The Oshawa campus of Durham College (DC) played host to the brightest young minds in Ontario this weekend as they competed in the 2024 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge Ontario Provincial Championship.

More than 400 Grade 4 to 8 students took part in the DC-sponsored event, guided by adult coaches and cheered on by friends and family. Their engineering skills and student-designed LEGO-based robots were put to the test in a variety of challenges.

The theme of the event, MASTERPIECE, immersed students in the possibilities of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, while learning all the ways it can intersect with the arts. DC was the ideal setting for such a theme; our Mixed Reality Capture Studio is a prime example of how STEM can contribute to the arts, boasting state-of-the-art motion capture technology, VR headsets and virtual production capabilities.

“As we look to the future, the students here today are the ones who will not only dream of what’s possible, but take the steps to make it a reality,” said DC President Don Lovisa during Saturday’s opening ceremony. “Your imagination will change the way we experience and interact with art and technology in the years to come.”

After two days of friendly competition, Les robots-franco-zarts from Aurora placed first in the East division, and Stampsations from Mississauga placed first in the West division.

You can learn more about FIRST LEGO League online.

The rapidly evolving virtual production industry contributes over $3 billion to Ontario’s economy each year, helping to make Durham Region an innovative hub for industry professionals. More than 60 of those experts came together last week for Industry Day, hosted by Durham College (DC), to discuss emerging trends and predictions for the future of film and television through an engaging and collaborative conversation.

“Events like this celebrate the expertise of industry experts, our services at Durham College, and the future of applied research,” says Debbie McKee Demczyk, Dean, Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) at DC. “It’s important to support the growing virtual production industry and the professionals who require innovative solutions for increased productivity and growth.”

Guest panellists at the event included Tristan Cezair, Escent Labs; Mike DiLisi, Ontario Power Generation; Käroli Grenman, Virtual Production House; and Tim Hatch, APG Media Group. Attendees also heard from Justin Cutler, Ontario Film Commissioner from Ontario Creates who shared his support and deep connection with DC. Additionally, Corey Ross, CEO of Lighthouse Immersive and Starvox Entertainment shared a thrilling keynote presentation featuring stories from throughout his career in virtual production, having brought spectacular film and art experiences, such as Disney Immersive, to life for people around the world. He shared his insights on the industry and the benefit to Durham Region by having services like the ones available at DC in the community.

“Access to government funding, access to developing new things, working with students and getting new and fresh ideas – I think all of that comes together in a really interesting way,” said Ross. “This is a business that needs to keep developing and getting new ideas. The public doesn’t want it to stay still, they’re coming to see something new, and the industry doesn’t want to sit still, so to have a hub of innovation like this at Durham College is wonderful.”

In 2023, DC ranked as one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges for the 10^th time thanks to its commitment to innovative thinking and world class services and talent that support Durham Region in new and dynamic ways. In the last three years, ORSIE, home to the college’s Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) studio which features one of only three Captury Live systems in Canada and provides clients with technical and advisory services, as well as training and research and development, has worked with over 300 client projects and hired more than 600 students to work on real-world challenges, contributing to solutions that grow the local economy.

In addition, DC’s program offerings support workforce development by preparing the next generation of professionals with hands-on industry experience, and the research of the MRC studio provides critical support to the entertainment industry as technology and research and development become more embedded in filmmaking.

Foreign and domestic film productions have high demands for studio space in the Greater Toronto Area, and Durham Region’s offerings and wide range of capabilities combined with DC’s local research and development services make it an attractive location for industry professionals looking to elevate their projects and make an impact in this booming industry.

“Over the past 10 years, Durham’s film and television industry has grown significantly and now, thanks to DC’s MRC studio, offers virtual production services, too,” said Eileen Kennedy, Film and Television Industry Specialist at Invest Durham. “Durham College is a leader through its development in experiential application which integrate motion capture, virtual reality, augmented reality and virtual production – helping the Region become more involved in the creative ecosystem.”

The future is bright for those interested in joining the in-demand field of film and television production, and Corey Ross has personal advice on what it takes to succeed.

“Perseverance and staying in the picture is important – you have to hang in there,” he shared. “Even if things don’t seem to be going well, stay on track and as long as you’re in the game there’s something to be done and experienced.”

Learn more about DC’s ORSIE and its applied research services online, and visit DC’s Faculty of Media, Art & Design to find your perfect program to prepare for a career in this exciting industry.

 

Photo Credit: Elliott Deseure

Durham College Board Chair Dr. Gail Johnson Morris announced today that Dr. Elaine Popp has been appointed Durham College’s (DC) next President. Dr. Popp’s term begins on March 1, 2024, and follows the conclusion of current President, Don Lovisa’s tenure.

Following an extensive executive search and rigorous selection process, the DC Board of Governors unanimously endorsed Dr. Popp’s appointment as its sixth president.

“Dr. Popp is an impactful, proven and strategic post-secondary leader; her skills, knowledge and experience will continue to drive innovative programming and build on DC’s strong best-in-class reputation,” said Dr. Johnson Morris. “During her tenure as our Executive Vice President, Academic, Dr. Popp’s innovative and creative solutions have ensured that Durham College’s students have rich opportunities for experiential learning while also strengthening industry partnerships. Her results demonstrate that she is the ideal leader for Durham College.”

With more than 24 years of successful and progressive post-secondary sector experience in Ontario, Dr. Popp has led DC’s core teaching and learning business as Executive Vice President, Academic, for eight years. During this time, she has repeatedly demonstrated her passion for student success and her rare ability to leverage higher education’s emergent trends to create relevant programming that meets student needs and anticipates industry expectations.

Working with DC’s high-performing teams, Dr. Popp has spearheaded the launch of several successful strategic frameworks for DC, including the Academic Plan, Enrolment Management Plan, Internationalization and Global Engagement Plan and the five-year New Program Development Plan. These frameworks emphasize how she leverages the importance of systems thinking, effective planning and thoughtful resource management to achieve DC’s mission – Together, we’re leading the way.

Under Dr. Popp’s strategic leadership, with her teams, she:

• Launched 50 new cutting-edge academic programs, including the college’s six applied degree programs;
• Introduced new work-integrated learning opportunities by adding co-op or work terms to 30 programs;
• Established five applied research centres supporting DC’s recognition as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges;
• Demonstrated DC’s dedication to quality assurance during our most recent College Quality Assurance Audit Process, where DC was awarded the highest result possible; and
• Thoughtfully and responsibly increased domestic and international student enrolment.

“I am incredibly honoured and excited to have the privilege of serving as DC’s next President. I am passionately invested in the success of DC, and how we can build upon the strong foundation that has been established and shape an even more sustainable, people-focused, equity-driven college and foster meaningful connections with the local community and broader global society,” said Dr. Popp. “I am committed to the college, its employees, students, alumni, community, and partners. I deeply care for DC and our shared goal of making meaningful contributions through the work we do.”

As a testament to her in-demand leadership and deep roots in the college sector, Dr. Popp serves as Vice-Chair of the Coordinating Committee of Vice-Presidents, Academic (CCVPA), member of the executive committees for CCVPA and the Coordinating Committee of Vice-Presidents, International (CCVPI), the Chair Academy Advisory Board, and the College of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) Coordinating Committee. Dr. Popp has also contributed provincially by serving on the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association, Ontario Colleges Library Services, Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer, and the Ontario College Quality Assurance Service Boards for the maximum terms.

A proven lifelong learner and distinguished academic, Dr. Popp holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science, Honours Biology and Kinesiology from York University. She came to DC after holding several academic and leadership roles, starting as a Faculty member, moving to Program Coordinator, Associate Dean and Associate Vice President, Academic at Humber College, and contributing as Program Head for the University of Guelph-Humber.

Keenly attuned to provincial priorities, policy, needed advocacy, risks, and emergent opportunities, Dr. Popp is the right choice to build upon DC’s position as a post-secondary education leader today and as we evolve in the future.

There was an air of excitement as future Durham College (DC) students explored their options and opportunities at Program Information Nights (PIN) events this week.

More than 1,300 visitors attended Program Information Nights on January 16 at the Oshawa campus and January 17 in Whitby where they had the opportunity to tour DC’s state-of-the-art facilities including classrooms, labs, workshops, and recreation areas as well as an opportunity to speak with faculty representatives about DC’s 145+ job-ready programs. Student services representatives shared information about supports available at DC such as financial aid, academic support and health and wellness including mental health support.

Some visitors were still considering their options. Keeanna Shield of Scarborough said she was looking at the Nursing program or the Dental Hygiene program.

She said she enjoyed seeing the campus and that it had a cozy atmosphere.

“I really like this community. I grew up here because my mom used to go here, so it just seems really nice and comforting.”

Anyone interested in applying could do so on the spot and more than 235 people seized the opportunity to begin their DC journey.

Kiki Giacomini, also of Scarborough, was among the attendees who had already been accepted to DC – to the Social Service Worker program – and wanted to explore before making a final decision.

She said she liked the campus layout.

“I like the separate study areas or group study areas. That way you don’t have to be in your dorm to study, you can go out into a different space, a new environment.”

She added that she planned to accept her offer when she got home and was already thinking of life at DC including joining a team or exploring fun activities that spike her interest.

Missed Program Information Nights? It’s not too late to explore your options! Connect with our student recruitment team and get all your questions answered so you can take the next step towards a new and rewarding career and register to join us at Open House one March 23.

In January, Durham College (DC) rolled out the welcome mat for more than 2,000 new students at Orientation events.

A number of fun and informative events kicked off the winter semester for the newest members of our DC community. Students at both Oshawa and Whitby campuses explored their new surroundings, met employees and faculty members, discovered campus services and learned more about their new programs.

There were also a number of orientation events for international students that helped them make the transition to Canada.

Lots of fun was had at Winterfest, where new students sparked connections and friendships with fellow attendees while playing games, enjoying free food and grabbing DC swag.

Orientation events continue until February, from helpful workshops to fun events like Beach Night at the Durham Lords basketball game and a free late-night skate at the Campus ICE Centre.

There are lots of ways to get involved in campus life at DC this winter; learn about some of them here!

It was another eventful year at Durham College (DC). From our innovative programs to our stellar student athletes and beyond, we continued to lead the way. Read on for more of DC’s highlights from 2023.

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News

DC’s state-of-the-art facilities continued to grow this year. We celebrated the opening of the Centre for Innovation and Research (CIR), a new home for our Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE). The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture’s Ajax Urban Farm was officially unveiled to help address the issues of food literacy and security in Durham Region and beyond. And we introduced two new modern and collaborative learning spaces at our Whitby campus – PROTO and an Electrical Vehicle (EV) Lab.

We raised the final $10 million to complete the Building for Skills Campaign, which increased the training capacity on the Whitby campus with the construction of the state-of-the-art Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology. It was a fitting gift for the campus, which celebrated its 30^th anniversary this year.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited our Whitby campus for an intimate town hall event with more than 100 DC students, as well as some local high school students. The DC dental clinic received a visit from Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra and Member of Parliament for Whitby Ryan Turnbull to discuss the 2023 federal budget and the new Canadian Dental Care Plan.

There was also some bittersweet news. After 15 years of leading the way, DC president Don Lovisa announced he would be leaving DC in early 2024.

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Accolades

Our students and alumni continued to make us proud with their success.

Music Business Management alumna Anne Stirk was recognized with a place on the inaugural Women in Music Canada Honour Roll.

At the Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s (OCNA) Better Newspapers Competition, the Chronicle took home top honours in ‘General Excellence’ among college and university newspapers for the third consecutive year. Joey Cole won first in ‘Student News Writing’ and Corrado Distefano earned second place in ‘Student Photography’.

Five students won medals at the 2023 Skills Ontario Competition. Abigayle Hamilton and Emma Pace moved on to the Skills Canada National Competition and brought home silver medals in the Horticulture and Landscape (Team of 2) category.

Two of DC’s culinary students were named Canada’s best new student chefs at Taste Canada’s Cooks the Books Student Culinary Competition. 

DC received its own accolades this year. We were named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers, a Greater Toronto Top Employer, and one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges.

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Programs

We did our part to address Ontario’s critical healthcare staffing demands with two new initiatives designed to increase the number of qualified nursing professionals in the province. We’re also helping Ontario prepare for the $10-a-day child care boom with a new program that allows Early Childhood Educators (ECE) to complete their education without leaving the workforce.

We partnered with The Schulich Foundation for a new scholarship program, Schulich Builders, dedicated to students pursuing a career in the skilled trades. In another new initiative, we partnered with Johnson Controls to provide Electromechanical Engineering Technology students with financial support as well as mentorship opportunities.

With DoorDash, we launched the DoorDash #BlackFoodEnergy Culinary Scholarship to support domestic and international Black students in DC’s Culinary Management diploma program.

Our Journalism – Mass Media program marked its 50^th anniversary this year, and continues to evolve each year to reflect a constantly shifting industry.

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Experiential learning

DC continued to offer students a multitude of opportunities for experiential learning.

First responders, community partners, faculty members and 30 students from DC’s Firefighter – Pre-Service Education and Training program took part in a two-day training event to learn how to respond to emergency situations involving electric vehicles (EV).

Four Fine Arts students spent the summer transforming the L Wing with their artistic talent, creating murals and paintings that now adorn the hallways.

The RBC Urban Agriculture Work Integrated Learning Program gave eight students the chance to launch innovative urban agriculture projects.

A number of students had the opportunity to participate in Faculty-led Classroom Abroad (FLCA) trips. Dental Hygiene students travelled to Costa Rica, while students from the Faculty of Media, Art and Design (MAD) travelled to Las Arrugas, Guatemala.

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Events

A new tradition began with a celebration of donors and the students they help at the first President’s Breakfast. DC foodies had a rare opportunity to be served by Canada’s Top Chef when Tre Sanderson presented a delicious four-course meal at Bistro ’67.

The Cypher: Black Male Empowerment Conference was a life-changing day for 400 students in Grades 7 to 10 from the Durham District School Board (DDSB). The “We Love Entrepreneurs” event was a chance for young entrepreneurs to showcase their wares and share their stories in a panel discussion. 

Our DC alumni family grew at both Spring and Fall Convocation, with thousands of new graduates crossing the stage. While their DC journeys ended, others began at our Open House events in the Spring and Fall, where thousands of prospective students and their families learned about our 145+ career-driven programs.

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Athletics

All four of our basketball and volleyball teams finished in the top ten of their respective Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) rankings, and the women’s volleyball team brought home provincial silver.

The 2023 Fall season was a dominant one, with both rugby teams notching undefeated regular seasons. It was a great season for our athletes, with three Lords being named OCAA Players of the Year and soccer’s Sage Thomas-Roberts earning Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Canadian status.

In the spring, we bid farewell to DC’s long time athletic director Ken Babcock. Upon his retirement, our state-of-the-art softball field was named in his honour.

Babcock and former soccer coach Stan Bombino were inducted into the OCAA Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, rugby standout Emily Cooper was named OCAA Female Rookie of the Year for the 2022-23 season.

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It was a year to remember at DC, and we can’t wait to see what 2024 holds.