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Starting a new chapter: DC’s 2025-26 Annual Report

Durham College’s (DC) Annual Report for 2025-2026 is now available online.

This comprehensive look back at the first year of our Strategic Vision highlights the meaningful progress we’ve made toward our shared purpose of transforming lives, building careers, and enriching communities. It showcases the collective efforts of employees across the college and the positive impact of our efforts on our students, communities, and each other.

In its pages, you’ll learn how we’re strengthening the quality and relevance of our programs, enhancing the student and employee experience, and responding to the changing needs of industry and community.

Highlights from the report include:

  • The largest graduating class in DC history, with 4,858 graduates celebrated at Convocation 2025.
  • The launch of seven new, forward-thinking programs.
  • Our new national designation as a Bee City campus.
  • An expanded commitment to Parasport through initiatives like sitting volleyball and more adaptive sport programming.
  • Receiving the Gold Program Excellence Award for Applied Research and Innovation from Colleges and Institutes Canada.

“As the first year of our Strategic Vision comes to a close, I am proud of the progress we have made and the direction we are setting for the years ahead,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President. “This annual report reflects a year of meaningful momentum and demonstrates that we are united by our shared commitment to the students and communities we serve, and by our belief that at Durham College, success truly matters.”

Centre for Success students celebrate at annual Completion Ceremony

Every student’s path to success looks different. For more than 230 students at Durham College (DC), that path included finding support, building confidence, and discovering new possibilities through the Centre for Success program.

Last month, the students were recognized at a special completion ceremony at the Tribute Communities Centre, and were joined by family, friends, educators, and community partners to celebrate their achievements.

The Centre for Success program offers students an alternative pathway to success through smaller class sizes, individualized support, and learning within a college environment. They can also earn high school and post-secondary credits while exploring future education and career options.

“This program gave many of us something that we needed: a second chance, a fresh start, and people who believed in us before we could believe in ourselves,” said one student, Emily Krolicki. “The teachers and staff here did more than help us graduate; they reminded us that our mistakes do not decide our future. No matter how far behind you may feel, it is never too late to change your path.”

The program is a longstanding partnership between DC and local school boards, including the Durham District School Board, Durham Catholic District School Board, and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board.

“The Centre for Success is built on the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Our students come to us with unique experiences and challenges, and it is incredibly rewarding to see them discover their strengths, build confidence, and realize their potential,” said Meagan Quesnelle, Director, Dual Credits and Academic Upgrading at DC.

That sentiment was echoed by Victoria Kee, Manager, Dual Credits and Academic Upgrading, who proudly watched this year’s students receive their well-earned recognition.

“Success is not always a straight path,” she said. “With the right support, encouragement, and opportunities, students can achieve remarkable things.”

Local high school students cook up sustainable solutions at Durham College

This spring, local high school students from the Durham District School Board (DDSB) put their burgeoning culinary skills to the test at Durham College (DC), creating delicious dishes while learning how sustainable ingredients can reduce food costs, improve nutrition, and lessen environmental impact.

At DC’s W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, 30 students in Grades 10 to 12 from Eastdale CVI, Uxbridge Secondary School, Henry Street High School, and J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate took part in the inaugural Sustainability Challenge. The participants prepared soups, stews, and chili recipes containing at least 30 per cent beans and lentils (also referred to as pulses), while showcasing seasonal Ontario ingredients.

“The contest gave students an opportunity to experience sustainability in action,” said DC faculty member, David Hawey. “By combining plant-based ingredients with traditional proteins, students discovered they could create nutritious, affordable, and environmentally responsible meals without sacrificing flavour. Just as importantly, they experienced what it’s like to learn and work in a professional cooking environment.”

Before the event, Hawey and fellow DC faculty members Peter Lee and Ron Subden visited the students at their schools to discuss the importance of sustainable cooking practices.

The competitors were then able to build off that knowledge to produce recipes utilizing seasonal ingredients and pulses, while reducing food waste.

“Anytime we can work together with Durham College, it adds a lot of value for our students,” said Krista Parker, Dual Credit Facilitator with the DDSB. “Getting the college instructors into our classrooms and helping our students is a fantastic opportunity. We are grateful for all that DC does to support Durham District School Board students.”

While the young chefs were hard at work in the kitchen, 30 additional students attended as guests, touring the Whitby Campus while serving as official tasters during the People’s Choice portion of the competition.

For DC, the event was an opportunity to strengthen relationships with local high schools, showcase our state-of-the-art facilities and industry-driven programs to prospective students, and emphasize the importance of sustainability in food production.

“Sustainability is embedded in our culinary programs,” said Hawey. “It’s important to address food insecurity, rising prices, and responsible agricultural and food production techniques, all of which raise awareness of environmental and financial sustainability.”

Are you passionate about food? Learn more about DC’s culinary programs online.

Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association honours Durham College with Community Service Award

Durham College’s (DC) Athletics and Recreation department has received national recognition for its commitment to inclusive sport.

The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) named DC as the recipient of its Community Service Award for the 2025-26 season.

DC was recognized for the ‘Sport is for everyBODY!’ parasport initiative, a partnership with ParaSport Ontario, focused on creating inclusive and accessible sport and recreation opportunities for students and community members of all abilities.

Throughout the year, DC introduced students and community members to wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, sledge hockey and other adaptive sports. The college was also the host venue for major parasport events like the 2025 Wheelchair Basketball National Championships and national team training camps, as well as the Ontario Volleyball Association’s sitting volleyball camps.

“Community engagement has always been at the heart of what we do at Durham College, and everybody has contributed to this initiative: our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and community partners,” said Scott Dennis, Director of Athletics and Recreation at DC. “To be recognized nationally is incredibly meaningful. Sport is for everybody, and we want to get people involved in athletics in any way we can.”

The initiative also created hands-on learning opportunities for DC students, who worked alongside leaders from Parasport Ontario to deliver inclusive programming like goalball, boccia, and sitting volleyball.

The Athletics and Recreation team intends to build on the initiative in the future, with plans underway for a Parasport Summer Camp next year, as well as more athletic offerings.

To learn more about inclusive sports at DC, visit the Durham Lords website and social media.

Lacrosse Sixes: The newest sport at Durham College

This fall, student-athletes at Durham College (DC) will hit the lacrosse field for the first time.

DC is joining Humber Polytechnic, Mohawk College, and Fleming College in a pilot season of lacrosse sixes, with the goal of making the popular sport a permanent fixture in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA).

Each of the four schools will host an exhibition series this fall, with DC set to welcome teams to the Oshawa campus on October 18.

“Lacrosse has deep roots in Canadian heritage, especially in our region, and we are excited to help create another pathway for athletes to continue competing at the collegiate level,” said Scott Dennis, Director of Athletics and Recreation at DC. “The growth of the game across Durham Region, combined with the passion within our local lacrosse community, makes this an exciting opportunity for Durham College and the OCAA. We are proud to help shape the future of collegiate lacrosse and create new opportunities for athletes to be part of the game.”

Lacrosse sixes is played on a 70 by 36 metre surface (smaller than field lacrosse) with six players on each side. As a competitive club sport, the team will be open to both men and women. Tryouts will be held at the Campus Fieldhouse in September.

DC’s team will be led by head coach Kyle Curtis, a Whitby native with extensive experience in the sport both on and off the field. He has coached teams for the Whitby Minor Lacrosse Association, Edge Lacrosse, and Team Ontario, as well as the Oshawa Blue Knights. In his own playing career, he competed at the NCAA Division II level with Belmont Abbey College.

“To be part of launching lacrosse at Durham College is an opportunity I’m extremely grateful for,” said Curtis. “I’m excited to help build a program that players can be proud of, compete at a high level and create another pathway for local student-athletes to stay in Durham Region while continuing their lacrosse careers.”

The popularity of lacrosse continues to grow in the region, with several established minor lacrosse organizations and the recent arrival of the National Lacrosse League’s Oshawa Firewolves.

“The number one question we get at Open House is, ‘Do you have lacrosse?’. There’s a demand for it,” said Dennis. “There’s definitely a lacrosse movement right now, so to be a part of that at the college level is exciting.”

To learn more about the first year of DC lacrosse, visit the Durham Lords website.

Durham College advancing learner mobility through two ONCAT-funded projects

Durham College (DC) is reducing barriers to education and advancing learner mobility through two innovative projects funded by the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT).

The initiatives will enhance access to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and improve transfer credit transparency, helping learners receive recognition for their previous education, work and life experience while making more informed decisions about their educational pathways.

The projects reflect the expertise of our teams and our commitment to creating more accessible pathways for learners, and are part of ONCAT’s 2025-26 funding program supporting learner mobility initiatives across Ontario.

When completed, the work will make it easier for students to move into and through post-secondary education so they can focus on advancing their knowledge and skills.

Reducing Barriers to Post-secondary Programs through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Last year, DC received more than 700 PLAR requests, representing a 38% increase over the previous year. This ONCAT-funded initiative will help DC manage the increasing demand while making it easier for learners to receive academic credit for relevant work and life experience.

The project will result in a searchable repository of PLAR assessments, providing DC staff with easier access to information to support a more streamlined process.

“Recognizing prior learning saves students time and money,” said Kate Staig, Director, Program Quality and Development, Professional and Part-time Learning. “This is an amazing opportunity to reduce barriers and create equitable opportunities for learners to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.”

Enhancing Transfer Credit Database to Support Learner Mobility

For students entering DC with prior education, understanding how their existing credits will apply to a new program is an important factor in the decision-making process.

To better support these learners, DC’s Transfer Services team is enhancing the college’s transfer credit system to provide clearer insight into potential credit recognition before a student accepts their offer of admission. By integrating application data with student information systems, the project will introduce automated pre-assessments that evaluate transfer credits at the point of admission.

“This is something students consistently ask for – they want to understand what credits they’ll receive before committing to DC,” explained Alexandra Bursey, Manager, Transfer Services. “By increasing transparency in the credit recognition process, DC will be a more attractive option for students who want to make an informed decision about their future studies.”

Barrett Centre recognized as Community Agent of Change by Pickering College

The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture at Durham College (DC) has been recognized for its work in creating and supporting innovative solutions that empower the community to build and participate in resilient local food systems.

Earlier this year, Pickering College honoured the Centre with its Community Agent of Change award. The award is given annually to individuals and organizations who leave the world better than they found it and represent the Quaker values the school upholds.

“The Barrett Centre is honoured to receive this award, recognizing our team’s work to create lasting systemic impact,” said Brenna Bizley, Partnership Manager. “A core element of our work is related to food literacy and understanding how food grows, while also connecting with youth to help them become good stewards of the earth, their communities, and schools.”

The Barrett Centre has worked with Pickering College to deliver urban agriculture workshops to students, consult on the growth of the school’s Blue and Silver farm, and share expertise on best practices.

“Community engagements like this are a great opportunity to develop new programs and workshops for various age groups, demographics, and learning styles,” said Bizley. “Having engaged over 17,000 community members through educational initiatives and digital resources, we are building more resilient local food systems.”

Durham College launches $15 million capital campaign to equip career-ready graduates

Durham College (DC) has officially launched its Equipped campaign, a transformational $15 million capital campaign that connects the value of hands-on education directly to the skilled professionals our communities rely on everyday.

As an educator, research hub, and community partner, DC plays a vital role in responding to evolving workforce needs, training individuals working in some of the most high-demand sectors. Through the Equipped campaign, DC will invest in capital equipment, expanding students’ access to the experiential learning they need to build successful careers and enrich their communities.

“Students need access to expert faculty, industry-standard and emerging tools and technology, and meaningful opportunities to apply their knowledge. That’s the experience DC provides to thousands of students each year, and it is strengthened through philanthropic and community support,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President. “Through donor and partner investment, we are able to build modern learning spaces, remove barriers to education, and enhance our ability to meet the growing demand from Durham Region employers for skilled graduates.”

The Equipped campaign will support programs across all nine of the college’s Academic Faculties, including DC’s most equipment-intensive programs that prepare students to enter careers in three critical areas: Health, Wellness, and Community Service; Skilled Trades and Sustainability; and Creative Expression and Intelligent Technologies.

These areas train healthcare practitioners, experts in agriculture, cybersecurity analysts, automotive technicians, engineering specialists, and broadcasters – all roles evolving at a rapid rate as industries navigate a complex economy, transitions to greener technologies, and an ever-changing digital landscape.

At a recent campaign launch event, guests heard from two alumni who shared how their education prepared them for their future. Lleyton Williams, a recent graduate of the Firefighter – Pre-Service Education and Training and the Fire Prevention and Technology programs at DC, was inspired to pursue his career path after he experienced a fire in his family’s home.

“The fire protection systems and safety measures in place helped save our lives,” said Williams, who is now employed as a Fire Alarm Technician at Vipond. “One of the most valuable parts of my education were the hands-on learning opportunities made possible through the equipment and resources available to us. Rather than simply reading about these systems in a textbook, we had the opportunity to work with industry-standard equipment and tools that helped bridge the gap between the classroom and the field.”

Guests also explored some of the existing equipment on campus, including high-fidelity trainers in the Nursing Labs, virtual experiences in the Mixed Reality Capture Studio, and a Building Automation Systems trainer used by second-year Electromechanical Engineering Technology students.

“We know that when students have access to the right tools, environments, and support, they can thrive and succeed,” said Dr. Popp. “And the Equipped campaign will help us build on that foundation – ensuring we can continue to provide the experiential learning that prepares students for their future careers and the needs of our communities.”

To learn more about how individuals and organizations can support future-focused growth at DC, visit durhamcollege.ca/equipped or contact Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations.

New Chair and Vice Chair elected by Durham College Board of Governors

The Durham College Board of Governors (BOG) has elected Peter Pryce as Chair and John Ecker as Vice Chair for the 2026–2027 board year. In these leadership roles, Pryce and Ecker will guide the Board in fulfilling its governance mandate, providing strategic oversight and supporting the long-term success of the College.

Pryce has served on the Board for four years and brings an operational perspective through his role as a Senior Operations Manager at Lakeside Performance Gas Services. His experience with large-scale project execution, along with his interest in mentorship and workforce development, aligns with the Board’s priorities related to sustainability, industry connection, and student outcomes. He also holds a designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

“I am honoured and excited to take on the role of Chair of the Durham College Board of Governors for 2026–2027,” said Pryce. “I look forward to working closely with my fellow governors and engaging with management in a transparent, collaborative, and productive environment that fosters strong governance, advances our strategic priorities, and ensures long-term financial sustainability. Together, the Board will continue to guide the College in achieving its goals, upholding sound policies, driving continuous improvement, and supporting the College’s ongoing success.”

Ecker, a Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council appointee, has served on the Board for three years and brings executive-level experience in governance, communications, branding, and fundraising. His background spans the nonprofit, public, and faith sectors, and he currently serves as Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust and as a member of several boards, including the Durham Regional Police Service Board.

“At their core, good boards function as teams. I look forward to supporting Peter as our new board team leader,” said Ecker. “The province’s recent $151.4 million investment in Durham College will help our incoming Board stay focused on student success and delivering programs that lead to great careers.”

Together, the Chair and Vice Chair play a critical role in fostering effective governance practices, ensuring transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making. The Board remains committed to upholding its fiduciary responsibilities and advancing the College’s purpose through collaborative leadership and sound governance.

Learn more about the Board’s governance framework and officer roles by reviewing the Board policy.

Durham College students support PARA Marine Search and Rescue through experiential learning partnership

Durham College (DC) students are applying their skills through a new partnership with PARA Marine Search and Rescue, a local organization dedicated to saving lives on Lake Ontario.

PARA Marine Search and Rescue is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization operating across Durham Region’s waterfront. Working alongside agencies including the Canadian Coast Guard and local police services, the organization provides critical search and rescue services throughout Lake Ontario and surrounding waterways.

Through a series of work-integrated learning projects, students from the Photography, Video Production, and Event Planning programs are contributing their expertise to help strengthen PARA Marine’s community awareness and outreach efforts.

Students are creating photography, video, and written content that highlights the organization’s mission, while others are supporting event planning and public relations initiatives designed to increase community engagement and support.

Faculty members are already seeing the impact of the collaboration. “This partnership demonstrates the value of experiential learning by connecting students with community organizations that are making a difference,” said Brian Stephens, Program Coordinator, Photography. “Through these projects, students gain industry-relevant experience while helping PARA Marine strengthen its outreach and deepen community engagement efforts throughout the region.”

Students have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a professional environment while building portfolios, expanding industry-relevant skills and gaining experience working with a community organization.

Several initiatives have already been completed ahead of the partnership’s official launch this fall. Students from DC’s Event Planning and Photography programs participated in and documented PARA Marine’s involvement in the Pickering Easter Parade, while others from the Video Production and Photography programs also captured the organization’s annual pool training exercise, which featured PARA Marine Search and Rescue, Toronto Search and Rescue Marine and the Durham Regional Police Marine Unit.

The resulting photos and videos will help support PARA Marine’s communications efforts and strengthen its ability to connect with residents, partners and potential donors across the region.

The collaboration reflects DC’s commitment to providing high-impact experiential learning opportunities while creating positive community impact. By connecting students with organizations addressing real community needs, the college helps learners develop career-ready skills while contributing their talents to meaningful local initiatives.

Future phases of the partnership are already being explored, including the development of a boat-driving simulator that would provide PARA Marine volunteers with a safe and cost-effective training environment to strengthen their vessel handling skills.

Learn more about DC’s Photography, Video Production and Event Planning programs.