Durham College’s What matters to you? Recruitment campaign recently won bronze in the Best Student Recruitment Initiative category of the Prix d’Excellence awards from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE).

The Best Student Recruitment Initiative category recognizes successful marketing strategies and techniques that show an understanding of the institution’s mission, strengths and unique qualities and how well they are communicated to prospective students.

Launched in May 2012, the What Matters to You? campaign was a multi-platform recruitment campaign designed and implemented by Durham College’s Communications and Marketing department. It was developed to help support enrolment numbers for the fall 2012 intake.

With more than 95 full-time programs and a variety of disciplines involved, the team worked diligently to create a cohesive campaign that’s representative of all academic schools and applicable programs. By personalizing the campaign to the individual and speaking directly to students, the campaign also stayed true to the college’s mission statement – the student experience comes first.

From May to September, the campaign garnered 1,075 video views on YouTube; 16,671 page views to the microsite; 398 visits through advertising to the microsite; and 430 unique submissions through the What matters to you? online form, leading to an overall enrolment increase of 15.3 per cent – the highest enrolment growth in the province.

For an overview of the various elements of the campaign view this presentation.

The PRIX d’Excellence is the annual awards program of the CCAE, recognizing outstanding achievements in alumni affairs, public affairs, communications, marketing, development, advancement services, stewardship, student recruitment and overall institutional Advancement. Competitors include universities, colleges, institutes, independent schools and cégeps from across the country.

The college’s 2013 recruitment campaign recently kicked-off. When I graduate, I’m going to builds off of the success of last years campaign and promises to be another successful initiative.

As more than 2,500 graduates crossed the stage to accept their diplomas and certificates at Durham College’s spring convocation ceremonies last week, the college also recognized Linda Franklin, president and chief executive officer, Colleges Ontario, awarding her its fourth Honorary Credential.

Designed to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the college and/or the Durham Region and beyond in the areas of leadership, innovation and partnership, the credential honours the excellence of those committed to learning, the learner and the college’s success.

Franklin, who received the award in the category of Public Relations, has built a successful and distinguished career in communications and government relations, using her knowledge and expertise in strategic planning to aid in bringing the province’s 24 colleges together into one singular organization.

In addition, she has developed essential policy positions and increased media coverage and awareness of the college system through proactive marketing strategies.

“Having worked alongside Linda, it gives me great pride to award her with our honorary credential in the category of Public Relations,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “She has helped to strengthen the voice and reputation of the Ontario College system and in-turn, contributed to the success of Durham College.”

Franklin previously held positions including chief of staff to the Honourable Ernie Eves, minister of Skills Development; director of the Public Affairs and Communications department with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario; vice-president of Enterprise Canada Consulting; and president of the Wine Council of Ontario.

“I can’t express how proud and honoured I feel to receive this award from this wonderful institution for my work to advance the college system,” said Franklin. “From your Whitby campus expansion that will help solve our coming skills shortage, to the new Student Services building in Oshawa, to the community outreach embodied in a new aboriginal student centre and new Durham Chinese Canadian cultural centre, and of course my favorite, your soon-to-be-opened Centre for Food – Durham is clearly a leader in post-secondary education.”

Franklin also goes beyond her professional work to better her community by serving on several charitable and community organizations including as a board member for Ontario Place and with the Canadian National Exhibition Association Board.

“Linda has an unwavering commitment to our colleges and is a strong advocate at the local, provincial, national and international level,” added Lovisa. “She is a deserving recipient of this single honour given annually at Durham College.”

In partnership with the Regional Municipality of Durham – Social Services Department, Durham College hosted a research workshop on June 18 investigating improved methods of measuring the impact of social services. The workshop, titled Capturing the Significance of Social Service Work: From Experience to Impact, was an experiential event focusing on engaging participants in a space where everyone could be actively involved in input and feedback and was a follow-up from an innovation forum held in November 2012. 

Participants at the workshop included Durham College staff and faculty, Regional Municipality of Durham – Social Services Department staff, local community members and social service providers including representatives from the Canadian Mental Health Association and Hillsdale Terraces in Oshawa, Ont.

Randy Uyenaka, professor and program co-ordinator for the Social Services Worker program at Durham College, detailed the importance of their partnership with various social service providers throughout the community that will continue to benefit the student experience.

“Both Durham College and the region, we work with these community service providers,” said Uyenaka. “From the Durham College standpoint a lot of the programs that we have here; Practical Nursing, Social Service Worker, and Personal Support Worker; these community agencies actually host our students for field placements and in a lot of cases end up hiring our students.”

Darren Levine, Research and Innovation manager with the Regional Municipality of Durham – Social Services Department, also stressed the significance of partnering with Durham College.

“It’s been a wonderful partnership both with the School of Health & Community Services and the Office of Research Services and Innovation,” said Levine. “It’s allowed us to bring faculty with expertise in their fields of work and staff members with expertise in service delivery together to look at opportunities to collaborate and share experiences and ideas.”

Levine also indicated that the potential is there for future research opportunities for students as the Region looks to continue its partnership with the college.

Whether they’re preparing to enter the working world or will be furthering their education, more than 2,500 graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas and certificates at Durham College’s annual spring convocation. 

Held at the General Motors’ Centre on June 20 and 21, the ceremonies honoured students graduating from programs in the schools of Business, IT & Management; Continuing Education; Health & Community Services; Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services; Justice & Emergency Services; Media, Art & Design; Science & Engineering Technology; and Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology.

“Class of 2013, the combination of your Durham College certificate or diploma, with resilience, courage and teamwork, can set you on the right path toward great success,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College.

In addition to celebrating this year’s graduates, the college also presented its fourth Honorary Credential to Linda Franklin, president and chief executive officer, Colleges Ontario, in the category of Public Relations.

Cala Dimitroff, a former Academic Upgrading professor, advisor and program co-ordinator, with the School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services also received the college’s Professor Emeritus award for her commitment to the success of her students and her dedication to offering a personalized student experience.

Alumni of distinction awards were presented to Kevin Campbell (Renewable Energy Technician, 2011); Paul Clark (Machinist, 2008); Steven Dickson (Business Administration – Human Resources, 1998); Marnie Ham (Air Transport and Industrial Engineering Technology, 1991); Michael Lysko (Sports Administration, 1983); Patricia Mazzotta (Practical Nursing, 1997 and Nursing, 2002); Eddy Racine (Renewable Energy Technician, 2011); and Erik Walchuk (HVAC, 2004 and Gas Technician, 2005).

This year’s spring convocation ceremony brings the college’s total number of alumni to more than 62,000. 

This fall, Durham College will open its newest building, the Centre for Food (CFF), and its new, full-service restaurant. But before we open the doors to the region’s newest dining experience, we need your help! In anticipation of the CFF’s grand opening, the college is holding a contest to name the new restaurant.

We want you to send us your best suggestions by filling out the submission box on the contest’s microsite. If your entry is chosen, you’ll win dinner for six at the restaurant’s chef’s table and a prize pack including an iPad mini!

Once all of the submissions have been reviewed, the top five names will be released for the public to vote on. All voters will then have the chance to win an amazing Durham College prize pack.

If you need some inspiration, more information or you’re ready to send us your ideas, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/nameit before midnight on Friday, June 28.

Durham College’s mission that the student experience comes first is ringing true for two future students who visited the college’s annual Spring Open House on March 23.

Welcoming approximately 4,700 visitors to the Oshawa, Whitby and Pickering campuses, potential students were given the opportunity to win free tuition (maximum $2,500) at Durham College by filling out a survey of their open house experience or an iPad for visiting all indicated open house areas and completing the Passport to Success challenge.

As Wilson Martins of Brampton, Ont. finalizes plans to begin in the General Arts and Science – Pre-Health program in September, that simple survey turned into a $2,500 tuition cheque.

Martins was selected as the winner from a pool of more than 1,100 entrants who completed the open house experience survey. Upon learning of his big win, Martins took to Twitter to express his excitement.

“Just won $2,500 from @durhamcollege…I’m freakin’ out!”

With the initial goal of graduating from the Pre-Health program, Martins hopes to use that diploma to enter either the Practical Nursing or Paramedic program at Durham College in September 2014.

Brittany Estwick of Oakville, Ont., who will begin the Animal Care program at the Whitby campus this September, was also a lucky winner, receiving a new iPad for completing the Passport to Success challenge. During her open house experience, she visited all designated areas including program information sessions; the walking tour; photo booth; admissions, career planning and financial aid and awards presentations; and the student services booth.

“I felt very excited, I didn’t think I would win the iPad,” said Estwick. “The prize will definitely help me for school on those days when it isn’t necessary for me to bring a computer to school.”

For more information regarding Durham College’s Fall Open House, which will take place on Saturday, November 16, please visit the DC Open House page.

Thanks to the support of sponsors, donors, volunteers and participants, the 16th annual Roger Anderson Charity Classic golf tournament was another huge success, raising $324,000. Held on June 13 at Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facility in Ajax, Ont., the annual event hosted more than 240 golfers as they teed off for a chance to improve the lives of individuals living in Durham Region.

The tournament, hosted by Durham Region Chairman and CEO Roger Anderson, has created and maintained a legacy of giving to community organizations including providing assistance to students in financial need at Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and child and youth initiatives at the Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health.

Representatives from each of the three organizations receiving proceeds from the tournament were on hand for a cheque presentation and the chance to extend their gratitude for the ongoing and enthusiastic support of everyone involved in the tournament.  

Tournament organizers would also like to recognize all of the sponsors for their ongoing and generous support.  Special thanks to major sponsors AECOM, Covanta Energy Corporation, Lenovo, Metroland Media, Metropia, Ontario Power Generation, Runnymede Development Corporation, Scotiabank Group, Brookvalley Developments, Fieldgate/TACC/Paradise Homes, The Miller Group and Tribute Communities and tournament sponsors Fraser Ford, HDR Corporation and King Square. 

Following a successful showing at last month’s 2013 Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC), Durham College announced today that it has also made an impact at the national level. Michael Mills, a Level 3 – Advanced Tool and Die Maker apprenticeship student, won silver in the Precision Machining category at the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), which was held from June 5 to 8 in Vancouver, B.C., giving the college its fifth national medal in only five years.

 Prior to claiming the national title, Mills won gold in the same category at the OTSC, held in Waterloo from May 6 to 8. In addition, Mitch Tempro, a second-year student in the Mechanical Technician – Mechanical Maintenance and Control program, also competed at the national competition in the Industrial Mechanic Millwright category after winning gold at the OTSC.

“Once again, our students have achieved exceptional results on the national stage,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic, Durham College. “Their accomplishments are a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment they put into their studies and the instruction and mentoring they receive from their professors, re-affirming that the skills and programs taught at Durham College prepare students for success in their professional careers. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Michael on his performance at this highly regarded competition.”

The 19th annual event is an Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology competition welcoming more than 500 competitors from across the county to compete in more than 40 trade and technology categories.

“I am honoured and privileged to have had the opportunity to compete at the OTSC, representing Durham College and the province of Ontario,” said Mills. “I owe a big thank you to my workplace and Durham College for all the knowledge they have given me to help me be successful. Without them I would not be where I am today. I would also like to thank my professor Andrew Prior for giving me the opportunity to compete and the faculty in the Tool and Die Maker program for their help along the way. Also thanks to my family and friends for their support during this amazing experience that I will never forget.”

Skills Canada is a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies to Canadian youth. The organization offers experiential learning opportunities including skilled trades and technology competitions for hundreds of thousands of young Canadians through regional, provincial/territorial, national and international events, as well as skilled trade awareness programs.

Motors were running and engines were revving at Durham College from May 21 to 23 as the Whitby campus hosted the second General Motors (GM) Drive and Ride event.

In honour of the release of the completely revolutionized 2014 GMC Sierra and 2014 Chevy Silverado, GM will be travelling to different venues across Canada all summer, giving local GM salesmen a chance to become knowledgeable of these new vehicles and have a little fun with hands-on experience.

Craig Campbell, Pro Plus GM – training manager, Corporate Training Services, said that the tour kicked off at Durham College and will be expanding to 11 cities in total. “This is the first event in all of Canada and it happened in the Durham College parking lot,” he said.

Hundreds of local car dealers gathered over a three-day span to participate in a series of pylon-marked obstacles while driving the latest models. Three other competing automotive brands were compared in this five-module course to ensure GM remained the top brand of vehicles in its class.

The event included an off-road environment, driving dynamics skid pad, trailer towing and street driving, with other workshops located inside the Skills Training Centre.

A former graduate of Durham College’s Marketing program, Campbell says Durham College has provided its facilities to GM workers for the past 20 years to develop new strategies in areas of selling, retail training, advertising and customer aspects.

“When dealers go through product training, they go through us. Durham College Corporate Training Services employees train them,” said Campbell. “We work hand-in-hand. We shoot 25 walk-around videos (of vehicles) a year, develop broadcast literature and hundreds of different selling skills online or in the course, and Durham College employees put it together.” 

Durham College has released its new strategic plan, building on its recent success and outlining the college’s course of action for the next three years. Released on May 16, the plan incorporates feedback from more than 300 people and is designed to ensure the college continues to be a premier destination for post-secondary students for years to come. In addition, it offers a summary on how the college will continue to grow responsibly while developing new and dynamic partnerships and furthering the advancement of the student-focused teaching and learning already in place.

Strategic Plan 2013-2016 is based on the pillars of our students, our people, our business and our community and offers several specific commitments for each. This includes establishing the first-in-Ontario college-university laddering partnership with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), providing students with the ability to move seamlessly from apprenticeship to PhD; ensuring Durham College is competitive within the post-secondary education system by launching four-year degree programs in strategic areas of the economy; and championing, with other Ontario colleges, the conversion of targeted three-year advanced diplomas to three-year degrees under the pillar of our students.

Under the pillar of our people the college will find new ways to engage alumni while committing time and expertise so college leaders can serve on boards, associations and for significant events that will strengthen these groups and ultimately the well-being of the community.

Under the pillar of our business it will renew existing campus space in ways that better meet the learning, study and service needs of students and plan for new buildings and facilities that will allow it to demonstrate leadership in specific areas of study that are critical to the local community..

Lastly, under the pillar of our community, the college will advance innovation and the economic well-being of the community through industry-led applied research targeted to small- and medium-sized enterprises and take on a leadership role in the development and realization of the Durham Learning and Business Innovation Park.

“This new plan was developed through hundreds of consultations with faculty, staff, students, the college’s board of governors and this community,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “We believe that we have the right roadmap for the future and over the next three years we will achieve this strategic vision and this mission.”

The college has also released a video in support of the plan that provides a glimpse into the direction Durham College is headed and features students, staff, industry and partner testimonials about what they will be doing ‘in the next three years’.