General Motors puts the pedal to the metal at Whitby campus Posted on May 27, 2013 at 10:24 am. Motors were running and engines were revving at Durham College from May 21 to 23 as the Whitby campus hosted the second General Motors (GM) Drive and Ride event. In honour of the release of the completely revolutionized 2014 GMC Sierra and 2014 Chevy Silverado, GM will be travelling to different venues across Canada all summer, giving local GM salesmen a chance to become knowledgeable of these new vehicles and have a little fun with hands-on experience. Craig Campbell, Pro Plus GM – training manager, Corporate Training Services, said that the tour kicked off at Durham College and will be expanding to 11 cities in total. “This is the first event in all of Canada and it happened in the Durham College parking lot,” he said. Hundreds of local car dealers gathered over a three-day span to participate in a series of pylon-marked obstacles while driving the latest models. Three other competing automotive brands were compared in this five-module course to ensure GM remained the top brand of vehicles in its class. The event included an off-road environment, driving dynamics skid pad, trailer towing and street driving, with other workshops located inside the Skills Training Centre. A former graduate of Durham College’s Marketing program, Campbell says Durham College has provided its facilities to GM workers for the past 20 years to develop new strategies in areas of selling, retail training, advertising and customer aspects. “When dealers go through product training, they go through us. Durham College Corporate Training Services employees train them,” said Campbell. “We work hand-in-hand. We shoot 25 walk-around videos (of vehicles) a year, develop broadcast literature and hundreds of different selling skills online or in the course, and Durham College employees put it together.” DC professor’s quest for success Posted on May 24, 2013 at 10:01 am. Durham College’s Gary Gannon, professor and program co-ordinator of the Human Resources program in the School of Business, IT & Management successfully defended his dissertation titled Human Resources Programming and Its Impact on Leadership within Governing Boards of Ontario Community Colleges from the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education at the University of Toronto. To reach his personal goal, Gannon worked tirelessly over the course of seven years toward his PhD, drawing motivation from his own resolve and that of a respected colleague. “At the time when I was thinking about my PhD, former college President Gary Polonsky was doing his PhD in the same program that I was in,” said Gannon. “So I thought here’s a man that is running a college, and he’s doing his PhD. If he could do it, perhaps I could too.” Gannon is no stranger to hard work, having previously earned a Master of Arts in Theory and Policy Studies in Education, a Master of Health Science in Health Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences. His interest in the business of human resources and education, specifically the board of governors and their operations, led him on this path of discovery. Gary credits his wife for continually reminding him that yes, in fact there was a finish line approaching, even if it was seemingly moving out of reach. Gary has his proudest moments from this journey, “Being able to work with one of the leading experts in higher education governance in Canada, Dr. Glen Jones who was most supportive, I was proud of having him as an advisor,” said Gannon. Furthermore, hearing “Congratulations Dr. Gannon” upon the defence of his dissertation certainly solidified his dream becoming a reality. Annual Science Rendezvous provides educational family fun Posted on May 22, 2013 at 8:49 am. Welcoming close to 500 guests to its Oshawa campus in the name of science, Durham College participated in the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT) sixth annual Science Rendezvous on May 11 at the university’s Energy Systems and Nuclear Science Research Centre (ERC) for a day of fun-based learning, free food and prizes. A popular tradition since 2008, the event is Ontario’s largest public science festival with many interactive educational workshops that students, children and parents alike enjoyed together while expanding their knowledge. Durham College hosted a household science display with numerous activities including refraction; making batteries with fruit and vegetables; exploring scientific compounds in foods such as cereal; and making objects disappear. School of Science & Engineering Technology faculty member Laura Benninger has volunteered for the Science Rendezvous since its inception and helped organize and run this year’s events. “The Science Rendezvous was able to reach the goal of exposing the public, and children especially, to science in both an entertaining and educational sense,” said Benninger. “I strongly believe in bringing science into the community and showing that science and technology are fun!” In addition to the college’s activities, participants had the opportunity to race bottle rockets; handle robotics; compete in a tower building competition, enjoy liquid nitrogen ice-cream; examine forensic evidence from a crime scene; isolate their own DNA; and many other activities. Durham College launches new strategic plan Posted on May 17, 2013 at 2:20 pm. Durham College has released its new strategic plan, building on its recent success and outlining the college’s course of action for the next three years. Released on May 16, the plan incorporates feedback from more than 300 people and is designed to ensure the college continues to be a premier destination for post-secondary students for years to come. In addition, it offers a summary on how the college will continue to grow responsibly while developing new and dynamic partnerships and furthering the advancement of the student-focused teaching and learning already in place. Strategic Plan 2013-2016 is based on the pillars of our students, our people, our business and our community and offers several specific commitments for each. This includes establishing the first-in-Ontario college-university laddering partnership with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), providing students with the ability to move seamlessly from apprenticeship to PhD; ensuring Durham College is competitive within the post-secondary education system by launching four-year degree programs in strategic areas of the economy; and championing, with other Ontario colleges, the conversion of targeted three-year advanced diplomas to three-year degrees under the pillar of our students. Under the pillar of our people the college will find new ways to engage alumni while committing time and expertise so college leaders can serve on boards, associations and for significant events that will strengthen these groups and ultimately the well-being of the community. Under the pillar of our business it will renew existing campus space in ways that better meet the learning, study and service needs of students and plan for new buildings and facilities that will allow it to demonstrate leadership in specific areas of study that are critical to the local community.. Lastly, under the pillar of our community, the college will advance innovation and the economic well-being of the community through industry-led applied research targeted to small- and medium-sized enterprises and take on a leadership role in the development and realization of the Durham Learning and Business Innovation Park. “This new plan was developed through hundreds of consultations with faculty, staff, students, the college’s board of governors and this community,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “We believe that we have the right roadmap for the future and over the next three years we will achieve this strategic vision and this mission.” The college has also released a video in support of the plan that provides a glimpse into the direction Durham College is headed and features students, staff, industry and partner testimonials about what they will be doing ‘in the next three years’. ASC receives award recognizing commitment to accessibility Posted on May 17, 2013 at 9:18 am. Durham College’s Access and Support Centre (ASC) is committed to the belief that inclusion benefits everyone. On May 13, ASC staff members Kirston Arbour, disability advisor and Meghan Houghton, director of Learning and Disability Services were recognized for their dedication as they received the Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) Accessibility Award for outstanding commitment to accessibility for students who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing. Since 1996 the CHS Accessibility Award has recognized individuals, businesses or organizations that have made or are making a significant or ongoing contribution that promotes the well-being and advancement of people with hearing issues. The ASC has taken on numerous initiatives during their four-year partnership with the CHS including case consultations to jointly support students in the classroom as well as in the placement setting; development and delivery of workshops for faculty and staff; and promoting CHS services such as employment support and mental health counseling. The joint initiatives have provided faculty and staff with tools to eliminate barriers. Student workshops have also provided opportunities to learn about employment supports and assistive devices that can increase access to the learning environment available through the CHS. “About ten per cent of our student population has a disability and we want to ensure all our students can be successful and all the services we offer at the centre end up supporting that commitment,” Said vice-president of Student Affairs Margaret Greenley as she spoke of the importance of the ASC. This past year, the ASC logged more than 12,300 service hours where interpreters or computerized note takers were in class providing assistance at both Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). Arbour, who is responsible for the scheduling and implementation of this service, has attended several external training sessions to continue her professional development and develop workshops for faculty and support staff in collaboration with the CHS. “It is important that any student that walks though the doors has access to an inclusive environment,” said Arbour. “We appreciated the opportunity to work with the CHS to eliminate barriers and are looking forward to continued work with the faculty and staff to benefit all students.” Houghton provides leadership and support for the ASC staff and has played a major role in ensuring students have access to technological devices that will ensure further inclusion. This past year, the ASC purchased the Bellman Alerting system which will help provide more inclusive placement opportunities for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing students. The Bellman Alerting system is a small portable device that uses flashing lights or strong vibrations to help individuals identify sounds that they would normally be unable to detect such as phones, alarms and doors. “CHS has been our strongest partnership this year,” said Houghton. “We really appreciate all the support they have given us.” Along with deaf, deafened or hard of hearing students, the ASC also provides services for students with learning disabilities as well as ADHD, physical, medical, mental health and visual disabilities. More than 1,000 students were registered with the ASC in the 2012-13 academic year. DC celebrates Nursing Week Posted on May 16, 2013 at 12:00 pm. In honour of nurses across the country and to celebrate their own nursing programs, Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) celebrated the 28th National Nursing week from May 6 to 12. The two institutions kicked off the week by welcoming Ontario’s Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Debra Bournes to campus to speak with students and faculty. The dialogue focused on the benefits of DC and UOIT’s partnership as well as the tremendous collaborative research strengths and innovating programming. First-year Practical Nursing student Mary Michalski attended the discussion with Dr. Bournes and faculty from both DC and UOIT. “Debra Bournes provided insight into what nurses are initiating at the provincial level, and the health-care issues the Ministry of Health is currently working on and improving,” Michalski said. Susan Sproul, dean of the School of Health & Community Services, said Bournes’ visit was to acknowledge and celebrate Durham College and UOIT as nurse educators, as well as to focus on improving the college’s Practical Nursing (PN) program and the Nursing – Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) (Hons) program offered by both the college and university. “Both programs are offered on a shared campus at the same location. Many of the PN students bridge into the four year nursing degree program,” said Sproul. Always passionate about becoming a nurse, Michalski encouraged all students going into similar fields to get involved in the events taking place during the week. “If nursing is your chosen profession, then Nursing Week is your chance to celebrate,” said Michalski. “Nurses make a difference in the lives of others.” DC hosts provincial CICE conference Posted on May 14, 2013 at 3:47 pm. Attracting more than 50 learning facilitators from across the province, Durham College recently hosted the 6th annual Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) Provincial Conference from May 8 to 10. The conference was designed to expand on existing initiatives that advocate for students who need extra support in the classroom as part of the college’s two-year CICE program. CICE program liaison and field placement officer Karen Anderson spoke to the group about the many benefits of the existing program and the future initiatives that they hope to implement at Durham College and across the province. “Our program is for students who won’t graduate with a diploma on their own, said Anderson. “They wouldn’t be able to come to college without our program.” The key note speaker for the conference was MPP for Whitby-Oshawa Christine Elliot, who has a personal interest in CICE as her son, John recently graduated from the program. “The CICE program gives students an opportunity to get training, meet friends and get a job,” Elliott said. “John is going to be graduating with opportunities for a job and I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for my family.” “This program has turned my son into who he is today.” CICE graduate Scott Franklin, pulled on the heartstrings of everyone in attendance with his touching words and gratitude for those involved with the program. “I miss coming to school everyday and saying hi to everyone. If I didn’t come here (CICE) I wouldn’t be where I am,” he said. Connie Bell, a learning facilitator at Durham College was one of the many teary-eyed audience members and has seen the wonderful things the program provides. “Students blossom here. You really see how much they grow from the first day until they leave two years later,” said Bell. “It’s their choice to be here, and their choice to grow as a person academically and socially.” Durham College President Don Lovisa, attended the event and spoke about the benefits of the program and the unique opportunities it provides students. “We are so proud that Durham College has taken a leadership role in offering this program, which is so important to the community,” Lovisa said. “The CICE program provides a unique opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities or significant learning challenges to learn at their own pace at a college level, and to be successful.” DC students win four medals at Ontario Technological Skills Competition Posted on May 13, 2013 at 11:33 am. Continuing Durham College’s tradition of incredible results at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC), four students proved they have the skills to succeed this week, winning four provincial medals, including two gold, one silver and one bronze, at the 2013 OTSC, which was hosted by Skills Canada – Ontario from May 6 to 8 in Waterloo, Ont. Second-year Mechanical Technician – Mechanical Maintenance and Control student Mitch Tempro took home a gold medal in the Industrial Mechanic Millwright category and Michael Mills, a Level 3 – Advanced Tool and Die apprenticeship program student, won gold in the Precision Machining competition. In addition, Don Reid, a Level 2 – Intermediate Plumber apprenticeship student, won silver in the Plumbing division while third-year Computer Systems Technology student Conner Saunders claimed bronze in the IT & Network Systems Administration category. “I want to congratulate all of the Durham College students who enjoyed incredible success at the annual Skills Ontario competition,” said Don Lovisa, president of Durham College. “It is very impressive to return home with two golds, one silver and one bronze medal and this truly demonstrates the high quality of our students and the teaching and skills offered by the college.” In total, nine students from Durham College took part in the provincial event. As winners in their respective categories, Tempro and Mills will next compete at the 19th annual Skills Canada National Competition, being held in Vancouver, B.C. from Wednesday, June 5 to Saturday, June 8. “I would also like to recognize our faculty members responsible for teaching and guiding these students and leading them to achieving these well-deserved honours,” added Lovisa. “Well done everyone and good luck to Mitch and Michael as they represent Durham College at Skills Canada.” Skills Canada – Ontario is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the skilled trades and technologies as viable, first-choice career options to Ontario youth. With the support of partners, it encourages young people to consider a career in the skilled trades and technologies through programs and initiatives such as in-school presentations, qualifying and provincial skills competitions. New chair and vice-chair for DC Board of Governors Posted on May 9, 2013 at 12:09 pm. Durham College’s Board of Governors is pleased to announce that Ron Chatterton will serve as its chair, effective Monday, July 1, 2013 through to Monday, June 30, 2014. The chair assists the president in securing strategic partnerships and college funding essential to its operation and advancement; supports and advises the president through collegial partnership; fosters teamwork among board members; presides over executive and board meetings; and communicates board-stated positions and decisions. Chatterton is the director of Refurbishment Support in the nuclear power plant refurbishment sector of Atlantic Nuclear Services Inc. Previously he was an operations manager with Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL), supporting the development of its new reactor designs and prior to joining AECL worked at Ontario Hydro as an authorized control room operator at the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station ‘A’. He also spent two years at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant in Romania where he assisted and trained Romanian staff about placing power plant systems into initial service and worked at Ontario Power Generation, holding manager positions in Operations, Outage and Maintenance at the Darlington and Pickering ‘B’ Nuclear Power Plants. In addition to the appointment of Chatterton to chair of the board, Pierre Tremblay will serve as vice-chair, also effective July 1, 2013 through to June 30, 2014. The vice-chair assists the chair in his or her role and shares the responsibilities of the standing committee meetings and any special events. Tremblay is a well-respected and dedicated leader in the Canadian Nuclear industry who was most recently appointed deputy chief nuclear officer and executive vice-president, Canadian Nuclear Partners, OPG. A Canadian Nuclear business veteran, his extensive career at OPG has spanned over 35 years. Nine DC students to compete at Skills Canada – Ontario Posted on May 3, 2013 at 11:46 am. Some of Durham College’s most technologically talented students will see if they have the skills to pay the bills at the 24th annual Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC) from Monday, May 6 to Wednesday, May 8. The event, featuring more than 1,900 elementary, secondary and post-secondary school competitors in more than 60 skilled trade categories, will take place at RIM Park in Waterloo, Ontario. This year, Durham will send nine students to compete in five different areas of competition. Zachary Winch and Connor Saunders, both third-year students in the Computer Systems Technology program, will compete in the IT & Network Systems Administration category. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques (HVAC) students Jeffery Thackery and Dylan Severn will participate in the Heating Systems Technician contest, while Mitch Tempro and Jordan Best, second-year students in the Mechanical Technician – Mechanical Maintenance and Control program, will compete in the Industrial Mechanic Millwright category. Also competing are Mike Mills and Mark Schubert, Tool and Die (Level 3 – Advanced) apprenticeship students in the Precision Machining category, while Plumber (Level 2 – Intermediate) apprenticeship student Donny Reid competes in the Plumbing competition. Gold-medal winners in each category (except Heating Systems Technician) will be eligible to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition taking place from Wednesday, June 3 to Saturday, June 8 in Vancouver, BC. Last year, Durham College students took home two gold and two silver medals, including Plumber apprentice Ryan Voscek who eventually won the Plumbing category with a gold at the 2012 Skills Canada competition. More than 30,000 spectators are expected at the three-day event. « 1 … 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 … 165 »