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Durham College names Whitby campus’s main building in honour of Don Lovisa

Durham College (DC) President Don Lovisa’s remarkable contributions and impact were formally recognized on Wednesday with the naming of DC’s Whitby campus’s main building: the Don Lovisa Building. The naming was announced during two, celebratory farewell events, held in honour of the award-winning President who is stepping down from his role effective February 29, and the impressive accomplishments made throughout his 16-year presidency.

“The honour of the Don Lovisa Building is just beyond words. To be counted and included with the Gordon Willey Building and Polonsky Commons is an honour and just so humbling,” said Lovisa. “It’s beyond belief.”

Nearly 500 guests visited the Whitby campus to celebrate and acknowledge the profound impact Lovisa has had on both DC and Durham Region. Both farewell celebrations featured live music, delicious food prepared by Bistro ’67, and formal speaking programs, including guest speakers who each touched upon Lovisa’s embodiment of the college’s four strategic pillars: our students, our people, our work, and our community.

Dale Burt, a Professor and Program Coordinator from the Faculty of Social and Community Services at DC, captured Lovisa’s supportive and inclusive personality in her remarks at the event. “Don is a connector. He naturally forms bonds with people, creates a sense of community, belonging, and opportunity for all those around him,” she said. “He has left a lasting impression on everyone at Durham College and in our community.”

Since 2008, DC has seen remarkable growth under Lovisa’s leadership, with significant increases in enrolment and the introduction of new programs tailored to community and industry needs, including six new honours bachelor’s degrees. His passion and dedication have also led to over $300 million in capital investments, enhancing campus infrastructure with a number of new buildings and projects like the Student Services Building and the Centre for Collaborative Education, and expansions at the Whitby Campus, such as the Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology, supporting DC’s commitment to innovation and industry relevance.

“President Lovisa’s leadership has been instrumental in growing the college’s impact, establishing it as a beacon of innovation and thought leadership,” said Gail Johnson Morris, Chair of DC’s Board of Governors. “Because of his dedication and tireless efforts, we have flourished, pushed the limits, and created a college community that is positively impacting the world around us.”

Lovisa reflected on his remarkable career, sharing a profound sense of pride and his deepest gratitude for DC’s outstanding faculty, dedicated staff, passionate students and invaluable broader community.

“It is a collective effort, the spirit of collaboration, that has defined our success as a college and community and I’m very proud to have been part of a community that understands the power of working together towards a common goal,” said Lovisa. “It has been an honour and a joy to be part of such an exceptional institution. Durham College will always hold a special place in my heart, and I have complete confidence that under the capable hands of our new President, Dr. Elaine Popp, and the exceptional individuals that make up this community, the institution will continue to flourish and achieve even greater heights in the future.”

Journalism alumni gather to celebrate 50 years of The Chronicle

Earlier this month, the DC Talks: Alumni Series presented “A Celebration of The Chronicle’s 50th Anniversary.” The special event, produced by the Faculty of Media, Art & Design and the Durham College Alumni Association, recognized a half-century of quality journalism from Durham College’s (DC) campus publication.

Six alumni of DC’s Journalism program gathered in the Rotary Global Classroom to take part in a wide-ranging panel discussion. They shared stories from their time in journalism and related fields, reflected on the immense changes the industry has faced, and offered advice to today’s students who are preparing for their own careers.

The panel included:

  • Rob Massey (1977), who served as the Sports Editor at the Guelph Mercury for three decades before founding the Guelph Sports Journal.
  • Chris Bovie (1987), an award-winning journalist and editor who is now the Director of Corporate Communications at the Durham Regional Police Service.
  • Rob Leth (1996), a television personality and videographer for City News and CBC, reporting around the Greater Toronto Area.
  • Jesara Holla (2006), a seasoned communications professional currently serving as the Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs for New Nuclear at Ontario Power Generation.
  • Stephanie Foden (2011), a freelance documentary photographer who has worked for The New York Times, TIME magazine, National Geographic and more.
  • Cheyenne Jarrett (2022), a Communications Advisor at the Region of Durham.

“We are celebrating journalism in this room today,” said Professor Lon Appleby. “Who are the people who keep our leaders on their toes? Who are the ones that reflect our society back to us in the most truthful and dedicated way? Who are the fourth estate in our society? Journalists.”

DC President Don Lovisa moderated the discussion, and commended the Journalism program for its proven track record of producing award-winning students and professors who deliver the news from campus and the surrounding community with accuracy and integrity.

“It’s wonderful to see this, that we continue the tradition of quality stories in journalism and that we are recognized for that across Ontario,” he said.

Despite their varied career and life experiences, all the panelists agreed that their DC education set them on the path to success.

“The program has really rocketed my career,” said Jarrett. “I learned so much. The professors gave me opportunities to expand on my writing abilities and get the job that I have now, straight out of school.”

With traditional media outlets downsizing and shuttering, tomorrow’s journalists are in for a challenge as they build their careers. With that in mind, the panelists offered the benefit of their experience to the assembled students.

“You have to have a passion for it, and you have to take advantage of your opportunities,” said Leth. “It’s so important to learn as many skills as you can. You just never know when that break is going to come, and if you’re willing to learn everything that you possibly can, you make it that much more likely that an employer will hire you.”

They will also find that the skills they honed in school will be relevant outside of journalism, according to Bovie.

“As journalism students, you understand how to communicate. You start to understand relationships and people and what motivates them,” he said. “There are so many skills that you get out of a journalism program that are transferable to so many different career paths.”

At the end of the event, Appleby thanked the panelists and encouraged the students to heed their example as they develop their own careers.

“These are professionals, and that’s what we build here; the professional mindset.”

The full panel discussion is available online.

“The job fair was awesome”: Durham College job fairs draw rave reviews from attendees and employers

Employers were excited to connect with thousands of Durham College (DC) students and alumni as the college’s 2024 job fairs drew an exceptional crowd.

The DC and Ontario Tech Job Fair was held at the Oshawa campus on February 1 with more than 2,800 people attending and more than 90 employers eager to hire for full-time, part-time, co-op and summer jobs.

Participating employers included Ontario Power Generation, Elexicon Energy, Gerdau, Johnson Controls, the Ontario Ministry of Finance and many more.

The momentum continued to the Whitby Campus Job Fair on February 8, where more than 50 employers met with more than 500 students.

ABI Ltd., a global supplier of automated bakery equipment, attended both the Oshawa and Whitby job fairs, armed with baked goods to entice students to pop over to their booth. In Whitby, they were looking to recruit millwrights, electricians and welders for full-time and co-op positions, and their team said they were thrilled with the turnout.

“I’m an alum of Durham College, I went to the Oshawa campus, so that’s how we found out about the job fair,” said Katrina Marten, Director of Human Resources at ABI Ltd. She said her team spoke to nearly 300 students at the Whitby campus alone. “We were really happy with the turnout, surprised actually. I’m glad we brought a team or we wouldn’t have been able to keep up otherwise.”

Charles Roy, a student in the Mechanical Technician – Millwright program, attended the job fair with some of his friends and classmates and was among the students to stop by ABI’s booth.

“The job fair was awesome, I loved it,” said Roy, who was looking for co-op opportunities. “I got some good contacts and I got to speak with some potential employers. They were from big plants and they seemed very interested and we handed out resumes and they liked it.”

Trade Fundamentals student Savannah Wagner also spent time exploring the options at the Whitby Campus Job Fair.

“I really enjoyed it. I thought it was great because I am looking for a summer job and I know a lot of people who are also looking for a summer job,” she said. “All the employers were super nice and I thought they were all very informative.”

“It’s our first fair, so it was great. We’ll be back,” said Link Automotive human resources representative Raquel Manko. Her company consists of a group of auto dealerships including Clarington Nissan, Cobourg Nissan and Hunter Ford.

They spoke with more than 100 students and were particularly interested in speaking with Automotive Technician students.

“We got some resumes and made some good connections with the students, so it was wonderful,” said Manko.

Job Fair organizers were pleased to hear rave reviews of the event.

“The success of this year’s job fairs re-enforces that our market-driven programs equip students with the skills and hands-on experience employers are seeking,” said Lucy Romao Vandepol, Interim Director, Student and Career Development. “We were excited to help connect thousands of DC students with employers eager to meet them and help them take the next steps in their career where they’ll continue to lead the way.”

Looking for career and job information? Visit DC’s Hired portal to access job postings, upcoming job fairs and career tips including resume writing, interviewing and much more.

Tre Sanderson hosts another successful dining event at Bistro ‘67

For the second consecutive year, Durham College (DC) alumnus Tre Sanderson showcased his culinary skills at Bistro ’67.

RBC presents ‘A Night with Tre Sanderson’ was held on February 9 and 10 and was a hot ticket with local foodies, who filled the popular restaurant to experience the young chef’s modern take on Caribbean cuisine. The 2015 graduate of DC’s Culinary Management program and winner of Top Chef Canada Season 10 unveiled a six-course tasting menu that featured mouth-watering treats like lucky lime oyster, rice and pea risotto and sweet potato pudding.

Coming back to the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (CFF) is always special for Tre, who was part of the first cohort of students to learn his trade in the state-of-the-art facility.

“It’s humbling every time I come here,” he said. “This event is amazing because I get to come back, showcase my skill set and present food that I grew up on in a different form. But I can also give back to the students and help pave the way for the next generation.”

DC students and the Bistro ’67 team worked tirelessly in the kitchen to help Tre perfect his menu. Working alongside one of Canada’s brightest culinary talents was an invaluable experience for them according to Lori Saint, CFF General Manager.

“It’s a great opportunity for our students to work with Tre and for him to coach them and show them how his skills have expanded since he left the program,” said Saint. “He’s a fantastic chef and it’s been really great for all of us to work with him.”

Pantry Technician Anna Mae Baksh has worked on both of Tre’s DC events. She has been particularly impressed by his willingness to try new things in the kitchen, and his determination to make each of his menu items the best they can be.

“Getting to know him as a person has been great, and his drive to be perfect is something to be inspired by,” she said.

First-year Culinary Management student Paige Daniel and her classmates are now following in Tre’s footsteps. The knowledge that Canada’s Top Chef was a student like them just a decade ago is all the motivation they need.

“To see where Tre is and then to be working with him in the kitchen is inspiring. It’s a constant reminder that the sky’s the limit,” said Daniel.

More than any recipe or cooking method, that’s the lesson Tre hopes to impart to today’s students.

“Once you graduate, anything is possible,” he said. “As long as you put your mind to it and have passion behind it, you can really make your dream come true.”

Durham College’s cutting-edge EV lab named in honour of Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke

$750,000 donation supports electric vehicle education and innovation

Durham College’s (DC) new, state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) lab has been named the Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre, in recognition of the generous support of philanthropists Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke.

The family’s most recent donation of $750,000 – bringing their total giving to DC to $1 million – demonstrates their commitment to supporting higher education and innovation. The new name was unveiled at a ceremony at DC’s Whitby campus on February 8.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Vanhaverbeke family and The Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke Foundation for their unwavering support,” said DC president Don Lovisa. “Community support is essential to our success and this gift is a testament to the Vanhaverbeke family’s trust in Durham College and our commitment to hands-on learning and innovative skilled trades programs. This gift will help us create opportunities to lead the way in advancing EV and sustainable technology in the auto sector.”

The Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre is part of a 9,060-square-foot expansion and revitalization of the main building at DC’s Whitby campus. The centre educates motive power technicians on EVs with programs centred on hands-on, experiential learning.

“Our family is grateful to be a part of such an important program at Durham College,” said Edmond Vanhaverbeke. “The growing EV market will play a vital role toward reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and it is exciting to be a part of that. Plus, we have Durham College alumni in our family and see the value of having a dynamic post-secondary institution within Durham Region educating in the cutting-edge trades that drive our economy locally and beyond.”

DC student entrepreneurs pitch it for their chance to win

Pitch competitions are exciting experiences that help founders share their businesses with industry professionals while improving their communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Last month, 11 student entrepreneurs from a number of Durham College (DC) programs, experienced just that during an on-campus pitch competition, hosted by FastStart, the college’s entrepreneurial resource hub.

After spending weeks preparing, the student start-ups gathered inside DC’s Centre for Innovation and Research to share their unique business ideas to fellow-entrepreneurs, faculty, and local investors. FastStart also brought together a diverse group of expert judges, providing competitors with an opportunity to network and learn from industry leaders, including Ivan Cheung, Invest Durham; Kristen Marumoto, DNA Angels; Travis Dutka, 360Insights; and Andrew Ko, Futurpreneur.

“I’ve been to a few pitch competitions but this one at Durham College really tops the list, it was a pleasure to witness unique and creative solutions to existing problems and it was very inspiring for the judges.” says Ko. “What I loved most was the human side of their stories and why they want to start or continue their businesses, and the passion and enthusiasm for their communities and ideas. This energy was infectious, and I appreciated the dedication and commitment the pitches demonstrated.”

Each contestant had five minutes to pitch their business idea, vision and projected impact for their chance to win up to $1,000 and an iPad, generously donated by the Durham College Student Association. They also had two and a half minutes following their pitch to answer questions from the judges.

Each founder garnered great exposure for their business while also having fun honing their skills. Rochelle Palmer, second-year student in DC’s Fitness and Health Promotion program, took home first place with her business, EmpowHer, a fitness centre made for women that incorporates mental health with an onsite occupational therapist.

“After suffering from post-partum depression, I knew my dream of opening a gym needed to have a focus on mental health, and that’s how the idea of EmpowHer came about!” said Palmer. “I was nervous at the beginning of my pitch, but once I got up there, my passion shined through, and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.”

Sundar Manku, Manager, Entrepreneurship Services at DC, says pitch competitions like this one, empowers student entrepreneurs and unlocks the doors to opportunity.

“All of our entrepreneurs did tremendously well, they’re now ready to effectively communicate their ideas to potential customers, investors, and stakeholders,” he said. “This competition not only showcased the creativity within our student community, but it also supports Durham College’s dedication to cultivating the next generation of visionary leaders and business trailblazers.”

The guidance and support found inside FastStart helps student entrepreneurs at DC develop the skills required to transform innovative business ideas into successful companies. Regardless of which program a student may be in, if they have a business idea, FastStart can help. This is something Palmer highly recommends to her peers who are thinking of starting a business or who need help scaling an existing one.

“I’ve been working with Sundar at FastStart once a week and he’s already taught me so much,” said Palmer. “Starting a business is not easy and having guidance and support along the way can make all the difference.”

Learn more about FastStart online or check out their Instagram for upcoming events.

DC’s Social Justice Week prompts thoughtful discussions on equity

Durham College’s students and employees had the opportunity to listen and engage with a diverse group of speakers who helped elevate awareness on social inequality, during Social Justice Week in January.

The digital event featured speakers from within the DC community and beyond who shared their experiences and perspectives on a number of social issues including homelessness, child welfare and addiction.

DC Faculty of Social and Community Services professor and event organizer Jason Vassell dubbed the event a success.

“Five speakers led seminars on social justice-related concerns and these speakers enlightened and educated all who were able to listen in on the sessions,” he said.

DC Journalism professor Alvin Ntibinyane discussed the role of journalists in promoting social justice and fighting oppression. He said that too often journalists have served as the voice of the powerful.

“To combat marginalization, journalism should report on and from marginalized communities,” he said, adding that journalists should seek out diverse cultural voices—especially from under-represented communities. He also spoke about the role of journalism in exposing systemic violence including reporting around murdered and missing Indigenous women.

Ntibinyane further challenged the role of hard objectivity—giving equal voice to both sides of an issue—and said many organizations have dropped objectivity as a goal, instead replacing it with truthfulness and fairness.

“I think objectivity in journalism has been the biggest enabler of oppression because in most cases it represents a false equivalence between the oppressor and the oppressed,” he said.

Chris Cull, a DC alum, discussed his docuseries Surviving Addiction and his lived experience with mental health and addictions as well as recovery.

In her presentation, Trent University researcher coordinator Uzma Danish shared a photo-voice project called Exclusion in Immigrant Experiences of Securing Professional Employment.

“Photo-voice is a very powerful tool in research where participants are given a camera and it is up to their discretion as to the photos they take and how they relate those photos to their experiences,” she explained.

In Danish’s research, participants related their experience as immigrants searching for work in Durham Region. Themes shared by the participants included exclusion, discrimination, devaluation of their credentials and their experiences, prejudice and a lack of information they felt they had when they were looking for employment. The research included a call to action from participants.

Members of the DC community who would like to hear recordings of the events can contact Jason Vassell to gain access.

Social Justice Week received support from the Durham College Student Association and Durham College’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion via RISE.

Photo: DC professor Alvin Ntibinyane and alum Chris Cull were featured speakers during this year’s Social Justice Week event.

Durham College seeking to honour exceptional alumni who are leading the way

Nominations for 2024 Alumni of Distinction award now open

With thousands of alumni making a mark in their communities, Durham College (DC) is now accepting nominations to recognize the trailblazers among them through the Alumni of Distinction Awards.

DC’s remarkable alumni community exceeds 114,000 people who play impactful roles both locally and internationally. Since 1990, over 100 alumni have been honoured with the Alumni of Distinction Award. Recipients are chosen for their professional, community and personal accomplishments, contributions to the advancement of DC, and the scope of impact for their achievements. Winners have ranged from respected medical practitioners and educators to accomplished broadcasters and engineers.

“A Durham College education has been a launching pad for tremendous success for our alumni in both their personal and professional lives,” said Don Lovisa, DC President. “Celebrating their exceptional accomplishments through these awards offers a unique opportunity to recognize and applaud their achievements as they serve as the inspiration for the upcoming generation of DC alumni leaders.”

The 2023 Alumni of Distinction included Edmonton Oilers executive Stew MacDonald, Top Chef Canada winner Tre Sanderson and Christine Cunningham, founder and executive director of Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario.

Nomination forms are available online at durhamcollege.ca/alumniofdistinction and should be submitted to alumni@durhamcollege.ca before 5 p.m. on Friday, March 1. The awards will be presented at DC’s Spring Convocation in June.

DC recognizes Black History Month

In February, Durham College (DC) joins individuals and organizations across Canada to recognize Black History Month, a time to celebrate the remarkable contributions of members of the Black community and reflect on our shared history and culture. In honour of Black History Month, DC has raised the Pan-African Flag at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses – a symbol of Black liberation and solidarity for members of the Black/African diaspora.

As the DC community celebrates the achievements of the Black community, it also acknowledges the systemic barriers that have limited its members’ opportunities and potential. DC condemns all forms of anti-Black racism and all systems of oppression which deny individuals the right to equitable treatment, access and fairness. The college is committed to listening, learning and taking steps towards fostering equitable and inclusive access for all by creating a diverse and inclusive campus for everyone – regardless of race – this month and every month.

In recognition of this year’s Black History Month theme “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build,” DC is centering its efforts on fostering Black wellness, recognizing it as a crucial element for achieving Black excellence. To support this, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is hosting two engaging and collaborative events this month to celebrate and explore the unique aspects of Black wellness, including racial equity in the workforce.

In addition, this weekend DC is hosting the Allies in Equity – Removing Barriers basketball tournament, to promote inclusion through sport and dialogue among athletes.

Members of the DC community are encouraged to visit the DC Library online for curated resources to help strengthen their understanding of the experiences, histories, achievements and challenges of the Black community.

Durham College president receives prestigious award

Durham College (DC) president Don Lovisa has been recognized by the Ontario College Administrative Staff Association (OCASA) for his tremendous contributions to college education in the province.

Today, Lovisa was presented with the Doug Light Career Achievement Award, which is given to administrators in the Ontario college system who have significantly influenced college education throughout their careers and have helped shape colleges on a regional, provincial or national level.

As DC’s longtime president, Durham College has thrived under his leadership with the addition of state-of-the-art learning facilities like the OPG Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology, W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, Centre for Collaborative Education, Centre for Innovation and Research and PROTO and Electric Vehicle Lab.

But his commitment to improving post-secondary education extends beyond bricks and mortar. He has prioritized collaboration, hosting numerous sessions where employees from all areas of campus have come together to consider new approaches and new possibilities. By encouraging DC to collaborate and innovate, he has prepared the community to respond to new challenges, envision new projects and reimagine the future of post-secondary education.

He has advocated for the college system by championing funding reform; the recognition of college degrees as a critical part of the post-secondary credential framework in Ontario; and highlighting the wide gap in government funding for college students versus the university system. He also completed a two-year term as president of Colleges Ontario and has served on the Board of Colleges and Institutes Canada.

“Outstanding performance, as recognized by this award, goes beyond job expectations. It is about team involvement, achievements that exceed the norm, and recognition by our peers,” said Lovisa as he accepted the award. “I am grateful to have had the privilege of working with exceptional teams throughout my career – the collective efforts of the many colleagues, students, and community partners who have been integral to my journey – dedicated individuals who share a passion for education and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”

After 38 years in the college system and 16 years of leading the way at DC, there’s no doubt that his impact will be a lasting one.

“Let us continue to strive for excellence, foster innovation, and inspire future generations to shape the future of postsecondary education.”