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Durham College wins big at Ontario Community Newspaper Association awards

The Journalism – Mass Media program was a big winner at the Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s (OCNA) Better Newspapers Competition on April 14.

The event, which was held virtually, recognized the best in community journalism over the last year. The Durham College (DC) Chronicle took home top honours in ‘General Excellence’ among college and university newspapers for the third consecutive year. While all the students and faculty members who contributed to the Chronicle during the 2021-22 academic year share in that award, two members of the 2022 graduating class received special recognition.

Joey Cole won first in ‘Student News Writing’ for a piece on the local community’s support for Ukraine. In ‘Student Photography’, Corrado Distefano earned second place for an action shot of the Ontario Tech University men’s hockey team.

For Cole, covering such a sensitive and emotional topic was a challenging but memorable experience. In April of 2022, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was just beginning, and the young journalist was tasked with interviewing a number of people who had very personal ties to the conflict.

“Talking to people who had fled their homes, when I’m coming from college and I have my whole life here, and they had to give all that up, it was surreal and daunting,” she said.

For Distefano, who spent a lot of time covering the Ridgebacks hockey team, snapping an award-winning photo was all about being in the right place at the right time.

“When you’re taking photos in environments like that, it’s about finding the right areas of the rink, and having the best spot. I was just lucky that I had a good spot, and something eventful happened in front of me,” he said.

The recognition from the OCNA proves that DC is leading the way in preparing students for the challenging world of modern journalism, according to co-program coordinators Danielle Harder and Teresa Goff.

“It speaks to the value they get from the experiential learning model we work under. They don’t just go to class. They go out and cover stories,” explained Harder, who emphasized the program’s commitment to getting out into the community – safely – during the waning days of the pandemic. “A lot of students and campuses were still doing journalism exclusively online, and our students weren’t. We had a lot of students who went into the community to do interviews, and I think that was reflected in how we placed.”

What sets the Chronicle apart, according to Goff, is how the students work as a team. Before submitting their stories and photos to their professors, students will consult each other and share support and advice as they strive to produce the best product they can.

“They created a working newsroom in which they all worked together, and that really increases the impact of the work they do. There’s a lot of sharing of knowledge within the classroom, and that adds value because the editors and teachers aren’t the only part of the process,” Goff said.

Since graduating, both students have benefitted from the lessons they learned at DC. Cole has discovered a surprising talent for video editing, which she puts to good use at the Oshawa Public Library. Distefano is continuing his education at Ontario Tech in Communication and Digital Media Studies, with an eye toward working in public relations for a sports team.

Wherever their careers take them, their time at the Chronicle has prepared them to meet any challenge.

“One day we’d be doing radio writing, then we’re print writing, and then we’re video editing. It really gets you ready for switching mediums. You can jump anywhere out of this program,” said Cole.

“It’s a jack-of-all-trades program,” added Distefano. “You can take pieces out of everything that you learn.”

If future Journalism students do the same, the awards will continue to roll in.

PR students get Creative for a Cause

Two second-year PR and Strategic Communications students made Durham College (DC) proud at Craft Public Relations’ Creative for a Cause event in March.

The pair of Gaia Ninzatti and Sameeksha Dandriyal was one of only six teams to qualify for the competition, where they utilized the skills and knowledge they had gained in the classroom. With only 24 hours to work with, they were tasked with designing and pitching a communications plan for First Book Canada, a non-profit organization that supplies books and educational resources to children in need. Limited to a budget of $25,000, the objective of the plan was to increase First Book’s profile and encourage more donations, while also having the potential to be implemented across Canada.

The team from DC met the challenge head-on and crafted a plan that would meet all of First Book’s criteria while incorporating accessibility and fostering a love of reading in students and adults alike.

“My biggest fear was to have our idea be the same as someone else’s, but that didn’t happen. We had a completely different and unique angle, which we’re really proud of,” said Gaia.

They proposed an event that could be held at any school board across the country. On a given day, every student would be invited to dress up as their favorite character from the first book they remember. Teachers could get in on the fun, and everyone could compare costumes and share passages from their favorite books. To promote it nationally, they’d use the social media hashtag “first book memory,” and authors could share their own costumes, favorite passages and reading memories.

A key element of their plan was accessibility. A partnership with CNIB Beyond Print would allow a child with a learning disability to submit their favorite book for free conversion into braille, large text or another accessible format.

They also prioritized diversity by proposing a website where supporters who donate could select a cause they identify with so First Book’s educators could select a book from that community and make it available.

After working through the night, they presented their plan to Craft and First Book. Their proposal and presentation received rave reviews, and though it wasn’t ultimately chosen as the winner, they made the most of their opportunity.

“It really boosted our confidence and made us feel like we’re ready to enter the PR world right now,” said Sameeksha.

In fact, they’re about to do just that. With the winter semester winding down, the friends and collaborators will both complete their field placement at Global Public Affairs in Toronto.

They’ve been working together closely since the start of their program two years ago. Bonded by their shared status as international students, they’ve pushed and supported each other throughout their time at DC.

“We’ve stuck together as a team,” said Sameeksha. “We understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses pretty well. Both of us have very different interests when it comes to PR and our working styles are also different.”

“That’s why we work so great together,” added Gaia. “What she doesn’t like, I like, and what I don’t like she likes.”

With their passion and talent, this pair of soon-to-be DC graduates will lead the way in the PR world for years to come.

Durham College prepares for child care boom with new ECE stream

Durham College (DC) is helping Durham Region and Ontario prepare for the $10-a-day child care boom with a new program that allows Early Childhood Educators (ECE) to complete their education without leaving the workforce.

DC is launching a new stream of the Early Childhood Education program (ECE-E) designed for ECE assistants who are working in a child care program and early years environment. All classes, both on campus and online, will be held between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., allowing students who work in before- and after-school programs to complete their studies in between their daily shifts.

“We are proud to offer this program, which allows child care professionals to enhance their careers while also helping to bolster the provincial workforce,” explained Joanne Spicer, associate dean, Faculty of Social and Community Services at DC. “With this innovative stream of our popular ECE program, Durham College is providing valuable solutions not only to students, but to the families who count on child care programs in Durham Region and across Ontario.”

Students in the ECE-E program will have the unique option of applying for an Ontario ECE Grant, which will cover tuition fees. The eligibility requirements for the grant are identical to those for the ECE-E program. For more information and to apply, visit the Ontario ECE Grant website.

“This Durham College program is a great opportunity for those working in child care and early learning programs to earn their diploma and work towards becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator,” said Lisa McIntosh, director of children’s services for Durham Region. “The child care system is growing and needs a growing skilled workforce, which is why professional development in this field is so important.”

With this new stream of the ECE program, DC is leading the way in building workforce capacity in the critically important child care space.  

Durham College launches two programs to increase number of Ontario nurses

To help address Ontario’s critical healthcare staffing demands, Durham College (DC) has launched two new initiatives designed to increase the number of qualified nursing professionals in the province.

The two initiatives are:

  • Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) – This tuition-free initiative is designed to provide nurses who are trained outside of Canada, the opportunity to gain the skills required to meet the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) education requirement.
  • Personal Support Worker (PSW) to Practical Nurse (PN) Bridge – This initiative is designed to provide an opportunity for individuals who have graduated from an Ontario PSW program to continue their studies toward qualifying to practice in Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). PSWs who complete the PSW to PN Bridge will be eligible for advanced entry into Durham College’s four-semester Practical Nursing (PN) Program.

“We are proud to offer these programs at Durham College which allow healthcare professionals to enhance their careers while also helping to address an urgent need in our provincial healthcare system,” said Nora Simpson, Dean of Professional and Part-Time Learning at Durham College. “By improving access to these opportunities and delivering them in a way that meets people’s needs, we are providing valuable solutions to students and the community.”

Applications and course registrations are open now.  These initiatives have been developed and funded through the Ontario government’s Nursing Program Transformation in Ontario’s Colleges initiative and are designed to offer flexible study options to allow students to continue to work while they upgrade their skills.

Durham College Skilled Trades Students Leading the Way with Schulich Builders Scholarship Program

Durham College is proud to partner with The Schulich Foundation which announced a game-changing program, Schulich Builders, a scholarship program dedicated to students pursuing a career in the skilled trades. In its first year of operation, more than $3 million is committed to combat labour shortages and highlight the importance of skilled trades in Canada, with $300,000 going directly to Durham College students.

“We are grateful for this partnership with the Schulich Foundation and generous supports for students in skilled trades programs,” said Don Lovisa, President of Durham College. “With these scholarships, we will continue to lead the way by developing knowledgeable and experienced skilled trades graduates who are able to step into rewarding careers that can make a difference in our local communities.”

In addition to financial support, Schulich Builders also provides leadership training and mentorship to set up graduates for success.

“We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career path,” said Judy Schulich, Executive Vice-President of The Schulich Foundation. “Canadians rely heavily on the trades to build and maintain infrastructure critical for prosperous communities.  Our challenge today is not having enough of these talented people to meet the demand.”

Applications for Durham College students open on March 1 for students starting in September 2023.

Program Details:
Launched in 2023, Schulich Builders will cover tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trade program at one of ten participating colleges in Ontario, including Durham College. Priority will be given to students nominated by their high school. Students may apply directly through Durham College.

Durham College will award 10 scholarships per year:

  • five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and
  • five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/schulichbuilders.

Interactive gaming event showcases Durham College’s innovative approach to applied research

Five video games were showcased at Durham College (DC) on Friday during the MRC Arcade, an interactive event which provided insight into the projects DC’s Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) Studio produces with local game designers, students, researchers and industry experts.

“Durham College is leading the way in the Canadian gaming industry while setting students up for success,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “The MRC Studio has hired dozens of students for more than 40 industry projects, which means students get to work directly with our industry partners. This hands-on learning and early introduction to real-life industry scenarios offer a unique advantage to our grads when the time comes to enter the workforce.”

The MRC Studio offers organizations access to technical expertise and state-of-the-art gaming equipment and technology to create solutions that increase productivity and growth, while placing the student experience at the forefront of it all.

“Qualified individuals with leading-edge expertise are in high demand and short supply, which is why Interactive Ontario is proud to support Durham College and the MRC Studio,” said Lucie Lalumière, president and CEO, Interactive Ontario. “The MRC Studio is a trailblazer in its approach to developing talent. It works hand-in-hand with industry on real-life games and immersive applications and in doing so, develops the talent we need to succeed and compete on the global stage. Thank you, Durham College, for being visionary!”

DC’s expertise and co-development of the five games shared during MRC Arcade are proof of the amazing collaboration between DC students, researchers and industry partners. As one of five applied research centers at the college, the MRC Studio diversifies the college’s applied research offerings and capabilities, blending the physical and online worlds to explore human interaction within the virtual space.

“Since its launch in 2020, the MRC Studio has helped numerous clients build and improve their games by providing access to new technologies and applied research they otherwise would not be able to access or afford to enhance their product,” said Ryan Miller, project manager of the MRC Studio, Durham College. “Offerings such as improved graphics, processes and access to new technologies are provided to our clients, translating into games such as the ones showcased at MRC Arcade.”

The MRC Studio is home to one of only three Captury Live motion capture systems in Canada, offering students unique experiential learning opportunities to boost their future employability.

“The MRC Studio has been an incredible opportunity to get real work experience with exactly the kinds of projects that I want to work on as a future career,” said Zoe Straw, third-year Computer Programming and Analysis student at Durham College. “I know that thanks to this experience I’m going to be able to flesh out my portfolio and give myself the absolute best start to my career possible. I’ll graduate with a year of experience in the gaming industry and several credits to my name before I even receive my diploma.”

Durham College’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation wins global recognition at the 2022 WFCP World Congress

Earlier this year, Durham College’s (DC) Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation was recognized at the 2022 World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) World Congress as a finalist in the Cyber and Data Security category. On June 17, after competing against institutions and individuals from countries around the world, the Centre won bronze, signifying the college’s ongoing commitment to showcasing best practices in applied research and cybersecurity at an international level.

“Considering the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation is only two years old, our success at the 2022 WFCP World Congress speaks volumes to how quickly we’ve grown and how much we’ve accomplished in so little time,” says Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE). “With the help of our expert faculty and researchers, DC is leading the way in cybersecurity innovation, and it is an honour to have that effort rewarded on a global stage among our esteemed peers.”

Launched in 2020, the Centre was created to address the increasing risks posed by cyber threats. This collaborative effort brings together current and aspiring cybersecurity professionals to develop innovative solutions that protect the business assets of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The work completed there focuses on compliance testing tools, data security and privacy impact assessments, incident response templates, cyber threats, social engineering, and more.

“The Centre is relatively young, but we’ve already built strong relationships with key industry players and are hosting and speaking at cyber forums and conferences at an enterprise level,” says Ali Hirji, manager, Emerging Technologies. “Our success at the WFCP World Congress can be attributed to the team’s proven commitment to and investment in the future of the cyber and data security industry.”

Since opening, the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation has worked with 15 industry partners to develop prototypes and cyber solutions and hosted 30 events to generate awareness and enhance skills in cybersecurity. Furthermore, the research centre has provided diverse experiential learning opportunities for students by connecting them with real clients to devise effective, efficient and sustainable solutions.

Having received over $3.5 million in funding, the Centre anticipates exponential growth in the next five years, leading to further learning opportunities for students and advanced solutions to counter SME cyber threats.

DC would like to congratulate the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation on the prestigious win and thank the team for their ongoing display of leadership in the field of cybersecurity.

DC’s Social Impact Hub leads the way with collaborative Collective Impact event

Durham College’s (DC) Social Impact Hub was pleased to host community partners, researchers, faculty and students at the Collective Impact: Shared Vision for Social Innovation event on Thursday, May 12. Held virtually, the event welcomed 127 attendees from across Durham Region and beyond, offering the chance to share social innovation research and partnerships at DC, identify challenges and opportunities for further collaboration and learn how to become involved in future initiatives.

Funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and carried out in partnership with the Regional Municipality of Durham and the City of Oshawa, the event featured a presentation from Kiersten Allore-Engel, manager of community safety and well-being, the Regional Municipality of Durham, and a panel discussion involving community partners. Moderated by DC professor and researcher Crystal Garvey, who also acted as the event’s Emcee, the panel addressed a variety of important social innovation topics, including:

  • Indigenous perspectives: Chief Emily Whetung, Curve Lake First Nation
  • Black Mental Health and Anti-racism: Allison Hector-Alexander, The Regional Municipality of Durham
  • Human Trafficking: Krista MacNeil, Victim Services of Durham Region
  • Access to Justice Hub: Laurie Marshall, Durham College
  • Inclusivity and self-advocacy in the workplace: Jesse Dick, DC Alumni
  • Housing and mental health: Doreen Hume McKenna, Lakeridge Health

“As a leading post-secondary institution and applied research centre, we are dedicated to fostering new relationships with our partners in order to develop actionable solutions to barriers faced right here in our community,” says Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Durham College is proud to play a role in social innovation, and together with our community partners, we’re leading the way to a better world for all.”

Following the presentations, attendees joined break-out sessions to further discuss the challenges and explore socially innovative potential solutions that could be leveraged in areas such as mental health and homelessness, supporting people with disabilities and victims of crime, experiences of racism, truth and reconciliation and more.

Social innovation refers to a process, initiative or product that seeks to address a societal challenge by improving upon or redesigning the systems that make up our society. This type of work involves collective action through community partnerships, leading to valuable outcomes that benefit groups of people, not just the individual.

As DC’s fifth applied research centre, the Social Impact Hub launched in June 2021, and aims to leverage faculty expertise, student talent and strong community partnerships, to identify creative solutions to complex social challenges through leading-edge social innovation projects and initiatives.

“Events like Collective Impact provide an inspiring and collaborative space for our researchers to create meaningful partnerships and synergistic ways to engage with service providers, community agencies and students to develop ideas that can lead to a better world for all members of society,” says Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Ongoing projects at DC in this area of research include:

  • Social Innovation in Applied Research: Mobilizing Knowledge and Co-designing a Path Forward
  • Raising Resilient Families: Empowering Parents with Cognitive Challenges
  • Building Bridges Together: Co-production of Financial Empowerment Strategies with People Experiencing Low Income
  • Innovation Through Co-production: A Holistic Approach to Supporting Social Competency in Pre-school Children
  • Enriching Firefighter Training Through the Development of a Novel Virtual Reality Training Simulation for Personalized, Precision Skill and Resilience Training

For more information on the Social Impact Hub, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/socialimpacthub or to collaborate or contact the hub, please email socialimpacthub@durhamcollege.ca.

ORSIE provides support for applied research through access to funding opportunities, faculty expertise, state-of-the-art research facilities, and student learning experiences. In partnership with industry and community agencies, projects are carried out by DC faculty experts and students and administered by ORSIE. Since its inception in 2009, ORSIE has undertaken 438 research projects and initiatives. To connect with ORSIE, please reach out online.

Durham College to offer two new innovative tech-focused programs

Durham College (DC) has received consent from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer two new technology-focused programs beginning in September 2022 – the one-year Internet of Things graduate certificate and two-year Web Development diploma program.

Offered by the School of Science & Engineering Technology and School of Media, Art & Design, respectively, these programs will lay the groundwork for graduates to enter two innovative fields with in-demand skills while providing them with unique experiential learning opportunities.

“Durham College is thrilled to offer students two new opportunities to gain the valuable skills necessary to make a positive impact in these growing technology sectors,” says Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “With demand for graduates with specialized tech knowledge on the rise, the addition of the Internet of Things and Web Development programs will help address the industry call to close the skills gap, leading the way to an innovative and exciting future for our graduates.”

The new Internet of Things (IoT) program will prepare students to participate specifically in the IoT, Industrial IoT (IIoT) and IoT Vision fields as they gain the knowledge and skills needed to address backend, frontend and embedded software design and implementation for smart cities, home automation, wearable tech and more. Students will also explore security and surveillance cameras attached to IoT devices, their technologies, architectures, resources, data management, strategies, and privacy issues.

Employment opportunities for graduates of this program are on the rise and the IoT sector currently employs skilled programmers, developers and technicians working in a range of occupations and industries, such as health care, community infrastructure, traffic routing, private and public transportation, industrial robotics, mining and gaming.

Building on the fundamentals of interactive media design, the Web Development program will prepare students for an exciting career designing, coding websites and web apps to create a seamless user experience. Students will have access to the latest software and web technologies in studios built specifically for interaction and web development. Unlike other programs of its kind, students will approach interactive elements through a creative lens, developing the graphic and technical skills to become highly competent designers who can deliver dynamic, cross-media content. With the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to design and develop web content for all digital platforms, graduates will be familiar with the latest trends and techniques when entering the workforce.

Both programs offer opportunities for hands-on learning, including a capstone project in the IoT program, or a capstone or field placement in the Web Development program.

Learn more about these exciting new programs at DC’s in-person Open House on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by visiting durhamcollege.ca.

FastStart launches the Start Market to showcase DC’s student and alumni entrepreneurs

On December 3, FastStartDC, Durham College’s (DC) on-campus entrepreneurship center launched an online marketplace called the Start Market, showcasing some of the incredibly talented student entrepreneurs here at DC.

We see it every day – students coming to FastStart to turn their passion, craft or hobby into a business. With the rise in online-based businesses, the FastStart team is really excited to launch the Start Market and give the college community an opportunity to support our local entrepreneurs. While we have hosted holiday markets in the past, this new marketplace will be a year-round initiative that highlights student entrepreneurs who sell products as well as those that provide services, so if you’re looking for talented photographers, graphic designers, social media experts or content creators, Start Market has a dedicated section of freelance services offered by our students.

Earlier this fall, FastStartDC launched a new Maker2Market program to help participants get their businesses up and running in six weeks, providing DC’s student entrepreneurs an incredible opportunity to share with the world what they have to offer in time for the holiday shopping season. We’re excited to feature some of our recent Maker2Market program graduates in the online store.

The Start Market has something for everyone. You can enjoy ethically sourced coffee, roasted by Journalism student Andrew Neary from Kettleboy Coffee or check out some unique apparel from talented Data Analytics student Rita Aboagye-otoo of Aleaza Collections or Sustainable Stitches by our Animal Care student Meera Mohindra. If you are looking for art to brighten your space, or unique décor for your home or as a gift, check out Art Blizz by Vidhi Mehra, from DC’s Data Analytics program and City Lights Studio by Fine Arts student, Josiah Chung. Fill your home with warmth and light with a candle by Advertising student Shantel Loague-llewellyn at L’Amour Jae and pick up some treats for your furry friends from Sassypants Pets Bakery by PR & Strategic Communications student Afrika Nieves-Bentley.

FastStartDC’s alumni entrepreneurs also have some great gift ideas. Check out the incredible charcuterie boards from Katherine Polack, beautiful and timeless jewelry from Judda, incredible art pieces from Jasmine Rutschhman or sustainable apparel from our friends at 3eeHive.

Built and maintained by students, the Start Market is an innovative way to get first-hand experience at building an online enterprise. New businesses will be added regularly, so visit often to see the incredible offerings of DC’s talented entrepreneurs.