Success starts at Durham College

The Centre for Success at Durham College (DC) provides additional support for high school students to help ensure they receive their credits while simultaneously offering unique college-based opportunities.

Centre for Success students are high school students who study at DC Monday to Thursday and earn college credits while finishing their high school diplomas. Students are admitted into the program on recommendation from their high school guidance counsellors and apply to college after they complete their diploma.

Amanda Moore, a student in the program, will be attending DC this September to study in the Paralegal program. Her goal is to succeed in the program and one day become a lawyer, but at first she didn’t think it could happen.

“Coming to DC through the Centre for Success was really eye-opening,” Moore said. “I never considered going to college until I came here to study high school courses.”

According to Gail MacKenzie, manager of strategic initiatives for the School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment, the Centre for Success is like a school within a school.

“We take 150 students per semester, and they come to DC every day as if it was their high school,” MacKenzie said.

The atmosphere and responsibility of going to college is one aspect which MacKenzie thinks helps students who are at risk of not graduating from high school to find motivation.

“We show them they can be successful in college, and it’s a real boost to their confidence and self-esteem,” MacKenzie said. “They’re treated like adults so they act like adults, and it’s a valuable experience.”

This sentiment is something Moore agrees with, she stressed that independence and understanding were key factors to her success at DC.

“The environment helps a lot,” said Moore. “You get used to the campus and the teachers. They know when to push you and when to leave you alone, and it gives you the experience to know what you’re getting into when coming to college.”

DC offers 10 different credits at both campuses including trades, general education, and business courses that double as college and high school credits. This helps students recover up to three credits that may have prevented them from graduating.

“It’s a really good program,” Moore said.

The Centre for Success is only one piece of DC’s School-College-Work Initiative. According to MacKenzie there are approximately 1,800 students getting dual credits at DC that come from all over the Region of Durham.


Durham College Communications and Marketing department brings home the gold

Once again, Durham College’s (DC) Communications and Marketing department is recognized for their hard work and innovation at the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) Paragon Awards. This year, the team received gold in the Video Shorts and Electronic College Annual Report categories, as well as bronze in Special Events Promotion.

The prestigious awards are the only national competition of its kind showcasing outstanding achievement in communications at community and technical colleges for the past 15 years. The 2015 national conference was held in Portland, Oregon. Graphic designers Beth Chapleau and Melanie Vincent, travelled to Portland to represent DC at this year’s conference.

“It was awesome to connect with so many people who work in communications and marketing,” said Chapleau. “To see all of the submissions from a wide range of community colleges was really interesting. DC is producing work we can definitely be proud of.”

On July 30, DC announced the official launch of its marketing campaign, Experience DC. The purpose of this multiplatform campaign is to bring the college experience to prospective and current students, parents, teachers and the community through a unique group of students representing a wide cross-section of programs, personal interests and personalities. From August 11 to 25, DC gave viewers a sneak peek at each student individually through a series of short videos on the Experience DC website. This series of videos, including the campaign launch video, were awarded gold at this year’s Paragon Awards. Since its launch, the Experience DC campaign has garnered more than 84,400 page views.

Another gold Paragon Award winner was the college’s 2013-2014 electronic annual report.

In addition to the two gold awards, the college received bronze for DC’s staff appreciation ceremony. On October 4, the college celebrated staff’s employment at the annual event. Service awards were distributed in five-year intervals, up to the 35-year mark, with nearly 170 staff members receiving recognition. For the first time, awards of excellence were given to nominated support, administrative and accessibility advocate staff. With more than 400 guests in attendance, DC President Don Lovisa, presented winners with their awards. Faculty excellence award winners were also given a $1,500 credit for a professional development course through the Centre for Academic and Faculty Enrichment. The annual ceremony allows faculty and staff to be recognized for their hard-work and dedication.

“I am beyond proud of the creativity, commitment, dedication and professionalism the DC Communications and Marketing department puts into their work every day,” said Carol Beam, executive director, Communications and Marketing. “To be recognized at NCMPR’s Paragon Awards is a great honour.”

This year’s NCMPR Paragon Awards received a total of 1,780 submissions in 53 categories. Winners represented a variety of colleges, all with a wide range of budgets, staff and resources. What made the award recipients similar was their dedication for producing creative and unique approaches to college communications and marketing.


Volunteering adds up for Durham College math teacher

In March 2010, Leilani Morales, a teacher with Durham College’s (DC) School of Science & Engineering Technology, keyed two words into her computer: Volunteer Toronto. Through her search, she found Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training, an organization committed to assisting all persons of Aboriginal ancestry to attain a better quality of life. She was given the opportunity to tutor math in the organization’s new Ngindaasmin Academic Upgrading program, which provides assistance to individuals wanting to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma while allowing them to learn the history, treaties and traditions of the Anishnawbek. After her first four months in the program, four out of 10 Ngindaasmin students were accepted into university.

In November 2010, Morales was nominated by program co-ordinator, Carol White, for the first ever Volunteer Legacy Award. This prestigious award, organized by Volunteer Toronto, recognizes up to 25 people for their commitment to bettering the community through volunteerism.

More than four years after winning the award, Morales was asked to be part of the judging panel for the 2015 Volunteer Legacy Awards. She was required to review 40 outstanding volunteers based on set criteria. She spent three consecutive days pouring over the heartwarming stories before submitting her recommendations to Volunteer Toronto.

“The experience was humbling,” says Morales. “It deepened my perception of volunteerism. A volunteer is someone who is compassionate, selfless and committed to making a positive change. They see a need in their community and initiate a project to improve the lives of others, from helping grieving people recover, to giving the underprivileged an environment or experience they could never have.”

In her spare time, she is currently teaching math for another program through Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training. In this program, students can upgrade their basic math, measurement, trigonometry, geometry and applied algebra skills.

When she isn’t teaching, Morales spends time with her husband, a professor in DC’s School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services. Together they have two children. She also enjoys paper crafting, gardening and her new hobby, photography.

The recipients of this year’s Volunteer Legacy Awards will be announced during National Volunteer Week, which runs from Sunday, April 12 to Saturday, April 18. Morales was moved by the firsthand stories of volunteerism in the City of Toronto.

“Sharing this experience will hopefully inspire and promote volunteerism at DC and beyond,” says Morales. “On our campus, I believe that there are many staff and students who are eager to help give hope and comfort to those in need and celebrate with every positive change that comes along the way. They are ready to volunteer.”


Brighton students cook up a winning recipe at DC’s first ever Epic Mac N’ Cheese Competition

It was a gouda day at Durham College’s (DC) Centre for Food (CFF) as 13 teams of grade 11 and 12 students faced off in the college’s first ever Epic Man N’ Cheese competition on Saturday, April 11.

The students developed their own unique twist on the old family favourite using top-quality local ingredients such as smoked duck, Montreal smoked beef, salmon, lobster, fresh vegetables and herbs, and, of course, a range of cheeses including asiago, blue, brie, fontina, Colby, cheddar, goat’s cheese and more provided by a variety of sponsors.

Each team produced a stunning dish, but the winning recipe was Spicy Mac N’ Cheese whipped up by Tamara Pantaleo and Johanna Buttle of East Northumberland Secondary School, in Brighton, Ont. With Muenster cheese, merguez sausage made by the students in DC’s Culinary Skills program, cayenne pepper and fresh herbs, it was a combination that couldn’t be beat.

“Winning the contest definitely helps me get my name out there in the field and builds confidence in my cooking abilities,” said Tamara Pantaleo. “I plan on going to DC in the fall so it’s also nice to already have experience with the culinary program there.”

“The competition helped decide my post-secondary path,” said Johanna Buttle. “Winning proves that I can succeed with a future in culinary arts.

The winners were chosen by event attendees who enjoyed a sample size portion of each concoction then voted for their top choice. Honourable mentions go to:

Second Place:  Notre Dame Catholic High School
Megan McGrath
Jaelyn Mason

Second Place:  Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School
Morgan Mackenzie 
Nic Cranney

Third Place:  J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate
Jeni Monette
Jack Lloyd

“We were thrilled to see so many aspiring chefs cooking up a storm in our kitchens, and the support from the community was outstanding,” said Dave Hawey, chef, professor and coordinator of the culinary programs, at DC. “We’d also like to thank our generous sponsors for donating the ingredients and prizes, which allows the college to reinvest 100 per cent of ticket sales back into student education and training.  Several local businesses also purchased tickets to support the event.”

All the cheddar raised at the Epic Mac N’ Cheese Competition will be held in a bursary fund to support students considering a career in culinary, hospitality or special events planning at DC. All students who participated in the competition are eligible to apply for the bursary.  

Epic Mac N’ Cheese Competition Winning Recipe: Spicy Mac n’ Cheese
Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup of salted butter
  • 5 tbsp. of flour
  • 1 cup Muenster cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 tbsp. of mustard
  • 1 egg yolk

 Melt butter in pan and bring to a simmer. Whisk in the flour, one tablespoon at a time. Keep the heat on low, whisking until it darkens in colour (about seven minutes). Add the milk a bit at a time, whisking until it’s absorbed, then adding more. Simmer for as long as possible but 20 minutes is advised, stirring every five minutes to keep it from sticking to the bottom. Add the mustard and egg yolk.

 Meat:

  • 2 stripped Merguez sausages, separated (made by the students in DC’s Culinary Skills program – available for purchase at Pantry)
  • Cayenne
  • Salt / pepper
  • Oregano
  • Crushed chilly flakes
  • Fresh thyme
  • Fresh basil
  • Chives
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 diced onion
  • Green onion, chopped
  • 1 roasted red pepper
  • 3 chopped mushrooms

Caramelize garlic and onion in a pan. Brown the sausage in the same pan. Add a pinch of each spice. Add the mushroom and roasted pepper last. Add the mixture to cooked pasta and sauce. Put it into a dish.

Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tbsp. oregano
  • tbsp. melted butter
  • 1/3 cup asiago cheese

Mix breadcrumbs and oregano. Mix a 1/4 into the meat and pasta mixture. Add the butter to the rest of the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle asiago over the mixture. Apply the rest to create a layer on top of the pasta and broil for five minutes.


Durham College helps build international alliances in higher education

Several representatives from Durham College (DC) visited Dublin Ireland to share their expertise and showcase the excellent programs offered at the college in the first Irish-Canadian Higher Education in Transformation Symposium, held at both the Dublin Institute of Technology and the Printworks, Dublin Castle.

Lon Appleby, professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services; Jay Fisher and Kevin Dougherty, professors in the School of Business, IT & Management; and DC President Don Lovisa travelled across the pond for the conference, which ran from March 30 to April 1. Also in attendance were representatives from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), Trent University, Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD), the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB), Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT), and Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT).  

DC staff and faculty actively participated through workshops and speaking engagements that provided a strategic focus for attendees on the direction of higher education.

Appleby hosted a workshop on the first day that focused on DC’s “global classes”, which connects students with industry experts, producers, researchers and authors from around the world through a virtual meeting room.

Dougherty provided an address on the second day that focused on Factors that Influence College Faculty to Adopt Digital Technologies in their Practice, and Fisher shared his expertise on the third day with a speaking engagement based on A New Model Within Canadian Colleges and Universities to Develop a Diverse Future Generation of Entrepreneurs: Inclusivity and Accessibility.

“I was very pleased to co-host and participate in this international symposium and engage in meaningful discussions with colleagues from Canada, Ireland and other countries about the evolution of higher education,” said Lovisa. “In addition, I was very proud of our Durham College faculty who presented at the conference and by the excellent reception they received.  Through our collective efforts we can focus on responding to the rapidly changing social and economic environment affecting higher education. From this place of cohesion, we can adapt our institutions and continue to prepare our students for success and position them as tomorrow’s leaders.”


In the name of charity, campus walkers and runners brave the elements

While the weather conditions may not have been entirely spring-like, dozens of Durham College (DC) and University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) students, staff, faculty, and community members put on their sneakers April 8 to support the eighth-annual Campus Charity Walk and Run for the Boys and Girls Club of Durham (BGCD).

The regular five-kilometre course route was cut a bit short this year because of the poor weather. Still, the hearty participants raised more than $3,300 for the BGCD’s Youth Justice Program. Other runners included Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) cadets, staff and youth from the BGCD, and students from G.L. Roberts Collegiate Vocational Institute in Oshawa, Ontario. In addition, 28 volunteers assisted with setup and registration for the two-loop course at the joint DC-UOIT campus location in north Oshawa.

“This annual event is a sure sign of spring on campus and we are grateful for the support of so many people from across the community who recognize the importance of this cause,” said event co-ordinator Dr. Carla Cesaroni. “The Boys and Girls Club of Durham provides children a safe and supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.”

2015 awards:

DC/UOIT registered runners

  • Male
    • Matthew Hack 7:37
    • Tyler Tompsett 8:05
    • Ben Suter 8:21
  • Female
    • Johanna Tooners 10:14
    • Lori Wilson 10:50
    • Daria Ruginis 11:12

 Faculty and staff runners

  • Dan Walters 9:59

 G.L. Roberts Collegiate Vocational Institute

  • Male
    • Scott Valade 9:28
    • Kyle Watt 9:42
    • Demetrius Empey 10:14
  • Female
    • Christina Branch 9:29
    • Jolesha Allen 11:20
    • Sam Mclean 11:25
  • Durham Regional Police Service
    • Jeff Statham 12:16 (cadet instructor). Organizers say the DRPS team ran together and made sure Jeff crossed the line first.

DC Grad Tops List of Most Beautiful Outdoor Pianos

Katriona Dean, a Durham College (DC) School of Media, Art & Design grad, shared her talent with the Town of Cobourg so others could share theirs. Dean painted two pianos that were placed in parks around town; one designed as a great horned owl, eyes fixed on you as you play, while the other was styled after a fox, with large ears and lovingly nicknamed Foxgang Amadeus after the famous classical pianist, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

“Studying Graphic Design at DC really helped me tap into my creative potential and has opened a world of opportunities for me as a designer/artist,” Dean said. “I worked diligently as a design student to break down my own creative barriers, which in doing so has provided me with endless creative freedom.”

The two pianos are ranked first and third on Bored Panda’s list “Most Beautiful Outdoor Pianos You Can Play All Around the World” with Foxgang Amadeus sitting comfortably in first place.

“Knowing that the pianos would reside in a park setting I wanted to bring to life the Canadian aspect just as much as the natural aspect,” Dean explained. “The great–horned owl and the red fox are both representative of the beautiful Canadian wildlife that can be seen in parks right across the country.”

She says she was drawn to the idea of using a connection between music and art to help bridge gaps between strangers in the park who might stop to listen or play.

“It was important to me that the artwork draw passersby to really want to engage with the installation; I didn’t want anyone to feel that they could simply walk by without at least tapping a key or two,” Dean explained. “These artistic projects are organized with the sole purpose of inviting strangers to walk up to an instrument in the street to share their love of music. Absolutely anyone and everyone is invited to express themselves in some way, shape or form through this installation.”

The most important aspect of Dean’s art, according to her, is uniting people and making a difference. She tries to focus her art towards those goals, she says it’s the only time she feels a piece is truly complete.

Check out the piano in this short video.


Durham College alumni recount their roads to success

Two Durham College (DC) alumni wowed students with stories of their remarkable journeys from college to career at this year’s Alumni in the Pit on April 7. The annual event welcomes back former DC students to share their experiences since graduation and provide guidance to those who are about to embark on their own career paths.

This year’s event featured, Amanda de Souza, designer and professor, and Mike Arsenault, broadcaster and author, who both graduated from DC in 2008. Though they received very different educations, they had the same advice to share – work hard, volunteer, learn as much as you can (even in that “meaningless” job) and be passionate about everything you do.

“I used to spend my weekends doing a self-defence show for Rogers TV Durham,” said Arsenault, who graduated from the Sport Business Management – Graduate Certificate program. “They were 12-hour days, but if you enjoy what you do, it’s not work. So get your foot in the door. Even if it’s not what you want to do it can still give you answers, it’s still valuable experience and it gives you a lot of networking opportunities.”

Mike eventually transitioned into sports writing and broadcasting, and even published a book, 60’6″: Balls, Strikes, and Baseball Mortality, in 2012. He currently works as a field reporter for The Weather Network and CBC.

De Souza graduated from the Advertising program at DC. She moved to New York City (NYC) where she landed a job as senior designer for W Magazine and found success as an artist. In fact, one of her pieces, a decorated piano, was featured in NYC’s Central Park as part of a city-wide art exhibit.

“Be passionate about what you’re studying,” de Souza said. “Focus on your passion, then use the skills you develop here at DC to pursue what you enjoy. I didn’t even realize how many skills I learned in my program until I started applying for jobs, and said, ‘I can do this, and this, and this.’”

Both grads attended DC after completing a university degree to develop more hands-on skills that carried them through a range of exciting opportunities, including de Souza’s time as social media manager for Justin Timberlake’s restaurant, Southern Hospitality, in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC, and Arsenault’s gig as editor for two newspapers.

“It’s exciting to reconnect with these amazing young people who once stood where our students stand now,” said DC President, Don Lovisa. “They have both accomplished great things, and I hope our students were inspired by their tenacity, enthusiasm and drive to follow their dreams. We offer outstanding programs here at DC, and we’re proud to have played a role in the success of these two, and so many more, alumni.”


The logo isn’t the only thing that is green at DC

There was lots of love for the environment at Durham College (DC) as students, faculty and staff commemorated Earth Week 2015. The DC Sustainability Committee helped students go green with a number of exciting events held both on and off campus.

The week’s activities began on Saturday, March 28 when DC and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) partnered with the City of Oshawa when they hosted a screening of the documentary No Impact Man, a film about one family’s attempt to live a year without making any impact on the environment. Taking place at the Regent Theatre, the movie showing coincided with Earth Hour 2015, a global event encouraging people to turn off the lights to symbolize their commitment to the planet.

Events continued throughout the rest of the week including:

  • A mini farmer’s market in The Pit where students had the opportunity to purchase fresh locally produced goods and learn more about Aramark’s eco-initiatives,
  • An artisanal chocolate workshop and tasting featuring ChocoSol Traders, where Founder Michael Sacco explained how they are working to incorporate the research of spiritual ecology of the forest garden and polyculture into local projects,
  • An eco-showcase at EP Taylor’s students enjoyed live music while sampling some sustainable menu items and browsing local green vendors.

“We wanted our Earth Week activities to be fun and engaging for staff, students and faculty alike,” said Tanya Roberts, sustainability co-ordinator. “We had a great response and were able to showcase sustainability in a number of unique ways.

Earth Week may be over, but sustainability never stops. Visit durhamcollege.ca/livinggreen for more information on how you can participate in eco-friendly activities on and off campus.


DC students provide a backdrop for success

Durham College (DC) students from the School of Media Art & Design are drawing on the talent of the next generation with a venture that gives a voice to high school art students.

A group of 10 third-year fine arts students started the Speak Up! project as an opportunity for youth to have their art showcased at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG).

 According to Rachel Wilde, project co-ordinator and student in the Fine Arts – Advanced program at DC, the purpose of the project is not just to showcase young people’s artwork, but to make a statement.

 “As artists, it’s important to us to use art not just as a means to highlight our technical ability, but also to make people think and challenge their beliefs,” Wilde said. “As a result, we wanted to give youth in Oshawa the opportunity to provoke thought and to inspire people to see things differently. How they would do that and what they would say was completely up to them.”

 It is her hope that the RMG will continue to use this project as a means to give a voice to young people in Oshawa following her graduation from DC in June.

 “This project, for me, became so much more than just another school assignment, it’s something that I care about very much,” Wilde explained. “This is because I want youth to feel valued and to be a part of something that may help them through difficult times and give them a sense of identity.”

 Visit the RMG before April 11 to catch the Speak Up! art exhibit. A juried show is scheduled for April 10 where students will receive feedback and awards for their work.