More than 2,000 visitors descended on the Durham College (DC) Oshawa and Whitby campuses for Spring Open House on Saturday, April 1.

Prospective students and their families filled the halls and classrooms to meet our expert faculty, explore labs and learning spaces, and learn about our 145+ career-driven programs and support services.

Guided tours showcased state-of-the-art facilities on both campuses, like the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre and the Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology. In Oshawa, a bus tour gave guests a whole new way to tour the campus and visit destinations like the Centre for Collaborative Education and the Campus Ice Centre.

Information sessions at both campuses walked prospective students through the application process, and those who couldn’t wait to begin their DC journey were able to register on the spot. In Oshawa, demonstrations in cosmetics, engineering and firefighting showed guests how DC is leading the way in innovative and transformative education.

Visitors also had the chance to speak with DC president Don Lovisa in Oshawa and Rebecca Milburn, executive dean and principal of the Whitby campus, while alumni, faculty, current students and employees were on hand to share their DC knowledge and experience.

Open House also had a lot to offer for current students who are interested in continuing their education with graduate certificates, honours bachelor’s degrees and other options.

DC will welcome prospective students once again for Program Information Nights on Tuesday, May 9 (Oshawa) and Thursday, May 11 (Whitby), and then in November for Fall Open House. Campus tours and information sessions can also be scheduled online.

Employees and students of the Durham College (DC) dental clinic welcomed a pair of special guests on Friday, March 31.

Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra and Member of Parliament for Whitby, Ryan Turnbull, were on hand to discuss the 2023 federal budget and its investments in a healthy future for Canadians. The clinic was a fitting stop for the Members of Parliament, as the budget includes the new Canadian Dental Care Plan, which aims to provide dental coverage for up to nine million Canadians by 2025.

During their visit, they met with faculty members and students from DC’s Dental Hygiene program, and pointed out that the new plan will have a significant, positive impact on their future careers. The more people who can afford dental care, the busier dentists and dental technicians will be.

“It’s great news for students who are entering this industry. I know that you will make Canadians smile better in the next few years,” said Minister Alghabra.

Dr. Elaine Popp, DC’s executive vice president, Academic, was there to welcome the pair and credit them for the federal government’s ongoing support of post-secondary institutions, applied research and for their investments in Canadian’s dental health and well-being.

“As important as training and innovation is, so too is access to public healthcare,” said Popp. “With the historic investments in health, the federal budget released this year is increasing access to dental care for Canadians who need it.”

Students in DC’s dental program have been leading the way in providing low-cost preventative dental care since 1976. In addition, the dental clinic operates year-round, providing accessible care to the community while also supporting students with experiential learning opportunities under the direct supervision of dental professionals.

That’s just one of the reasons why Turnbull has such a high opinion of DC.

“What makes DC so special is that it puts student success at the forefront of everything it does. DC is always thinking about students’ futures and creating more opportunities for students to grow and be successful.”

The Minister of Transport shared Turnbull’s appreciation.

“World-class institutions like DC are at the forefront of providing exceptional graduates who are ready to take on jobs that the world needs.”

More than 200 Durham College (DC) students and alumni came together to test their strength, speed and teamwork as part of the 10th annual Justice Games.

The energy in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre was electric as students and alumni from the Faculties of Social & Community Services and Health Sciences competed in a number of events including three-point shooting, table tennis, shuttle run, push-up challenge, tug-of-war, and Stephanie’s Endurance Challenge, named in honour of former executive dean Stephanie Ball who retired in 2022 after more than two decades of service to DC.

The Justice Games are designed to build a sense of community – and a little rivalry – among students who compete to represent their programs, connect with students from related programs and practice their skills as first responders outside of the classroom.

This year’s theme – Justice Games X: Alumni Invasion – welcomed many previous winning alumni to battle either individually or as a team in the tug-of-war event. Members from local fire and police services also competed in several events.

“The Justice Games are a true testament to the talent and strength of Durham College students preparing to lead the way in various justice and emergency-related fields,” said Ralph Hofmann, executive dean, Faculty of Social & Community Services. “The combination of friendly competition and extraordinary camaraderie always makes for an exciting evening so many look forward to each year.”

“I look forward to this event every year, and the chance to showcase our students’ commendable talents and the way Durham College is preparing tomorrow’s leaders,” said Jason Vassell, professor, Faculty of Social & Community Services and Justice Games Committee lead. “Having alumni in attendance, who are making such positive impacts in their respective fields, made celebrating the games’ 10^th year even more exciting.”

A tie for first place led the Firefighter – Pre-service, Education and Training and Police Foundations teams into a tie-breaker, resulting in a victory for the firefighters. The Paramedic program took home third place, behind the police team.

Each year, the Justice Games present the most valuable player (MVP) awards, in honour and memory of former Firefighter – Pre-service, Education and Training students Adam Brunt and Tasha Nickelchock. This year’s MVP winners were Victoria Monteils, Paramedic program, and Jayda Callan, Police Foundations.

Competing for the coveted Justice Cup, students from the following DC programs participated:

• Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigations (graduate certificate)
• Emergency Services Fundamentals
• Firefighter – Pre-service, Education and Training
• Paramedic
• Police Foundations
• Protection, Security and Investigation

Close to 2,000 Durham College (DC) students and alumni connected with 135 employers at two recent on-campus job fairs to explore local opportunities for full- and part-time work, summer jobs and contract roles.

DC and Ontario Tech University held a joint event at the Oshawa campus on Thursday, February 2. On Wednesday, February 8, DC held its own event at the Whitby campus.

“The Job Fair is an important event that connects our qualified students and alumni with local employers and industry leaders who will guide them to the next step in their careers,” said Don Lovisa, DC president, at the Oshawa event. “We are fortunate to have so many innovative businesses operating in Durham Region, supporting our students and families and making meaningful contributions to our communities every day.”

With DC’s proven track record of producing job-ready graduates, employers know they are likely to find ideal candidates at the annual Job Fair.

“We take pride in knowing that our programs are developed in response to meet employer and industry needs,” said Lovisa. “It’s always nice to learn of the high satisfaction rates, year after year, from employers who have hired a DC student or alumni and welcomed them as part of their team.”

Feedback from employers was very positive, and some students even received job offers on the spot.

The students were well prepared to meet prospective employers after last month’s Gear Up to Get Hired events, where they attended drop-in sessions and webinars to learn how to approach the modern job hunt, from creating a personal pitch to preparing for an interview. They also learned some tips and tricks about networking and how to create an eye-catching resumé.

With successful events like the Job Fair, DC continues to lead the way by preparing students for their future careers.

February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month in Canada. This is an important time to acknowledge the contributions Black Canadians have made to our history and culture. Durham College (DC) is proud to honour those pioneers and change makers and celebrate their role in shaping our communities.

Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the intersectional identities and histories of Black people across the Black/African diaspora and their contributions around the world. The DC community is encouraged to acknowledge and challenge inequities that perpetuate anti-Black racism and to celebrate those who continue to take action against it.  

DC pledges to listen, learn and take actionable steps to ensure equitable and inclusive access for all, and our anti-Black racism statement is an acknowledgment of the systemic and institutionalized racism that serves to limit the opportunities and potential of members of the Black community. DC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus for all students and employees, regardless of race, today and every day. 

To recognize the month, DC will raise the Pan-African Flag – a symbol of Black liberation and solidarity for members of the Black/African diaspora. Additionally, throughout the month, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is hosting a series of educational and community-building activities to foster a culture of inclusion and excellence for students and employees that support this year’s theme, “From Legacy to Future.”

Events

Black History in Canada and Legacies of Enslavement

Learn more about the rich experiences and expansive history of peoples of African descent in Canada for over 400 years. Participants will have the opportunity to think critically about the various experiences and contributions of Black people in Canada.

 This presentation will focus on:

• Black and Indigenous enslavement in Canada.      
• Legacies of enslavement with a focus on anti-Black racism.     
• Experiences and achievements of significant individuals and groups that contributed to diverse aspects of Canadian society.

When: Thursday, February 9, from noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Presented by: Channon A. Oyeniran, historian and consultant lecturer for Black History in Canada.
Register here 

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Exploring the Intersection: Understanding Anti-Black Islamophobia

Explore the interlocking impact of anti-Blackness and Islamophobia on Black Muslim communities and Black Muslim students. Practical resources and recommendations will be shared to support efforts to promote equity and inclusion.

When: Thursday, February 16, from noon to 1:15 p.m.
Platform: Virtual
Presented by: National Council of Canadian Muslims
Register here

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Rep Your Flag: Socacize Movement Class

DC’s Black-identifying community and allies are invited to celebrate Black joy in an energetic socacize fitness class that combines Caribbean and African dance techniques with effective fitness moves. Participants can expect to experience an exciting fusion of music and get their heart rates up. Suitable for all skill levels.

When: Tuesday, February 21, from noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Global Classroom, CFCE 145
Register here

Additional events to recognize Black History Month are being hosted by the Durham College Student Association. Check them out here.

Durham College (DC) is leading the way in applied research and has been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc. for the ninth time.

The college secured first place among medium-sized colleges in the percentage of social sciences funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) over a three-year period, and second place among medium-sized colleges for the number of paid student researchers. 

DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE), facilitates applied research initiatives at the college and helps solve industry and social challenges with innovation and collaboration. Notable research accomplishments for this year include:

• Winning bronze at the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) World Congress for DC’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, elevating the college’s ongoing commitment to applied research and cybersecurity on the international stage.
• Securing $4.2 million of shared research funding dedicated to COVID-19 recovery that helped boost the economy post-pandemic while working collaboratively with industry partners.
• Hosting an interactive gaming event at the Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) studio to celebrate applied research success and student talent.

“I have immense pride in the exceptional researchers and research administrators here at DC that have helped us achieve this honour once again,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, ORSIE. “This national recognition validates and propels our work as we continue to enhance our services, deepen our connections with the community, forge new partnerships with other colleges, and prioritize the student experience with real-world learning opportunities.”

All five of the college’s research centres – The MRC Studio, AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation, and Social Impact Hub – continue to grow and strengthen their relationships with industry partners and organizations. By engaging industry experts, faculty, students, and the community in research projects, DC continues to be a leading post-secondary institution that prioritizes collaboration, innovation and research.

More than 800 Grade 4 to 8 students from across the province gathered at Durham College’s (DC) Oshawa Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre to put their engineering skills and LEGO-based robots to the test during the 2023 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge Ontario East and West Provincial Championships, this past weekend.

In preparation for the challenge, 76 student teams – guided by adult coaches – designed, built and programmed their robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS and LEGO SPIKE Prime technology. At the event, each team’s robot competed for the championship title by navigating a themed playing field and completing assigned missions and tasks.

As one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and repeat gold level FLL sponsor, Durham College was the perfect location for this year’s SUPERPOWERED challenge theme, which encouraged participants to think creatively and critically to research and develop innovative solutions that improve the ways in which energy is captured, stored, distributed and used. These concepts connect directly to DC’s programs, initiatives and values.

“Durham College is leading the way in sustainability, which is why I’m so excited to see you use your imagination and innovative problem-solving skills to address real-world issues that directly impact our communities,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic, Durham College, during Saturday’s opening ceremony. “As you work together today, remember that the skills you’re developing, as well as your curiosity and drive to succeed, are the building blocks for future learning and exploration in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the trades.”

With its geothermal field and Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), the ongoing transformation of DC’s energy infrastructure is one of the many ways the college is prioritizing its green initiatives to ensure this young generation of renewable energy experts have access to state-of-the-art facilities to support their educational journey.

At the end of the fun-filled and challenging weekend, team Équipe Francobotique from the Association des francophones de la région de York placed first in the East division, qualifying them to compete in an international competition, and team GreenR Bots from the Halton STEM Club placed first in the West division, securing them a spot at the FIRST LEGO League Challenge World Festival, held in Houston, Texas, in April.

More information about FIRST LEGO League is available online.