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Durham College Justice Games celebrate tenth year with epic battle of teamwork and strength

More than 200 Durham College (DC) students and alumni came together to test their strength, speed and teamwork as part of the 10th annual Justice Games.

The energy in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre was electric as students and alumni from the Faculties of Social & Community Services and Health Sciences competed in a number of events including three-point shooting, table tennis, shuttle run, push-up challenge, tug-of-war, and Stephanie’s Endurance Challenge, named in honour of former executive dean Stephanie Ball who retired in 2022 after more than two decades of service to DC.

The Justice Games are designed to build a sense of community – and a little rivalry – among students who compete to represent their programs, connect with students from related programs and practice their skills as first responders outside of the classroom.

This year’s theme – Justice Games X: Alumni Invasion – welcomed many previous winning alumni to battle either individually or as a team in the tug-of-war event. Members from local fire and police services also competed in several events.

“The Justice Games are a true testament to the talent and strength of Durham College students preparing to lead the way in various justice and emergency-related fields,” said Ralph Hofmann, executive dean, Faculty of Social & Community Services. “The combination of friendly competition and extraordinary camaraderie always makes for an exciting evening so many look forward to each year.”

“I look forward to this event every year, and the chance to showcase our students’ commendable talents and the way Durham College is preparing tomorrow’s leaders,” said Jason Vassell, professor, Faculty of Social & Community Services and Justice Games Committee lead. “Having alumni in attendance, who are making such positive impacts in their respective fields, made celebrating the games’ 10th year even more exciting.”

A tie for first place led the Firefighter – Pre-service, Education and Training and Police Foundations teams into a tie-breaker, resulting in a victory for the firefighters. The Paramedic program took home third place, behind the police team.

Each year, the Justice Games present the most valuable player (MVP) awards, in honour and memory of former Firefighter – Pre-service, Education and Training students Adam Brunt and Tasha Nickelchock. This year’s MVP winners were Victoria Monteils, Paramedic program, and Jayda Callan, Police Foundations.

Competing for the coveted Justice Cup, students from the following DC programs participated:

Durham College prepares for child care boom with new ECE stream

Durham College (DC) is helping Durham Region and Ontario prepare for the $10-a-day child care boom with a new program that allows Early Childhood Educators (ECE) to complete their education without leaving the workforce.

DC is launching a new stream of the Early Childhood Education program (ECE-E) designed for ECE assistants who are working in a child care program and early years environment. All classes, both on campus and online, will be held between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., allowing students who work in before- and after-school programs to complete their studies in between their daily shifts.

“We are proud to offer this program, which allows child care professionals to enhance their careers while also helping to bolster the provincial workforce,” explained Joanne Spicer, associate dean, Faculty of Social and Community Services at DC. “With this innovative stream of our popular ECE program, Durham College is providing valuable solutions not only to students, but to the families who count on child care programs in Durham Region and across Ontario.”

Students in the ECE-E program will have the unique option of applying for an Ontario ECE Grant, which will cover tuition fees. The eligibility requirements for the grant are identical to those for the ECE-E program. For more information and to apply, visit the Ontario ECE Grant website.

“This Durham College program is a great opportunity for those working in child care and early learning programs to earn their diploma and work towards becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator,” said Lisa McIntosh, director of children’s services for Durham Region. “The child care system is growing and needs a growing skilled workforce, which is why professional development in this field is so important.”

With this new stream of the ECE program, DC is leading the way in building workforce capacity in the critically important child care space.  

Enactus Durham College wins Central Regional Exposition 2023 in TD Entrepreneurial Challenge

Enactus Durham College (DC) has been declared one of the Central Regional Champions 2023 in the TD Entrepreneurial Challenge, a national competition empowering post-secondary students to deliver projects that teach entrepreneurial skills to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. 

DC competed against 20 schools in the entrepreneurship category and presented the Founders Drive podcast project, a global podcast aimed at helping young entrepreneurs overcome barriers and inspiring them to be their own bosses. Each episode features a business founder and, by sharing personal stories, advice and mentorship, the podcast strives to make a significant impact in the entrepreneurial community and help young entrepreneurs succeed. 

“When our team presented, everything fell into place like we were playing high-level sports,” said Andrew Neary, Enactus DC’s team member and presenter. “It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

The victory marks a significant milestone for the DC team, which will now move on to the National Exposition in Montreal in May. DC will compete against the League A and League C champions, as well as the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge champions from the Atlantic and Western regions at the exposition.

“Founders Drive has made such an impact on me personally, so it is amazing to see the impact it is having on others, even beyond whom we have helped through the project,” said Tammy Raycraft, Enactus DC’s team member.  

“This project has allowed students to enhance the skills they’re learning in their programs by working together to build a podcast together from the ground up,” said Danielle Harder, Journalism – Mass Media professor and faculty advisor with Enactus. “Experiential learning opportunities such as these are critical to ensuring our graduates stand out when they enter their industries.”

For more information about Enactus Durham College and the Founders Drive podcast, please visit www.enactusdc.com.

DC alumna making noise in the music business

Durham College (DC) alumna Anne Stirk’s successful career in the music business has been recognized with a place on the inaugural Women in Music Canada Honour Roll.

Working in artist and label partnerships at Spotify, she amplifies the voices of Canada’s homegrown artists and introduces them to the world, while also helping international artists increase their presence in the Canadian market.

She joined her peers at a gala event in Toronto on International Women’s Day, March 8, for an evening of recognition, gratitude and, naturally, music.

“I feel so deeply honoured to have been nominated, and even more so to have shared the space with such amazing individuals,” she said. “So much laughter, love and good vibes were had, and the evening was a testament to the incredible power of women coming together. It was an incredible and long overdue celebration.”

The career she enjoys today is one she dreamed of as a young girl growing up in a musical family. She found that she was more interested in working behind the scenes than in performing, and she spent her time exploring the nascent internet for news on her favourite bands, meeting fellow fans and interviewing musicians for her own website.

Her passion led her to DC’s Music Business Management program.

“DC started it all for me. That program is really good at making sure you have the fundamentals of everything in the music business, from publishing to copyrighting to event management.”

She is often reminded of her time at DC thanks to her enduring friendships with her classmates, some of whom also work in the industry. She has also employed a number of interns from the program over the years, confident that they have received a great education.

“The real-world scenarios that get thrown at you in that program are what prepared me to deal with different personalities and different people in the business, especially artists. You can teach people anything from a book, but nothing prepares you for life and dealing with people until you’re actually in those real-life scenarios. It gave me the ability to evolve quickly.”

That’s an ability she’s had to call on many times in her career. After graduating in 2007, she spent over a decade at Universal Music Canada, where she experienced a seismic change in her own career and the industry itself. She worked with the biggest music retailers in Canada on a number of in-store events with popular artists like Justin Bieber, Drake and Halsey before the rise of streaming services changed the way people buy music. Transitioning into digital marketing, she made sure that Universal artists were properly promoted on the new platforms.

In the constantly shifting music business, she has thrived by embracing change, and jumping to Spotify in 2018 was another big one. There, she works with artists and their managers to ensure that as broad an audience as possible hears them. Her most rewarding experiences are when an artist she has helped to cultivate experiences a surge in popularity on the platform.

Working at Spotify has given her a whole new perspective on the business, and not just the good parts. Her new position showed her the true scope of the inequalities faced by women, people of colour and Indigenous artists in the industry, and she devoted herself to addressing that imbalance. With so many voices struggling to be heard, she takes every opportunity to promote those that have been marginalized.

“If someone who needs and deserves support might not get it otherwise, we can amplify them a little further. That’s what keeps me going; making sure the artists that deserve to be heard, are heard, and have equal opportunity.”

Now that she has a voice of influence in the industry, she is determined to use it to create positive change, not just for artists around the world, but for those closest to her.

“I just want a world where my nieces don’t have to worry about being women, or being part Indigenous. I know the music business is a small percentage of that overall equity conversation, but if I can make a little difference for them, I will.”

That motivation will fuel her as she continues to lead the way in reshaping the music industry.

Durham College launches two programs to increase number of Ontario nurses

To help address Ontario’s critical healthcare staffing demands, Durham College (DC) has launched two new initiatives designed to increase the number of qualified nursing professionals in the province.

The two initiatives are:

  • Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) – This tuition-free initiative is designed to provide nurses who are trained outside of Canada, the opportunity to gain the skills required to meet the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) education requirement.
  • Personal Support Worker (PSW) to Practical Nurse (PN) Bridge – This initiative is designed to provide an opportunity for individuals who have graduated from an Ontario PSW program to continue their studies toward qualifying to practice in Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). PSWs who complete the PSW to PN Bridge will be eligible for advanced entry into Durham College’s four-semester Practical Nursing (PN) Program.

“We are proud to offer these programs at Durham College which allow healthcare professionals to enhance their careers while also helping to address an urgent need in our provincial healthcare system,” said Nora Simpson, Dean of Professional and Part-Time Learning at Durham College. “By improving access to these opportunities and delivering them in a way that meets people’s needs, we are providing valuable solutions to students and the community.”

Applications and course registrations are open now.  These initiatives have been developed and funded through the Ontario government’s Nursing Program Transformation in Ontario’s Colleges initiative and are designed to offer flexible study options to allow students to continue to work while they upgrade their skills.

Countdown to Grad prepares students for life as DC alumni

The Durham College (DC) Class of 2023 learned more about what lies ahead at Countdown to Grad.

Over 500 students attended this week’s events in Oshawa and Whitby, which gave the soon-to-be graduates a valuable preview of some of the benefits they will enjoy as members of DC’s alumni family.

DC graduates become lifelong members of the Durham College Alumni Association (DCAA), granting them exclusive benefits and discounts using the free DC Alumni Connect app.

They also have access to DC’s career development site, the Hired Portal. Whether they’re hunting for their first job out of school or looking to take an established career to the next level, they can search job listings, speak to a career advisor, attend on-campus recruiter events and workshops and much more.

Attendees at Countdown to Grad also learned about a number of Pathways to continuing their education. Whether they’re interested in a diploma, degree, graduate certificate or fast-track option, a DC credential provides a valuable head start.

DC offers a wide variety of in-demand graduate certificate programs like Cloud Computing and Pharmaceutical Science. In less than a year, students can gain valuable skills and hands-on industry experience that will give them an edge in the competitive job market. A select number of graduate certificate programs offer weekend delivery options, allowing students to complete their on-campus learning experience without attending traditional weekday classes.

DC continues to innovate with new bachelor’s degree programs like Community Mental Health and Paralegal, which can get our alumni even closer to their dream careers.

Alumni are encouraged to stay connected with DC on social media and share the stories of their success with us. Graduates are also eligible for DC’s Alumni of Distinction award, which recognizes graduates who make extraordinary contributions to society while also achieving career success.

Even after graduation, our alumni remain valued members of the DC family.

Janine Knight-Grofe recognized for contributions to international education

Janine Knight-Grofe has been recognized for her tremendous contributions to the field of international education.

Knight-Grofe, Durham College’s (DC) director of International Education, travelled to Washington, D.C. last month for the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) annual conference. While there, she became only the second Canadian to be honoured with the Harold Josephson Student Professional Award, which recognizes a professional administrator in international education who is also doing graduate work (PhD or master’s degree).  

“I was thrilled and humbled because I have a lot of passion for this field. I would probably work in international education even if I wasn’t paid to do so.”

Knight-Grofe knows firsthand the value that an international education can have. As a student, she studied abroad in the United States, Spain and the United Kingdom. Then she turned her passion for it into a career.

“I’ve written quite a bit on international students, on education abroad, and now I’m focused on equity in internationalization in my PhD work. I consider myself a perpetual international student,” she said.

After a decade with the Canadian Bureau for International Education, she arrived at DC where she works with a diverse team of professionals to support international students from the start of their journey to Canada until they graduate from DC. Her goal is to provide tailored, values-centred support for international students by making sure they feel a sense of belonging and providing them the tools, resources and engagement they need to thrive.

“I am simply here to support students who have chosen to take this journey. I am here, 100 per cent, to support their future goals.”

She also oversees opportunities for DC students to experience their own education abroad. The Faculty-led Classroom Abroad (FLCA) program allows students to take what they’ve learned and apply it around the world, and two groups recently did just that. A group from the Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science travelled to Peru to study culinary techniques at a university, while a group from the Faculty of Media, Art and Design trekked to Guatemala to learn and to share storytelling techniques with young people.

As the work of supporting international students continues and evolves, the award she received in Washington will provide motivation as she continues to lead the way.

“Are people understanding the ways we’re trying to do things differently in international education, with a great focus on equity? That recognition is like, yes. Keep going.”

Durham Lords heat up winter with four stellar seasons

The student-athletes at Durham College (DC) proved they’re among the best in Ontario this winter.

All four of DC’s winter teams – men’s and women’s volleyball and basketball — finished in the top 10 of their highly competitive Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) provincial rankings. The Durham Lords were the only OCAA program to accomplish that feat.

“It is rare to see a college be so strong in a number of sports,” said Ken Babcock, director of Athletics and Recreation. “It has become a tradition for DC to contend in virtually all of our sports on an annual basis. The tradition and reputation earned by our players and coaches are held in high regard by all. We attempt to deliver the best varsity program possible for all our teams.”

This year’s teams were certainly an example of that.

The women’s volleyball team finished second with a sparkling 17-1 record, while the men’s volleyball team finished tenth with a 10-8 record.

On the basketball court, the women were a force to be reckoned with, their 12-2 record nabbing them a third-place ranking. The men’s 14-4 record was good for a fifth-place ranking.

All told, DC’s four teams combined for an amazing 53-15 record in conference play.

All four teams battled hard in the playoffs. Both basketball teams and the men’s volleyball team put in competitive efforts before dropping out in the qualifying round. The women’s volleyball team capped their nearly perfect season with a silver medal, making it to the finals before falling just short of toppling the undefeated Humber Hawks.

That silver medal was added to an impressive collection, as DC ranks third on the OCAA’s all-time list of championship medal victories.

“I am so proud of my staff, my coaches and all of our amazing student-athletes that represent our college so well,” said Babcock.

Looking ahead, he expects the 2023-24 season to be just as successful, with strong returning rosters in most athletic programs complimenting a highly successful recruiting drive.

Though he’s leaving his post as athletic director in June, he’ll still be cheering on the Lords next fall and winter as they continue to lead the way in collegiate athletics.

“I am excited as always to watch our teams and athletes compete in person.”

Future firefighters and fitness professionals teaming up at Durham College for hands-on learning experience

Students in Durham College (DC)’s Firefighter – Pre-Service Education and Training (PFET) and Fitness and Health Promotion (FHP) programs are participating in a unique, collaborative learning opportunity created in response to Canada’s fitness and first responder needs.

In this interdisciplinary opportunity, firefighting students will perform real-life fire simulations while fitness and health promotion students simultaneously measure their vital physiological responses to improve health, safety and performance. This project has been funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovation Work-Integrated Learning program and Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada’s Innovation Hub.

“There is an emerging need for fitness and health promotion professionals with technical training specific to the assessment of first responders,” said Dr. Michael Williams-Bell, professor, Faculty of Health Sciences and lead on the initiative. “Many fire departments within Ontario and Canada require incoming recruits to have a basic level of knowledge and skills, so training conducted through projects like this is crucial as we continue to lead the way for the next generation of firefighters.”

The project, in collaboration with Oshawa Fire Services and Ontario Tech University, has three phases:

  • Phase one: V02 Max Clinics led by FHP students who measure PFET students’ maximum oxygen consumption and analyze overall cardiovascular endurance.
  • Phase two: PFET extreme environment workshop that includes exercises like search and rescue in high heat and CPR in a simulated moving ambulance.
  • Phase three: Live fire training at the OFS burn tower facility where FHP students monitor the firefighters’ physiology and provide post-evolution analysis.

With the funding, FHP students will also expand the varsity athlete training clinics and work with coaches and sport science research experts to gain hands-on experience using new data analysis techniques.

“This unique collaboration will support the learning outcomes of the FHP and PFET programs and provide our students with first-hand industry experience that will increase their employability,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “We’re incredibly grateful for CEWIL Canada’s commitment to elevating the student experience at Durham College.”

Totalling $195,000, this marks the largest non-bursary award DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) has received from CEWIL Canada to date.

 

Durham College grad returns to Bistro ’67 for pop-up dining event following Top Chef Canada win

Trevane “Tre” Sanderson, winner of Top Chef Canada Season 10 and 2015 grad of Durham College’s (DC) Culinary Management program, returned to Bistro ’67 for a unique dining experience on Thursday, February 23.

Part of a two-night pop-up event sponsored by RBC, the sold-out “An Evening with Tre Sanderson, Winner of Top Chef Canada” events offered more than 140 guests the chance to enjoy a delicious four-course meal made up of many of Tre’s most-celebrated dishes from the competition, as well as the opportunity to meet the Top Chef himself.

Inspired by his Jamaican background and fueled by his passion to elevate Caribbean cuisine, Tre worked alongside current culinary students, sharing his skills and experiences and inspiring them with his success story.

“It wasn’t long ago I was in the same situation as them, fresh and green, ambitious, eager to learn and not scared to challenge themselves,” said Tre. “Once you’re in a comfort zone, you’re not being challenged so being able to work with these young chefs and see them asking questions is humbling.”

Funds from the RBC sponsorship will also support the Tre Sanderson Culinary Management bursary, which will help future culinary students pursue their paths at DC.

“We’re incredibly proud to have played a role in Tre’s journey and grateful for his dedication to giving back to the next generation of young culinary professionals,” said Kelly O’Brien, associate dean, Faculty of Hospitality & Horticultural Science. “And with the support of our title sponsor, RBC, we were able to host an incredible event that not only showcases Tre’s talents but also how Durham College’s programs can lead the way to a bright and inspiring future.”

Bistro ’67 opened its doors once again on Friday, February 24 for the second event. The food, service, ambience and décor all received rave reviews, and another sold-out crowd enjoyed a sumptuous meal designed by Canada’s Top Chef with precision and passion.

“This menu is the dream,” he said. “It’s my dream, to elevate Caribbean cuisine.”