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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.

Annual event helps international students connect with industry leaders

The latest International Alumni Talks event welcomed 70 graduating international students and recent international alumni to connect, network, and gain support as they take their first steps into the Canadian workforce.

The event, organized by the International Education Office, featured a panel of five international alumni from diverse backgrounds who have each leveraged their DC education to grow careers in their respective fields. Panelists shared their post-graduation experiences with current students and fellow alumni, from navigating job search to securing employment in Canada.

“Hearing from international alumni about their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned was reassuring for many students navigating similar paths,” said David Moge, a student in the Supply Chain Management – Global program who attended the event. “A big thank you to the International Education team for organizing such a valuable event. I’m grateful to be a part of a community that continues to create spaces for learning, mentorship, and meaningful connections.”

With a focus on relationship-building, attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a speed networking session allowing students to connect directly with international alumni as well as industry professionals, recruiters, and employers in their fields to exchange ideas, ask questions, and build meaningful professional connections.

Among the attendees were leaders and alumni working at organizations such as BMO, Ontario Power Generation, Lakeridge Health and the Durham District School Board, representing a wide range of industries and career paths.

“We are incredibly proud of this event,” said Dandan Shi, Manager, International Student Support and Engagement at DC. “It reflects our continued commitment to supporting international students beyond arrival and enrollment, recognizing that the transition from graduation to employment is a critical and often overlooked phase of their journey. Through International Alumni Talks, we aim to strengthen that final step and help our students feel confident, connected, and supported as they move forward.”

The Career Launch program provides current students and alumni with opportunities for professional development. These activities complement classroom learning, help develop networking, leadership skills and personal marketing tools, and enhance essential employability skills.

Durham College brings global classrooms together through COIL collaborations

Students at Durham College (DC) are gaining global perspectives and building career-ready skills through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects that connect classrooms, ideas, and cultures across continents.

COIL is an innovative teaching and learning approach that brings together students and faculty from different countries to collaborate on shared projects within their courses. Through virtual exchanges, learners collaborate with international peers, explore global challenges, and develop skills increasingly valued in today’s workforce.

During the 2025-26 academic year, DC students participated in COIL projects with partner institutions in countries including Wales, South Africa, the Philippines, Belgium, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Ecuador, Slovenia, Türkiye and Tanzania. The projects spanned a wide range of disciplines, from early childhood education and business to journalism, food systems, construction management, and fine arts.

“Collaborative Online International Learning creates meaningful global educational experiences that are accessible to all students, regardless of their ability to travel,” said Amanda Maknyik, Dean, Teaching, Learning, and Academic Quality at DC. “By engaging in shared learning with their international peers, students develop the intercultural competencies, adaptability, and collaboration skills needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world. These experiences enrich learning while helping prepare graduates for success in diverse workplaces and communities.”

One of the projects completed during the Winter 2026 semester connected students in DC’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program with peers at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD).

Led by Corrine McCormick-Brighton, professor in the Faculty of Social and Community Services, and Glenda Tinney, lecturer at UWTSD, the project explored ethics and professional practices in early learning and child care.

“Through the COIL experience, my students had the opportunity to collaborate with university students from Wales and learn about early childhood education from their perspective,” said McCormick-Brighton. “The project strengthened communication and collaboration skills while increasing cultural awareness. It reinforced the value of international partnerships in enriching teaching practice and providing students with meaningful opportunities to develop global perspectives.”

Additional COIL projects challenged students to address food insecurity alongside peers at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, develop cross-cultural business solutions with students from 10 institutions around the world, explore global technical writing practices with partners in the Philippines, co-develop human resource and social enterprise solutions with community partners in Tanzania, and engage in international artistic exchanges with institutions in Ireland and England.

By embedding international collaboration directly into coursework, COIL provides students with opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives, tackle real-world challenges and build global networks without leaving their classrooms.

As DC continues to expand its international partnerships, initiatives like COIL support the college’s commitment to delivering future-focused learning experiences that prepare graduates to contribute and succeed in an interconnected world.

Learn more about COIL at DC.

Durham College recognizes graduates at Convocation 2026

Durham College (DC) proudly celebrated the achievements of 7,205 graduates during Convocation 2026, held this week at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa. Across nine ceremonies, graduates from every academic faculty were recognized for their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to learning as they received their credentials and officially joined DC’s growing community of over 125,000 alumni.

“Our graduates are entering a world defined by change, but they are ready for it,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President. “Through their experiences at Durham College, they have developed the knowledge, skills, and resilience needed to navigate new opportunities, embrace challenges, and make a meaningful impact in their careers and communities.”

This year’s ceremonies also included the inaugural graduates from four programs: Honours Bachelor of Construction Management, Fire Prevention and Technology, Law Clerk, Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science (BHTN Pathway). These first-ever graduating classes reflect DC’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative, career-focused education that aligns with evolving workforce needs.

In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of its newest alumni, DC recognized four exceptional graduates as 2026 Alumni of Distinction recipients: Carrie-Anne Atkins, Matthew Canning, Dr. Danna Paulson and Rachael Wraith. The recipients were honoured for their professional achievements, community leadership and ongoing contributions to their respective fields.

This year’s ceremonies reflected the strength of a DC education, where hands-on learning, industry-informed curriculum and applied experiences prepare graduates to contribute with confidence in their chosen fields.

The Convocation 2026 ceremonies were a proud celebration of academic achievement, personal growth, and the bright futures that await DC graduates.