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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 Weinburg, 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 Weinburg.

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.

Durham College, Trent University accelerating talent for supply chain sector with new diploma-to-degree agreement

Durham College (DC) and Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have established a new transfer agreement that provides students in DC’s Supply Chain and Operations diploma and advanced diploma programs with an accelerated pathway to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Trent Durham.

Through the agreement, eligible graduates can fast-track their bachelor’s degree by transferring earned credits from the college to Trent. Students in this pathway will build on the practical, experiential knowledge gained at DC with a broader theoretical foundation at Trent and further application of logistics and supply chain principles. By working together, the institutions will strengthen opportunities for students pursuing careers in one of Canada’s fastest growing and most critical sectors.

“This agreement recognizes the deep value of the applied, hands-on training our students receive and gives them the opportunity to build on that with further academic theory – a combination that sets them up for success working in the complex world of supply chain management,” said Cristina Italia, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business and Information Technology at DC.

Industry demand continues to rise for supply chain professionals who can manage disruption, drive innovation, and lead in a rapidly evolving global market. By staying local while accessing high-quality education from both institutions, students benefit from convenience, continuity, and strong ties to regional employers.

“Dependable supply chains are the backbone of our global economy, so it is vital that we support the education and training of new talent in this field,” said Dr. Scott Henderson, Vice-President and Head of Trent University Durham GTA. “Businesses here in the Durham Region and around the world need leaders in logistics who can navigate shifting policies and emerging technology to help them succeed and grow. With this pathway, our institutions will facilitate a new generation of leaders and experts.”

The pathway is open to both current and recent DC graduates who began their studies from fall 2020 onward, who are looking to enhance their credentials.

For more information about this and other pathways, visit Durham College Transfer Pathways or ontransfer.ca.

Join us for Fall Open House at Durham College, November 8

Is Durham College (DC) in your future? Whether you’re still considering your options or you’ve already accepted your offer of admission, there are so many reasons that you’ll want to attend Fall Open House on Saturday, November 8 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

When Erin Hord was exploring post-secondary programs, she attended an Open House event, and the second-year Advertising and Promotion student is glad she did. From meeting her future professors one-on-one to getting an early look at classrooms and labs, it was an invaluable opportunity to get to know her future academic home. At Fall Open House, she’ll pay it forward by volunteering to guide the next generation of students as they discover DC for themselves.

“When I attended an Open House as a potential student, two upper-year students were there to answer my questions and give me a student perspective on what the Advertising and Promotion program would be like for me,” she said. Their support was essential in helping her commit to her program.

For first-year Electrical Engineering Technician student Stephen Pascoa, Open House was his introduction to a mentor in his DC journey; professor Robert Pinches.

“Being able to meet and talk to Rob gave me the confidence that I was making the right choice in going to DC. He gave me a lot of advice about becoming an electrician and joining a union,” he said.

After taking a campus tour and submitting his application, Pascoa spent the rest of the event with the professor, who gamely fielded every question thrown his way.

“Even if you’re an introverted person like me, try to build up a bit of courage to talk to the professors and coordinators,” he said. “They’re happy to meet you and will help you get a good idea about each program and the career path it’ll guide you towards.”

Volunteering at Fall Open House is an opportunity for Pascoa to share his own DC experience with new students.

Are you ready to find your own way at DC? Register now for Open House and you’ll be eligible to win a $5,000 tuition credit. Join us this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to learn why DC is the Best. Decision. Ever.

Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture honoured with 2025 Durham Region Accessibility Advisory Committee Award

Accessibility is at the heart of Durham College’s (DC) Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture, where every element of its work — from design to programming — is focused on ensuring everyone can learn, grow, and connect through food.

This commitment has earned the Barrett Centre a 2025 Accessibility Advisory Committee Award from the Region of Durham, which honours organizations and individuals making outstanding contributions to accessibility across the region.

Received in recognition of its work at the Ajax Urban Farm, the Barrett Centre is reimagining how agriculture and experiential learning can be inclusive for all. The farm was built with universal design principles in mind, and features accessible picnic tables, crushed gravel pathways, raised garden beds, and regular rest stops to support individuals with reduced mobility or complex needs. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) signage and handheld supports further ensure that everyone can communicate and participate fully in on-site activities.

“Creating inclusive spaces where everyone can learn and experience the benefits of sustainable agriculture is an important part of our mission,” said Carey Yeoman, Partnership Manager at the Barrett Centre. “This award reflects the dedication of our team and community partners who help us break down barriers every day.”

Through weekly on-farm partnerships and seasonal programming this summer, the Barrett Centre collaborated with various community organizations, including:

    • The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region, whose clients engaged in gentle movement, reminiscing, and hands-on activities.
    • The Community Development Council of Durham – Adult Newcomers, which focused on community building, agri-education, and language skills.
    • Grandview Kids, where participants explored communication, sensory experiences, and nature connections.

“This was our first time hosting one of our Active Living programs entirely outdoors, and it was largely made possible due to the accessibility considerations of the farm’s design and team,” said Sara Sellers, Manager, Alzheimer Society of Durham Region. “They took the time to learn about our client’s needs, abilities, and interests and completed our Dementia Friendly Community training beforehand to expand their dementia skills and knowledge.”

The Barrett Centre’s Food IQ workshop series also extends this work beyond the farm, engaging groups such as the Brain Injury Association of Durham to build food literacy, skill development, and hands-on learning focused on affordable, nutritious, and replicable meals.

As the farm season winds down, the Barrett Centre will continue advancing accessibility initiatives through the Food IQ series and other community-based programs across Durham Region.

“Our goal is to keep building on this momentum,” Yeoman added. “We want to continue demonstrating that agriculture can be a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone.”

The Barrett Centre received the award at the Region of Durham’s Annual Accessibility Awards Celebration in September.