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’.

Durham College’s Access and Support Centre (ASC) is committed to the belief that inclusion benefits everyone. On May 13, ASC staff members Kirston Arbour, disability advisor and Meghan Houghton, director of Learning and Disability Services were recognized for their dedication as they received the Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) Accessibility Award for outstanding commitment to accessibility for students who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing.

Since 1996 the CHS Accessibility Award has recognized individuals, businesses or organizations that have made or are making a significant or ongoing contribution that promotes the well-being and advancement of people with hearing issues.

The ASC has taken on numerous initiatives during their four-year partnership with the CHS including case consultations to jointly support students in the classroom as well as in the placement setting; development and delivery of workshops for faculty and staff; and promoting CHS services such as employment support and mental health counseling.

The joint initiatives have provided faculty and staff with tools to eliminate barriers. Student workshops have also provided opportunities to learn about employment supports and assistive devices that can increase access to the learning environment available through the CHS.

“About ten per cent of our student population has a disability and we want to ensure all our students can be successful and all the services we offer at the centre end up supporting that commitment,” Said vice-president of Student Affairs Margaret Greenley as she spoke of the importance of the ASC.

This past year, the ASC logged more than 12,300 service hours where interpreters or computerized note takers were in class providing assistance at both Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). Arbour, who is responsible for the scheduling and implementation of this service, has attended several external training sessions to continue her professional development and develop workshops for faculty and support staff in collaboration with the CHS.

“It is important that any student that walks though the doors has access to an inclusive environment,” said Arbour. “We appreciated the opportunity to work with the CHS to eliminate barriers and are looking forward to continued work with the faculty and staff to benefit all students.”

Houghton provides leadership and support for the ASC staff and has played a major role in ensuring students have access to technological devices that will ensure further inclusion. This past year, the ASC purchased the Bellman Alerting system which will help provide more inclusive placement opportunities for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing students. The Bellman Alerting system is a small portable device that uses flashing lights or strong vibrations to help individuals identify sounds that they would normally be unable to detect such as phones, alarms and doors.

“CHS has been our strongest partnership this year,” said Houghton. “We really appreciate all the support they have given us.”

Along with deaf, deafened or hard of hearing students, the ASC also provides services for students with learning disabilities as well as ADHD, physical, medical, mental health and visual disabilities. More than 1,000 students were registered with the ASC in the 2012-13 academic year.

In honour of nurses across the country and to celebrate their own nursing programs, Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) celebrated the 28th National Nursing week from May 6 to 12. The two institutions kicked off the week by welcoming Ontario’s Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Debra Bournes to campus to speak with students and faculty.

The dialogue focused on the benefits of DC and UOIT’s partnership as well as the tremendous collaborative research strengths and innovating programming. First-year Practical Nursing student Mary Michalski attended the discussion with Dr. Bournes and faculty from both DC and UOIT.

“Debra Bournes provided insight into what nurses are initiating at the provincial level, and the health-care issues the Ministry of Health is currently working on and improving,” Michalski said.

Susan Sproul, dean of the School of Health & Community Services, said Bournes’ visit was to acknowledge and celebrate Durham College and UOIT as nurse educators, as well as to focus on improving the college’s Practical Nursing (PN) program and the Nursing – Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) (Hons) program offered by both the college and university.

“Both programs are offered on a shared campus at the same location.  Many of the PN students bridge into the four year nursing degree program,” said Sproul.

Always passionate about becoming a nurse, Michalski encouraged all students going into similar fields to get involved in the events taking place during the week.

“If nursing is your chosen profession, then Nursing Week is your chance to celebrate,” said Michalski. “Nurses make a difference in the lives of others.”

Attracting more than 50 learning facilitators from across the province, Durham College recently hosted the 6th annual Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) Provincial Conference from May 8 to 10. The conference was designed to expand on existing initiatives that advocate for students who need extra support in the classroom as part of the college’s two-year CICE program.

CICE program liaison and field placement officer Karen Anderson spoke to the group about the many benefits of the existing program and the future initiatives that they hope to implement at Durham College and across the province.

“Our program is for students who won’t graduate with a diploma on their own, said Anderson.  “They wouldn’t be able to come to college without our program.”

The key note speaker for the conference was MPP for Whitby-Oshawa Christine Elliot, who has a personal interest in CICE as her son, John recently graduated from the program.

“The CICE program gives students an opportunity to get training, meet friends and get a job,” Elliott said. “John is going to be graduating with opportunities for a job and I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for my family.”

“This program has turned my son into who he is today.”

CICE graduate Scott Franklin, pulled on the heartstrings of everyone in attendance with his touching words and gratitude for those involved with the program.

“I miss coming to school everyday and saying hi to everyone. If I didn’t come here (CICE) I wouldn’t be where I am,” he said.

Connie Bell, a learning facilitator at Durham College was one of the many teary-eyed audience members and has seen the wonderful things the program provides.

“Students blossom here. You really see how much they grow from the first day until they leave two years later,” said Bell.  “It’s their choice to be here, and their choice to grow as a person academically and socially.”

Durham College President Don Lovisa, attended the event and spoke about the benefits of the program and the unique opportunities it provides students.

“We are so proud that Durham College has taken a leadership role in offering this program, which is so important to the community,” Lovisa said. “The CICE program provides a unique opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities or significant learning challenges to learn at their own pace at a college level, and to be successful.”