December 2023 Update: Thanks to DC’s superior welding, Space Concordia recently completed its first successful full-scale test to validate the rockets engine control systems, ground control systems, telecommunications and propulsion system. The team is thrilled with the results and will continue to make improvements and optimizations for future tests to prepare for launch in 2024.

Experts from Durham College’s welding program helped achieve a significant milestone in the pursuit of space exploration with Space Concordia.

A number of DC’s expert welding faculty worked collaboratively for a year to design, test, build and weld the fuel propulsion system for a Base 11 challenge rocket named Starsailor. The space-capable rocket was transported and assembled at Concordia’s Loyola campus and was successfully mounted and raised on the launch tower, making it Canada’s largest and the world’s most powerful student-built rocket.

“DC’s welding program has an excellent reputation, which is why Space Concordia initially contacted me in 2019 about this project,” said Gregg Peel, DC welding professor, who facilitated the project. “We met every standard the Concordia engineers set for us, and the rocket set an amateur record for producing 35kN of thrust during a test fire, making it the most powerful student-built rocket ever created.”

DC is leading the way in skilled trades, and its Welding Engineering Technician program is sure to play an integral role in the projected growth of the aerospace industry in Canada. Brian Glen, one of DC’s welding professors who helped build the rocket, says DC is aligned with the evolution of the industry.

“The welding industry is advancing with the use of robotics and computer automation, which is why we use innovative equipment and current procedures. We also have strong industry partnerships that help teach and prepare students with what they need to be career-ready post-graduation.”

Space Concordia is preparing Starsailor for flight next summer as it continues its journey toward the stars.

More than 2,600 career-ready graduates received credentials. 

Durham College (DC) recognized the outstanding academic achievements of the Class of 2023 at Spring Convocation, this week.

“Convocation is an incredible event that provides the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our students over the course of their studies,” said Don Lovisa, president. “With dynamic hands-on learning and innovative programs led by industry experts, our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead the way in their next chapter.”

A total of 2,604 graduates from the college’s eight faculties received their diplomas and graduate certificates, including the inaugural cohorts of the Behavioural Science Technician and Supply Chain Management – Global programs.

Guest speakers at the ceremonies included:

• Kerri-Ann Williams, project management professional and professor and 2016 Biomedical Engineering Technology program graduate.
• Stew MacDonald, president and chief revenue officer of OEG Sports & Entertainment Group, DC Alumni Leader, student mentor and 1981 graduate of the Sports Administration program.
• Matt Hamilton, automotive industry professional and 2014 Chemical Engineering Technology program graduate.
• Noor Ra’fat Ibrahim, television news on-air personality for Global News Toronto and 2017 graduate of the Journalism – Broadcast and Electronic Media program.

Over the course of the event, the college also recognized three deserving recipients with Alumni of Distinction awards based on their extraordinary contributions to society while achieving career success:

• Christine Cunningham, Social Service Worker, Class of 2015
• Stew MacDonald, Sports Administration, Class of 1981
• Tre Sanderson, Culinary Management, Class of 2015

For more information about Spring Convocation, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/convocation.

The 2023 Regional Chair’s Classic in Memory of Roger Anderson was a great success. 

On Thursday, June 8 at Deer Creek Golf and Country Club in Ajax, close to 200 golfers and generous sponsors joined Regional Chair John Henry for the 25^th tournament in support of students in financial need at Durham College and Ontario Tech University, as well as patient-focused programs at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

With $260,000 raised this year, the total amount of funds raised since the tournament’s inception is now more than $7.6 million.

“In Durham Region, we believe that education and mental health programs should be accessible to all. Roger Anderson believed that too,” said Regional Chair John Henry. “By coming together on the golf course for this great event, we have raised money for our students in need and for Ontario Shores Centre’s invaluable youth programs, while honouring Roger’s memory.”

Don Lovisa, president, Durham College; James Barnett, vice-president, Advancement, Ontario Tech University; and Colin O’Regan, board member, Ontario Shores Foundation joined Henry and Roger Anderson’s son Warren for the cheque presentation to share their gratitude on behalf of their respective institutions.

Next year’s event is set for Thursday, June 13, 2024.

Durham College (DC) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2023 Alumni of Distinction award. 

Christine Cunningham (Social Service Worker, 2015), Stew MacDonald (Sports Administration, 1981) and Tre Sanderson (Culinary Management, 2015) have all been selected this year and will be presented with their awards at Spring Convocation. It’s a meaningful milestone for all of the honourees, each of whom credits DC with playing a key role in their success.

“It was through Durham College that I was able to change my career and come into social service work,” said Cunningham, who runs a successful counselling private practice and is the founder and executive director of Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario (PWO). She also acts as a placement supervisor for Social Service Worker students from DC. “I believe in the work I’m doing in this community and it’s wonderful to have more people learn about it because of winning the award.”

MacDonald is president and chief revenue officer with the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League. Throughout his tenure, the team has won multiple Stanley Cup championships, hosted the NHL’s first-ever outdoor game and relocated to a new, state-of-the-art arena. Throughout his career, he has supported DC as an Alumni Leader, a participant in the DC Talks: Alumni Series, and a mentor to students.

“I am forever grateful to Durham College for accepting me as a student and for preparing me for my career,” he said. “I have always been very proud of being a Durham grad, so to be recognized by the College as an Alumnus of Distinction is a huge personal honour. The list of past recipients of this award is so impressive, and to be included in that group is incredibly special.”

Tre Sanderson made history last year as the first Black winner of Top Chef Canada. He has worked in some of Toronto’s best kitchens throughout his career and incorporates his diverse culinary influences into his creations. He returned to DC earlier this year as the guest chef for a special event at the campus restaurant, Bistro ’67, and shared his knowledge and experience with today’s students.

“This means a lot to me. Being recognized for my accomplishments since graduating from Durham with this awesome award is rewarding,” he said. “I’m very thankful.”

“We are proud to celebrate Christine, Stew and Tre who, throughout their remarkable careers, have epitomized what ‘leading the way’ is all about,” said Linda Flynn, associate vice president, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs. “These exceptional individuals show the power of a DC education, and they are an inspiration for our entire community.”

Learn more about this year’s nominees.

Two students from the Horticulture – Technician program made Durham College (DC) proud at the Skills Canada National Competition in Winnipeg last month.

Competing in the Horticulture and Landscape (Team of 2) category, Abigayle Hamilton and Emma Pace brought home silver medals.

Falling just short of the gold didn’t dampen the experience for the pair, according to Pace.

“Although it wasn’t what we were striving for, I can honestly say that this has been the most empowering, exciting and fulfilling part of my young adult life,” she said, crediting her partner as well as DC professor Shane Jones for making it possible. “With a fantastic teammate and a dedicated and passionate coach, we worked together to build something we were proud of and I will always cherish this memory.”

The journey to Winnipeg was a long and rewarding one for the team, who excelled in their studies at DC and earned gold at the 2023 Skills Ontario Competition to qualify for Nationals.

For Hamilton, teaming up with her friend was the best part of the experience.

“Competing in this competition with Emma is really a gift because it has formed a bond between us that is everlasting. It’s so special to have shared this experience with her,” she said. “I am so proud of us and so honored to have been given the chance to hopefully inspire young women, and anyone else, to pursue a career in the skilled trades. I hope that seeing Emma and I compete helps them push past any fear they may have towards trying anything new in their lives.”

Serving as a role model for other students is an added benefit for the pair, and Hamilton encourages anyone with a passion for horticulture or another trade to expand their education and put their skills to the test.

“I highly recommend participating in the skills competition if you have the opportunity to. It’s really a rare experience that opens doors that you would never have imagined,” she said.

“Thank you Durham College, Skills Ontario and Skills Canada for the opportunity to represent, and for the awesome experiences.”

Applications are now open for the DoorDash #BlackFoodEnergy Culinary Scholarship. 

Durham College (DC) is proud to partner with DoorDash to launch the DoorDash #BlackFoodEnergy Culinary Scholarship. Two scholarships – valued at $20,000 each, divided between two years – will support domestic and international Black students in DC’s Culinary Management diploma program, gain the skills and experience needed to pursue a career in the culinary field.

“We are grateful for this partnership with DoorDash and the generous supports for Black students in the culinary program,” said Kelly O’Brien, Associate Dean, Faculty of Hospitality & Horticultural Science, DC. “With these scholarships, we will continue to lead the way by developing skilled and experienced culinary students who will take on rewarding careers and further representation of Black individuals in the food industry.”

These scholarships are an extension of the DoorDash #Blackfoodenergy program that supports, amplifies and celebrates Black chefs and Black-owned/led restaurants across Canada.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Durham College to introduce the first #BlackFoodEnergy Culinary Scholarships, designed to give the next generation of chefs and entrepreneurs a head start on their path to success,” said Shilpa Arora, General Manager, DoorDash Canada. “#BlackFoodEnergy helps level the playing field for Black chefs and restaurant owners in our communities with increased access to support and opportunities, like the Culinary Scholarships.”

Applications are now open and close on Monday, July 31. Learn more about the DoorDash #BlackFoodEnergy Culinary Scholarship and how to apply, online.

June is Pride Month, but Durham College (DC) proudly raised the Intersex Inclusive Pride flag at the Oshawa campus a day early.

The flag, hoisted at the corner of Conlin Road East and Simcoe Street North on Wednesday, May 31, serves as a symbol of DC’s commitment to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus.

Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic, was on hand to reaffirm DC’s commitment to the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.

“Today, we celebrate together and offer a safe space for everyone to express themselves authentically. Today, we stand together and stand proud,” she said.

Speaking to the assembled crowd, she credited the efforts of the DC Pride Collective, which supports the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community through training, programming and partnerships, as well as the DC Pride Coalition, a student social group which helps build community and belonging.

After the flag was raised, revellers gathered in the South Village Courtyard for the Pride BBQ and celebration: Together Always, United in Diversity!

Students, staff, and faculty enjoyed great food, music and drag performances, as well as fun activities like giant Jenga and giant chess.

The message of the event was clear; everybody is welcome at DC.

Today, Durham College (DC) joins people and communities around the world, to mark the start of Pride Month, which recognizes and promotes the two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) community’s diversity, acceptance and visibility.

Durham College hosted a remarkable event at our Oshawa campus yesterday, in partnership with Ontario Tech University, to raise the Intersex Inclusive Pride flag, a visual symbol of our commitment to a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus. There were activities, performances and more and it was truly a great day for people to come together in support of our 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities, including those right here on campus. 

We know though, that Pride is about more than raising a flag – it is about working together to create spaces where everyone knows they can fully participate and belong.

Pride Month serves as an opportunity to advocate for equal rights, raise awareness of 2SLGBTQQIA+ issues and foster a sense of pride, solidarity and inclusion among individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. It also acknowledges the pain and loss experienced by diverse members of the community and highlights the continued importance of resisting various forms of biphobia, transphobia and homophobia, among other overlapping discriminations and harassment.

As a Durham College community, we encourage everyone to be an ally today – and every day – and ensure that we are working together to provide safe and inclusive spaces where people feel that they belong.

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize and reflect on the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

Durham College (DC) is committed to reconciliation, with the goal of building respectful, reciprocal relationships that will contribute to better educational outcomes for all students. This is underscored by our Indigenization Statement that we signed eight years ago, developed together with the First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC) and in consultation with the Durham College Indigenous Advisory Circle. The statement serves as a means of working towards the fulfillment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.  

Recognizing reconciliation requires genuine efforts to address the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous communities, education plays a pivotal role in this process. All members of our DC community to learn more about the history of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, and educate themselves about Indigenous histories, strengths and contributions and take meaningful steps towards reconciliation.  

Here are a few ways to get your learning started:

• Browsing the First Peoples Indigenous Centre’s website for information and resources
• Joining an Indigenous event on campus or online
• Learning more about the importance of Land Acknowledgements

We are proud of the work we have done as a community, guided by FPIC and our Indigenization Council, to support Indigenization across our campuses and in our daily practices. We will continue to work together with Indigenous partners to guide our work to broaden our collective knowledge, challenge our perspectives and foster empathy and understanding, moving forward.