Durham College is proud to celebrate our 2024 Alumni of Distinction, two individuals who have launched impressive careers built on a foundation of skill and experience gained at DC.

Shelby Nelson (Sport Administration – 2000) and Adam Ruppel (Business – Human Resources – 1997) will be recognized during DC’s Spring Convocation which runs from June 17 to 20.

Nelson joined the Toronto Blue Jays organization shortly after earning his diploma in an entry level position as an account executive. His goal was to work for a professional sports team in a role that would help him grow.

Over the past 24 years, his career trajectory has seen him rise to Vice President of Florida Operations where he leads a team responsible for Spring Training, the Dunedin Blue Jays, and the Player Development Complex.

“Durham College was instrumental in shaping my career,” said Nelson. “The combination of the skills I learned during my post-grad diploma at DC and the pivotal internship opportunity not only shaped my skills but also opened the door to my professional journey with the Toronto Blue Jays.

His proudest achievement was leading the re-development of TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida and the construction of a brand-new Player Development Complex which was subsequently recognized as the best in major league baseball by MLB.

Ruppel has transformed the events industry in Ontario, launching his career in event management from his home.

His achievements include producing the largest 24-hour mountain bike event in North America, the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice, co-founding Mudhero and quickly establishing it as Canada’s largest obstacle race and co-founding the Drive Festival at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, attracting over 30,000 attendees annually.

Ruppel said his work over 30 years has been driven by passion.

“It’s just been a massive adventure and a tremendous rush and it keeps me active outside and engaged with communities of all types,” he said. “Durham College was pivotal in my entrepreneurial career by providing me those networking opportunities with people that really helped me launch my business and also giving me that structure that really took me to that next level.”

Ruppel will accept his Alumni of Distinction Award at Convocation on June 18 while Nelson will be honoured at a June 20 ceremony.

“We are proud to recognize Shelby and Adam, Durham College alumni who have not only left a mark on their industries, but in the communities where they work so hard,” said Linda Flynn, Associate Vice-President, Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations for DC. “These remarkable individuals exemplify the strength of a DC education and they embody the possibilities for our graduating students launching their careers.”

Durham College’s (DC) Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture and the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) have partnered on a unique dual credit program that is giving Ajax high school students a taste of life – and work – on the farm.

This semester, 15 Grade 11 students from Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School have participated in the Propagation of Vegetables dual credit program at the Barrett Centre’s Ajax Urban Farm. The course is a modified version of one from DC’s Horticulture – Food and Farming program, giving students an innovative opportunity to simultaneously earn a high school and college credit.

Funded by the School College Work Initiative, the program allows students to explore potential career paths in agriculture while earning tangible academic credentials. They spent the winter months in the classroom learning about agriculture before rolling up their sleeves for hands-on experience at the nearby farm.

“It’s a really valuable program,” said Jennifer Hoban, the Barrett Centre’s Community Engagement Coordinator and the Professor who works with the Notre Dame students. “Whether or not the kids go on to be farmers, understanding what goes into the production of food and seeing the connection between what they’re eating and where it comes from is incredibly valuable.”

Through a blend of classroom discussions and farm activities, the students have come to embrace the joys of getting their hands dirty – a testament to the program’s transformative power according to Ante Tojcic, a teacher at Notre Dame who also works with the students.

“The dual credit program has allowed students to experience a whole new level of learning, giving them insights into college and beyond,” he said. “They have learned to propagate their own vegetables, and they’re always in awe at the growth of the plants from week to week.”

The program has been a great success to date, with the DCDSB being so impressed that they invested in a pair of safety boots for every one of their students as a gift for their great participation.

“The goal has always been to figure out how we can work with high schools to build a knowledge base and show students that pursuing this career is a viable option,” said Kelly O’Brien, Associate Dean of DC’s Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science.

As the school year winds down, the students have been reflecting on the unique opportunity the program has given them, and they’ll carry their newfound interest in agriculture forward.

“I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been very different from what I’m used to,” said one student, Akash Anton, who will utilize his new skills to help his grandmother with her garden.

His fellow student Faith Attigah has embraced the hands-on experience.

“It’s really fulfilling. This has given me a better understanding of agriculture.”

Enactus Durham College (DC) placed second in Canada for the Youth Empowerment Challenge at the Enactus National Exposition for its groundbreaking Founders Drive podcast project. This win comes after their first-place finish at the Central Regional Exposition in March.

Through Enactus, students use their entrepreneurial skills to lead projects that positively impact society. This year’s ‘Founders Drive’ season focused on telling the stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

“This year, our team was comprised of a most beautiful and diverse group of young people from a range of cultures, backgrounds and communities who came together to create change in the world,” said Danielle Harder, EnactusDC faculty advisor for Founders Drive. “Enactus DC represents the very best of Durham College’s values.”

In addition to the students’ success, the dedication and mentorship provided by Enactus DC faculty advisors were also acknowledged at the competition.

K. Jennifer Bedford, Faculty of Media, Art and Design; Sara Mercier-Priebe, Faculty of Business; and Sundar Manku, Manager, Entrepreneurship Services received the prestigious John Dobson Fellowship which recognizes the important role faculty play in mentoring, coaching and teaching students on the Enactus team.

“To be recognized and inducted into the Fellowship was an honour for all of us,” said Bedford. “We have passion, and we love what we do.”

For further details about Enactus Durham College, visit www.enactusdc.com.

Photo provided by Ayomide Kuye.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to reflect on the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, contributions and resiliency of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Durham College (DC) is committed to the ongoing process of reconciliation and building respectful, reciprocal relationships that contribute to better educational outcomes for all students and a stronger community. As an equity-driven college, DC has made significant progress in advancing Indigenization by incorporating meaningful Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into courses and programs, ensuring events and services are culturally respectful, offering professional development to employees, and identifying opportunities to further prioritize Indigenous education.

“As we prepare students to become leaders and contributing members of our community, we have a responsibility to confront issues of decolonization and emphasize equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President. “Guided by the First Peoples Indigenous Centre and the Durham College Indigenous Advisory Circle, we will continue to increase our knowledge and understanding of the past and the issues that Indigenous communities face today.”

In recognition of this month, the DC Library has curated a collection focused on Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, heritage, rights, and histories. Members of the DC community can reflect at the Naanaagide’endamowin Courtyard at the Oshawa campus and visit the Weeping Willow Tree that commemorates the Indigenous children who did not make it home from Indian Residential, Day and Industrial Schools.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey, and DC will remain a welcome place for Indigenous peoples.

Durham College (DC) is proud to recognize and promote Pride Month in June, an opportunity to celebrate its two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) community members and promote acceptance, solidarity and inclusion among individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

“I am proud of the respectful and welcoming community we have fostered at DC,” says Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College. “As we continue to focus on being an equity-driven college, we are uniquely positioned to emphasize equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging for our employees as we prepare students to become leaders and contributing members of our community.”

As a visual demonstration of its commitment to providing a respectful and welcoming community for everyone, the college has raised the Progress Pride Intersex Inclusive Flag at its Oshawa and Whitby campuses.

Pride Month also serves as a reminder of the struggles and losses experienced by members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. This emphasizes the ongoing need to end biphobia, transphobia, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination and harassment, a responsibility for all to promote equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging on campus.

Everyone has a place at DC, and the college community is encouraged to be an ally throughout the year so everyone feels supported and welcomed. Explore activities on the Durham Region Event Calendar and Pride Durham Event Calendar​ to discover ways to get involved. And to support continued learning, understanding and empathy for others, the DC Library has curated a collection of Pride Month resources.

Getting the answers to questions about studying at Durham College (DC) is now even easier with the new DC Virtual Assistant, an AI-powered chatbot that leverages technology to enhance users’ experience.

Last year, more than 35,000 conversations and 5,000 hours of chat time with DC’s live operators were logged during business hours, highlighting the need for an innovative solution to manage the high volume of questions and provide timely support. The DC Virtual Assistant, which launched this week, is available around the clock, ensuring users can have their questions answered at any time and helping to reduce wait times when needing to connect with a live agent.

The DC Virtual Assistant will support prospective students, applicants and current students with admissions and enrolment-related questions through the Live Chat option on the Admissions, Enrolment Services, International Education, and Student Recruitment webpages. Users will continue to be able to access Live Chat to connect with a DC employee during regular business hours.

“Our goal is to ensure that students can access the information they need quickly and easily at any time of day,” said Thom MacDonald, Associate Vice-President, Academic (Enrolment and International Education) and Registrar at DC. “By harnessing the power of Generative AI, DC continues to evolve and improve how we support our community.”

To use the DC Virtual Assistant, please visit DC’s Live Chat webpage.

Today, Durham College (DC) acknowledges the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, which affirms the right of all members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities, including all sexual and gender orientations and expressions, to live freely as themselves.

This important day highlights the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.

“Durham College is committed to being a place of acceptance for all. I am proud of the work we do every day to create a safe and welcoming culture at DC, where the values of respect, equity, and inclusion are extended to everyone,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President. “It is encouraging to see how our students, employees and alumni are committed to maintaining and strengthening that culture on and off campus.”

This year’s global theme – “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all” – is a reminder that everyone has the right to be their authentic selves without fear of discrimination.

With this in mind, today DC raised the Progress Pride Intersex Inclusive Flag at both our Oshawa and Whitby campuses.

To support learning and growth, the DC Library has curated a collection of materials focused on promoting education and awareness of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.

Standing together against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia will ensure that DC remains a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for all.

Durham College (DC) celebrated the renaming of its Whitby campus main building to the Don Lovisa Building, in honour of its past president’s transformative leadership and impact on the college.

The renaming was announced during Lovisa’s retirement celebration in February, making it the third space in DC’s history to be named after a former president.

“I am profoundly grateful and deeply moved by the college’s decision to name the Whitby campus main building in my honour,” shared Lovisa. “It is a testament not only to my dedication and success but also the collective efforts of all those who have supported me throughout my tenure. It is my wish that those who have contributed to this moment will remember the excellent work we did together and take pride in their success as well.”

During Lovisa’s 16-year presidency, he oversaw millions of dollars in capital investments to drive growth of the college while maintaining a strong focus on employment skills for in-demand jobs.

“I had the privilege of working alongside Don for eight years, and during that time, I witnessed first-hand the type of bold leader Don was. His approach was grounded in a desire for relentless innovation in programming, operations and campus experience for our students, employees and visitors,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President of Durham College. “We are proud to honour his accomplishments with the naming of the Don Lovisa Building.”

Dr. Gail Johnson Morris, Chair of DC’s Board of Governors, says the Don Lovisa Building serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for Lovisa’s dedication to advancing education while prioritizing community connections.

“Don’s leadership was instrumental in growing Durham College’s impact and established it as a beacon of generative innovation,” she said. “His dedication and vision inspired countless students, faculty, staff and stakeholders, both here at the college and in our surrounding communities.”

Durham College (DC) welcomed more than students to Spring Orientation this month to mark the beginning of a new year and educational journey.

Students participated in a variety of activities with other students and volunteers to help them feel comfortable and adjust to campus life. They also had the opportunity to meet employees and faculty members, explore DC’s services and supports available to them on campus and learn more about their new programs, all while making new friends with other attendees.

Rashi Kakkar, a first-year student at the Whitby campus, shared it was her first orientation at a post-secondary institution. “It’s very comfortable, even while being an introvert. I didn’t expect it to be as friendly as it was, there are lots of caring people around,” she said.

Khushi Pandya and Uttara Jaiswal, both international students taking the became friends during orientation. Pandya said, “We came from India and we just met here. We didn’t know each other and we met two other people, too.”

International students received program specific support to assist with adapting to the Canadian classroom, finding part-time employment and more.

“It’s beyond our imagination,” said Jaiswal. “Professors gave us great information with great experience, and Professor Heather was amazing. Everything was perfect.”

Following both campus program orientations, students received new DC swag to show off their #DCpride and enjoyed music and food while connecting with other new students.

Did you miss out on some of the fun? Check out these top three blog posts for new students!

• Stay healthy at DC with our wellness directory
• 10 campus spaces every student needs to know
• Five things to ‘check out’ at Durham College libraries