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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.”

Durham College puts mental health in the game with HONE athletics partnership

Mental health and well-being looks different for everyone, but for athletes, there is a unique feeling of pressure, expectations and the desire to win.

To help address this pressure and encourage student-athletes to prioritize their mental health, Durham College’s (DC) women’s volleyball team is partnering with HONE Athletics through a unique digital mental health platform that helps increase team communication and well-being through weekly check-ins.

According to Scott Dennis, Director, Athletics and Recreation, the DC women’s volleyball team has benefited tremendously from using HONE over the past year and expects to continue to see positive results this season.

The app works by prompting players to conveniently and anonymously answer survey questions based on a rating scale from their cell phone. The results are instantly delivered to the coaches, better equipping them with a snapshot of how their players are feeling.

“After using HONE, I’m more mindful of my team and the needs they may require,” says Tony Clarke, Head Coach, DC women’s volleyball team. “HONE provides helpful tips and strategies that could help with the team and players. It makes me look beyond coaching and try to understand what the athletes are going through.”

For Aislinn Pedersen, a DC Photography student and member of the women’s volleyball team, prioritizing her mental health is important as it not only affects her performance on the court but also her grades.

“My favourite thing about the HONE app is that it helps my team and me think about our own feelings and how it may be affecting our everyday life. This initiative has improved my team’s communication, which has helped us do more for each other on and off the court,” said Pedersen. “I love my team and I don’t know where I would be without them, I have had mental health struggles for years, but this team has helped me become a stronger person and I can’t thank them enough.”

HONE Athletics was created by Jessica Renney and Paula McQuaid, two sport psychotherapists who realized they needed a way to get ahead of the issues that athletes commonly face.

“When we make athlete mental health a priority; when we have a proper understanding of how to best support athletes; and when we pay careful attention to the environments in which they exist, we will see athletes thrive,” said McQuaid. “The women’s volleyball teams’ willingness to participate in HONE every week, coupled with the care and courage from their head coach, Tony Clarke, makes our partnership with DC a very special one.”

Learn more about the mental health and well-being services and resources available on campus, online.

FIRST LEGO League Provincial Championship takes over Durham College

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.

Durham College supports the Region’s growing virtual production industry with new, collaborative event and on-campus services

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 10th 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