stage.

DC proudly celebrated its 2025 Alumni of Distinction recipients, recognizing graduates who are making meaningful contributions in their fields and communities. Two of those recipients were awarded one of Ontario’s highest honours for college alumni. Jeremy Burns and Aaron Dale, co-founders of the Military Veterans Wellness Program (MVWP), received the Premier’s Award for their groundbreaking work supporting military veterans.

Durham College graduate Andre Ata received the prestigious New World Award from the Canadian Bureau for International Education in recognition of his contributions to global learning through transformative international experiences.

Programs and Academics

This year, we welcomed the first classes in our new Electric Drive Vehicle Technician and Interior Decorating programs.

DC’s new partnership with RPA Canada is creating an innovative pathway for accounting graduates to advance their professional credentials.

We partnered with Achēv to train licensed automotive service and body repair technicians on how to properly service electric vehicles.

Our partnership with Seven Generations Education Institute helped to expand access to healthcare education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners in Northern Ontario.

A new program to strengthen mental health care skills for healthcare and community service professionals was launched to respond to growing demand for compassionate, evidence-informed care.

The AI Hub launched a new executive development program to help professionals get up to speed with artificial intelligence and its transformative impact.

Five new industry-driven programs launching in Fall 2026 were announced to help learners build career-ready skills aligned with evolving workforce needs.

An international partnership with Ayrshire College was launched to drive innovation in industry and skills development, expanding global learning and collaboration opportunities.

A new diploma-to-degree agreement with Trent University was established to accelerate talent development for the supply chain sector through a clear pathway from college to university.

Experiential Learning

Students applied their skills through online game development for the Barrett Centre, gaining real-world experience while supporting a community partner.

A partnership with Community Care Durham is delivering workplace training that supports personal support workers and strengthens local care services.

DC students deepened their learning by travelling around the globe, gaining global perspectives through international experiences.

DC partnered with the Lakeridge Health Foundation for the NightShift 2025 emergency simulation event, giving students and community members hands-on experience in fast-paced medical scenarios.

Sport Management and Sport Business Management students had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work as ambassadors for Major League Baseball and Stand Up To Cancer at Game 2 of the World Series.

DC Supply Chain students embraced experiential learning through real-world challenges, including the SAP ERPSIM competition and collaborative international projects.

Athletics

The Durham Lords completed a successful winter season, with men’s basketball capturing the OCAA championship and earning national silver, volleyball teams posting strong performances and the varsity curling squad making a memorable return.

DC volleyball players shone on the national stage, showcasing talent, teamwork and competitive excellence.

Sitting volleyball became a hit at DC, highlighting inclusive sport opportunities on campus.

The Durham Lords men’s basketball team captured the OCAA championship and earned CCAA silver, marking a standout campaign. Our volleyball teams also posted strong performances, and the revived curling squad made its mark on the ice.

The Fall 2025 season was another successful one for Lords, with our Women’s Rugby Sevens club became the first in OCAA history to win four consecutive provincial championships. The men’s rugby team brought home provincial silver while DCSA Executive Chairwoman Megan Bent, who is also serving as Student Governor on the DC Board of Governors, wrapped up her stellar collegiate rugby career and welcomed her sister as a fellow student.

As we close the chapter on 2025, we celebrate the achievements, creativity, and dedication of our students, employees, and partners, and look ahead with excitement to all that 2026 will bring to the Durham College community.

Durham College spreads holiday cheer with Wrap for Hope

Durham College (DC) is embracing the holiday spirit by participating in Wrap for Hope, a volunteer-driven initiative that supports families in our community through the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation’s Holiday Hope campaign.

On December 19, more than 50 DC staff members are spreading festive cheer as they volunteer at the Oshawa Centre’s gift wrapping station. Decked out in DC green across day and evening shifts, colleagues are tying bows, chatting with holiday shoppers, and encouraging donations. Every wrapped package raises funds that directly fuel the Holiday Hope Shop, a welcoming space where parents and caregivers can personally select gifts and essentials at no cost. This approach fosters dignity and belonging at a time that can be especially challenging for those facing financial strain.

“Wrap for Hope raises critical funds that support children, youth, and families throughout the year. We are grateful to Durham College for volunteering at the Wrap for Hope station and helping make this work possible,” says Julie Van Hartingsveldt, Executive Director of the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation.

For DC, the opportunity to participate is about more than just gift wrapping. “We’re thrilled to offer our employees a meaningful way to give back,” says Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations. “Partnering with the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation reflects our commitment to being a community-connected college and to making a positive impact beyond our campuses.”

The event also highlights how volunteering strengthens workplace connections. “Working side by side and sharing in the collective effort highlights the power of coming together,” says Jennifer Cosway, Associate Vice President, Human Resources and Equity, “reinforcing the values of care, inclusion, and generosity that define our culture at Durham College.”

Durham Lords shine in the fall

The Durham Lords were one of the Ontario College Athletic Association’s (OCAA) most successful programs this fall.

Three of our Durham College (DC) teams brought home OCAA medals, while the others all enjoyed competitive seasons they can build on next year.

Read on for a closer look at how our teams made us DC Proud.

  • Women’s Rugby

    Our DC Women’s Rugby Sevens club were a force once again in the OCAA, going undefeated for a 14-0 regular season. They followed that with three more impressive victories (22-0 over Fleming, 52-0 over Seneca and 34-0 over Humber) to become the first team in OCAA women’s rugby history to win four consecutive provincial championships.

    The Lords were simply unmatched this year, outscoring their opponents in 17 games by an astonishing combined score of 702-19.

    Unsurprisingly, our athletes took home a number of individual awards. Amber Edgerton was named Player of the Year as well as Championship MVP, while Sarah Clayton grabbed Rookie of the Year honours and was named a Championship All-Star alongside Daniella Kimevski.

    Clayton, Edgerton and teammate Camryn Wood were also named League All-Stars. Clayton added yet another accolade when she was named to the All-Rookie team.

    “Dominance is the way to describe their season,” said Scott Dennis, Athletic Director. “A ton of individual awards as well, but it really was a team effort.”

  • Men’s Rugby

    Like their counterparts, the Men’s Rugby Lords were undefeated in the regular season, going 6-0 for their first-place finish. They fell just shy of the provincial championship, bringing home the OCAA silver.

    Devonne Henry was a force for the Lords, recognized as Player of the Year, Scoring Champion and a League All-Star.

    Owen MacKinnon, Dylan McLean-Henry and Ethan Montgomery were also named League All-Stars, while Taylor Payne earned All-Rookie honours.

    The accolades weren’t limited to the field. Head coach John Watkins was inducted into the Rugby Ontario Hall of Fame as a builder in recognition of his contributions to the sport.

    “It was a tremendous season, with an undefeated regular season and then a return to the podium. It was quite the accomplishment,” said Dennis.

  • Women’s Softball

    With a 17-3 regular season record, our Women’s Softball team finished first, once again proving they’re among the very best in the OCAA. A strong effort in the playoffs earned a provincial bronze medal, and they fell just shy of replicating the feat at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championship. They travelled to Calgary for the competition, where they picked up victories over Laurier and Humber and lost by just one run to the eventual champion University of British Columbia - Okanagan. In the bronze medal game, they fell to the University of Saskatchewan to finish fourth in the country.

    Makayla Benz was named Pitcher of the Year, while Jessica Benz was a Championship All-Star. The sisters were also named First Team All-Stars alongside their teammate Emily Taylor. The team boasted a number of Second Team All-Stars as well, including Jessica Greene, Vanessa Ng, Jocelyn Shelton and Georgia Willsie, who also made the All-Rookie team.

    “They had another tremendous season on the diamond, and we'll look to get even stronger next year,” said Dennis.

  • Men’s Baseball

    With a competitive 11-7 record, the Lords finished fourth in the regular season and matched that result at the OCAA Championship.

    Standout players included Matt Jones (Pitcher of the Year, First Team All-Star and All-Rookie), Eddie Borutskie (First Team All-Star), and Second Team All-Stars Malik James and Erik Smith.

    “They won their game against Humber to play in the final four, and then they lost their next two games by a single run,” said Dennis. “It could have gone either way. Overall, it was a great season for head coach Scott Cawker and the team.”

  • Women’s Soccer

    Our Women’s Soccer team posted a 6-4 regular season record to finish fourth in the East division, before bowing out of the Provincial Championship in the quarter final.

    Alexis Bayley was named a First Team All-Star while Julia Fontana, Erin Michalicka and Sage Thomas-Roberts were Second Team All-Stars.

    “They had another run at the championship, making it to the final eight. They lost to the eventual champion,” said Dennis. “It was a good showing by the team overall.”

  • Men’s Soccer

    The Men’s Soccer team made us proud in September with a big win over Ontario Tech University in the Campus Cup. Their regular season record of 6-2-2 was good for fourth in the East, and they delivered a strong effort in the Provincial qualifier.

    Deandre Watkis was a First Team All-Star, with Second Team All-Star honours going to Jaden Grant, Zachery Hamedi, Kahlil John-Wentworth and Michael Arfanis, who was also an All-Rookie.

    Head coach Dave Ashfield was recognized with the East Division Coach of the Year award.

    “It’s always great to start off the year by beating your campus rivals. They had a great regular season, but ultimately fell short in the playoffs, losing a tough one to Niagara College here on home turf at Vaso’s Field. But overall, it was a good season and good progress for the team.”

  • Golf

    Our DC golfers finished fourth at the OCAA Championship and sixth at the CCAA National Championship. Owen Mailhot had a terrific year, earning Rookie of the Year and Golf All-Ontario honours, and finishing fourth out of 34 golfers at the provincial championship. He was 15th out of 47 at the national competition, with teammate Cory Pharand finishing 17th.

    “They were back in the national championship scene and had a great showing. They continued to improve throughout the year,” said Dennis.

It was a season filled with highlights, achievement and growth for our varsity programs, and one for the DC community to be proud of.

“We have some of the top talent here at Durham College playing for our varsity programs, and they do such a great job representing us.”

Making the cut: DC Carpentry students craft sustainable creations from scraps

When Colin Darch enrolled in Durham College’s (DC) Carpentry and Renovation Technician program in 2024, he looked forward to hands-on projects that would challenge his creativity and problem-solving skills. He didn’t expect, however, that a pile of leftover wood scraps would become such a memorable learning experience.

The idea began in the Carpentry shop, where students repurposed offcuts from larger projects into sleek, DC-branded cutting boards – a classroom exercise that quickly evolved into a green initiative now connecting programs, departments, and communities across the college.

“This project is all about sustainability and providing students with hands-on experience they can carry with them,” said Mick Weinberg, Carpentry professor and project founder. “Students not only learn essential woodworking skills but also an understanding of the value of using – and reusing – materials in meaningful ways.”

Students from the Carpentry and Renovation Technician, Carpentry – Building Construction Technician and Trades Fundamentals programs have embraced the challenge, which offers the chance to operate a wide range of tools and equipment — from planers and jointers to sanders and routers — and learn everything from precision cutting to finishing techniques.

“As the students measure, shape, sand, and assemble each piece, it’s rewarding to see the confidence they gain with tools not always used in the classroom. These practical skills will translate directly to industry work when they graduate,” said Weinberg.

Darch said the project has helped him deepen his understanding of carpentry and lesson content discussed in class: “Working on projects like this lets us put into practice the techniques we’re taught. It really helps set the information in your mind.”

Collaboration was a key part of the project, adding to the overall experience. “Everyone brought different experience to the table, and we learned from each other,” said Darch.

For fellow student John Kozak, seeing the transformation was the highlight. “I enjoyed watching rough lumber go through many stages into a final project I’m proud of. It feels good knowing that things I created are being used by so many people,” he said.

The cutting boards have since taken on a life of their own. With more than 60 crafted to date, they have been sold in the Pantry – DC’s unique retail food store, auctioned at the Enactus fundraising gala, gifted at work-integrated learning events, shared with donors, and even presented to industry partners in Scotland. The boards have also been featured in giveaways in the Bistro ’67 dining room and sold at college events, such as Open House, offering guests a unique and lasting keepsake of their visit to DC.

This student-powered project highlights DC’s sustainable, hands-on approach to learning and is just one of many ways the college continues to foster innovative experiences that strengthen a greener, more connected campus community.

Hospitality students prepared for adventurous future with Fairmont

Durham College’s (DC) Hospitality students receive hands-on training from industry professionals, developing the transferable skills that employers in the service industry are looking for. Recently, they got a glimpse of what their future careers could look like with one such employer.

Bre Wittgen, Talent Acquisition Manager with Fairmont Banff Springs, paid a visit to our Whitby campus to share information about the iconic hotel company’s Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) and graduate programs.

“Students can take the education that they’ve learned here at DC and apply their skills to get hands-on experience of working in a luxury property,” explained Wittgen, a native of Whitby who spoke of her own experience moving out west to pursue her career in the picturesque locales of western Canada.

The SWEP program was of particular interest to the DC students. More than just a summer job, it’s a program geared towards students on their academic break. The four months are packed with learning experiences and professional development opportunities, including welcome and networking events, guidance from seasoned staff and mentors, and a special graduating ceremony at the end of their term.

DC has partnered with Fairmont for over 15 years, and the agreement has been mutually beneficial according to Tricia Wiseman, Faculty Member in DC’s Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science (HHS).

“Our partnership helps connect students to industry, supports our work-integrated learning goals, and provides additional training that extends beyond the classroom,” she said. “Our students bring concrete, transferrable and technical skills to their workplace. Fairmont values the enthusiasm and skills our students bring to their operations. They gain motivated, well-trained, and engaged students eager for a career in Hospitality.”

The presentation had the current DC students in attendance thinking about the possibilities that lie ahead. One of them was Devonte Black, a first-year student in DC’s Hospitality Skills program.

“I learned a lot. Bre shined light on how many different options you have when you first enter this industry,” he said. “The career path I see for myself after the presentation is a bit brighter. There are so many different pieces of a hotel, like food and beverage, guest services and the golf courses too. From there you can enter a position like front desk agent or server, and then earn your stripes to become a manager.”

Wittgen introduced students to Fairmont’s properties, job roles, and the personal experiences employees can have, giving them a clear understanding of what to expect and how to apply.

First-year Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management student Sasha Gracez was particularly intrigued to learn that over 50 per cent of Fairmont’s management are women.

“It was quite enticing,” she said. “There are a lot of opportunities to move and grow in the Fairmont properties.”

DC students who thrive in their Hospitality program will be ready to take advantage of those opportunities.

DC recognizes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

The Durham College (DC) community came together this week to recognize the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Students and employees gathered in the Rotary Global Classroom of the Oshawa campus on Thursday, December 4 for a memorial event to honour the victims of École Polytechnique de Montréal and all those affected by gender-based violence.

This year marks the 36th anniversary of the attack on December 6, 1989 when a gunman entered a mechanical engineering classroom at the Montreal school, killing 14 young women and injuring 13 others.

Their memories were top of mind for everyone who attended the event, including DC President, Dr. Elaine Popp.

“This tragedy shook post-secondary institutions across the country — including communities like ours — and continues to resonate deeply more than three decades later,” said Dr. Popp. “As we reflect on the lives lost that day, we renew our commitment to confronting the hatred that fueled this violence and the gender-based discrimination that persists today.”

The gathering included memorial readings, with the names of the Montreal victims read aloud, as well as a moment of silence. There was also a powerful musical performance by Aqua Nibii Waawasskone, accompanied by the dancing of Rachel Taunton, Indigenous Communities Outreach Coordinator with DC’s First Peoples Indigenous Centre.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women will officially be observed on Saturday, December 6, and all flags on campus will be lowered to half-mast.

Durham College remains committed to fostering a safe, inclusive campus free from all forms of violence. The college encourages every member of the DC community to speak out against harmful behaviours and help end gender-based violence.

“We are called to create communities where every person can pursue their dreams without fear and live free from intimidation or harm,” said Marisa Mei, Sexual Violence Education and Prevention Coordinator. “Education, awareness, and strong allyship are essential in the fight to end femicide and gender-based violence. By challenging harmful assumptions, supporting survivors with compassion, and advocating for systems and policies that uphold safety and accountability, each of us has the power and the responsibility to make a difference.”

Durham College recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges and a leader in artificial intelligence applied research

Durham College (DC) is a nationally recognized leader in research and innovation, having once again been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc.

The high-impact work done by DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s (ORSIE) five research centres – the AI Hub, Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation, MRC Studio, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Social Impact Hub – received strong reviews in the annual report.

This year, DC placed first among medium-sized colleges in two artificial intelligence (AI) related categories; AI research partnerships, with 87, and AI completed research projects, with 106. Led by the AI Hub, DC has cemented its reputation as an authority in the burgeoning AI sector.

“AI is everywhere for companies right now, and they are looking to colleges and organizations like ours to help them bring it into their work in a meaningful way,” explained Natalie Arthurs, Senior Manager of the AI Hub. “DC is a destination of choice for cutting-edge, applied AI.”

As the only Technology Access Centre (TAC) in Canada that’s exclusively focused on artificial intelligence, the AI Hub has solved complex challenges for a variety of companies in eight provinces. For Niagara-based beauty brand Adoreyes, they helped develop a deep learning-based skin analysis platform that provides real-time insights to estheticians. They teamed with Forged Operations to determine how AI could improve the software utilized in nuclear environments.

“With the deep expertise we have across our five research centres, we are meeting the needs of our industry partners,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research at DC. “Being named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges recognizes that expertise and the good work that we’re doing in our community and across the country.”

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

Alumni Entrepreneur Toolkit launched at DC Talks: Alumni Series

At the latest DC Talks: Alumni Series event, Durham College (DC) welcomed a panel of five graduates who all have one thing in common – they leveraged their DC education to turn bold ideas into thriving ventures.

Hosted in the Rotary Global Classroom at DC, this event explored the lasting connection between education, business and community.

“I was able to make all kinds of contacts in the school,” explained Paul Fritzsch, a Horticulture – Food and Farming graduate whose business idea developed during his time as a student. “I was able to come back and get help with marketing ideas, stay connected with those coming out of the program, and access breaks on insurance – you need it when you’re starting a business!”

Panel moderator Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations, also announced the new Alumni Entrepreneur Toolkit, which pulls together many of the valuable resources Paul and fellow alumni entrepreneurs tap into to support their business growth. The toolkit includes information about promotion and advertising, opportunities for startup funding and growth support, savings on business insurance, and programs available through DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship on topics including AI, cybersecurity, and intellectual property protection.

Hosted by the Durham College Alumni Association and supported by Kleurvision, this event was also a part of ‘Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week,’ Durham Region’s celebration of entrepreneurship held each November during Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Read on to get to know the panellists or watch the full recording of DC Talks: Alumni Series “From Education to Entrepreneur.”

  • Brittany Charlton

    Law Clerk Advanced, Class of 2016

    Brittany Charlton is a Forbes 30U30 entrepreneur and founder of Chocovate Labs. In 2017, Brittany started Ohh! Foods, a line of allergen-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free snacks inspired by her own food allergy. What started as a personal mission became a national brand, landing on shelves in Walmart, Costco, and 1,000+ retail doors across Canada. In 2025, she launched Chocovate Labs, a food-tech company developing cocoa-free chocolate that looks, tastes, and performs like traditional chocolate, without using a single cocoa bean. As cocoa prices skyrocket and supply chains strain, Chocovate Labs helps global food brands future-proof their chocolate products through scalable, sustainable alternatives.

  • Paul Fritzsch

    Horticulture – Food and Farming, Class of 2023

    After a 20-year career in software technology, Paul decided to follow a lifelong passion for agriculture and return to college. While at DC, he participated in the Student Work program, where he gained invaluable experience in his role as Community and Edible Gardens Ambassador representing the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture. During his last semester, he founded Urban Farm Solutions, an urban agriculture company with a mission to help create holistic communities that are food-sovereign and connected to the health of their own environments. By transforming underutilized urban green spaces into productive and beautiful market gardens, much of the food grown can be donated to local food banks and care organizations.

  • Zenon Issel

    Mechanical Engineering Technology, Class of 1998

    Zenon is a mechanical engineer turned entrepreneur with a diverse career spanning engineering, business development, and brand leadership across industries and continents. After graduating from Durham College, Zenon spent over two decades with Solar Turbines where he designed turbomachinery products and managed a team supporting billions in annual revenue. Today, Zenon calls Hawai‘i home, where he blends his technical background with his entrepreneurial drive. Together with his wife, Cindy, he co-founded Surf-fur, a performance outerwear brand that pioneered a new product category in the watersports industry. For nearly 20 years, Surf-fur has provided warmth, safety, and protection to ocean enthusiasts and professionals worldwide, including members of the military and special operations.

  • Nicole Morais

    Hospitality Management – Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism, Class of 2016

    Nicole is the founder and CEO of Crave Doughnuts. Launched in 2018, Crave has become a local favourite in Durham Region with its first location in Whitby followed by a second in Oshawa, collectively selling approximately 5,000 doughnuts per week. Nicole has been passionate about hospitality for as long as she can remember and fell in love with the idea of creating memorable experiences through food while connecting with her community. With a focus on locally sourced, quality ingredients, Nicole and the team at Crave bring joy to people’s lives with doughnuts handmade with love from scratch.

  • Shanondoah Nicholson

    Event Management, Class of 2013

    Shanondoah is an award-winning event planner who makes magic happen. After 15 years of in-house roles in various industries, she has recently taken Beyond the BEO full time, offering not only her own event planning services, but career coaching and training for event professionals. Shanondoah has a unique ability to understand both her client’s, and her client’s clients’ needs, intuitively. These lead to her routinely producing experiences that attendees speak about for years to come. She is also the creator and host of the Beyond the BEO podcast, which routinely features notable industry guests discussing important topics to further educate listeners about all aspects of the events industry.

DC graduate receives prestigious award from Canadian Bureau for International Education

Taking a life-changing trip to Guatemala wasn’t on Andre Ata’s radar when he began his studies at Durham College (DC).

But last October, the 2025 Video Production graduate seized the opportunity to participate in a Faculty-Led Classroom Abroad (FLCA) trip to the Central American country. There, he and his DC peers visited the community of San Felipe and taught local students how to tell stories through visual media.

It was a powerful experience for Ata, and when he returned home, he produced a moving video essay to commemorate the journey.

In recognition of his contributions to the FLCA trip and the profound impact it had on him, he was nominated for the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s (CBIE) New World Award, given annually to a Canadian student who contributes to the internationalization of their campus community. Earlier this month, he attended the CBIE’s annual conference in Quebec City to accept the award.

“It was one of the greatest decisions I’ve made in my entire life,” said Ata of taking part in the trip. “If I could only describe it with one word, it would be fulfilling.”

Offering opportunities for students to become global citizens is a priority for DC, and they don’t even have to leave campus to gain an international perspective. With Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiatives, faculty members can co-develop and co-teach courses with international partners, and students can connect with peers from other countries virtually. And with DC’s Global Learner Recognition Program, students can participate in activities to explore different perspectives and worldviews.

“DC is a leader in creating global citizens and providing opportunities for students and faculty,” said Abbas Sumar, Dean, International Education. “Our students benefit from transformative global experiences that broaden their perspectives and complement their in-class education with experiential learning.”

Unsurprisingly, Ata and the DC contingent experienced some culture shock when visiting the small community, including a language barrier. But they overcame the challenges to bond with their welcoming hosts and find plenty of common ground. Together, the DC students and their Guatemalan friends worked on videos exploring important subjects like deforestation, climate change and pollution.

“It was very surprising to see kids who are no older than 15 or 16 years old having such mature mindsets and talking about real life problems,” he said. “They’re very self aware and very mature. I was able to teach them, but they were able to teach me things too.”

Sharing his knowledge with the students only solidified Ata’s love for teaching, which he first discovered in his role as an instructor at the Harmony Martial Arts and Fitness Center in Pickering. He plans to pursue it in the future, while continuing to develop his own multimedia design company.

His experience in Guatemala has proven to be invaluable, and he encourages students to embrace any opportunity to do something similar.

“It’s a very grounding experience. It takes you away from this western civilization that we’ve come to know and take for granted. Once you go into these different parts of the world, it really expands your view,” he said.  “There are so many other civilizations, so many other people, so many other things going on in this world, and I think experiencing them firsthand will help you grow as a person.”

More information about international education at DC is available online.

Durham College’s Voices in Durham honoured at Canadian Student Journalism Awards

Durham College (DC) Journalism – Mass Media students have earned national recognition for their work amplifying local voices through Voices in Durham — a community-driven storytelling project that connects students with local organizations across Durham Region.

The project received an Honourable Mention in the Community-Driven Project of the Year category at the 2025 Canadian Student Journalism Awards, hosted by J-Schools Canada. As the only Ontario college recognized among this year’s winners, DC stood proudly alongside leading university teams from across the country.

Community collaboration and impact

Launched in 2021, Voices in Durham was developed to help address what’s known as a news desert — communities where shrinking newsroom resources have left residents without consistent local coverage. In these areas, stories about social issues and everyday lives often go untold.

Through the project, DC students collaborate with local organizations and community partners to bring stories to light — with empathy, understanding, and an emphasis on community connection. Topics explored have included homelessness, mental health, criminal involvement, and racism, aligning with priorities identified in Durham Region’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.

“This initiative shows how collaboration between students and community partners not only strengthens local journalism but also ensures that important stories are told with care and accuracy,” said Teresa Goff, Program Coordinator of the journalism programs at DC. “It gives students the chance to practice journalism that listens before it speaks.”

The project spans multiple courses in the college’s Journalism and Broadcasting programs and has been supported through funding from Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada and partnerships with organizations, such as Safety Network Durham, Revitaled Reintegration, Their Opportunity, Autism Homebase, and the Clarington East Food Bank.

Student leadership on display at CAJ Unplugged 2025

With support from the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), the students have built on this momentum and helped organize CAJ Unplugged: Voices in Durham 2025, a two-day event set to take place November 15 and 16.

Working together with DC’s Collaboragency team, students will support social media promotion, videography, and event coordination, continuing the project’s focus on hands-on learning and community storytelling.

Journalism student Lauren Cole, one of two producers for this year’s event, said the experience has deepened her understanding of the role local journalism plays in community life.

“As a journalism student, it’s important to know the community you report on,” she said. “This project helped me learn about the non-profits that make a real difference in Durham Region.”

Fellow producer Juan Suarez and Indigenous peer mentor Eva Ritchie are also contributing in key leadership roles, with Ritchie collaborating with traditional knowledge keeper Jim Adams to ensure Indigenous perspectives are represented respectfully throughout the event.

From classroom learning to national recognition, Voices in Durham continues to demonstrate the impact of community-first storytelling — and the growing role of DC’s Journalism students in revitalizing local news.