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Crowdfunding campaign achieves total funding for culinary herb garden project

Durham College’s (DC) first-ever crowdfunding initiative, Field to Fork: Sowing the Seeds of our Community, is beginning to see financial support for the Centre for Food’s (CFF) landscaping needs come to fruition via funding from generous donors within the community.

Most notably, to date, 100 per cent of the funding required for the culinary herb garden has been achieved, thanks to generous donor Tina Bax, founder and president of CultureWorks, a private English-as-a-second-language (ESL) school located at post-secondary institutions such as Durham College, who pledged the full amount needed.

“Canadian colleges have the ability to be nimble. You see so many different programs cropping up, which is encouraging when you think about what it means for today’s young people,” said Bax. “All of these experiences help open their minds – at school! It’s great to have a chance to fund a creative, fresh facility like the CFF that combines both of my passions:  education and food. I hope to have a chance to participate in more of the CFF’s projects, and perhaps involve some of our international students or partners.”

In addition to the culinary herb garden reaching its fundraising goal, the fruit-bearing shrubs category is quickly gaining momentum, reaching 38 per cent of its goal, and the kitchen garden is up to 28 per cent.

Inspired by the college’s commitment to bring field to fork, the vision of bringing locally sourced, quality produce from field to table to Durham Region, Field to Fork: Sowing the Seeds of our Community aims to garner support from the community for the completion of the landscaping and planting needed at the CFF. With 14 remaining projects to choose from, the campaign rolled out to alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students, community members and the general public in August.

The CFF was created in direct response to the demand of the local culinary, hospitality, tourism, agriculture and horticulture sectors. Supported by ambassador and celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy it opened to students in September 2013. Accommodating approximately 900 students studying in the college’s culinary, hospitality, event management, tourism, food science, agricultural and horticultural programs, it houses Bistro ’67, a teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a unique retail store that sells student-created fresh-baked items, meals-to-go, preserved foods and ready-to-cook meals prepared in house.

To make a donation or for more information on how the college is changing the way our local communities eat and grow food, please visit the Field to Fork: Sowing the Seeds of our Community website.

DC celebrates graduates at fall convocation

Following its fall convocation ceremony on October 30 at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa, Durham College (DC) is proud to announce that more than 950 students from more than 110 programs graduated this fall. In addition, the college recognized the success of 420 students who earned a place on the highly regarded President’s Honour Roll as a result of their hard work and dedication.

“Whether you came to Durham College straight from high school; following the completion of a post-secondary credential in another field; or because you decided to make a career change – either by choice or by circumstance; tonight you are graduating from one of Canada’s top colleges,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC, as he addressed graduates during the ceremony. “That means that you have proven yourself in the classroom and workplace and have the tools to be successful in the workforce or in further post-secondary studies.”

The annual event honoured students from the schools of Business, IT & Management; Centre for Food; Continuing Education; Health & Community Services; Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services; Justice & Emergency Services; Media, Art & Design; Science & Engineering Technology; and Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology.

“Whatever your journey has been, each of you chose Durham College to further your education and for that we couldn’t be more proud,” said Lovisa.

DC’s Student Leadership Award winners include graduates Michelle Brand, Mikki Decker and Amy Galloway O’Neil , who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to campus life, and the commitment and exemplary leadership they demonstrated during their time at the college. In order to receive this award, students must accumulate a pre-determined amount of leadership points through the college’s Co-Curricular Recognition program by participating in activities that enhance student life; engage students; and encourage involvement.

The college’s fall convocation ceremony brings the total number of alumni to more than 67,000 strong. Video from the ceremony will be available in approximately two weeks at www.durhamcollege.ca/convocation.

Music and art collide in the Pit

Many of Durham College’s (DC) students, faculty and staff have heard its beautiful music and seen its incredible artwork, but who knows where the piano in the Pit came from and who had the fun task of making it so unique?

DC’s own Debbie White from the Human Resources department, and her family, graciously donated the new musical gem while Kevin Cormier, a third-year Fine Arts – Advanced student, was selected to create the design that now appears.

“I thought it would be an interesting task to take on knowing how important the piano is to Durham College students,” said Cormier. “I wanted it to be fun and flowing in its design, as to physically represent what the space where the piano is means to me. The abstract design was also meant to complement the original piano, which has been transformed into a gaming station. It allows for everyone to interpret it in different ways whenever they pass by it.”

This great portfolio piece wouldn’t have come his way had it not been Sean McQuay, program co-ordinator for the Fine Arts – Advanced program, asking him to help with the school’s plans for the piano donation.

So what’s next for DC’s budding artist?

“My plan is to graduate from Durham and continue my studies in fine arts at a university level. Hopefully I’ll be able to pursue a job in a creative field and continue working on my personal art.”

This piano will remain in the Pit, while the original piano will be moved into its new home in the Marketplace cafeteria once completed.

DC and UOIT create more opportunities for international students

A new pathways program agreement between Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) will provide international students with greater access to opportunities to obtain their diploma and an undergraduate degree in less than the traditional amount of time.

The Pathways Program Agreement on International Student Recruitment, signed by both institutions on September 25, will see eligible international students who apply to DC receive a Letter of Admission (LOA) indicating that when they complete their college studies, they will be eligible to directly enrol into a relevant UOIT undergraduate program with advanced standing.

“This new agreement reflects the shared commitment of DC and UOIT to provide all students with access to the most comprehensive post-secondary education possible”, said Nevzat Gurmen, vice-president, Corporate Services and chief financial officer, DC. “DC’s international student population, more than 450 students strong as of fall 2014, continues to grow and we look forward to working with UOIT to provide new international applicants with access to academic pathways that will enable them to earn both a diploma and a degree in several different areas right here in Durham Region.”

The new agreement will take effect as of the 2014-2015 undergraduate recruitment cycle with the university and college working closely to facilitate international student recruitment across both institutions. Applicants must successfully complete an applicable program at Durham College and meet all academic requirements during the applicable admissions cycle with specific enrolment restrictions and program capacities discussed between the university and the college on an annual basis.

“This Pathways agreement further strengthens our partnership with Durham College and our collective commitment to providing seamless access to high-quality, industry-driven and career-oriented programs,” said Dr. Michael Owen, vice-president, Research, Innovation and International, UOIT. “The University of Ontario Institute of Technology is proud to partner with Durham College to offer this unique post-secondary education opportunity to students from around the world.”

There are currently more than 60 academic pathway opportunities in place between DC and UOIT including credit transfer, bridging, direct-entry and post-graduate programs in areas including arts, business, health, justice and more.

DC named one of Canada’s Top Research Colleges

For the second consecutive year Durham College (DC) has been rated as one of the top 25 colleges in Canada for research income according to Research Infosource Inc.’s, ranking of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges, which was released today.

The ranking is a significant achievement for DC’s Office of Research Services and Innovation (ORSI), which supports local businesses and industry by helping them solve their technical problems and become more competitive.

“We are very pleased and honoured to see Durham College’s achievements continue to be recognized on the list of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, director of ORSI. “We continue to look for opportunities to support small- and medium-sized companies with their research and innovation needs and to provide excellent opportunities for our students to experience real-world challenges.”

“Colleges and CEGEPs have a unique place in the country’s national system of innovation,” said Ron Freedman, chief executive officer of Research Infosource. “They differentiate themselves by concentrating on practical, applied research that is focused on the needs of local firms and organizations.”

For more information and a complete list of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges please visit www.researchinfosource.com/top50_col.php

Centre for Food wins Canadian Design-Build Institute Award of Excellence

Durham College’s Centre for Food (CFF) has won second place in the prestigious Canadian Design-Build Institute (CDBI) Awards of Excellence, making it the second-best design-build project in all of Canada for 2014. The college received the award during the CDBI National Conference held in Victoria, British Columbia from October 15 to 17.

CDBI, the national voice of design-build practitioners in Canada, presents the awards annually to recognize excellence in Canada’s design-build industry and acknowledge design-build teams whose projects contribute to the growth and stature of the design-build profession.

Inspired by the college’s commitment to bring field-to-fork education and practice to the Durham Region, the vision brings locally-sourced, quality produce from field to table at  the 36,000-sq.-ft. CFF that officially opened in October 2013. Accommodating approximately 900 students studying in culinary, hospitality, event management, food science and agriculture and horticulture programs, it houses Bistro ’67, a 70-seat, full-service, green-certified teaching-inspired restaurant and Pantry, a unique retail food store that brings student-created goods straight from the culinary classroom to the community.

The CFF was brought from concept to reality by a team that included DC; Garritano Bros Limited and Gow Hastings Architects.

“Durham College is honoured to be awarded second place in such a prestigious competition,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “From concept to execution, the CFF is a blend of creativity and innovation in both the design and build aspects of the facility. It truly demonstrates our vision of the field-to-fork concept in a post-secondary setting, as well as our efforts in sustainability and social responsibility.”

From both a construction and design perspective highlights of the CFF include:

  • A main atrium that draws users into the heart of the building with a two-storey living wall, serving as a central meeting place and venue for events and celebrations.
  • Interior windows that provide glimpses into the labs, encouraging exploration and establishing a dynamic energy within the building.
  • Steel and glass foldable partitions on either side of the atrium that allow a wine tasting lab and bake lab the flexibility to open up onto the central atrium to accommodate larger events.
  • An audio visual system inside Bistro’67 that allows  diners to see their food being prepared and fins in the exterior glazed wall  that provide seating niches within this double-height space.
  • Kitchen labs that offer interactive teaching platforms to enable students to observe and practice their skills in real time and state-of-the-art systems and equipment that allow students to learn how to prepare all kinds of cuisine.
  • Culinary labs that open up to the main atrium in order to serve large functions and display the activities within on a daily basis. This includes high-performance surface materials in working spaces including stainless steel, hygienic wall coverings, safety flooring and ceramic tile.

“Each year the Canadian Design-Build Institute recognizes the best design-build projects in all of Canada,” said Steve Garritano, vice-president, Sales, Garritano. “As the design-builder for Durham College’s Centre for Food, I find it to be an exceptional privilege and honour to have been considered amongst the best in all of Canada for this award.”

Project submissions were evaluated primarily on the success achieved in attaining the owner/user’s project goals, as well as their success in implementing design-build best practices, with special emphasis placed on the design team’s use of innovation. The term innovation included the use of new systems; methods and processes that were cost effective; speedy; and safe while using technology to execute projects. The design quality of each project was also reviewed with aesthetics, functionality and life cycle being key considerations. Award recipients demonstrate the highest standards and principles in the design-build industry and the business community in pursuit of excellence.

“We feel very privileged to be the recipients of a CDBI Award of Excellence for the Durham College Centre for Food,” said Philip Hastings, partner at Gow Hastings Architects. “It was a pleasure to work alongside Durham College and Garritano Brothers Ltd. to develop a new approach to culinary education and translate the process of making a meal from field-to-fork into a living and breathing building. We are excited to see this building merge and grow within the surrounding agricultural landscape and local economy and serve as a showcase for sustainable technologies and innovation.”

In addition to receiving the CDBI Award of Excellence, the college also launched Field to Fork: Sowing the Seeds of our Community, a crowdfunding campaign, in support of the CFF in August 2014. The campaign is designed to support the landscaping required at the centre including the planting of trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables and arboretum; the purchase of garden tools; a walking path; new soil; and more. To find out more, please visit http://fieldtofork.durhamcollege.ca.

CIJS rolls out new branding and refreshed website

The Centre for Integrated Justice Studies (CIJS), a training function of Durham College’s (DC) School of Justice & Emergency Services, is pleased to announce it has new, dedicated branding and an updated, user-friendly website format.

Visit www.durhamcollege.ca/cijs to check out unique seminars and workshops developed to give DC students a competitive edge in preparing them for job searching and interviews, as well as training and workshops to enhance the skills of professionals working in the justice, law enforcement and emergency services-related sectors.

Courses currently available include:

  • Court Transcription.
  • Crisis Negotiation Techniques for First Responders.
  • Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
  • One-on-One Coaching for Police Interview.
  • Paralegal Practice Enrichment Nights.
  • PEACE Model — Interviewing/Interrogating.

Courses, workshops and seminars are developed and taught by trainers and faculty who are experts in the legal profession, law enforcement field and community service area.

Campus Master Plan Open House October 20

Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) are working on a Campus Master Plan (CMP) designed to address the future expansion and needs of both institutions.

As part of the planning process, DC and UOIT invite students, faculty, staff and the public to attend an Open House on Monday, October 20, to learn more about the Campus Master Plan at the Oshawa campus; interact with the planning team; and offer feedback in the areas of:

  • Public areas and open spaces.
  • Building locations and landscaping.
  • Transportation: driving, transit, cycling and pedestrian.

You can also submit comments via the CMP website; complete a questionnaire in person at the open house or online (beginning October 20); or speak with a member of the project team. Please submit comments by Friday, October 31.                                                                                             

CMP Open House
Date: October 20
Time: 3 to 6 p.m.
Location:  Gordon Willey building, Dining Room (Room G213)

For more information on the CMP and the Open House, please visit www.campusmasterplan.ca. 

DC recognized with Diversity & Immigration Champion Award

Durham College (DC) was recognized for its commitment to diversity on October 8 when it was presented with a Diversity & Immigration Champion Award by the Local Diversity and Immigration Partnership Council (LDIPC).

DC President Don Lovisa and Ron Chatteron, chair of the DC Board of Governors (BOG), accepted the award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that show leadership in diversity and immigration matters; embrace the principles of inclusion; and have a commitment to sharing in the responsibility of making Durham Region a more welcoming community.

“As we internationalize our college community, this award is an excellent testament to the hard work of our Diversity office and our commitment to being an accessible college that serves students of every social and economic background, culture and ability,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “We are thrilled to be recognized for our dedication to ensuring a Durham College education is accessible to everyone.”

Allison Hector-Alexander, DC diversity officer, and Scott Blakey, DC vice-president, Administration, are both LDIPC members, with the council comprised of individuals representing agencies, school boards, faith groups, local business groups and the region. Its main objectives are to create a culture of inclusion; improve labour market outcomes for newcomers; attract and retain newcomers; and enhance Durham’s settlement capacity.

“As a campus community, we should all be very proud of this recognition,” said Hector-Alexander. “Our goals of respect and inclusion for all our members continue to lead our efforts in this area. As our many areas of diversity continue to grow so does our commitment to creating a campus culture that celebrates and embraces the uniqueness at this college.”

DC welcomes Prime Minister Stephen Harper to Whitby campus

On October 9 Durham College (DC) had the opportunity to host Prime Minister (PM) Stephen Harper for dinner at Bistro ’67, which is located at the Centre for Food at the Whitby campus.

The PM visited the college’s green-certified, teaching-inspired restaurant between stops during a day-long visit to Durham Region. The dinner provided students in the college’s culinary programs with an opportunity to show off their skills for the PM and several of his colleagues.

DC welcomes visits from politicians at all levels of government to its campuses. The visits offer an opportunity to showcase the college’s programs and facilities, while also discussing issues of importance to the college and post-secondary education in general.