Donor excellence and student success celebrated at Durham College’s first President’s Breakfast

Durham College (DC) recognized the generous support of the community while showcasing student success at the first annual President’s Breakfast on February 9.

More than 65 individuals, community partners and corporate donors attended the event at the Whitby campus’ W. Galen Weston Centre which celebrated their commitment to learning and gave them the chance to hear directly from students.

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy and members from the college’s Board of Governors and the Durham College Foundation Board also attended the event.

“Our donors’ investments are making a difference in the lives of our students every day,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “From financial contributions through scholarships, bursaries and capital projects, to the experience and expertise they offer in field placements and Program Advisory Committees, their generosity and support play an integral role in helping the college and our students lead the way.”

Four students also spoke and shared the ways that donor support has impacted their DC journey and how it has empowered them to embrace the future.

“I am incredibly grateful to study in the brand-new Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology,” said Heather Reid, a student in the Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices program. “The ability to learn from industry professionals and work hands-on with leading-edge technology that I will encounter in the future gives me the confidence to know I will be prepared on graduation day to rise to the challenge and make a difference in my industry.”

Many donors in attendance were recent supporters of the college’s Building for Skills Campaign, which led to the opening of the college’s new Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology. A welcomed addition to the Whitby campus, the new facility has allowed the college to expand its capacity for skilled trades programs by 750 students to address the labour shortage in Canada.


Durham College Skilled Trades Students Leading the Way with Schulich Builders Scholarship Program

Durham College is proud to partner with The Schulich Foundation which announced a game-changing program, Schulich Builders, a scholarship program dedicated to students pursuing a career in the skilled trades. In its first year of operation, more than $3 million is committed to combat labour shortages and highlight the importance of skilled trades in Canada, with $300,000 going directly to Durham College students.

“We are grateful for this partnership with the Schulich Foundation and generous supports for students in skilled trades programs,” said Don Lovisa, President of Durham College. “With these scholarships, we will continue to lead the way by developing knowledgeable and experienced skilled trades graduates who are able to step into rewarding careers that can make a difference in our local communities.”

In addition to financial support, Schulich Builders also provides leadership training and mentorship to set up graduates for success.

“We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career path,” said Judy Schulich, Executive Vice-President of The Schulich Foundation. “Canadians rely heavily on the trades to build and maintain infrastructure critical for prosperous communities.  Our challenge today is not having enough of these talented people to meet the demand.”

Applications for Durham College students open on March 1 for students starting in September 2023.

Program Details:
Launched in 2023, Schulich Builders will cover tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trade program at one of ten participating colleges in Ontario, including Durham College. Priority will be given to students nominated by their high school. Students may apply directly through Durham College.

Durham College will award 10 scholarships per year:

  • five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and
  • five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/schulichbuilders.


Job Fair connects students and alumni with employers

Close to 2,000 Durham College (DC) students and alumni connected with 135 employers at two recent on-campus job fairs to explore local opportunities for full- and part-time work, summer jobs and contract roles.

DC and Ontario Tech University held a joint event at the Oshawa campus on Thursday, February 2. On Wednesday, February 8, DC held its own event at the Whitby campus.

“The Job Fair is an important event that connects our qualified students and alumni with local employers and industry leaders who will guide them to the next step in their careers,” said Don Lovisa, DC president, at the Oshawa event.We are fortunate to have so many innovative businesses operating in Durham Region, supporting our students and families and making meaningful contributions to our communities every day.”

With DC’s proven track record of producing job-ready graduates, employers know they are likely to find ideal candidates at the annual Job Fair.

“We take pride in knowing that our programs are developed in response to meet employer and industry needs,” said Lovisa. “It’s always nice to learn of the high satisfaction rates, year after year, from employers who have hired a DC student or alumni and welcomed them as part of their team.”

Feedback from employers was very positive, and some students even received job offers on the spot.

The students were well prepared to meet prospective employers after last month’s Gear Up to Get Hired events, where they attended drop-in sessions and webinars to learn how to approach the modern job hunt, from creating a personal pitch to preparing for an interview. They also learned some tips and tricks about networking and how to create an eye-catching resumé.

With successful events like the Job Fair, DC continues to lead the way by preparing students for their future careers.


DC honours Black History Month

February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month in Canada. This is an important time to acknowledge the contributions Black Canadians have made to our history and culture. Durham College (DC) is proud to honour those pioneers and change makers and celebrate their role in shaping our communities.

Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the intersectional identities and histories of Black people across the Black/African diaspora and their contributions around the world. The DC community is encouraged to acknowledge and challenge inequities that perpetuate anti-Black racism and to celebrate those who continue to take action against it.  

DC pledges to listen, learn and take actionable steps to ensure equitable and inclusive access for all, and our anti-Black racism statement is an acknowledgment of the systemic and institutionalized racism that serves to limit the opportunities and potential of members of the Black community. DC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus for all students and employees, regardless of race, today and every day. 

To recognize the month, DC will raise the Pan-African Flag – a symbol of Black liberation and solidarity for members of the Black/African diaspora. Additionally, throughout the month, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is hosting a series of educational and community-building activities to foster a culture of inclusion and excellence for students and employees that support this year’s theme, “From Legacy to Future.”

Events

Black History in Canada and Legacies of Enslavement

Learn more about the rich experiences and expansive history of peoples of African descent in Canada for over 400 years. Participants will have the opportunity to think critically about the various experiences and contributions of Black people in Canada.

 This presentation will focus on:

  • Black and Indigenous enslavement in Canada.      
  • Legacies of enslavement with a focus on anti-Black racism.     
  • Experiences and achievements of significant individuals and groups that contributed to diverse aspects of Canadian society.

When: Thursday, February 9, from noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Presented by: Channon A. Oyeniran, historian and consultant lecturer for Black History in Canada.
Register here 


Exploring the Intersection: Understanding Anti-Black Islamophobia

Explore the interlocking impact of anti-Blackness and Islamophobia on Black Muslim communities and Black Muslim students. Practical resources and recommendations will be shared to support efforts to promote equity and inclusion.

When: Thursday, February 16, from noon to 1:15 p.m.
Platform: Virtual
Presented by: National Council of Canadian Muslims
Register here


Rep Your Flag: Socacize Movement Class

DC’s Black-identifying community and allies are invited to celebrate Black joy in an energetic socacize fitness class that combines Caribbean and African dance techniques with effective fitness moves. Participants can expect to experience an exciting fusion of music and get their heart rates up. Suitable for all skill levels.

When: Tuesday, February 21, from noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Global Classroom, CFCE 145
Register here

Additional events to recognize Black History Month are being hosted by the Durham College Student Association. Check them out here.


Durham College recognized for ninth time as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges

Durham College (DC) is leading the way in applied research and has been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc. for the ninth time.

The college secured first place among medium-sized colleges in the percentage of social sciences funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) over a three-year period, and second place among medium-sized colleges for the number of paid student researchers. 

DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE), facilitates applied research initiatives at the college and helps solve industry and social challenges with innovation and collaboration. Notable research accomplishments for this year include:

  • Winning bronze at the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) World Congress for DC’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, elevating the college’s ongoing commitment to applied research and cybersecurity on the international stage.
  • Securing $4.2 million of shared research funding dedicated to COVID-19 recovery that helped boost the economy post-pandemic while working collaboratively with industry partners.
  • Hosting an interactive gaming event at the Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) studio to celebrate applied research success and student talent.

“I have immense pride in the exceptional researchers and research administrators here at DC that have helped us achieve this honour once again,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, ORSIE. “This national recognition validates and propels our work as we continue to enhance our services, deepen our connections with the community, forge new partnerships with other colleges, and prioritize the student experience with real-world learning opportunities.”

All five of the college’s research centres – The MRC Studio, AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation, and Social Impact Hub – continue to grow and strengthen their relationships with industry partners and organizations. By engaging industry experts, faculty, students, and the community in research projects, DC continues to be a leading post-secondary institution that prioritizes collaboration, innovation and research.


Durham College hosts provincial STEM challenge for hundreds of elementary students

More than 800 Grade 4 to 8 students from across the province gathered at Durham College’s (DC) Oshawa Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre to put their engineering skills and LEGO-based robots to the test during the 2023 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge Ontario East and West Provincial Championships, this past weekend.

In preparation for the challenge, 76 student teams – guided by adult coaches – designed, built and programmed their robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS and LEGO SPIKE Prime technology. At the event, each team’s robot competed for the championship title by navigating a themed playing field and completing assigned missions and tasks.

As one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and repeat gold level FLL sponsor, Durham College was the perfect location for this year’s SUPERPOWERED challenge theme, which encouraged participants to think creatively and critically to research and develop innovative solutions that improve the ways in which energy is captured, stored, distributed and used. These concepts connect directly to DC’s programs, initiatives and values.

“Durham College is leading the way in sustainability, which is why I’m so excited to see you use your imagination and innovative problem-solving skills to address real-world issues that directly impact our communities,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic, Durham College, during Saturday’s opening ceremony. “As you work together today, remember that the skills you’re developing, as well as your curiosity and drive to succeed, are the building blocks for future learning and exploration in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the trades.”

With its geothermal field and Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), the ongoing transformation of DC’s energy infrastructure is one of the many ways the college is prioritizing its green initiatives to ensure this young generation of renewable energy experts have access to state-of-the-art facilities to support their educational journey.

At the end of the fun-filled and challenging weekend, team Équipe Francobotique from the Association des francophones de la région de York placed first in the East division, qualifying them to compete in an international competition, and team GreenR Bots from the Halton STEM Club placed first in the West division, securing them a spot at the FIRST LEGO League Challenge World Festival, held in Houston, Texas, in April.

More information about FIRST LEGO League is available online.


DC welcomes new first-year students during 2023 Winter Orientation

Durham College (DC) welcomed more than 2,000 students to Winter Orientation in early January to mark the beginning of a new year and educational journey.

Students participated in program orientations as well as a variety of fun events to help them adjust to college life. New students had the opportunity to meet employees and faculty members, discover campus services and learn more about their new programs all while making connections and friendships with fellow attendees. Over 900 international students also received programming to assist with adapting to the Canadian classroom, part-time employment opportunities and more.

Following both campus program orientations, students enjoyed Winterfest where they received new DC swag, played interactive games and indulged in free food truck fare.

Winter orientation events continue throughout the month of January, including an open mic night and a free late-night skate at the Campus ICE Centre. And the fun doesn’t end there; read about more ways you can get involved on DC campuses this winter.


A Year in Review – 2022 at Durham College

It was another busy year at Durham College (DC)! From hosting events, launching new programs, establishing partnerships and winning awards, our DC community has truly been leading the way in 2022.

Here’s a look at some of our favourite highlights of the year.

Events

In-person events were back on the calendar this spring for the first time since 2019 with Convocation, which saw more than 3,500 students cross the stage and Open House welcoming the next generation of DC students. The Harvest Dinner also returned, with students from the horticulture, culinary, events management and hospitality programs working together to create a memorable evening for 105 guests.

We also led the way with a number of unique educational opportunities at DC. The STOP THE BLEED® event set a record with over 200 campus community members learning life-saving skills. And, later in the year, Grade 7 and 8 girls explored potential careers during the Expand the Possibilities 4.0: Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades Conference event.

News

The grand opening of the new Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology marked a new era for the Whitby campus. Filled with numerous specialized labs and shops, it solidifies DC’s status as a top destination for students entering the industrial skilled trades.

DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship celebrated many funding achievements: the Social Impact Hub received a $25,000 grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada; Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada provided more than $100,000 in funding for two of its work-integrated learning projects; and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada granted $440,000 in COVID recovery funding.

Our commitment to social responsibility remained strong this year. The DC community teamed with the Global Guardian Project to send life-saving medical kits to Ukraine, and President Don Lovisa committed to fighting global injustice by signing the Sustainable Developments Goals accord. We also published our first Diversity Self-Identification survey.

DC and Metrolinx made history with a 10-year naming partnership that saw the former Oshawa GO Station renamed Durham College Oshawa GO. And our footprint continued to expand when we partnered with the Barrett Family Foundation, Invest Durham and Durham Region to break ground on the Barrett Centre for Urban Agriculture’s new urban farm project in north Ajax.

Programs

DC continued its push to evolve post-secondary education in a number of ways this year.

Two new technology-focused programs began in September, and eight certificate, graduate certificate and diploma programs will now be available in a flexible weekend delivery format. Another accelerated version of the Personal Support Worker program will allow students to graduate within six months while a new compressed Early Childhood Education program will enable students to graduate within 14 months.

Funding from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development allowed DC to launch three Pre-Apprenticeship programs to increase the number of Canadians who are job-ready in a skilled trade, and employment-seekers facing higher barriers to entry. Finally, DC announced a pair of new degree programs; the Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health and the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal. Both programs will launch in September 2023.

Accolades

DC students are among the best and brightest, and they proved it all year.

Eight students won awards at the 2022 Virtual Skills Ontario Competition, five of whom travelled to Vancouver, leading the way to silver and bronze medal victories at the Skills Canada National competition.

Five Project Management students won first place in the Ontario Project Management Competition and two Game-Art students made waves at Ubisoft Toronto’s NEXT competition.

Two students were named Canada’s best new student chefs at the Taste Canada Awards Gala. Enactus DC won the RBC Future Launch Accelerator and ranked in the top 20 of all social initiatives at the Enactus Canada National Exposition. They had another triumph when they placed first at the Hong Kong Global Social Innovation Summit.

DC’s student-produced newspaper, The Chronicle, took home top honours in the General Excellence – College/University category at the Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s Better Newspapers competition.

Former students have also been making news this year. Cody Partridge, a 2011 graduate of the Music Business program, notched four wins at the Canadian Sync Awards. In the fall, 2015 Culinary Management graduate Trevane ‘Tre’ Sanderson claimed victory on the hit show Top Chef Canada.

The college received its own accolades as well. DC was named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the sixth consecutive year, and one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for the 12th time.

As we embark on the year ahead, DC will undoubtedly continue to lead the way in Durham Region and beyond.


Durham College receives Greater Toronto Top Employer award for 12th time

Continuing its tradition of excellence and commitment to employee feedback and family-friendly policies

Durham College (DC) is proud to be named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2023 marking the 12th time the college has received this honour.

“We are grateful to be recognized once again as a Greater Toronto Top Employer, which confirms what we already know: that DC is an exceptional place to work and learn,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “Our success is a true testament to the dedication, innovation and expertise of our employees who continue to lead the way across all departments and Faculties, resulting in a unique and transformative education and college experience for our students.”

Among many reasons for selection as a Top Employer, DC was recognized for its commitment to receiving employee feedback and ideas. Employee testimonials were also featured throughout the application, showcasing the college’s collaborative sense of community.

This year’s application also highlighted some of the amazing initiatives underway at DC. From launching the Social Impact Hub, the Centre for Organic Regeneration and the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture, to opening campus facilities like the Ontario Power Generation Centre Skilled Trades and Technology, DC and its employees truly are leading the way.

The selection committee acknowledged DC for its:

  • Diversity and inclusion – A number of initiatives, including a college-wide census, providing learning experiences that embrace the Indigenous ways of knowing and acknowledge the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and supporting the Black North Initiative, are among the work designed to support and encourage diversity across DC.
  • Family-friendly policies and excellent maternity and parental leave benefits, which include paid leave for mothers, 35 weeks of paid leave for partners and adoptive parents, and 93 per cent salary top-up benefits.
  • Tuition assistance for employees and their dependents.
  • Defined benefit pension plan with employer-matched contributions.
  • Retirement planning assistance and maintained connections through the Retiree Association.

    More information can be found on DC’s Greater Toronto Top Employers profile.


    DC grad named Canada’s Top Chef

    Canada’s new Top Chef is a proud Durham College (DC) graduate.

    Trevane ‘Tre’ Sanderson, a 2015 graduate of DC’s Culinary Management program, claimed victory last month on the hit show Top Chef Canada. Facing off against 10 of Canada’s best chefs, Tre needed all of his culinary knowledge and passion to come out on top.

    “This moment, this win, was so memorable,” he said. “It was a proud moment and a big accomplishment.”

    Studying the culinary arts at DC was an easy choice for Tre, who has nurtured a love of food and cooking ever since childhood. His timing couldn’t have been better, as he and his classmates were the very first to learn their trade at the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food. Tre cited the unique education he received there, including DC’s field-to-fork and sustainable business practices, as a big factor in the success he has achieved so far.

    “DC gave me the confidence to get out there and go into my industry.”

    The up-and-coming chef’s career has been on the rise ever since he graduated, with successful stints at notable Toronto restaurants like Baro, Hotel X and Vela. Fresh off his Top Chef triumph, he hopes to return to DC in the near future and give back to the school and its students. Plans aren’t finalized yet, but he’d like to work with the current Culinary Management students, and even set up a pop-up restaurant, hopefully in time for Black History Month in February.

    He’ll have plenty of advice to offer to the young chefs at the Whitby campus.

    “Always challenge yourself, and never stay comfortable,” he said. “The moment you’re comfortable, you stop learning.”

    As for his own future, Tre has big plans, and opening his own restaurant will be just the beginning.

    “I want to start this culinary empire I’ve always dreamed of since I started cooking…keep pushing the boundaries and working with different chefs. I want to be a world class chef who people can look up to.”

    By becoming Canada’s Top Chef, Tre has demonstrated that anything is possible when you work hard, dream big and can lead with way with a great education.