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LEGO, robots and STEM – oh my! DC hosted more than 400 students at FIRST LEGO League Championships

Imagine having to solve some of the unique urban planning and city building challenges that face our society today using nothing but LEGO robots? That’s what more than 400 of Ontario’s brightest young minds did on January 11 as they competed in the annual FIRST® LEGO® League Ontario East Provincial Championship. With help from their coaches and encouragement from family and friends, teams of students, ages nine to 14, showcased their creativity, innovation and STEM skills at Durham College’s (DC) Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre at the Oshawa campus.

Known by its acronym that means For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, FIRST is a U.S.-based, not-for-profit public charity that inspires young people to be science and technology leaders. During the competition, teams first presented research projects to judging panels before unleashing their robots, which the students designed, built and programmed using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology.

This year’s challenge CITY SHAPER, taught students about building the cities of tomorrow and preparing public spaces for everything from traffic jams to natural disasters. While students were on campus, DC’s Dr. Elaine Popp, vice-president, Academic also encouraged them to think about the broader connections between what they do each year at these competitions and how it might lead them to future STEM opportunities.

“At Durham College, we are proud to train many of the city shapers of tomorrow – our future architects, tradespeople, engineering technologists and technicians,” she shared with the young students. “As you compete today, and continue on your path towards a future that includes post-secondary education, always remember the incredible value of your curiosity and drive to succeed. Your participation is the first brick in a whole city of possibilities.”

Dr. Popp was also on hand for the FIRST Tech Challenge the following day to deliver welcome remarks and accept a plaque of appreciation from Mark Breadner, president of FIRST Robotics Canada, which was awarded to the college for its ongoing support of the organization and its educational programming.

At the end of a weekend filled with fierce and fun competition, team Five LEGO Bricks from Richmond Hill was crowned the winner of the FIRST LEGO League East Provincial Championship and was awarded an opportunity to compete at the World Championship being held in Detroit, Michigan from April 28 to May 2.

As a gold-level sponsor and host of FIRST LEGO League, DC offers students what is often their first experience in a college environment and helps them to envision where their passion for robotics, technology and engineering can take them to pursue a post-secondary education.

For more information about FIRST LEGO League, please visit www.firstroboticscanada.org.

DC marketing students place multiple times at the Ontario College’s Marketing Competition

For nearly four decades, students from across the province have brought their ideas and competitive spirit to Ontario College’s Marketing Competition (OCMC) to demonstrate their practical skills and employability while networking with industry professionals.

In November, 15 students from Durham College’s (DC) Marketing – Business and Marketing – Business Administration programs travelled to Niagara Falls, Ont. to compete against more than 250 other students. There, they were coached by six faculty volunteers from the School of Business, IT & Management and challenged in an array of marketing categories, including retail marketing and entrepreneurship.

Seven DC students placed in their respective categories, including:

  • Brendan Scott – first place, Quiz Bowl Competition and third place, Entrepreneurship Competition
  • Kaitlyn Braisier – third place, Job Interview Competition
  • Youssef Zaki – third place, Entrepreneurship Competition
  • Malcolm Hooper – fourth place, Quiz Bowl Competition
  • Chin-Ting Sherwin – fifth place, Direct Marketing Competition
  • Nicholas Bowman – fifth place, Direct Marketing Competition

Kaitlyn Braisier also received the prestigious Lydiatt Award, which is presented to a student who demonstrates commitment to the OCMC, supports others while working hard and has shown outstanding character and leadership in their college and community. A two-time OCMC participant, Kaitlyn doubled the number of DC students who tried out for the competition this year by organizing new recruitment efforts, like a mentor event where previous OCMC competitors shared their experience to inspire students and foster a sense of community within the team.

Congrats to Kaitlyn and all of our DC students on their achievement!

DC’s Centre for Professional and Part-time Learning launches seven new programs

To meet the demands of multiple rapidly-growing sectors, including artificial intelligence and construction management, Durham College’s (DC) Centre for Professional and Part-time Learning has launched four micro-credential and three certificate programs for the fall 2020 term.

These new offerings include:

  • Artificial Intelligence Privacy and Compliance – micro-credential
    Artificial Intelligence (AI) has and will continue to impact all industry sectors globally, from small businesses to multi-national corporations. This short, three-course program is designed for managers and leaders within all industries, exploring AI essentials, data privacy and compliance.
  • Coding Essentials – certificate
    The Coding Essentials program equips students with the fundamental skills needed to enter and succeed in careers in the Canadian knowledge economy. This program provides sought-after skills in computer programming and web app development, augmented with perspectives on project management to support the learner’s ability to work successfully in a team environment.
  • Construction Management – certificate
    This certificate program provides practical training in the commercial construction management field. The program emphasizes two key areas of construction management: the interpretation and understanding of commercial project documents (working drawings, specifications, soils reports, contracts, etc.), and the preparation of estimates and construction schedules. By developing these foundational skills in the construction management field, students will gain the knowledge to begin assisting or managing the construction process, from initial planning to project completion. Some courses are Gold Seal Accredited by the Canadian Construction Association.
  • Construction Jobsite Readiness – recognition of achievement
    Consisting of two micro-credentials, this program was developed in consultation with industry experts and is geared to youth who have an interest in working in the construction and trades industry. Graduates who complete both micro-credentials will hold a Jobsite Readiness Recognition of Achievement, preparing them for entry-level jobs in the construction industry where demand is high and earning potential is exponential. Successful graduates of this program may also explore opportunities to pursue further development in the trades or other related areas.
  • Medical Terminology – micro-credential
    This short, three-course program is designed for those who already have an administrative background and want to build entry-level medical language skills to communicate effectively within healthcare settings. There is a focus on medical terminology and terms related to common medical conditions, diagnostic tests, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology.
  • Veterinary Office Assistant – certificate
    Veterinary office assistants are professionals who contribute to the effectiveness of a veterinary office environment in fundamental ways. This includes liaising with clients, overseeing efficient office communications, scheduling, equipment maintenance, and contributing to special projects. A foundational knowledge of veterinary terminology and procedures unique to this exciting industry will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be a valuable asset in a veterinary office. Students who complete this certificate may choose to continue their studies by completing the Veterinary Office Assistant Specialization micro-credential.
  • Veterinary Office Assistant Specialization – micro-credential
    This short, four-course program is designed for those who already have a veterinary office administrative background or who have completed the Veterinary Office Assistant certificate program and want to build on their knowledge and skills within the context of a veterinary office. There is a focus on medical terminology and basic procedures related to common surgical and lab procedures, as well as pharmacology.

For more information or to register for one of these new, dynamic program offerings, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/ppl.

Durham College named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2020

Durham College (DC) has been named one of the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2020. Awarded to organizations for their progressive, forward-thinking employee programs, this is the ninth time the college has received the honour.

DC is proud to be recognized for its culture of collaboration, fostered by events such as the annual Retreat with the President, where employees have the opportunity to provide direct feedback and ideas to college leadership on how to improve the DC experience for the entire campus community.

The various supports offered by DC were also acknowledged including generous contributions to the defined benefit pension plan and subsidized access to the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre.

It was also noted the support does not stop once a DC employee retires. From retirement planning assistance prior to their departure to maintaining the connection between former employees and the college through the Retiree Association, DC encourages and helps its employees from the beginning of their careers, all the way up to their transition into the next chapter of their lives.

Greater Toronto’s Top Employers is an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. This special designation recognizes the Greater Toronto Area employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. Organizations are judged on several categories including physical workplace; work and social atmosphere; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement. Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. 

More information can be found on DC’s Greater Toronto Top Employers profile.

Durham College launches Centre for Professional and Part-time Learning

The School of Continuing Education at Durham College (DC) is now the Centre for Professional and Part-time Learning (PPL). With extraordinary customer service at its core, PPL will deliver quality part-time programs and courses to individuals who are looking for professional development opportunities, as well as to students seeking credit towards a post-secondary credential. 

“The world of learning is changing, especially when it comes to continuing education,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, vice president, Academic, at DC. “Today’s professionals understand that staying competitive in their field requires a commitment to continual upskilling and development. Durham College understands that these professionals require flexible learning that meets their needs. This is why we are so excited to introduce the Centre for Professional and Part-time Learning as the next step in the evolution of lifelong learning at DC.”

The market-driven programming is focused primarily on the areas of health, technology, business, education and training, languages, and specialized trades. Offering more than 1,000 courses and 75 programs across a broad range of disciplines, PPL will continue to leverage the wealth of experience provided by DC faculty and provide students with flexible learning opportunities via in-class, online and hybrid delivery.

 “Industry and learner needs are shifting rapidly and the transformation of Continuing Education into PPL will ensure that the college is able to maintain its reputation as a leader in lifelong learning,” said dean Debbie Johnston. “We are committed to meeting, anticipating and adapting to the needs of learners both today and going forward.”

PPL offices remain in the location of the former School of Continuing Education at the Oshawa campus in Room A160, Gordon Willey building (near the main entrance to the B Wing).

The PPL launch includes a new website and coincides with the opening of registration for the 2020 winter semester.

DC sports business students win third place in industry case study competition

A team of dedicated students from Durham College’s (DC) sports administration and business management programs kicked off the 12th annual PrimeTime Sports and Entertainment Sport Management Conference and Tradeshow earlier this month as they competed against local universities in a business case study competition in Toronto.

An annual conference tradition that aims to create a positive hands-on learning experience for emerging sports business professionals, this year’s case centered around the challenge of growing and enhancing fan engagement for the Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Raptors Uprising GC esports team, which competes in the NBA 2K League.

The only college team to participate, DC’s Jacqueline Tieu, Trevor Anniss, Colin Shuringa, Megan Longpre, and Bobby Pelleschi were given 24 hours to conduct their case analysis and put together a 15 minute pitch presentation and recommendation. After passing the first round of judging, the team went on to the final round, where they received praise from a tough panel of judges, who commended them for their adaptability, creativity and analytical thinking in both rounds. In the end, DC’s team tied for third place with University of Toronto – Mississauga.

Congrats to our students on their achievement!

DC student, alumnus and faculty member travel to Rome, Italy for health care technology conference

Durham College’s (DC) health care programs were well-represented on the world stage last month when a DC student, alumnus and faculty member traveled to Rome, Italy to speak at the Third International Clinical Engineering and Health Technology Management Congress, organized by the International Federation of Medical and Biological Engineering.

From the Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management (BHCTM) program, second-year student Jessica Metcalfe presented her poster “Student point-of-view: healthcare technology management, a layman’s definition” in the Education, Certification, and Training session, while faculty member Abdelbaset Khalaf spoke in two sessions on the development of health care management technology, one of which was featured as a conference highlight. In both sessions he spoke about the BHCTM program, including the success of its launch and future plans, which was well-received by the audience.

Oem Dave, a Biomedical Engineering Technology grad, also showcased his research from the electrocardiogram capstone project through a poster presentation at the conference.

The conference was attended by 800 delegates from 62 countries and of the eight speakers from Canada and three were from DC. This is the first time that the BHCTM program has been represented at a global event, and Abdelbaset is already preparing students and faculty to take part in the fourth congress in the U.S. in 2021.

Future students explore DC at Fall Open House

On November 2, Durham College (DC) opened its doors to prospective students and their families and friends at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses and Pickering Learning Site for the college’s annual Fall Open House.

The event gave 2,900 visitors the opportunity to explore DC’s facilities, take guided tours and learn more about student support services and the college’s more than 140 full-time programs as well as hundreds of continuing education offerings.

DC president Don Lovisa, current students, alumni, faculty and staff were all on hand to share first-hand knowledge and experience related to all things DC.

Fall Open House also gave guests the opportunity to learn about the newest programs being launched at DC, including its second degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science.

Other new programs coming to DC in fall 2020 include:

Anyone who missed Fall Open House is still in luck; campus tours and information sessions can be scheduled online or by calling 905.721.3000. DC will also hold its Spring Open House on Saturday, April 4, 2020.

DC president, CAO and professor have some frightful fun on Halloween

Durham College (DC) President Don Lovisa and Chief Administrative Officer Scott Blakey treated students and employees to some frightful fun on October 31 as they roamed the Oshawa campus to hand out candy after undergoing a Halloween-inspired make-over from DC’s Cosmetic Techniques and Management professor Rachael Authors. After the success of last year’s zombie look for Scott, Don decided to get in on the fun to spread a little Halloween spirit.

While Rachael is a faculty member and program co-ordinator in the School of Business, IT & Management, teaching the next cohort of cosmetic professionals, she’s also a professional make-up artist by trade and has been lending her talent to Canada’s Wonderland for the last 13 years to create zombies, evil clowns and ghouls for their annual Halloween Haunt event.

Although special FX makeup isn’t currently part of the course curriculum, Rachael incorporates a lot of those techniques into her classes. Her background is a great example of the depth and breadth of opportunities available within the cosmetics industry and she loves being able to help train the next generation of makeup artists.

Using a holistic approach, the Cosmetics Techniques and Management program offers hands-on training, covering both the fundamental and advanced aspects of the industry. Courses range from cosmetic application techniques to skincare analysis and creative styling, as well as retail management and marketing for makeup artists, business communications and entrepreneurial cosmetic event-planning skills. Students also have the opportunity to hone their skills by working onsite in the fully operational Durham College Spa.

DC recognizes student achievement at 2019 Fall Convocation

On October 30, more than 1,100 Durham College (DC) students received their credentials during Fall Convocation. Friends, families, college employees and special guests celebrated the post-secondary achievements of graduates, encouraging them to continue reaching for their goals and accomplishing great things. 

“Our students have worked incredibly hard to get to this day,” said Andre De Freitas, associate vice president and registrar, Student Affairs. “The exciting experience of walking across the stage in front of their family, friends and peers to receive their credential will be a moment they’ll remember forever.”

Held at the Tribute Communities Centre in downtown Oshawa, graduates from the Centre for Food and schools of Business, IT & Management; Continuing Education, Health & Community Services; Interdisciplinary Studies; Justice & Emergency Services; Media, Art & Design; Science & Engineering Technology and Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology received their diplomas and certificates.

“Our graduates may have received their credentials today, but the long hours they spent in labs, classrooms, field placements, and applied research have prepared them for the next step in their journey,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, vice-president, Academic. “We are confident that our graduates will succeed in anything they put their mind to and wish them all the best as they move towards their next accomplishment.”

Guest speakers at each ceremony were:

  • Adam Hare: Petley-Hare Insurance Brokers president, entrepreneur and business leader, member of the Insurance Brokers Association of Durham Region board of directors, executive advisor to Lakeridge Health’s Launchpad committee, Young Broker of the Year in 2016 named by Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario, former professor in the School of Media, Art & Design, and 2006 graduate of Multimedia and Design program (now known as Interactive Media Design) both at DC.
  • Melissa Farrow: program co-ordinator and child and youth counsellor at Hospital for Sick Children, field practicum advisor and professor at DC, member of a number of community child and youth agencies, 2009 graduate of Social Service Worker program and 2011 graduate of Child and Youth Worker program (now known as Child and Youth Care) both at DC.

For more information about Fall Convocation, including links to videos of each ceremony, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/convocation.