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.

Durham College (DC) welcomed more than 2,000 students to Winter Orientation in early January to mark the beginning of a new year and educational journey.

Students participated in program orientations as well as a variety of fun events to help them adjust to college life. New students had the opportunity to meet employees and faculty members, discover campus services and learn more about their new programs all while making connections and friendships with fellow attendees. Over 900 international students also received programming to assist with adapting to the Canadian classroom, part-time employment opportunities and more.

Following both campus program orientations, students enjoyed Winterfest where they received new DC swag, played interactive games and indulged in free food truck fare.

Winter orientation events continue throughout the month of January, including an open mic night and a free late-night skate at the Campus ICE Centre. And the fun doesn’t end there; read about more ways you can get involved on DC campuses this winter.

Durham College (DC) welcomed Premier Doug Ford to the Whitby campus on Friday to highlight a number of innovative facilities and programs in our Faculties of Hospitality and Horticultural Science and Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships.

The Premier was accompanied by Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance and member of provincial parliament (MPP) for Pickering-Uxbridge, and Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier.

DC president Don Lovisa guided them on their visit, which began in the greenhouse space where they learned about the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) growing system, a hydroponic growing technique adapted to aquaponics. Other highlights included the Zip Grow Farm Wall and the Freight Farm hydroponic system that grows up to 700 heads of lettuce a week.

Horticulture students Abigayle Hamilton and Paul Fritzsch shared some of their knowledge and experience with the guests, and the Premier rolled up his sleeves to plant some parsley.

Finally, they visited the Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology where they saw the elevator lift used to train students in the Mechanical Technician – Elevated Devices program and took a photo with a group of Level 1 plumbing apprentices and faculty member Peter Sutus.

The visit was a great opportunity to show the Premier how DC is contributing to Ontario’s skilled workforce, according to Lovisa.

“If you experience something, you remember it, and that’s why campus visits are so important,” he said. “Visits like these are important to building relationships, understanding, and helping people see what we do firsthand and showing them how we are leading the way.”