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Start your Durham College journey at Spring Open House, April 12

If you visit Durham College (DC) for Spring Open House on Saturday, April 12, you’ll learn what thousands of current students and alumni already know; there’s no better place to pursue your post-secondary education.

“Everyone at DC wants to see you succeed,” said Sarah Burgess, a second-year student in the Accounting – Business program. “The school is very inclusive and helpful to all students.”

It was DC’s excellent reputation, combined with glowing reviews from friends and family, that enticed her to check it out. A visit to Open House in 2023 made her decision to enroll an easy one.

At these events, both Oshawa and Whitby campuses open their doors to visitors to explore and discover everything DC has to offer. That includes expert faculty delivering career-driven programs, state-of-the-art facilities, supportive services and much more.

For third year Graphic Design student Samantha Miele, DC has lived up to expectations.

“My professors are knowledgeable, resourceful, friendly and very supportive. The services offered at DC and the connections you’re able to make are valuable during and after your time studying,” she said. “Students should take advantage of all of the services, coverage, facilities and events that DC provides and get involved whenever they can.”

Miele has taken her own advice to excel both in and out of the classroom. She has gained real-world experience through a field placement with the Communications and Marketing team, putting her graphic design skills to work on a number of projects.

DC is a great choice for students anywhere, but it’s especially beneficial for those living in the Durham Region. Kevin Thomas chose DC after a visit with his high school, and the first-year Computer Programming and Analysis student couldn’t be happier.

“I’m learning what I want to learn and I’m gaining skills for my future,” he said. “The professors I’ve met are really nice, cool people to talk to, and the place gives such an amazing vibe.”

Students who are planning their futures can experience that vibe, and everything else that’s great about DC, at Spring Open House on Saturday, April 12. Register today and take charge of your future!

Durham Lords complete successful winter season

Durham College’s (DC) tradition of athletic success continued on the basketball and volleyball courts this winter, and a new curling team took to the ice.

Whether representing the Green and Gold around Ontario, travelling to other provinces or hosting the nation’s best right here at home, these athletes made us ‘DC Proud’ all winter long.

  • Men’s Basketball

    A nearly flawless season saw the men’s basketball team become OCAA champions for the first time since 1997. The Lords added to their trophy case with a silver medal finish at the CCAA national championships.

    Mark Stoop was unstoppable on the court, collecting a laundry list of honours including CCAA All-Canadian, East Player of the Year, East First Team All-Star, OCAA Championship MVP, and CCAA Championship Second Team All-Star.

    Hot on his heels was Jasean Elliott, who was named East Defensive Player of the Year, East First Team All-Star, OCAA Championship All-Star, and CCAA Championship Second Team All-Star.

    Other standouts included Rudy Fakih (East Sixth Man of the Year), Miles Hall (East Second Team All-Star, CCAA Championship First Team All-Star), Rashane Smith (East Second Team All-Star, East All-Rookie Team) and Javade Marne (East All-Rookie Team, OCAA Championship All-Star).

    “What an incredible year for everyone involved with the men’s basketball team,” said Scott Dennis, Athletic Director. “They went on a remarkable run to capture their first OCAA championship and CCAA medal since 1997. Trailing Humber by seven at halftime on their home court, they showed tremendous resilience to battle back and win the title. It was a perfect way for Head Coach Desmond Rowley to cap off his career—retiring at the very top.”

  • Women’s Basketball

    Battling against Ontario’s best, the Lords finished with a 5-9 record, good for fifth place in the competitive East Division. They were eliminated from OCAA contention after losing a qualifying game.

    Four-year veteran Onika Leveridge was a force on the court, and the future looks bright with young impact players like Sarah-Jane Laplante.

    “The women’s basketball team proved all season long that they can compete with the best in the OCAA, earning a spot in the top ten rankings throughout the year,” said Dennis. “I’m excited to watch the program continue to grow and achieve its goals.”

  • Men’s Volleyball

    With an 11-7 record, the Lords held their own in the East, finishing fourth. Their quest for OCAA glory ended prematurely with a loss in the qualifying game.

    Trent Engel was a bright spot for the team, collecting a number of honours including East Rookie of the Year, East Second Team All-Star and East All-Rookie Team. Piet Kuypers was another standout, being named East First Team All-Star.

    “The team continued to make strides, battling hard to secure home court advantage in the OCAA playoffs,” said Dennis. “With several key players returning and a strong group of recruits coming in, the team is well-positioned for a promising 2025-26 season.”

  • Women’s Volleyball

    With a 14-4 record, the Lords finished second in the East in a season filled with strong performances and valuable growth.

    Hosting the CCAA National Championship was a highlight, and the Lords held their own against the best teams in Canada. With strong performances up and down the lineup, they fell short of the medal round but made DC proud.

    The team’s future is bright, with newcomer Elizabeth McFarland racking up Rookie of the Year, East Rookie of the Year, East First Team All-Star and East All-Rookie Team honours.

    Jessie Buck was an East First Team All-Star, while Katherine Konkle, Chelsea Oke and Brooke Young were all named East Second Team All-Stars.

    “Although the OCAA playoffs ended earlier than hoped for our women’s volleyball team, they bounced back with an impressive performance at the CCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship, earning their first national victory since 2004,” said Dennis. “The entire Athletics team shined off the court, proudly representing Durham College as hosts of the top eight teams in the country. It was a memorable year of volleyball and community spirit and we’re already looking forward to first serve in the 2025-26 season.”

  • Curling

    In 2024-25, Durham College returned to the varsity curling scene for the first time since 1996, fielding a men's team and a mixed doubles squad.

    After defeating Ontario Tech University and the University of Guelph in the fall, they participated in two collegiate competitions this winter. They competed in the Mountaineers Bonspiel, hosted by Mohawk College, in preparation for the OCAA Championship. At the bonspiel, the mixed doubles team picked up a win over Humber College.

    Our student-athletes left a great impression at the OCAA Championships in February, with our mixed doubles team of Mariah Laroco and Matthew Panylo taking home the Hap Holman Fair Play Award, presented to the team that best exemplifies fair play during the tournament.

    “It was exciting to see the Lords return to OCAA curling this winter, proudly representing the school at the championship,” said Dennis. “The men’s team came just one shot short of advancing to the medal round, while the mixed team was honoured with the Hap Holman Award.”

D.G. Biddle visits Whitby campus to celebrate support for DC’s Civil Engineering Technician and Technology programs

Durham College (DC) welcomed local civil engineering and planning services consultancy, D.G. Biddle & Associates Limited, to the Whitby campus in March to celebrate their gift of $50,000.

D.G Biddle’s generous donation allowed the college to purchase a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) for use in the Civil Engineering Technician and Technology programs, greatly enhancing students’ hands-on learning experience.

During the visit, first-year Civil Engineering Technology students, James Gallagher-Conejo and Zain Khan, demonstrated a double shear test on aluminum and copper.

“A UTM can be used to perform tensile, compression, shear, double shear, hardness, and flexure tests on materials like steel, aluminum, brass and copper,” explained Myla Minelli, Program Coordinator. “These tests allow students to understand how materials behave under different loading and how they are applied in real-world construction scenarios.”

After the demonstration, guests visited the D.G. Biddle & Associates Limited Computer-Aided Design Lab, named in recognition of the firm’s generous support for capital equipment at DC – the college’s top fundraising priority at this time.

“We’re proud to support students at Durham College,” said Michael Carswell, Managing Principal, D.G. Biddle & Associates. “We like to hire local talent and believe that supporting DC’s programs is a great way to contribute to the education of those seeking satisfying and rewarding careers in civil engineering.”

In 2024, D.G. Biddle & Associates Limited marked the company’s 50th anniversary. Located in Oshawa, their team includes technicians, clerical, and field personnel providing civil, structural, mechanical, electrical engineering and planning services to both private and public clients. Over the years, D.G. Biddle has built a strong partnership with the college, offering co-op and field placements to students as well as hiring DC grads.

“I’d like to thank Michael and the team at D.G. Biddle for seeing the value of DC’s civil engineering tech programs,” said Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations. “This investment in our programs and students ensures our students have access to the equipment and opportunities they need to acquire the experience employers are looking for.”

 

Enactus Durham College promotes sustainability at Central Regional Exposition

Enactus Durham College continued their tradition of success at the Central Regional Exposition last month. The Second Sole project team was named the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Central Regional Champions, earning the right to represent Durham College (DC) on the national stage at the Enactus Canada National Exposition in Calgary this May.

At the competitive yet friendly competition, DC students highlighted their ingenuity and commitment to creating a more sustainable future and showcased their innovation, dedication, and leadership.

“This win is a huge step forward for sustainability at Durham College, and we’re excited to take our project to Nationals,” said project founder and Environmental Technology student Jonathan Grant.

Second Sole addresses the waste of single-use gloves by repurposing them into useful products like hockey pucks and shoe soles. The project was founded by (Jonathan) Grant and inspired by DC’s Director of Ancillary Services, Amanda Blenkhorn, who had prior experience recycling unique items and recognized the amount of disposable gloves used at the college.

Grant’s team included an eclectic group of DC students representing a number of different programs, with support from Faculty advisors and industry partners.

Together, the team has developed a safe sterilization process, worked on a granulator to refine the recycled material and launched glove collection bins to divert thousands of gloves from landfills.

The project aligns with DC’s commitment to sustainability while targeting five of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“This project is a testament to how students can drive meaningful change through collaboration, creativity, and environmental responsibility,” said Grant. “Second Sole is proving that sustainable supply chains are achievable and don’t have to come at a high cost—to businesses or the environment.”

Career Launch event series prepares soon-to-be grads and alumni for their next step

Durham College (DC) helps students gain not only industry-specific skills, but also provides invaluable opportunities to hone soft skills, make connections and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

Over the past three months, soon-to-be grads and alumni participated in Career Launch, a series of events to help them develop confidence and smoothly transition from college to the workplace.

“These activities are designed to complement classroom learning and ensure that they are ready to enter professional environments,” said Mary Weller, Alumni Development Officer. “It’s wonderful to see students and alumni make connections that will open doors and leverage opportunities for personal and professional development.”

Building your brand

During the LinkedIn Mastery Seminar, PUNCH media’s Leslie Hughes shared tips for optimizing a presence on LinkedIn. Guests received new, professional headshots, taken by students in DC’s Photography program. Students also practiced their elevator pitches at three Pitch Perfect sessions.

Learning new skills

Representatives from TD Wealth Financial Planning were on hand at the Financial Literacy Session to answer questions about budgeting, investing and debt management during the Financial Literacy Session.

Back by popular demand was DC’s Etiquette Dinner. Led by etiquette consultant Susy Fossati, guests participated in a practical lab to gain dining tips to use at their next interview or meeting – all while enjoying a three-course meal at DC’s own Bistro ’67.

“There is a lot to think about during a formal dinner,” said Computer Programming and Analysis student Christian Weersink. “I learned a lot and was even recognized for my honesty in the number of mistakes I made! What a fun way to pick up tips and guidance.

Making connections

Events focused on networking included the campus Job Fairs, Student Leadership Summit, and International DC Talks. These events allowed students to build relationships with potential employers, industry leaders and alumni.

The Career Launch program is organized by Career Development, Student Development, International Education and the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations.

After graduation, alumni also have lifetime access to career development services through the college’s Hired Portal where they can to search for job listings, explore career resources, or book an appointment with a Career Coach.

Faculty Member Dave Hawey Earns Prestigious Worldchefs Global Certification

Chef Dave Hawey, Faculty Member in Durham College’s Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science, has been awarded the prestigious Worldchefs Certified Chef de Cuisine certification, underscoring his expertise, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to culinary excellence.

To earn this globally recognized level of achievement, Hawey provided evidence of his years of experience, his job duties, and previously earned credentials. The process also involved responding to detailed questions covering topics such as food safety, customer service, and his philosophy on zero-waste food production. Additionally, he developed and presented three original, complex recipes as part of the evaluation.

“As a believer of both lifelong learning and professional certification, I’m proud to be certified by Worldchefs,” said Hawey. “Obtaining this certification shows my culinary management students that regardless of your age or level of experience, possibilities of personal and professional goal achievement are possible because of organizations such as Worldchefs.”

A Faculty Member in the Culinary Management program at DC for nearly 15 years, Hawey is passionate about hands-on learning and professional development.

“Teaching in the kitchens and classrooms, alongside my colleagues, is what I enjoy the most,” he said. “The Whitby campus has evolved tremendously over the years, and with our state-of-the-art facilities, we can offer a top-tier culinary education. The support from management and my fellow faculty has allowed me to engage in professional development activities that enhance our program, including charcuterie production, butchery, and cheese making. These elements differentiate us from other culinary programs and keep our curriculum dynamic and industry relevant.”

Kelly O’Brien, Associate Dean, Faculty of Hospitality and Horticulture Science, emphasized the impact of Hawey’s achievement on students and the program.

“Recognizing Dave for his Worldchefs Certified Chef de Cuisine global certification highlights his expertise, dedication, and commitment to sustainability within our programs,” she said. “His achievement not only reflects his pursuit of culinary excellence but also strengthens the program’s credibility and alignment with global industry standards.”

For students, this recognition offers direct value—learning from a chef with deep industry connections, a strong focus on sustainability, and an adaptive approach that ensures the curriculum evolves in response to industry demands, said O’Brien.

“Dave serves as a role model, exemplifying continuous learning, innovation, and professional excellence. His expertise enhances the student experience, equipping them with relevant, forward-thinking, and globally recognized skills.”

Durham College Partners with RPA Canada to Offer New Pathway for Accounting Graduates

Accounting – Business students at Durham College (DC) have another route to career success thanks to a new pathway agreement with Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) Canada.

By completing the program at DC, students will be recognized as meeting the RPA prerequisites and be eligible to write the RPA Mandatory Professional Exam. By receiving their RPA designation, graduates will be prepared to provide accounting services for small and medium-sized enterprises, non-profit organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures.

“We are proud to partner with RPA Canada to offer our Accounting – Business graduates an additional pathway to professional success,” said Cristina Italia, Executive Dean, Faculty of Business and Information Technology at DC. “This partnership expands our students’ opportunities for accreditation, equipping them with the credentials and competitive advantage needed to thrive in today’s dynamic job market.”

The agreement was made official with a special event at the Centre for Innovation and Research (CIR) where RPA Canada President Zubair Choudhry and DC’s Vice President, Academic and Students Dr. Jean Choi signed on the dotted line.

“This partnership with Durham College represents a shared vision for empowering future accountants with the practical skills, technological expertise, and professional knowledge required in today’s evolving financial landscape,” said Choudhry. “Together, we are creating accessible and impactful pathways that will shape the next generation of accounting professionals.”

For Choi, the agreement is one more example of DC’s commitment to providing students with unique opportunities and a competitive edge as they launch their careers.

“At DC, we deeply value our partnerships with industry and professional organizations. It’s these connections that help inform our curricula and ensure our programs remain relevant,” she said.

“We hope our students will take full advantage of this opportunity, and we look forward to seeing all they can accomplish as future registered professional accountants.”

To learn more about the RPA designation, visit RPA Canada.

Exploring the zigzag career path at DC Talks: Alumni Series

No career path is the same and the path to success is not always a straightforward one.

To demonstrate this, four Durham College (DC) alumni from varying industries recently returned for a DC Talks: Alumni Series titled, The Zigzag Career Path. They shared with students, employees and fellow alumni how they leveraged the skills and connections they made during their time at DC to help propel them into the next, sometimes unexpected, chapters of their careers.

Karey Anne Large, CEO, Whitby Chamber of Commerce, and 1997 graduate of Legal Administration (now named Law Clerk), shared that when she didn’t make the move to work full-time in a law firm, she thought she would never use what she learned in college. “But my office role evolved,” she said, “And I ended up being the point person for executing contracts – and I still use those skills today! I wouldn’t change what I studied because it puts a different lens on the things I do now.”

The conversation covered the importance of building resiliency and adaptability, as well as embracing the opportunities in front of you.

“Younger me didn’t know it was okay to change the dream,” said Adam Hare, President of Petley-Hare Insurance Brokers, Co-founder of Bread & Butter Creative Agency and 2006 graduate of Multimedia Design (now named Interactive Media Design). “You all have a dream right now, but things are constantly evolving. Be okay with that.”

The DC Talks: Alumni Series is hosted by the Durham College Alumni Association and aims to inspire current students, facilitate networking among alumni, and highlight success stories. Hosted twice a year, this event welcomes panellists and guests to join online or in person in the Rotary Global Classroom.

Read on to get to know the panellists and learn from their experiences. Watch the full recording of DC Talks: Alumni Series “The Zigzag Career Path.”

  • Adam Hare

    Multimedia Design, Class of 2006

    Adam’s career journey began as a young entrepreneur, launching his own clothing line, and later evolved into managing a creative team at Universal Music Canada, one of the world’s top entertainment companies. More recently, Adam has made a significant impact in the insurance industry, modernizing a century-old business model into a cutting-edge, culture first, technology-driven operation. In addition, he co-founded a full-service digital marketing and consulting agency, Bread & Butter Creative Agency, helping large brands and small businesses across Canada elevate their presence and achieve success.

  • Karey Anne Large

    Legal Administration, Class of 1997

    While working in the corporate world in 2005, Karey Anne started making cakes out of her home kitchen. After discovering her passion for cake decorating, she dove in headfirst, leaving her corporate career behind and opening her first retail location in 2011. She saw many sweet successes during her cake decorating journey, claiming a number of awards, including first runner up on Food Network’s Cake Wars. In 2017, she became the Executive Director of the Downtown Whitby Business Improvement Area, combining her experience as a small business owner with her love for the Town of Whitby. In recent years, Karey Anne has continued to serve the business community as the Executive Director of the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, and has now returned to Whitby as the CEO of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce.

  • Leslie Seeley

    Sports Administration, Class of 1986

    Leslie’s extensive career with General Motors of Canada spanned multiple roles, including Senior Community Leader and Business Manager. With over 30 years of experience in operations, project management, and safety oversight, Leslie retired from GM and opened Pure + Simple Oshawa, a premium wellness spa franchise. In addition to her role as manager and owner of Pure + Simple, she is also a part-time professor at DC, where she continues to focus on driving results, fostering innovation, and supporting others in achieving their potential.

  • Kirsten Walker

    Human Resource Management, Class of 2010

    In 2011, Kirsten moved to the UK to play professional football but stayed to pursue a Master’s degree in Business Psychology and now calls London home. Kirsten has over 10 years’ experience of leading, supporting and embedding large-scale transformation initiatives. A strong relationship manager, this has taken her cross-industry in the transport, pharmaceutical, energy, financial services and public sectors and has worked with various levels of executives to embed change. In her role as Business Manager at Newton Europe, she is currently leading a team of Operations and Digital consultants to improve people’s health and social care outcomes in Dorset by transforming their Urgent and Emergency Care pathways.

Durham College highlights research and development expertise at international tradeshow HANNOVER MESSE in Germany

Durham College (DC) is embracing an opportunity to showcase the college’s research and development capabilities to an international audience at one of the world’s most important tradeshows, HANNOVER MESSE.

The event runs from March 31 to April 4 in Hanover, Germany and DC will be represented by Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research and Robin Young, Director, Corporate Training Services.

“Durham College is thrilled to be exhibiting its research and development expertise at HANNOVER MESSE with its partners across Durham Region,” said McKee Demczyk. “Canada is the partner country for this year’s event, and more than 230 exhibitors and 250 delegates from Canada will be showcasing their technology and expertise across the tradeshow.”

DC’s exhibition partners include Invest Durham, local area municipalities, Ontario Tech University, Trent University Durham, Spark Centre, the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, and Project Arrow. The college will focus on pitching cutting-edge technology services including: Artificial Intelligence Training and Advisory Services, 3D Product Video Production, Virtual Reality Training Development, Customized Corporate Training, and Cybersecurity Training and Services.

“We will also engage in preliminary discussions with international postsecondary institutions to contribute to research projects of global significance,” said McKee Demczyk. “We look forward to showcasing our expertise to international clients and partners and growing the international market for our future-focused business services.”

Through HANNOVER MESSE DC is hoping to create enhance partnerships with the local business community while building awareness of the college on the international stage.

“We have already been having very productive conversations with companies attending the tradeshow, and we look to deepen those partnerships while in Germany to launch real and meaningful collaboration on research and development projects.”

In July 2024, the government of Canada and the European Commission signed an agreement allowing Canada to participate in Horizon Europe funding calls under Pillar 2. Horizon Europe fosters opportunities for collaboration on international research and innovation.

“Now that Canada is eligible to participate in funding calls, Durham College hopes to develop international research partnerships where we can apply our cutting-edge technologies and services to consortiums who have come together to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges,” said McKee Demczyk.

Supply Chain students embrace experiential learning

Hands-on learning is a priority at Durham College (DC) and recently, students in the Supply Chain programs took advantage of two dynamic opportunities to put what they’re learning in the classroom to the test.

Global Manufacturing Sustainability SAP ERPSIM Challenge

In this competition, student teams managed a virtual manufacturing company using SAP S/4HANA – the same enterprise resource planning software utilized by businesses around the world.

Over three weeks, teams made critical real-time decisions in areas such as procurement, production, sales, inventory management, and sustainability initiatives. Their goal was to maximize their company’s financial valuation while maintaining sustainable business practices.

The DC team of Supply Chain Management – Global students Manik Badhwar, Deniesha Goldbourne, Ayokunle Ayodele, Ogooluwa Olafusi and Ravi placed sixth out of 22 teams from around the world.

“The competition was a great opportunity for me to apply the many concepts I had learned in my program,” said Badhwar. “It was one of the most memorable experiences of my time at Durham College—one I will never forget.”

For Supply Chain Program Coordinator Jennifer Souch, the team’s success in the competition was proof that their effort, dedication, and teamwork had paid off, and that her students are ready to launch successful careers.

“They demonstrated their ability to apply supply chain and enterprise resource planning knowledge in a practical setting,” said Souch. “Employers highly value hands-on experience and participating in a global competition of this caliber sets them apart in a competitive job market. It highlights their ability to make data-driven decisions, collaborate effectively, and adapt to complex business challenges—all essential skills for success in the industry.”

Collaborative Online Integrated Learning (COIL) initiative

DC and Inholland University partnered to give students a unique opportunity to collaborate with their peers on the other side of the world. Hundreds of students from each school took part in analyzing the fresh-cut flower and timber supply chains and providing actionable recommendations aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Five students stand in front of a screen studying a chart.

By taking part in the project, our DC students enhanced their intercultural communication skills, gained experience working in diverse, virtual teams and strengthened their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Working in concert with the SDGs was particularly helpful, as it challenged the students to consider real world problems that exist globally and how they might address them, according to Faculty Member Allana Persaud.

“Companies are looking for solution-oriented people. It’s one thing to know how to run a supply chain. It’s another thing to know how to proactively manage a supply chain with risk management, ensuring that you’re always looking ahead,” she said.

The initiative was an invaluable opportunity for experiential learning that will give the students an edge in the job market.

“If you’re in an interview and you’re asked about your experience, and you don’t have any, this project is something practical you can build upon,” said Chinasa Chukwuezue, one of the participating students.