This weekend, 25 members of the Durham College (DC) community will take to the water at the Port Perry Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, June 15.

The Durham Dragons team is comprised of DC staff, students, faculty, and alumni. Some of them are veterans of dragon boating, while others are picking up paddles for the first time. But they’re all determined to have fun, represent DC and raise funds for the Port Perry Hospital Foundation and Scugog Lake Stewards.

“The feedback has been fantastic. People are loving it,” said team captain Lori Wilson, Test Centre Coordinator and a long-time dragon boater who regularly competes with the Pickering Dragon Boat Club.

In a dragon boat race, the drummer sits at the front and keeps the paddlers in sync, while another member of the team steers from the back. The remaining team members paddle the boat as hard as they can in the hope of outpacing their opponents.

A joint team of paddlers from DC and Ontario Tech University competed until 2019, but this will be the first race for the Durham Dragons. They’ve been getting a crash course in the sport from their experienced coach, Catie Sahadath, a para-athlete on Canada’s national dragon boat team and Associate University Librarian, Scholarly Resources at the DC and Ontario Tech Campus Library.

“Dragon boating is my very favourite thing, and it is very special to me to be able to introduce the sport to new folks, especially to my colleagues here at DC,” she said. “Each practice I am amazed at how energized and fun the group is. They have taken to the sport really quickly, and everyone has such a positive, supportive attitude.”

With hard work, the guidance of their coach and expert steering from DC alumna Rola Elbayrakdar, Wilson and team are ready for the race, and guests are welcome to attend the event at Palmer Park in Port Perry.

“It will be a fun day to come out and cheer us on.”

Nearly 5,000 students will cross the stage next week at Durham College’s (DC) Spring Convocation and are prepared to enter high-priority fields including healthcare, skilled trades and information technology (IT).

In one of its largest graduating classes, more than 30 per cent are connected to these key career paths, underscoring the college’s commitment to being a future-focused institution and preparing career-ready graduates for rewarding jobs in in-demand fields.

“Our role at Durham College is to ensure the skills demanded by employers and those we are preparing for the workforce, are aligned,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic. “We play a vital role in addressing the shortage of skilled workers, contributing to Durham Region’s economic resilience and growth. Our graduates are prepared with the knowledge and hands-on experience to be the next generation of leaders across key sectors.”

The skilled trades sector has one of the highest labour shortages, according to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Business Confidence Survey, with the construction boom expected to require 72,000 new workers to build 1.5 million homes by 2031. Nearly 800 skilled trades students will graduate this June from DC’s signature skilled trades programs, helping to fuel growth in this critical industry.

Of the top 15 jobs most frequently advertised in the Greater Toronto Area, eight are IT-related, according to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. As artificial intelligence shapes the demand for jobs and skills of tomorrow, DC responded with the development of new programs including Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence Analysis, Design and Implementation. Together, 240 students will graduate from these programs ready to take on careers in new and evolving fields.

To further meet critical demand and respond to employment gaps in the healthcare and social assistance sectors, DC has expanded enrolment in nursing, paramedic, personal support worker, and Early Childhood Education programs. Next week, more than 480 students will graduate from these programs, ready to enter the workforce, fill labour shortage gaps and support growth.

“Durham College offers an innovative and forward-thinking learning environment—one that thrives on collaboration and teamwork,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham. “We see it reflected in their graduates; individuals who are helping to shape local high-demand and high-priority industries. It’s no secret that Durham Region is known as a place where world-class talent comes to live and learn. And it’s the work of these individuals that have helped to earn this reputation. To propel this region into the global spotlight.”

Dr. Choi emphasized the importance of understanding labour patterns, as they’re essential to maintaining a forward-focused perspective. “DC ensures that students have access to the courses and programs they need to secure jobs employers need to fill – in this fast-changing world,” said Dr. Choi. “I am proud of our quality graduates who are ready to make local, national and global impact and DC’s continued efforts to meet the needs of our rapidly evolving workforce.”

Learn more about Durham College’s in-demand programs.

The Durham College (DC) Board of Governors has announced the appointment of two experienced senior leaders as Chair and Vice-Chair.

Lisa Allen has been named new Board Chair and Peter Pryce is Vice-Chair. Their one-year terms will begin Monday, July 1.

Both have already served on the Board, and are excited to continue working with President Dr. Elaine Popp and their fellow board members to seize opportunities and navigate challenges, ensuring that Durham College remains at the forefront of post-secondary education.

“I am deeply honoured to step into the role of Chair of the Board at Durham College,” said Allen, a senior enterprise risk professional and a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Brock University. “I am incredibly DC proud of this institution’s legacy of fostering innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in education. As we move forward, we will build upon this strong foundation to continue meeting the evolving needs of our students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.”

A Senior Operations Manager for a large natural gas utility contractor, Pryce is heavily involved in planning and executing large natural gas projects throughout Ontario. His proven ability to shepherd complicated projects to completion will serve him well in his new role as Vice-Chair.

“My interest in joining the Board was to give back to the community and do all I could to assist the college, and our young people achieve their academic goals, especially those seeking careers in the trades,” he said. “This role will provide me with a further opportunity to support Durham College, the amazing staff, our new Chair, and all the Governors that give so much of their time to this awesome institution.”

Under the leadership of the new Chair and Vice-Chair, the 2024-2025 Board will continue to support Dr. Popp in executing her vision for the future and launching DC’s strategic planning process.

“The President’s vision and leadership will be instrumental as we chart the next chapter for Durham College,” said Allen. “By working closely with our dedicated board members, talented staff, and engaged stakeholders, we will realize our vision.”

The Board is committed to meeting its fiduciary responsibilities and established mandate through collaborative leadership, openness, and transparency. To learn more about the roles and duties of officers, read the Board policy.

Durham College is proud to celebrate our 2024 Alumni of Distinction, two individuals who have launched impressive careers built on a foundation of skill and experience gained at DC.

Shelby Nelson (Sport Administration – 2000) and Adam Ruppel (Business – Human Resources – 1997) will be recognized during DC’s Spring Convocation which runs from June 17 to 20.

Nelson joined the Toronto Blue Jays organization shortly after earning his diploma in an entry level position as an account executive. His goal was to work for a professional sports team in a role that would help him grow.

Over the past 24 years, his career trajectory has seen him rise to Vice President of Florida Operations where he leads a team responsible for Spring Training, the Dunedin Blue Jays, and the Player Development Complex.

“Durham College was instrumental in shaping my career,” said Nelson. “The combination of the skills I learned during my post-grad diploma at DC and the pivotal internship opportunity not only shaped my skills but also opened the door to my professional journey with the Toronto Blue Jays.

His proudest achievement was leading the re-development of TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida and the construction of a brand-new Player Development Complex which was subsequently recognized as the best in major league baseball by MLB.

Ruppel has transformed the events industry in Ontario, launching his career in event management from his home.

His achievements include producing the largest 24-hour mountain bike event in North America, the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice, co-founding Mudhero and quickly establishing it as Canada’s largest obstacle race and co-founding the Drive Festival at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, attracting over 30,000 attendees annually.

Ruppel said his work over 30 years has been driven by passion.

“It’s just been a massive adventure and a tremendous rush and it keeps me active outside and engaged with communities of all types,” he said. “Durham College was pivotal in my entrepreneurial career by providing me those networking opportunities with people that really helped me launch my business and also giving me that structure that really took me to that next level.”

Ruppel will accept his Alumni of Distinction Award at Convocation on June 18 while Nelson will be honoured at a June 20 ceremony.

“We are proud to recognize Shelby and Adam, Durham College alumni who have not only left a mark on their industries, but in the communities where they work so hard,” said Linda Flynn, Associate Vice-President, Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations for DC. “These remarkable individuals exemplify the strength of a DC education and they embody the possibilities for our graduating students launching their careers.”

Durham College’s (DC) Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture and the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) have partnered on a unique dual credit program that is giving Ajax high school students a taste of life – and work – on the farm.

This semester, 15 Grade 11 students from Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School have participated in the Propagation of Vegetables dual credit program at the Barrett Centre’s Ajax Urban Farm. The course is a modified version of one from DC’s Horticulture – Food and Farming program, giving students an innovative opportunity to simultaneously earn a high school and college credit.

Funded by the School College Work Initiative, the program allows students to explore potential career paths in agriculture while earning tangible academic credentials. They spent the winter months in the classroom learning about agriculture before rolling up their sleeves for hands-on experience at the nearby farm.

“It’s a really valuable program,” said Jennifer Hoban, the Barrett Centre’s Community Engagement Coordinator and the Professor who works with the Notre Dame students. “Whether or not the kids go on to be farmers, understanding what goes into the production of food and seeing the connection between what they’re eating and where it comes from is incredibly valuable.”

Through a blend of classroom discussions and farm activities, the students have come to embrace the joys of getting their hands dirty – a testament to the program’s transformative power according to Ante Tojcic, a teacher at Notre Dame who also works with the students.

“The dual credit program has allowed students to experience a whole new level of learning, giving them insights into college and beyond,” he said. “They have learned to propagate their own vegetables, and they’re always in awe at the growth of the plants from week to week.”

The program has been a great success to date, with the DCDSB being so impressed that they invested in a pair of safety boots for every one of their students as a gift for their great participation.

“The goal has always been to figure out how we can work with high schools to build a knowledge base and show students that pursuing this career is a viable option,” said Kelly O’Brien, Associate Dean of DC’s Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science.

As the school year winds down, the students have been reflecting on the unique opportunity the program has given them, and they’ll carry their newfound interest in agriculture forward.

“I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been very different from what I’m used to,” said one student, Akash Anton, who will utilize his new skills to help his grandmother with her garden.

His fellow student Faith Attigah has embraced the hands-on experience.

“It’s really fulfilling. This has given me a better understanding of agriculture.”

Enactus Durham College (DC) placed second in Canada for the Youth Empowerment Challenge at the Enactus National Exposition for its groundbreaking Founders Drive podcast project. This win comes after their first-place finish at the Central Regional Exposition in March.

Through Enactus, students use their entrepreneurial skills to lead projects that positively impact society. This year’s ‘Founders Drive’ season focused on telling the stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

“This year, our team was comprised of a most beautiful and diverse group of young people from a range of cultures, backgrounds and communities who came together to create change in the world,” said Danielle Harder, EnactusDC faculty advisor for Founders Drive. “Enactus DC represents the very best of Durham College’s values.”

In addition to the students’ success, the dedication and mentorship provided by Enactus DC faculty advisors were also acknowledged at the competition.

K. Jennifer Bedford, Faculty of Media, Art and Design; Sara Mercier-Priebe, Faculty of Business; and Sundar Manku, Manager, Entrepreneurship Services received the prestigious John Dobson Fellowship which recognizes the important role faculty play in mentoring, coaching and teaching students on the Enactus team.

“To be recognized and inducted into the Fellowship was an honour for all of us,” said Bedford. “We have passion, and we love what we do.”

For further details about Enactus Durham College, visit www.enactusdc.com.

Photo provided by Ayomide Kuye.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to reflect on the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, contributions and resiliency of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Durham College (DC) is committed to the ongoing process of reconciliation and building respectful, reciprocal relationships that contribute to better educational outcomes for all students and a stronger community. As an equity-driven college, DC has made significant progress in advancing Indigenization by incorporating meaningful Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into courses and programs, ensuring events and services are culturally respectful, offering professional development to employees, and identifying opportunities to further prioritize Indigenous education.

“As we prepare students to become leaders and contributing members of our community, we have a responsibility to confront issues of decolonization and emphasize equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President. “Guided by the First Peoples Indigenous Centre and the Durham College Indigenous Advisory Circle, we will continue to increase our knowledge and understanding of the past and the issues that Indigenous communities face today.”

In recognition of this month, the DC Library has curated a collection focused on Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, heritage, rights, and histories. Members of the DC community can reflect at the Naanaagide’endamowin Courtyard at the Oshawa campus and visit the Weeping Willow Tree that commemorates the Indigenous children who did not make it home from Indian Residential, Day and Industrial Schools.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey, and DC will remain a welcome place for Indigenous peoples.

Durham College (DC) is proud to recognize and promote Pride Month in June, an opportunity to celebrate its two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) community members and promote acceptance, solidarity and inclusion among individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

“I am proud of the respectful and welcoming community we have fostered at DC,” says Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College. “As we continue to focus on being an equity-driven college, we are uniquely positioned to emphasize equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging for our employees as we prepare students to become leaders and contributing members of our community.”

As a visual demonstration of its commitment to providing a respectful and welcoming community for everyone, the college has raised the Progress Pride Intersex Inclusive Flag at its Oshawa and Whitby campuses.

Pride Month also serves as a reminder of the struggles and losses experienced by members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. This emphasizes the ongoing need to end biphobia, transphobia, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination and harassment, a responsibility for all to promote equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging on campus.

Everyone has a place at DC, and the college community is encouraged to be an ally throughout the year so everyone feels supported and welcomed. Explore activities on the Durham Region Event Calendar and Pride Durham Event Calendar​ to discover ways to get involved. And to support continued learning, understanding and empathy for others, the DC Library has curated a collection of Pride Month resources.

Getting the answers to questions about studying at Durham College (DC) is now even easier with the new DC Virtual Assistant, an AI-powered chatbot that leverages technology to enhance users’ experience.

Last year, more than 35,000 conversations and 5,000 hours of chat time with DC’s live operators were logged during business hours, highlighting the need for an innovative solution to manage the high volume of questions and provide timely support. The DC Virtual Assistant, which launched this week, is available around the clock, ensuring users can have their questions answered at any time and helping to reduce wait times when needing to connect with a live agent.

The DC Virtual Assistant will support prospective students, applicants and current students with admissions and enrolment-related questions through the Live Chat option on the Admissions, Enrolment Services, International Education, and Student Recruitment webpages. Users will continue to be able to access Live Chat to connect with a DC employee during regular business hours.

“Our goal is to ensure that students can access the information they need quickly and easily at any time of day,” said Thom MacDonald, Associate Vice-President, Academic (Enrolment and International Education) and Registrar at DC. “By harnessing the power of Generative AI, DC continues to evolve and improve how we support our community.”

To use the DC Virtual Assistant, please visit DC’s Live Chat webpage.

Today, Durham College (DC) acknowledges the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, which affirms the right of all members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities, including all sexual and gender orientations and expressions, to live freely as themselves.

This important day highlights the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.

“Durham College is committed to being a place of acceptance for all. I am proud of the work we do every day to create a safe and welcoming culture at DC, where the values of respect, equity, and inclusion are extended to everyone,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President. “It is encouraging to see how our students, employees and alumni are committed to maintaining and strengthening that culture on and off campus.”

This year’s global theme – “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all” – is a reminder that everyone has the right to be their authentic selves without fear of discrimination.

With this in mind, today DC raised the Progress Pride Intersex Inclusive Flag at both our Oshawa and Whitby campuses.

To support learning and growth, the DC Library has curated a collection of materials focused on promoting education and awareness of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.

Standing together against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia will ensure that DC remains a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for all.