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Beat goes on at DC's Aboriginal Awareness Day

Students, staff, faculty and classes from local elementary schools gathered at Durham College (DC) to celebrate Aboriginal Awareness Day on January 22. Sponsored by DC’s  Aboriginal Student Centre (ASC), Suswaaning Endaajig, the festivities included performances by the big drum and a women’s hand drum circle, an Inuit throat singer and a Métis fiddler, as well as storytelling.

“We are very proud to share Aboriginal culture with the campus and wider community,” said Julie Pigeon, Aboriginal student advisor for DC. “It’s a culture that is alive and well and hosting Aboriginal Awareness Day is a way to bring focus to the strong traditions that are carried on today by First Nations (status and non-status), Métis and Inuit peoples.”

Four classes from local elementary schools also attended in the morning and afternoon, participating in the opening prayer led by Elder Shirley Williams, dancing to the drums, and learning more about Aboriginal culture by visiting vendor and informational booths that lined the perimeter of the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre.

The ASC strives to recognize and support students through various activities and teachings with the assistance of Elders from all backgrounds and uses a holistic approach to education serving Aboriginal students focusing on their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

CNLA members tour DC’s Centre for Food

The Board of Directors of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) gathered together at the Centre for Food (CFF) on January 20, for a tour and dinner as part of their national winter meetings in Toronto.

President Don Lovisa gave an overall presentation of Durham College (DC) and its positive impact on students and the benefits the college provides in Durham Region. Susan Todd, dean of the School of Science & Engineering Technology described the Horticulture Technician program as it related to the needs of employers for skilled personnel in the nursery business.

Senior business leaders and committee representatives from across the country in the landscape industry plus the provincial association learned about specific programs and the exciting opportunities offered at the CFF.

DC looks forward to establishing partnerships with these important industry leaders in support of the landscape plan as a vital part of the Field-to-Fork concept for the CFF.

LEGO Robots Invade Campus

LEGO robots designed by some of Ontario’s brightest young minds took over the joint campus of Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) on January 17, as both institutions co-hosted the annual FIRST LEGO League’s (FLL) Ontario East Provincial Championships. FIRST is an acronym that means For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.

Nearly 400 students (ages nine to 14), more than 1,000 parents, siblings and coaches, and 200 volunteers, judges, and referees were on hand for the FLL competition, which encourages students to apply math and science concepts to research, design, build and program autonomous robots using LEGO Mindstorms software. At the end of a day filled with fierce and fun competition, team Ctrl-Z from Bayview Glen school in Toronto were crowned the winner and awarded an opportunity to compete at the FLL World Festival in St. Louis, Missouri in late April.

“We were thrilled to welcome the young competitors, their families, coaches and the volunteers to our joint campus,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “As a college that prides itself on innovation, everyone at DC loves watching the younger generation become engaged with science and technology. And who doesn’t enjoy playing with LEGO?”

“Our university is proud to partner with Durham College to host this high-energy competition that brings families from all across the province to our joint campus,” said UOIT President Tim McTiernan. “The University of Ontario Institute of Technology is all about inspiring creative thinking and pushing the boundaries of innovation. This venue is a perfect match with the objective of FIRST LEGO League World Class: to support creative ways of learning.”

This year’s project mission was to find a better or more innovative way to help someone learn. Competitors chose a topic, designed their FLL WORLD CLASS question, created their solution and then presented for the judges.

“We always have a great time when we bring the FLL tournament to DC and UOIT,” said Dave Ellis, director, FIRST LEGO League Ontario. “The Ontario East Provincial Championship is a key part of the overall season each year; we really appreciate the support offered by both academic institutions as we work to foster a love of science, technology, engineering and math concepts.”

Awards list

Champions Award
1st Place Ctrl-Z Bayview Glen Toronto
2nd Place is LOST Toronto
3rd Place Gryphonbots Toronto
Adult Mentor Debbie Hoffele Niagara
Youth Mentor Eden Bibic Kingston
Robot Performance Award Lego da Vincis Niagara
Judges Award Viperbots 2 Toronto
Rising Star Award Sibling Rivalry Ottawa
Inspiration The Musical Misconceptionists Toronto
Teamwork Maniacs mechanics Kanata
Gracious Professionalism AEMbots Toronto
Mechanical Design UTS FOREV3R Toronto
Programming NAYBERS Kingston
Strategy and Innovation W.A.F.F.L.E.S. Kingston
Research King Edward Triple A Batteries Toronto
Innovative Solution Robotic Elite Designers Toronto
Presentation Lego da Vincis Niagara
Playoff Award Sibling Rivalry Ottawa

 

The FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an international robotics program in which teams of young people aged nine to 14 assemble robots (based on the LEGO Mindstorms kit) designed to accomplish tasks associated with a real-world “Challenge.” This competition combines the excitement of a varsity sport with hands-on training in science and technology to help students discover how rewarding a career in engineering or technology can be.

For more information about FLL, please visit http://www.firstroboticscanada.org/

Long-time CBC journalist visits DC students

Award-winning CBC journalist Linden MacIntyre spoke to Durham College’s (DC) journalism students on January 16.

“Our journalism students are fortunate to be mentored by some of Canada’s top journalists and Linden MacIntyre’s visit adds to an impressive list of speakers who have passed along their media wisdom,” said Brian Legree, professor and co-ordinator of Durham College’s Journalism – Web and Print and Journalism – Broadcast and Electronic Media programs.

In the past two years, DC’s journalism students have heard from prominent reporters and anchors such as Peter Mansbridge, Adrienne Arsenault, Glenn Healy, Alison Smith, Kelly Crowe, David Common, Neil Sandell, Lauren McKeon, Priya Ramanujam and Matthew Blackett.

“We are pleased to be able to give our students opportunities to learn from these icons of Canadian journalism.” said Legree.

MacIntyre, who spent 24 years on CBC’s The Fifth Estate before retiring last year, is the winner of nine Gemini Awards, including three Gordon Sinclair Awards, given to Canada’s best overall broadcast journalist.

 

DC hosts Student and Donor Recognition Evening

On January 12, Durham College (DC) held a Student and Donor Recognition Evening in appreciation of the college’s generous donors and hard-working scholarship and bursary recipients.

Hosted at DC’s Centre for Food, the evening began with donors enjoying a meal and address from Emma Nicholls, a DC scholarship recipient and journalism – print student.

“When someone acknowledges your hard work with the donation of a scholarship, there are simply no words to convey the appreciation and relief that is felt,” said Nicholls. “I want to thank the donors for sharing their resources to show all of the recipients that we made the right choice by coming to school. We wouldn’t be receiving a quality education without your support and generosity.”

After dinner, donors were invited to a dessert reception where they were joined by 150 student recipients. Over a mix of desserts, coffee, tea and punch, donors had a chance to mingle and find out more about the hard-working students receiving the generous awards.

“We are all very proud to celebrate these students as they represent the high-quality, success and calibre of all Durham College students,” said DC President Don Lovisa. “Having had the opportunity to meet many of the 150 students who were on hand, I have further reassurance that our future is in good hands.”

Each year the Durham College Scholarship program recognizes academic excellence by providing in-course scholarships to the top two students in each diploma program. In 2014, 220 students were recognized for their academic excellence, along with 140 students who benefitted thanks to the generosity of individual and corporate Donors.

DC is also committed to meeting the financial need of its post-secondary and returning students. The bursaries provided to these students help support their personal commitment to improve their own lives and the lives of their families.

Durham College is grateful for the encouragement and endorsement from all of its donors to help all students succeed.

Campus Holiday Food Drive achieves record-breaking results

Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT) campus Holiday Food Drive committee has reported a record year in fundraising with $42,000 raised to create hampers and financial assistance packages to help 172 students and their families, including 218 children.

Staff, faculty, students and volunteers from DC and UOIT, in partnership with the Student Association and the Kinsmen Club of Oshawa, demonstrated a tremendous outpouring of help and generosity to support the annual tradition. Financial donations and non-perishable food items were collected during November and December and several fundraising events and initiatives were held on campus.

Korina Keays, who will graduate from DC’s Office Administration – Medical program this spring, told the Oshawa Express newspaper she learned about the campus Holiday Food Drive from a friend and was overjoyed with the support. Read more about Keays’ story.

“The Holiday Food Drive truly brings our entire community together to support our own,” said Kevin Dougherty, co-chair of the campus Holiday Food Drive.

Dougherty and Pat Vale-Dougherty have volunteered with the campus Holiday Food Drive for 15 years, and began co-chairing it in 2006.

Dougherty graduated from the Business Administration, Information Systems program in 1998 and is currently a professor with DC’s School of Business, IT & Management, while Vale-Dougherty graduated from Graphic Design in 1976 and is currently executive assistant to the dean of UOIT’s Faculty of Education.

As an employee of DC, Kevin was the recipient of the DC Faculty Award of Excellence for 2014; serves as the elected academic staff member on the DC Board of Governors (the Board); and serves as vice-chair of the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board. It is a little known fact that Pat originally began her time at UOIT in 2001, assisting with the DC project team to help prepare the plans for the new university.

DC’s OTA/PTA program launches new fine motor clinic, DC Kids

Students of Durham College’s (DC) Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA/PTA) program will experience an additional layer of hands-on learning by providing fine motor intervention to groups of children with fine motor delays, through the new DC Kids clinic. The clinic begins this month and is operating in partnership with Grandview Children’s Centre.

The DC Kids clinic will see students lead weekly treatment sessions under the direct supervision of an occupational therapist (OT), for children between the ages of four and 10 who may benefit from fine motor therapy.

“DC Kids gives OTA/PTA students an opportunity to give back to the community while learning at the same time,” said Dr. Judeline Innocent, RN and dean of the School of Health & Community Services. “It also allows our students to study under the mentorship of experienced occupational therapists so it’s truly a win-win scenario.”

The winter clinic will run Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturdays in the OTA/PTA lab at the Oshawa campus from Monday, January 12 to Saturday, March 21. Clients will attend one session per week for nine weeks. Sessions are available free of charge with a one-time registration fee of $30. 

DC Kids builds upon the knowledge gained in the classroom and lab where students learn to assist with the implementation of rehabilitation treatment plans and programs developed to promote clients’ independence, enhance activities of daily life and function, and support individuals whose physical ability has been impaired by injury, illness, aging, developmental disability or emotional disability.

DC wins six Education Digital Marketing Awards

Durham College (DC) is pleased to congratulate its Communications and Marketing department on winning six Education Digital Marketing Awards (EDMA), presented by the Higher Education Marketing Report, the most widely read publication for educational marketers.

Competing in the two-year institution group with a student enrolment of 7,500 to 15,000, DC won three Gold Awards, one Silver Award, one Bronze Award and one Merit Award. Winners were selected by a national panel of industry specialists who reviewed each piece to judge creativity, marketing execution, message impact, technology application and innovation content.

“With the EDMAs recognizing some of the best educational websites, digital content, electronic communications, mobile media and social media, I am so happy for Durham College and the amazing team that worked to execute these projects,” said Carol Beam, executive director, Communications and Marketing, DC. “Their creativity, dedication and genuine enthusiasm are truly evident in the quality of work they produce. Every marketing piece is created with the student experience in mind.”

Awards and categories

The Go to DC low enrolment microsite took gold in the Admission Website category. Using a cluster-focused approach, the microsite allowed visitors to explore open programs based on their interests and suited to their future career goals. All elements of the corresponding advertising campaign were directed to www.durhamcollege.ca/2014gotodc, resulting in 44,572 page views and 25,189 unique page views, helping the college achieve a 2.5-per cent increase in enrolment. DC was one of only three of Ontario’s 24 colleges to see an increase in enrolment for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Another gold came via DC’s 2013-2014 Annual Report in the Annual Report category. Designed to be user-friendly, the digital publication placed a strong emphasis on using images and infographics to communicate key information about the college, while linking to DC’s website to provide additional details. In addition, the Annual Report features stories about three DC graduates who have experienced great success since completing their studies at the college; offers an overview on research projects including funding secured; maps out where DC’s international students hail from; highlights the more than 450 academic pathways the college offers to universities in Ontario, Canada and around the world; provides links to audited financial statements; and more.

DC’s 2015-2016 College Guide also brought home gold in the Online Publications category. Combining top-line elements of the previously used DC Viewbook and Full-time Calendar, the College Guide provides prospective students with program information, application guidelines, information on pathway programs, fee information, important dates, student services and more. In particular, it is designed to direct prospective students to www.durhamcollege.ca/programs for comprehensive program information including course listings, admission requirements, career options, etc. Programs are housed by cluster, and graphics and icons are used to convey important information.

The Experience DC social media marketing campaign took silver in the Total Digital Marketing category. Running until August 2015, Experience DC is bringing the college experience to prospective and current students; parents; teachers; and the community via an amazing and unique group of students representing a wide cross-section of programs, personal interests and personalities. They are each offering a unique perspective of what a year in the life of a DC college student is really like through a custom website, personal interaction and social media including blogs, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Experience DC was also recognized for its video series which won bronze in the Digital Video category. As part of the pre-launch initiatives for Experience DC, videos introducing members of Team Experience were revealed daily at experience.durhamcollege.ca in August 2014. Each video gave viewers a sneak peek at the students involved in the campaign. Video shorts for this submission include the Experience DC trailer, as well as introductions to Rebecca, a second-year Special Events Planning student and Christian, a third-year Business Administration – Marketing student.

Finally, the Alumni digital magazine was recognized with a Merit Award in the Online Publications category. Published six times per year, the Alumni magazine is available in an interactive digital magazine format and is downloadable as a PDF. It serves to keep the college’s 67,000 alumni up to date on current college news and events, with a message from the president, a spotlight on sports, and an alumni profile celebrating the successes of DC’s many talented graduates.

Durham Lords give back to YWCA Durham

The Durham College women’s volleyball team were in the giving mood during the holidays as they held a fundraiser for YWCA Durham.
 
The YWCA Durham has been serving women and their families in Durham region since 1945 and is a trusted community leader that provides high-quality programs, services and resources that respond to the needs of women, children, youth and families.
 
“When brainstorming ideas for our holiday get-together, we wanted to do something that would benefit others,” said Durham College head coach Tony Clarke. “Rather than buying gifts for one another, our team came up with the idea of purchasing gifts for families in need. It was a great feeling for the team giving back to our community.”
 
The team donated unwrapped toys as well as non-perishable food items to the organization.
 
On the court, the women’s volleyball team finished the 2014 portion of their season with a five game win-streak to improve to 6-3. The Lords will open 2015 hosting the 27th annual Adidas Cup from January 2-3.

Pathway to degree from DC to Ireland

Durham College (DC) offers more than 450 pathway to degree options for students including a pathway agreement with the Institutes of Technology Ireland (IOTI), a representative body for 13 institutes of technology in Ireland. The agreement provides an opportunity for graduates of specific two and three year Ontario college programs to earn an honours degree abroad, in some cases earning the degree with only one additional year of study.

Jessamyn Adams, a Durham College Accounting – Business Administration graduate, is one such student that has taken advantage of this unique opportunity as she completed a Bachelors of Business – Accounting and Finance at the Institute of Technology – Blanchardstown in Dublin, Ireland following her time at DC.

“When I read I could obtain my degree in only one further year of study rather than the two I would need in Ontario I thought I should at least apply,” said Adams. “ITB offered me the most generous exemptions for the diploma I had already completed and even though I had never been to Ireland I knew it as somewhere I wanted to explore and what better way than to live there.”

The pathways agreement with DC was developed between IOTI and College’s Ontario, an advocacy organization for Ontario’s 24 community colleges. The agreement primarily pertains to programs within the School of Business, IT & Management (BITM) and the School of Science & Engineering Technology (SET) offering students the chance to further their post-secondary education abroad while experiencing one of the world’s most dynamic and lively countries.

“My experience working with the Irish Institutes enabling students to further their education abroad has been excellent,” said Susan Todd, dean of SET. “Many Canadian students now have the opportunity to transfer their college credits to obtain a degree in a beautiful English speaking country, which will broaden their horizons both culturally and academically.”

Support abounds for students looking to take advantage of the pathway opportunity. “Start to finish they made my transition to Ireland so great,” said Adams. “Once I accepted, I was put in contact with an International Officer and he answered my incessant questions from everything to do with my courses to where I was going to live and how to get around.”

Students can visit the College’s Ontario website for background information on the agreement itself in addition to the IOTI website, which offers additional information on specific academic bridging requirements per program/institution.