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Women making an impact in DC’s Lacrosse Sixes debut

The Durham College (DC) Lords are making an impact in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association’s (OCAA) inaugural season of lacrosse sixes, and two women are playing a key role.

Unlike traditional varsity sports divided into men’s and women’s competition, lacrosse sixes is open to all athletes, and Jia Leblanc and Natalia Quesnel are taking full advantage of the mixed format.

“It feels really good to be part of something new and help establish a sport that is mixed, especially on a team that is predominantly men,” said Quesnel. “Jia and I have integrated really well with the group, and it has been a great experience being part of the program from the beginning.”

The Massage Therapy students are already varsity athletes with the Lords. Leblanc competes with DC’s women’s soccer team, while Quesnel is a member of the women’s rugby sevens program. They both have experience in field lacrosse through Lacrosse Canada and the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women’s program, with which Leblanc won an Ontario University Athletics silver medal.

Lacrosse sixes is played on a 70 by 36 metre surface (smaller than field lacrosse) with six players on each side.

Leblanc had never previously played on a team alongside men, adding another new element to an already unfamiliar format.

“I hope being out there shows that women belong in this environment too,” said Leblanc. “The coaches and the guys have been incredibly welcoming from day one. They’ve helped us improve while treating us like any other teammate, and that has made it really easy to feel included and comfortable competing.”

Their skills and experience on the lacrosse turf has translated well to the new format, according to head coach Kyle Curtis.

“Jia and Natalia have both been great additions to our group. They’re extremely athletic, competitive, coachable, and have brought a great energy to the team,” he said. “Having athletes like them involved is a great example of how skills from other sports can transfer to lacrosse and how Sixes can create opportunities for talented female athletes to compete at the collegiate level.”

The OCAA’s first lacrosse sixes showcase was held last month at Rob Ford Stadium in Etobicoke, and Leblanc and Quesnel appeared in both of DC’s games, each recording a shot on goal while the latter also picked up an assist.

The exhibition schedule will continue at Vaso’s Field on Sunday, October 18. The Lords will be in action at 11 a.m. against Mohawk College and again at 3 p.m. against Fleming College.

IT students put their skills to work at DC’s IT Student Expo and Hack-a-Thon

At Durham College (DC), technology students put their classroom knowledge into practice through experiences that align learning with industry demands. The DC IT Student Expo and DC Hack-a-Thon are annual events that connect students with professionals, community partners, and real-world challenges, helping them build career-ready skills for the future of technology.

Together, the events showcase the range of expertise developed across DC’s IT programs, from programming and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, cloud technologies, data, and systems.

Bringing classroom projects to an industry audience

At the DC IT Student Expo, students present their work in a professional exposition environment, challenging them to explain their ideas, answer questions, work with teammates, and communicate with audiences beyond the classroom. Projects showcase a range of technologies, including cloud and infrastructure solutions, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, programming, automation, and monitoring.

The event also features industry speakers and interdisciplinary collaboration. In spring 2026, design thinker, entrepreneur, and innovation leader Colin Dhillon delivered the keynote, while Event Planning students supported the planning and execution of the Expo.

Student achievements are also recognized through Best-in-Class awards by program and Best-in-Show overall, adding a friendly competitive element.

Building solutions in 24 hours

The DC Hack-a-Thon offers a different kind of challenge: a 24-hour build sprint where students work in teams to develop solutions to real-world problems.

Working within a limited timeframe, participants draw on their knowledge of programming, artificial intelligence, data, cybersecurity, and other areas of technology to develop and present their ideas. Industry and community partners add a real-world perspective, helping students understand how technology can be used to address practical challenges, while strengthening their problem-solving, collaboration and communication skills.

While the events offer different experiences, both give students opportunities to move beyond theory, solve problems, and simulate settings that reflect today’s technology industries, so they can enter the workforce career-ready and confident.

Support to help students succeed at Durham College

Starting college is a big step, and students can expect to take on new academic challenges along the way. At Durham College (DC), students have access to resources that can help them build their skills, manage their studies, and feel confident in their academic journey.

From learning strategies and tutoring to accessibility services and accommodated testing, the Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) and Access and Support Centre (ASC) offer resources to help students throughout their time at DC.

Build effective study habits
College brings new expectations for managing time, staying organized and preparing for tests and assignments.

SALS offers learning strategies support to help students with areas such as time management, organization, study strategies, test preparation and overcoming procrastination. Students can also access workshops, online resources and tools to help them plan their studies.

SALS ONLINE is also available through DC Connect, which includes resources on topics such as test preparation, time management, staying organized, overcoming test anxiety and effective studying.

“SALS is a welcoming space where students can access supports for their courses, strengthen their academic skills, or simply find a quiet place to study,” says Catherine Hayes, Manager, SALS. “We encourage students to connect with us early and often, taking advantage of the resources available before they feel overwhelmed.”

“Meeting with the Learning Specialist one-on-one was very helpful during my academic studies. I would prepare all my questions and topics of interest before my appointment and go through everything at a pace that worked for me,” says Nicole Gaul, Chemical Engineering Technology graduate. “It’s a fantastic resource whether you learn better one-on-one or in a small group setting where you can bounce ideas around.”

Get help with course material
Students don’t have to navigate challenging course material on their own. SALS offers support in areas including math, physics, biology, science, accounting, business, academic writing and language. Students can also access peer tutoring and other academic support to help them better understand course content and prepare for tests.

Access supports that meet individual needs
For students registered with the ASC, the centre works with them to recommend and coordinate supports and accommodations based on their individual learning needs and supporting documentation. Supports can include accommodated testing, peer notetaking, peer coaching and assistive technology.

Students who require accommodated testing can write tests in class or at one of DC’s Oshawa or Whitby Test Centres. The Test Centre provides a secure testing environment for students whose needs cannot be fully met in the classroom.

Support throughout the student experience
College is about more than attending classes. It is also about developing the skills, confidence and independence needed to succeed in a program and prepare for a career.

Whether students need help building effective study habits, understanding course material, preparing for a test or accessing accommodations, SALS and ASC are among the services available to support them at DC.

Knowing that these resources are available can be an important part of choosing a college. At DC, students have access to people and services that can help them navigate academic challenges and make the most of their college experience.

A garden rooted in relationships, learning, and the land

A new Indigenous garden is taking shape at Durham College’s (DC) Whitby Campus. More than a space to grow plants, it offers an opportunity to learn from the land, build relationships, and explore Indigenous approaches to sustainability.

The garden is part of the campus’ food forest — a growing approach rooted in Indigenous agricultural practices that bring together a variety of edible plants in layers that reflect the structure of a natural forest — and contributes to DC’s commitment to expand Indigenous-led initiatives, creating space for Indigenous knowledge, teachings, and perspectives.

Developed in partnership with The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture (Barrett Centre), which supports hands-on learning and exploration in sustainable food production and agriculture, the project began with an Indigenous ground blessing in May.

“The Barrett Centre is a place where we can explore new approaches to growing food and caring for the land, and the Indigenous garden adds an important dimension to that work,” said Carey Yeoman, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Barrett Centre. “The ground blessing marked the beginning of our Indigenous Agroecology installation, which will encourage a broader way of thinking about food production and what a farm can offer as a learning environment. It demonstrates that there are many ways to work with the land and produce food while caring for the health of the soil.”

Growing knowledge through connection

At the heart of the garden are teachings about relationships and reciprocity.

Sweetgrass, known as the hair of Mother Earth, is among the medicines growing. Also used in braiding practices, sweetgrass represents the strength that comes from bringing individual strands together. On their own, the strands are not as strong; woven together, they become stronger. The teaching reflects the importance of relationships and community and connects with DC’s Braiding Learning Framework.

In keeping with Indigenous teachings, tobacco, known as the first medicine, is another important component in the garden. Tobacco is offered back to the Earth when plants or medicines are harvested as a gesture of gratitude, reinforcing the idea of living with the land rather than simply using it.

Learning across disciplines

Developed as a cross-collaborative project, the garden draws on the Anishinaabe’s Seven Grandfather Teachings, which encourage us to honour the knowledge shared by those who came before, learn from experience, and remain open to the experiences and teachings of others.

It is also creating opportunities for students across DC to bring their skills and perspectives together through hands-on learning.

Horticulture Technician and Horticulture – Food and Farming students put their knowledge into practice through planting and harvesting. Carpentry and Renovation students built the raised planters and benches, while Graphic Design students are contributing signage, illustrations, and interactive QR code elements that will help visitors learn more about the space. In the kitchen, Culinary Management students are exploring innovative ways to work with and harvest the crops.

“The garden is a space where community and learning come together, and where students can see how different areas of knowledge connect,” said Jennifer Fournier, Teaching and Learning Consultant – Indigenous Pedagogies, DC. “Bringing Indigenous teachings, agriculture, design, skilled trades, and culinary learning into one shared space creates meaningful opportunities to learn from one another and understand the value of working together.”

A naming ceremony will take place in the future to formally announce the garden’s Anishinaabe name, marking another step in its story and the relationships that continue to grow from it.

Durham College helping business prepare for Canada’s defence spending boom

With Canada making a generational investment in defence spending, there are substantial new opportunities for businesses and Durham College (DC) is well-positioned to support their success. 

Members of DC recently attended an Invest Durham event — Building Durham Region’s Defence Industrial Base — which brought together the private sector, government and post-secondary institutions.  

The event’s keynote speaker was Bernie Derible, Ontario’s first Military and Defence Representative — a role created by the government to promote the province’s defence industry in global markets, attract new defence investment to the province and help Ontario companies take advantage of growing export opportunities.  

“Focusing on defence requires collaboration across sectors, and Durham College has an important role to play in supporting the skilled workforce, learning, and innovation needed to help our region respond to these emerging needs,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President. “Through our academic programs, research and development, compliance expertise, corporate training and innovation initiatives, we are helping develop the talent, skills and business capacity needed to leverage this opportunity while advancing Durham Region’s role as a strong contributor to provincial and federal priorities.” 

Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research at DC, explains that the college is part of an innovation ecosystem ready to support small and medium businesses looking to expand into the defence sector.  

“Durham College has great strengths in research and development, and we’ve been offering R&D services to small and medium enterprises (SME) for the last 15 years,” she said. “We currently have three mature research centers across the AI Hub, the Mixed Reality Capture Studio, and the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, who all possess expertise in their particular fields to support companies to innovate and to address problems.” 

As well, DC’s Corporate Training Services is ready to work with businesses to upskill and reskill their workforce, helping to keep companies competitive and ahead of industry demands. 

A panel discussion at the Invest Durham event on building defence-ready capacity featured Sushant Katare, Senior Cybersecurity Manager at DC’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, and Doug Hart, Business Manager and Strategist for DC Corporate Training Services. It was moderated by DC’s Robin Young, Executive Director, Business and Workforce Development. 

“Working collaboratively to advance the defence sector in Durham Region is how we will rapidly increase capacity,” said Sandra Austin, Commissioner, Community Growth and Economic Development – Invest Durham. “Post-secondary institutions like Durham College are critical to this, as research and innovation, workforce development, and specific expertise such as cybersecurity each play a role in advancing our regional economy. Durham College will play a key role in how we secure Durham Region’s meaningful participation in this provincial and national priority.”  

In his keynote address, Derible emphasized the importance of what has been called a generational moment. 

“What we’re going through right now is a gigantic nation-building, growth-mindset exercise,” he said, adding that he believes Prime Minister Mark Carney has under-estimated the 125,000 new jobs that will be created and Ontario stands to gain 50,000 jobs alone. 

He also described the development of the defence sector as a sovereignty issue in Canada, a point that McKee Demczyk describes as vitally important given global shifts. 

“Protecting what we have, protecting our infrastructure and our intellectual property from foreign interference, those needs have never been stronger than they are right now,” she said. “Those are conversations that Durham College is actively involved in, and we want to make sure that we not only protect ourselves, but we help our small and medium enterprises and companies in this space so they know how to protect themselves as well.” 

She adds that DC is ready to provide top-notch professional services for businesses entering the defence sector. 

“We work with the pace of the industry,” she said. “Our delivery times are very much aligned with industry requirements, and we have certified professionals to work with you to identify your business needs and deliver solutions.” 

Learn more about Research, Innovation and Training Services (RITS) at Durham College.

Durham College, City of Oshawa partnership puts student ideas into action

What could a future transit corridor look like in downtown Oshawa? How could mixed reality help firefighters prepare for leadership roles? And what stories can public art tell along one of the city’s bike trails?

These are some of the questions Durham College (DC) students have explored through the college’s partnership with the City of Oshawa’s TeachingCity initiative. Across a range of programs, DC students and faculty are working with City staff to bring new ideas, skills and perspectives to projects that benefit the community.

For students in DC’s Architectural Technology program, the challenge was to reimagine several properties along Oshawa’s designated future transit corridor. Working with the City’s Planning Services branch, students researched development policies and regulations, considered market demand and costs, and developed proposals focused on affordable housing, sustainability, pedestrian experience, and transit. They presented their work to City staff at an open house at City Hall, gaining insight into the many considerations involved in planning and developing land.

“The TeachingCity partnership exemplifies DC’s commitment to high-impact experiential learning,” says Anna De Grauwe, Director, Experiential Learning, Research, Innovation and Training Services (RITS). “By working alongside City of Oshawa staff on projects that have a direct impact on the community, our students gain professional experience while contributing creativity, innovation, and fresh perspectives to challenges facing Oshawa. These projects show how collaboration between education and community partners can create meaningful benefits for everyone involved.”

The partnership is also bringing emerging technology to a challenge faced by Oshawa Fire Services. Through DC’s Mixed Reality Capture Studio, three Game – Art graduates will be hired to help develop a mixed reality training and assessment application. The application will simulate the assessment of a building during a fire call. Candidates preparing for firefighter leadership roles will practise identifying hazards and determining appropriate response strategies in a controlled environment.

In Oshawa’s public spaces, Fine Arts – Advanced students have contributed artwork to wayfinding signage along the Joseph Kolodzie Bike Trail. Six student works were selected and installed, with themes exploring active transportation, environmental sustainability, wildlife, and the relationship between urban and natural spaces.

DC students have also helped visitors experience the new Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park. Their curriculum-based project contributed to the park’s digital wayfinding experience, which includes information about the park’s history, ecology, amenities, and gardens, along with 360-degree viewing and an auditory tour guide.

For some 9-1-1 Emergency and Call Centre Communications students, the partnership provides a pathway into the field. DC students participating in Oshawa Fire Services’ Fire 911 Communications placements gain exposure to emergency telecommunications and the work of communications professionals. Nikki Bradshaw was among the first DC students to participate and later successfully applied for a position with the department. She is now training as part of Oshawa’s Fire Communications team.

Together, these projects show how the TeachingCity partnership connects DC with the community to address local challenges, advance experiential learning and help shape Oshawa’s future.

Durham College recognizes Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with second annual Mini Powwow

On Wednesday, September 30, the Durham College (DC) community gathered to recognize Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The second annual Mini Powwow, hosted by DC’s First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC), honoured the Survivors of the residential school system, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home.

“Today, we come together in the spirit of remembrance, reflection, and reconciliation. This is a day to honour Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, while acknowledging the lasting impacts of these institutions. It is also a day to listen, to learn, and to carry these teachings forward in our everyday lives,” said Dr. Kayla Murphy, Director, Indigenous Initiatives.

Sharing their wisdom at the morning event were Elder Dorothy Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation, who opened the proceedings with a prayer, and Susan Byrne, president of the Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle, who shared reflections and teachings.

The Powwow also featured a sacred fire lighting ceremony by Firekeeper and three-time DC alumnus Ronald Leaman, as well as drumming, dancing and teachings by the High Tide Singers and Head Dancer Brooke Wheeler, Peyton Jones and Rachel Taunton, FPIC’s Indigenous Communities Outreach Coordinator, who was instrumental in the creation of this new DC tradition.

The event was held in the Naanaagide’endamowin “The Art of Thinking” Courtyard at the Oshawa campus, as well as inside the FPIC space in the Centre for Collaborative Education. The afternoon’s activities included drop-in crafts, fireside chats and vendors, and a traditional Plant Teachings workshop hosted by Matthew Levac.

Also in support of the day, the Durham College Student Association hosted a button-making event earlier in the week, where students were invited to create a button, reflect on the significance of the day, and show their commitment to truth, reconciliation, and the message that Every Child Matters.

“For post-secondary institutions, including DC, reconciliation carries a particular responsibility. We play an important role in advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by creating spaces where Indigenous knowledge, histories, and perspectives are respected and valued; in addressing systemic barriers; and in supporting meaningful change,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President.

“Our commitment to this work is reflected in our Strategic Vision and demonstrated in our daily actions that bring Indigenous ways of knowing into teaching and learning, amplify Indigenous voices and stories, deepen relationships with Indigenous communities, and create opportunities for employees and students to further their understanding of Indigenous histories and experiences.”

Resources to support the DC community’s continued learning and reflecting on reconciliation are available:

Indigenization at Durham College

We are committed to fostering reconciliation, inclusivity, and lifelong learning for everyone. Explore our Indigenization at Durham College Content

Students grow, cook and host DC’s Harvest Dinner under the stars

As the seasons change and fall arrives, Durham College (DC) celebrates the harvest with a tradition that brings together food, learning, sustainability, and community.

On September 24, guests gathered under the stars at the Whitby campus for DC’s annual Harvest Dinner, an outdoor dining experience prepared and hosted by students and employees from across the college.

The evening showcased DC’s field-to-fork-to-field philosophy in action. Horticulture Technician and Food and Farming students helped grow and harvest ingredients from the fields at the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, while students from Culinary Skills and Hospitality Skills programs worked with guidance from faculty to prepare and serve the meal.

From growing food in the fields to preparing it in the kitchen and welcoming guests at the table, students played a role in every stage of the evening. The event gave them an opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world setting, work alongside faculty and industry professionals, and experience what their future careers could look like.

“The Harvest Dinner brings our fields, kitchens and classrooms together in one memorable night,” said DC President Dr. Elaine Popp. “Our students grow the food, prepare the meal and welcome the guests, building skills that lead to rewarding careers in food, farming and hospitality. It’s a proud reminder of what happens when learning is connected to community and to the land.”

The Harvest Dinner also reflects DC’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The field-to-fork-to-field approach connects growing and preparing food with the return of nutrients to the soil, giving students an opportunity to explore sustainable practices and the importance of caring for the land.

The evening was made possible through the generous contributions of our event sponsors: Feast On, Gervais Party & Tent Rentals, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery, Leaf, The Rustic Board and Selbie’s Select Produce Ltd. Their support helps create opportunities for students to put their learning into practice while connecting DC with industry and local partners.

For the students behind the Harvest Dinner, the night was about more than demonstrating their skills. They worked as a team, took on responsibility and saw their learning bear fruit around the dinner table.

Durham College partners on Memory Forest project at Whitby Campus

Durham College (DC), Trees for Life, and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario are working together on a Memory Forest project at DC’s Whitby campus, with support from the Barrett Family Foundation.

A ceremony was held at the site on September 16 to mark the start of project with the planting of a single tree. Over the coming months, a section of the Whitby campus grounds will be developed as an accessible green space for people living with dementia, their caregivers, and other community members.

Plans for the space include native tree planting, accessible pathways, high-contrast wayfinding, tactile features, sensory plantings, and gathering areas. Trees for Life is contributing knowledge of native tree planting and urban greening as the site is developed, while the Alzheimer Society of Ontario is providing expertise related to dementia inclusion.

The Memory Forest will also involve DC learners in the care and development of the site. DC will lead the design of nature-based programming, while learners can contribute to stewardship activities and gain hands-on experience.

“The Memory Forest is a great example of how partnerships can create opportunities for DC and the broader community,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College. “We’re pleased to be working with Trees for Life and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario on this project and to provide a space that is welcoming to people living with dementia and their caregivers.”

Development of the Memory Forest is expected to continue into 2027 as DC and its community partners work to establish the new space at the Whitby campus.