Durham College’s Centre for Food pollinator garden springs to life

Here’s some food for thought: without the aid of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other insects capable of spreading pollen from one plant to the next, a majority of our food source will die off. Not to mention, the lush, green environment we’ve grown accustomed to would falter.

That’s why Field to Fork, Durham College’s (DC) crowd-sourced fundraising initiative, raised funds in August 2014 to create a pollinator garden at the Centre for Food (CFF) with the goal of increasing pollinators at the CFF and in Durham Region.

This summer, the project received a boost from Dutchmaster Nurseries, a family-run business located in Brougham, Ont. Dutchmaster delivered a variety of shrubs and trees to the garden, such as serviceberry, winterberry and flowering currants. Students began populating the garden with the donated plants, and added in St. John’s wart and barrier foliage to create a semi-enclosed sanctuary for the bees and butterflies.

The pollinator garden does more than provide a safe haven for pollinators. It also provides learning opportunities for students in the Horticulture – Food and Farming and Horticulture Technician programs, where they can hone their horticulture and pruning skills and practice plant identification. The plants in the garden will also provide berries for harvest and will help increase the crop yield in the gardens at the CFF.

“The donation of these plants from Dutchmaster Nurseries, will provide our students with hands on learning opportunities in horticulture, provide pollinators a habitat to thrive and will give our fruit producing crops a much appreciated boost,” said Shane Jones, professor, School of Science, Engineering & Technology. “On top of all that it provides us with a beautiful garden of native wildflowers!”

To learn more and support this venture, visit the Pollinator Garden project page.


Success rates soar for School-College-Work Initiative students

Once again students in Durham College’s (DC) School-College-Work Initiative (SCWI) have achieved academic excellence. The most recent term saw a success rate of 90 per cent, a four per cent increase over last year for the more than 1300 secondary school students who completed a dual-credit program with DC.

“It was another outstanding year for our School-College-Work Initiative students,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “The opportunity to complete college credits while also working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma sets students up for success. This year’s results demonstrate what happens when great educators come together and students show a passion for learning.”

The SCWI program focuses on helping at-risk secondary school students receive their diploma while completing college credits at the same time. Dual credit courses are a great choice for students who are at risk of not graduating; enrolled in a Specialist High Skills Major; enrolled in an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program; or are under 21 years old and out of school, but close to earning their OSSD.

More than 100 dual credit courses are offered at DC on a variety of subjects, including but not limited to, skilled trades, apprenticeship, health, art, science and business. Students from secondary schools in the Durham Catholic District School Board; Durham District School Board; Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board; Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board; and Trillium Lakelands District School Board are eligible to participate.

“This initiative has one of the highest success rates among students I’ve ever seen,” said Gail MacKenzie, manager, Strategic Initiatives, School of Interdisciplinary Studies. “The dual credit program allows students to achieve their potential and really motivates students to achieve their best.”

For more information regarding the dual credit program, visit the DC Centre for Success website or contact the School-College-Work Initiative coordinator.


New Pathways Agreement with Trent University offers diploma to degree options for media students

Building on a long-standing partnership of offering pathway programs to assist students in making the transition from diploma to degree, Durham College (DC) and Trent University have signed a new agreement that will fast-track students to a college diploma in Journalism and a university degree in Media Studies in only a four-year timeframe.

The new pathways program agreement was signed July 8, 2015 at Trent University Durham by Don Lovisa, president of Durham College and Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent University president and vice-chancellor. It will allow graduates of DC’s two-year Journalism – Web and Print and Journalism – Broadcast and Electronic Media programs to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies at Trent University in Peterborough or at Trent University Durham, where the Media Studies degree is being offered for the first time in fall 2015.

“This is another example of our progressive and long-standing partnership with Trent University,” said President Lovisa. “Developing new pathway programs for our students ensures they get the best of both a college and university education – technical, professional and theoretical training along the way to earning a diploma and degree. That means when they graduate they are better-positioned with employers and for finding professional success.”

This agreement marks the first partnership between Trent and DC’s School of Media, Art and Design. There are now more than 14 diploma-to-degree pathways in place between DC and Trent University, providing degree completion opportunities for graduates of the college’s business, General Arts and Science, computing, Environmental Technology, Police Foundations and Pharmaceutical and Food Science Technology programs. The two institutions are also currently working on two additional pathways from the School of Media, Art and Design at DC into Media Studies at Trent University, to be finalized in fall 2015.


Durham College recognized for being social media savvy

Durham College (DC) was recently ranked among the top 20 performing Canadian post-secondary institutions on Facebook and Twitter by Engagement Labs – a technology and data company that provides full-service, next-generation social technology solutions for marketers.

The colleges and universities were graded based on an eValue score, which measures the institution’s social media and digital marketing efforts and awards a score out of 100. Criteria includes the level of engagement, the unique reach content received and how frequent, fast and well the organization responds to conversations generated on their social media sites.

This is the second time in 12 months that DC has been recognized for having one of the top social media presences within Canadian post-secondary institutions, having been noted as one of Canada’s top 10 social colleges of 2014.

“We’re always looking for innovative and meaningful ways to connect with prospective and current students,” said Carol Beam, executive director, Communications and Marketing at DC. “For us, communication is a two-way street and it’s just as important to engage with our stakeholders as it is to share information. This helps us establish an inclusive and transparent community both on campus and online.”

In 2014, DC launched a major multi-platform social media Experience DC campaign – the most progressive marketing campaign in the college’s history. Fourteen students from all walks of life provided an authentic perspective of college life at DC.

The campaign was so successful that it will run again throughout the 2015/2016 academic year, but has expanded to include employees.

Many of DC’s employees and departments, including DC President Don Lovisa, are already active on social media to provide a more exclusive look at all the exciting programs, highlights and events happening on campus.

Join the conversation! Follow DC on Twitter and/or like us on Facebook to share your thoughts, ask questions, learn more about the college and stay current with important dates and events.


Senior experienced industry leaders assume Chair, Vice-Chair roles with Durham College Board

The Durham College (DC) Board of Governors is pleased to announce that Pierre Tremblay is its new chair, effective July 1, 2015.

Tremblay is a well-respected and dedicated leader in the Canadian Nuclear industry, most recently serving as president and then executive advisor for Canadian Nuclear Partners, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation (OPG). As a Canadian nuclear senior executive, Tremblay’s extensive career at OPG has spanned over 35 years. Tremblay has been vice-chair of the DC Board for the past two years and replaces Ron Chatterton, who has reached the end of his term with the Board. As Chair, Tremblay will draw on his experiences with DC and as a governor with UOIT in providing governance, oversight and leadership on behalf of a 17-member Board of Governors that represents the strengths and diversity of the communities the college serves.

“I’m very pleased to be the incoming chair at a time when Durham College has so much momentum looking forward,” said Tremblay. “Over the past few years the college has realized significant growth in enrolment and programs, shown leadership with its applied research and entrepreneurship activities, and developed new partnerships, among its many highlights. I know the Board is looking forward to supporting further growth and success in the year ahead.”

In addition, Dan Borowec is now vice-chair, also effective July 1, 2015. Borowec is an experienced senior community leader, including his current role as director of economic development and tourism for Northumberland County. With a background in both post-secondary education and community economic development, he has brought extensive experience to his role on the board over the past three years.

To learn more about the Durham College Board of Governors, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/bog.


Experienced college leader joins DC as new vice-president, academic

Durham College (DC) is pleased to welcome Dr. Elaine Popp to the college family as the new vice-president, Academic. Popp has more than 15 years of progressive experience in senior academic leadership within the Ontario college and broader post-secondary systems, a background that will help further strengthen the leadership team at DC.

“I am very pleased to be joining Durham College and am looking forward to working with everyone on campus to deliver a post-secondary experience that ensures our students succeed while they are on campus and long after they graduate,” said Popp. “I have been particularly impressed by the college’s growth in students, programs and partnerships over the past number of years – its reputation has never been stronger.”

Before joining DC, Popp was the associate vice-president, Academic at Humber College, where she chaired many strategic and academic committees and oversaw the review and development of academic regulations, policies and procedures to support and guide program development, implementation and delivery. She was also involved in leading the development of institutional space allocation and request processes.

Among her roles at Humber, Popp was associate dean in the School of Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism, a program co-ordinator in the same school and program head of the Kinesiology degree program at the University of Guelph-Humber, where she designed, developed and executed curricula.

“I am confident the combination of Elaine’s experience and educational background will provide a solid foundation for Durham College moving forward,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. 


Taking to the open road to promote inclusion

On Thursday, July 2, Durham College (DC) dean Kevin Baker embarked on the Ride for Inclusion, an epic road trip taking place during the month of July, covering 10,000 km to raise awareness and promote the integration of young people with intellectual challenges into mainstream society. It’s one man and his motorcycle in rain or shine tackling one of the world’s best-known biking routes.

As the father of a son who is on the autism spectrum, Baker has witnessed first-hand the need for greater inclusion and as a dean he has seen the power of inclusivity in action through the college’s Community Integration through Cooperative Education (CICE) program. CICE promotes the inclusion of young people who are otherwise excluded from post-secondary education and, ultimately, paid employment and independence.

“This ride gives me the opportunity to combine several passions of mine in support of a very important cause,” said Baker. “As a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast I am thrilled to be tackling this highly envied route but, more importantly, I am excited that I can raise awareness and funds for the CICE program.”

After departing from Whitby, the official ride begins in Deadhorse, Alaska on Monday, July 13 and concludes in Key West, Florida on Wednesday, July 29.

To learn more about the Ride for Inclusion visit: www.rideforinclusion.com/. For more information about Durham College or the Community Integration through Cooperative Education program visit: www.durhamcollege.ca.


DC receives $55,000 donation from the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association

Durham College (DC) was honoured to receive a donation from the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) to establish the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association Award, which will be awarded annually, for five years, to four second-year students. 

“We value our partnership with Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, and are grateful for their generosity,” said David Chambers, associate vice-president, Office of Development and Alumni. “Student success is at the forefront of Durham College and this award, which will be offered as bursaries to students facing financial challenges, will provide additional support and opportunities for these students to achieve their goals.” 

The $55,000 bursary will be disbursed at $11,000 per year, and awarded to two students in the Motive Power Technician – Service and Management program and two from the School of Business, IT and Management, who are studying Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, and Operations Management – Business Administration. Each year’s recipients will be selected by DC’s Financial Aid and Awards office. 

“TADA is very happy to provide this support to Durham College, said Dave Fraser, education coordinator, TADA. “Our main goal as an association is to connect more and more of our members with the most qualified candidates of the future.” 

For more than 100 years, TADA has been a leader in progressive and innovative work on behalf of new car and truck dealers within Ontario. They strive to establish and maintain fair and uniform business practices, standards of advertising and training, and proactive programs to enhance customer service for consumers.

TADA launched their innovative Career Start program in 2014, which encourages new car dealers to form relationships with high school and post-secondary schools, host career fairs, showcase career opportunities at the Canadian International Auto Show, and promote careers through print brochures and social media advertising.


School of BITM students are getting an athletic start to their careers

More than 10 Durham College (DC) students assisted in upgrading and stabilizing the wireless network at the Abilities Centre – a state-of-the-art sports and recreation facility in Whitby, Ont., – in preparation for the 2015 Parapan Am Games.

Thanks to Cisco Systems, Inc. – a leader in communications and Internet solutions and services – nearly a dozen third-year Computer Systems Technology students from the School of Business, IT & Management (BITM) received the opportunity to work on various aspects the centre’s existing network including, stabilization as new equipment was introduced; suggesting support mechanisms; and configuring the network in its new state. Students will also help to maintain the system throughout the event.

As well as upgrading the current network at the Abilities Centre, students from this program, as well as from the Computer Systems Technician program, will volunteer alongside Cisco employees during the games as technical volunteers. DC students will assist spectators, competitors and media with any issues in connecting to and using the networks at a number of venues, including the Oshawa Sports Centre (GM Centre) and the President’s Choice Ajax Pan Am Ballpark as well as the Abilities Centre.

This experience has also led to a partnership between DC and the Abilities Centre to provide third-year students with an ongoing opportunity to provide technical support, so they can gain valuable hands-on training. Current and future work at the Abilities Centre will also be used in case studies to teach real-world examples of how to upgrade and support such a large network.

“This is a great hands-on experience for our students so they can not only see, but also have a hand in supporting, a real production environment network before they graduate,” said the coordinator of the Computer Systems Technology program at DC. “We’re also very pleased to partner with the Abilities Centre for ongoing opportunities for our students to learn real-world applications of what they study in the classroom.”

Fifteen students from other DC programs will also be involved in the Pan Am Games, including three students from the School of Media, Art & Design who will assist the CBC in broadcasting the events and 12 students from the School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology who will help build and maintain residences for the athletes.

The 2015 Pan Am Games run from July 10 to 26 followed by the Parapan Am Games, which run from August 7 to 15.


Fresh veggies in Winter? Cold frame technology research could make it happen

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to grow your own leafy-greens throughout the cold, winter months? Two of Durham College’s (DC) professors are hoping to make that dream a reality.

Greg Moran, a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques (HVAC) professor and Shane Jones, professor, School of Science and Engineering Technology (SET) have been working with students in perfecting the use of cold frame technology to provide businesses and consumers with fresh, local vegetables all year long.

As part of the applied research overseen by DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE), the cold frame technology project brings together faculty and students to build and install prototypes and then test them at the Centre for Food (CFF) at the college’s Whitby campus.

“This project is a great opportunity to teach our students the value of innovation, while working toward a solution that could aid local farmers, business and consumers by providing them with fresh, local produce year-round,” said Moran. “Early testing should prove that the concept works, while the next phase will focus on proving the technology is economically viable in certain applications where it can be developed on a larger scale.”

Cold frame technology works by harnessing the energy of the sun and redirecting it to support growth, even on the coldest of days. The cold frame boxes are constructed using cedar wood and special insulation and have triple polycarbonate glass on the top. The boxes are filled with sand and then buried underground. When the sun is shining, heat is collected and directed below the plants, bringing the heat up at night to warm the ambient air around them.

With plans to begin planting in October and lettuce taking about two months to grow to maturity, Moran and Jones will know in January whether the project was a success.