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DC first responders take first place at National Paramedic Competition

Durham College (DC) faculty first responders and first-responders-in-training from the School of Justice & Emergency Services (JES) took first-place honours at the National Paramedic Competition on April 7.

In the annual competition, which was held for the first time at Canada’s Wonderland this year, 34 teams from paramedic services and college across Ontario faced a written test and six simulated patient scenarios designed to highlight extreme situations and challenge teams to use their training, knowledge and critical thinking skills to solve problems and manage competing patient priorities.

Up against 15 college teams, DC Paramedic students Carley Schillings and Laura Ellis surpassed their competition to take first place. One scenario presented two patients with critical injuries—one having fallen from a railing, the other suffering an anaphylactic reaction. The scenario required the team to split up with limited resources and provide adequate care to both patients.

Also competing at the college level, Paramedic students Corey Beal and Jon Reid took second place by managing to diagnose and treat a patient experiencing an adrenal crisis–a rare medical condition. The patient presented in a vague way and required intensive investigation to create the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

Competing against seven teams, Durham Region paramedics and DC professors Dale Button (Paramedic) and Matthew Walton (Firefighter – Pre-Service, Education and Training) took first place together in the Advanced Care (professional) category. The team particularly enjoyed a scenario where a patient fell out of a tree holding a saw. The simulated accident resulted in several serious injuries and a hunt to find a missing eyeball.

Congratulations to the entire JES team!

Learn more about the competition and view a complete list of winners.

DC presents at Harvard University

Durham College (DC) joined the Ivy League last month as Ashley Marshall, professor with the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, and Allison Hector-Alexander, director, Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions, presented at the Black Portraitures colloquium on African American culture hosted by Harvard University’s Hutchins Center for African and African American Research from March 22 to 24.

Based on Marshall’s project in Critical Race Theory, namely anti-black racism, Harvard invited her to present alongside leaders in the field of critical race studies. She then asked her mentor, Hector-Alexander, to join her as a panelist at the conference. The two scholars have collaborated on several projects in the past.

Representing DC, Marshall and Hector-Alexander shared their experiences as women of Jamaican and Dominican descent, presenting their ideas about racial representation as an integral part of the learning environment. The women focused on the need for post-secondary institutions to emphasize how formative culture is for students and suggested tactics for how students and educators could both benefit from increased engagement. Marshall explored the role teachers played in grooming her into the communications professional she is today, and Hector-Alexander emphasized how much work still needs to be done to make campuses more inclusive spaces.

Both women consider the college experience to be about more than academics alone. They believe students need to be heard and have a seat at the table. The conference at Harvard University allowed Marshall and Hector-Alexander to take away innovative ideas to bring back to DC to further exemplify how the school cares about its faculty and students by supporting anti-racism, anti-oppression and anti-brutality both inside and outside the classroom.

For further information about the conference, visit the Black Portraitures website.

Durham College has a $913.3 million economic impact to Durham Region

Durham College (DC) announced today that, it has a strong economic impact of $913.3 million to Durham Region, according to a recent study conducted by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI).  This substantial contribution is equal to approximately 4.9 per cent of the area’s total gross regional product and supports 9,558 jobs, which means one out of every 24 jobs in the Durham Region is supported by the activities of DC and its students.

The economic study reports, “The value of Durham College influences both the lives of students and also the Durham Region economy. The college serves a range of industries in the region and supplies local businesses with workers. Society as a whole in Ontario benefits from an expanded economy and an improved quality of life. The benefits created by Durham College extend as far as the provincial government in the form of increased tax revenues and public sector savings.”

“We have always enjoyed a strong relationship with the broader community,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “We are proud of the role we play in providing access to high-quality, post-secondary education. By producing job-ready graduates who have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, we are also ensuring they have the ability to become community builders in their own right, both personally and in their professional lives.

The college also added $153.8 million in income to the region during the past year through its day-to-day operations, which is equivalent to supporting 2,320 jobs. Spending by DC in-region students during the same period was $34.1 million, which supports 978 jobs.

The report also touched on the accumulated contribution of DC alumni currently employed in the regional workforce, equating the value at $725.4 million in added income in the region, equal to 6,260 jobs.

“In addition to educating students, the college also offers partnerships, corporate training services and applied research services, which benefit businesses and organizations throughout the region,” said Lovisa. “In turn, the support we receive from the community plays a key role in our continued growth and development as an institution and for that we are extremely grateful.”

To view an infographic click here or to read the report click here.

Recognizing DC placement and practicum hosts

Representatives from businesses, government institutions and non-profit organizations across Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area gathered at the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food on April 9 for Durham College’s (DC) annual Placement Host Appreciation Evening.

Organized by students in DC’s Special Event Management program, the event was held to recognize the invaluable contribution placement and practicum hosts make to experiential learning when they open their doors to DC students. In fact, more than 600 organizations serve as hosts to more than 6,000 students each year.

Guests heard from Tammy Rideout, manager, Volunteer Resources and Development, Victim Services of Peel Region, one of DC’s gracious employer hosts. Sara Wodnisky, a recent graduate of the Special Event Management program, and current student in the Hospitality Hotel  – Restaurant Operations Management program spoke about the two field placement opportunities she has had as DC student.  Chris Carey, currently enrolled in the Materials and Operations Management – Business Administration program (now Supply Chain & Operations Management – Business Administration) also spoke about his placement experience with Plexxus in partnership with Lakeridge Health Corporation.

The continued support and mentorship from placement and practicum hosts is invaluable. It has a significant impact on DC students by providing them with the real-world experience to help ensure they are job ready when they step out of the classroom and into the workplace.

 

DC students Deanna Chaikalis and Matthew Vella win fire safety awards

Durham College (DC) congratulates students Deanna Chaikalis and Matthew Vella who were honoured as award recipients at the Canadian Fire Safety Association’s (CSFA) annual education forum on April 5.

Chaikalis won the $500 Mircom Group Award for her exceptional overall skills focused on fire detection systems, codes, fire protection system design and practical lab skills. Vella won the $1,000 Siemens Canada Award for his outstanding performance in fire detection, codes, fire protection system design, practical lab skills and Auto CAD.

The CFSA is a non-profit organization that works to promote the science and improve the methods of fire protection and prevention against loss of life and property.

Each year, the association awards scholarships to top students enrolled in a fire protection technology program to promote the study and improvement of fire protection and prevention. The recipients of the awards must demonstrate outstanding academic proficiency with a grade point average of more than 3.3.

Chaikalis and Vella are both honours graduates of DC’s Firefighter – Pre-service, Education and Training program. They returned to DC to study in the Fire and Life Safety Systems Technician program to gain higher qualifications and further develop their critical thinking skills in the field of fire safety.

 DC’s Fire and Life Safety Systems Technician program prepares students for career opportunities in the fire industry by providing a curriculum that directly aligns with current employer demands. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the fire suppression, fire detection, building and fire codes, plans examination, fire protection design and life safety planning.

New Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation launches at DC

Durham College (DC) and its Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) is pleased to announce the official opening of the Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation (CCBI) at the Whitby campus.

Consisting of a pilot brew line and brew lab, which were purchased using a $150,000 Applied Research Tools and Instruments grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the CCBI offers craft brewers access to expertise and state-of-the-art technology, as well as micro-analytical and research services.

The announcement, which took place during a special launch event on March 27, comes in the midst of Ontario’s continued craft brewing industry boom. According to the Ontario Craft Brewers February 2018 fact sheet, this segment was one of the fastest growing in the LCBO, seeing 20 to 30 per cent growth year-over-year and the total economic impact of small breweries is estimated to be roughly $1.4 billion.

“We are very excited about what the centre offers craft brewers,” said Chris Gillis, manager, Applied Research Business Development, ORSIE. “There is so much potential to further innovate by refining brewing methods and recipes, as well as increasing technical knowledge and skills within the industry.”

Under the direction of an experienced microbiologist and brewmaster, the CCBI can help craft brewers address challenges they may be facing, including experimenting with new recipes and flavour profiles, propagating and maintaining yeast strains and conducting scientific analyses to ensure the analytical and microbiological integrity of their beer. This ultimately leads to the creation of a better product within this growing industry.

 In addition to supporting craft brewers, the CCBI also allows students to gain valuable experience by working on research projects with brewers, challenging them to apply what they are learning in class to address real industry problems.

To learn more about the CCBI’s specific offerings please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/ccbi.

DC welcomes future students at Spring Open House

On March 24, Durham College (DC) opened its doors to prospective students and their families at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses and Pickering Learning Site for the college’s annual Spring Open House.

The event gave more than 3,000 students and guests the opportunity to explore DC’s extensive facilities, take guided tours, check out support services, including Financial Aid and Awards and the Access and Support Centre, and learn more about the college’s more than 140 full-time programs and hundreds of continuing education offerings.

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

The college also leveraged social media to provide those who couldn’t make it in person with a window into on-campus activities. A VIP information session about DC’s new Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management program was livestreamed (a recording is still available) as were campus and residence tours.

Anyone who missed the Spring Open House can still learn more about all that DC has to offer. Campus tours and information sessions can be scheduled online, via email or by calling 905.721.3000.

DC will hold its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 10.

Students prepare for convocation during Countdown to Grad

On March 20, 22 and 23, Durham College’s (DC) spring and fall 2018 graduating students learned everything they need to know about convocation during Countdown to Grad.

Held at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses and Pickering Learning Site, the annual event gave students who attended the opportunity to learn about alumni benefits, career development services and convocation details, while also enjoying a free slice of pizza and receiving a gift from event sponsor, the Alumni Association.

For more information about DC’s spring 2018 convocation ceremonies, please visit the Spring Convocation page.

DC congratulates research partner Partake Brewing for Dragons’ Den success

Durham College (DC) is proudly congratulating research partner Partake Brewing (Partake) for successfully securing a deal for its non-alcoholic craft beer, during the March 15 episode of CBC’s hit show Dragons’ Den.

Company Founder Ted Fleming stepped into the den with his brew in-hand, ready to offer samples to convince the dragons to invest in his business – a locally made, non-alcoholic craft beer that brings all the things that make craft beer great to non-alcoholic beer drinkers including taste, variety, authenticity, creativity, and passion.

One of the first partners to work with DC’s Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation at the Whitby campus, Partake secured a deal with dragon Manjit Minhas for $300,000 for 50 per cent of his company after she praised the IPA she sampled for having just the right bitterness along with beautiful body and colour.

Fleming started the company after being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, which meant he had to eliminate alcohol from his diet. It was good for his health but he missed beer and while there were non-alcoholic options available, the quality and variety were just not the same as their alcoholic counterparts so it became his mission to remedy the situation. Partake was the end result.

The company’s collaboration with DC and its Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) began in October 2016. Funded through a $25,000 Engage grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and using its brew lab and line, ORSIE researchers worked with the company to develop Partake’s IPA recipe, the same beer sampled in the den – a made-in-Canada craft brew that has low or no alcoholic content yet retains a true beer taste.

Plans are in place for Partake and the CCBI to continue their collaboration as new recipes and styles of non-alcoholic beer are developed.

For more information about Partake, visit https://www.drinkpartake.com.

For more information about the DC Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/ccbi.

Journalism at DC honoured by Ontario Community Newspapers Association

The Chronicle, Durham College’s (DC) newspaper and website produced by students and faculty in the Journalism – Mass Media program, has been recognized for its quality work by the Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA) in the 2017 Better Newspapers Competition.

DC graduate Toby Van Weston is one of three finalists in the Student Feature Writing category for a story he wrote about water issues on Scugog Island.

The paper’s website is also a finalist in the Best College or University Newspaper Website category. Most recently, the Chronicle finished second in the 2016 General Excellence Awards.

Additionally, DC alumnus Travis Fortnum, who now works at CP24 in Toronto, received honourable mentions in the Student Feature Writing and Student News Writing categories.

The Better Newspaper Competition is sponsored by the OCNA, a non-profit industry association focused on helping community newspapers prosper by promoting and enhancing the image of the industry among readers.

Winners will be announced at an awards gala on Friday, April 20, in Richmond Hill.

The Chronicle and DC’s Journalism – Mass Media program have been fixtures at the college for more than 40 years.