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Durham College, volleyball players shine on national stage

Last week, Durham College (DC) played host to the best collegiate volleyball players in Canada.

The 2025 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Volleyball National Championship took over DC’s Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre as seven of the country’s best teams travelled to the Oshawa campus for the annual tournament.

As hosts, the Lords were guaranteed a spot and put in a competitive showing over three games. They defeated the Mount Allison Mounties in straight sets and dropped games to two teams who went on to win medals: the tournament champion Lakeland Rustlers and the bronze medalist Vancouver Island University Mariners.

It was an effort to be proud of according to Scott Dennis, Athletic Director.

“It was great to get a win on the board as the host school. There’s always a lot of pressure to get that win, and they were able to pull it off,” he said.

It was a fitting end for the team, after they were eliminated from the Ontario College Athletic Association (OCAA) playoff race earlier than they would have liked.

“They rebounded and really proved that they belonged on the national stage.”

For the athletes on the team, competing in the National Championship on their home court was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they made sure to soak it all in.

“Competing at nationals was an unforgettable experience. The energy from all the fans and the atmosphere on the court was incredible, and it’s something I’ll always remember,” said Brooke Young, a four-year veteran of the team. “What made it even more special was sharing that experience with my teammates. It was on a whole new level and it’s something I am determined to reach again next season.”

As hosts, DC received rave reviews. For afternoon games, students from local elementary schools were invited to attend and cheer on the athletes. The evening games were a hot ticket and the finals sold out, thanks in part to the nearby Humber Hawks making it to the gold medal game.

The Championship was complemented with additional events like a sitting volleyball tournament, a community skills clinic and tournament, and a CCAA Women in Sport Leadership Conference.

“We wanted to make it a celebration of volleyball,” said Dennis.

The multi-day event was just that, and DC head coach Tony Clarke was pleased to see it come together.

“Hosting the national championship was an amazing opportunity for the college and our community. Bringing the top teams across the country to showcase their talents was awesome,” he said. “Our athletes were grateful to be part of the event. Thank you to the host committee and Durham College athletic staff for creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

Durham Lords Men’s Basketball team wins OCAA championship, CCAA silver

For the first time in almost 30 years, the Durham Lords Men’s Basketball team are Ontario champions.

Earlier this month, our Durham College (DC) Lords tore through the competition at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) championships to win their first Men’s Basketball title since 1997.

“Winning this championship is an incredible moment for our program, our players, and our school. To bring home gold is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of this team,” said Head Coach Desmond Rowley.

Their journey to OCAA victory began at home in February, when they defeated the Fanshawe Falcons in a qualifying match and then got past the Mohawk Mountaineers in the quarter-finals. At the OCAA tournament in Etobicoke in March, they topped the St. Clair Saints in the semi-finals by a score of 85-80 before meeting the Humber Hawks in the gold medal game, where they won 67-61.

Mark Stoop was named the championship MVP thanks to his stellar performance in the final game, leading the Lords with 20 points and 10 rebounds while adding three steals, three assists, and a block.

The Lords hosted last year’s OCAA championships, and claimed the bronze after falling short against Humber in the semi-finals. That made this victory even sweeter, according to Scott Dennis, Athletic Director.

“This championship means everything to our program. Our team came into this season with a sense of unfinished business. To bring an OCAA title back to Durham College for the first time since 1997 is a testament to their hard work and belief in each other,” he said. “Desmond has built this program into a championship contender year-after-year. We couldn’t be prouder of this group and what they’ve accomplished.”

The Lords will be back in action soon as they head to Quebec next week to compete in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championship.

“We’ve faced adversity, we’ve grown together, and now we’ve earned the right to compete on the national stage in Montreal,” said Rowley. “I couldn’t be prouder of these guys, and we’re not done yet.”

Update – March 17, 2025

The Lords made the most of their trip to the National Championship in Montreal and made Durham College proud by bringing home the silver medal.

After victories over the University of New Brunswick-Saint John Seawolves and Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, they reunited with their provincial rivals, the Humber Hawks, in the gold medal game. In a competitive outing, the Lords fell just short by a score of 76-70.

“We are incredibly proud of this team for not only winning the OCAA Championship but also earning a silver medal on the national stage,” said Scott Dennis, Athletic Director. “To bounce back after a tough loss just one year ago and show this level of resilience speaks volumes about their character and determination. They’ve set a new benchmark for Durham College basketball, and we are excited for the future.”

Celebrating women’s achievements: Meet inspiring DC students, employees and alumni making an impact

As we approach International Women’s Day, Durham College is proud to recognize and applaud the incredible achievements of women.

Durham College is a Family Affair

As Family Day approaches, we are proud to share some stories of alumni and students in our DC community who are really, family. Read on to show about how they share their #DCpride.

Vibrant Durham College and Ontario Tech Job Fair connects students directly with employers

Nearly 2,700 students and alumni from Durham College (DC) and Ontario Tech University, connected with 85 employers at the annual on-campus Job Fair last week, exploring full-time, part-time and seasonal opportunities.

“The event went extremely well for both employers and students,” said Lucy Romao Vandepol, Director of Student and Career Development. “I heard great feedback from employers who had good conversations with students and were impressed with the skill and experience they had.”

The fair featured positions spanning a broad range of industries and included representatives from Ontario Power Generation, General Motors, the Toronto Blue Jays and Ontario Parks.

Dan Dunstan, Human Resources Business Partner at the Toronto Zoo, said his team was preparing for the summer peak season with over 30 positions available in areas such as guest-facing roles, horticulture, materials collection, custodial work, and seasonal wildlife care.

“It’s one of the busiest job fairs there is,” he said. “It gives us a good chance of connecting with students here at Durham College and we’ve also been in the process of building partnerships for our co-op programs at the college as well.”

Captain Mathieu Savage of the Nunavik Police Services in northern Quebec also attended, looking for candidates with strong values from diverse backgrounds.

“In order to have the most efficient team possible, I think variety is what you’re looking for,” he said. “If I have a good mix of men and women, younger and older, different cultures and backgrounds, schooling, life experience – then when we do have a situation or problem, everyone won’t have the same solutions and someone may have an excellent solution they draw from their experience or background.”

Students attending the event said they enjoyed meeting employers and learning about what they are looking for. Among them was Nadim Gutto, a second-year Electrical Engineering Technician student.

“The employers I have spoken with have been really helpful, including helping me tailor my resume towards their specific jobs,” he said. “Some of them have a different view about how a well-structured resume looks.”

Tavia Wilson, Spa Director at The Pearle Spa in Burlington, was specifically looking to meet with massage therapy students, but she had general tips for anyone looking for a job at her company.

“When you’re applying for any position at the spa, change your resume so it’s not like every other job you’re applying for,” she said. “It makes me aware that you’ve actually done research on our company and the position you’re applying for instead of just firing off resumes, so really hone in on why I should look at your resume.”

For those who missed this event, there is another opportunity to connect with more than 45 employers at the Whitby Campus Job Fair on February 13. To learn more about upcoming employment events and to access resources, including resume help, visit the Hired Portal.

DC’s Food Access Bursary provided relief to students over the holidays

Over the holiday season, $165,700 was distributed through Durham College’s (DC) Food Access Bursary, supporting nearly 1,000 students in need.

As students invest in their future by pursuing post-secondary education, they are often faced with additional challenges, including the rising cost of groceries. Thanks to the collaborative support of the DC community – including employees, alumni, volunteers, students, donors, and DC’s Financial Aid and Awards office – the Food Access Bursary can serve as a relief, supplementing grocery costs for students experiencing food insecurity.

“To see everyone in our community come together is heartwarming. It’s what the Durham College community is all about,” said Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations at DC. “Their generosity makes a meaningful impact on our students, and we are so grateful for their support.”

Two college associations returned to support the bursary again this season. The Durham College Student Association (DCSA) were the campaign’s greatest supporter with a donation of $60,000, while the Durham College Alumni Association matched the first $10,000 raised.

“The DCSA is proud to support the college’s effort to fight food insecurity,” said Megan Bent, DCSA Executive Chairwoman. “With rising grocery costs, we saw that the need for support was greater than ever, and we are humbled to have played a role in helping fellow students access the resources they need.”

Originally established as a holiday food drive, the Food Access Bursary is also supported each year by many DC employees who donate directly or through the annual campus Candy Cane Sale, which supports students at both the college and Ontario Tech University.

“Through our collective efforts, we were able to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that more students could focus on their studies and enjoy peace of mind during the holiday season,” added Bent. “Thank you to everyone who supported this important cause and joined us in making a difference for students on campus.”

 

Durham College Partners with Community Care Durham to Deliver Workplace Training for PSWs

Personal Support Workers (PSWs) at Community Care Durham (CCD) recently gained essential workplace skills thanks to a successful partnership with Durham College (DC) Academic Upgrading. Over seven weeks, PSWs participated in a specialized training program focused on enhancing digital literacy and document use—critical skills that support their daily work and professional growth.

This initiative marks a milestone as DC’s Academic Upgrading’s first Workplace Training program delivered directly to professionals serving the local community. The program was made possible with support from the Literacy Network of Durham Region.

“Our collaboration with Community Care Durham has been an incredible milestone for Academic Upgrading at DC,” said Meagan Quesnelle, Manager School College Work Initiative & Academic Upgrading at DC. “Seeing the enthusiasm and growth of the PSWs as they developed their skills was truly inspiring. This partnership demonstrates the power of education to support professionals making a difference in our community, and we’re excited to continue building on this success.”

The impact of the training was clear, with participants strengthening key skills that directly benefit their work. “Participants improved their email communication and documentation skills, which are critical for their roles,” said Ayaan Mohamed, Program Manager for Assisted Living Services, Respite, and Supportive Housing at CCD.

“We really saw the value of the training and the excitement staff had for it. It created a snowball effect of learning and engagement,” Mohamed added.

Building on this success, DC’s Academic Upgrading will expand its partnership with CCD in Fall 2025 to offer additional training opportunities for both PSWs and PSW Care Coordinators.

For those looking to develop essential workplace skills or pursue a rewarding career in health care, Durham College offers a range of programs, including:

Recognizing Black History Month at DC

February is Black History Month and at Durham College (DC) we’re joining Canadians from coast-to-coast in honouring the legacy, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals and communities across the country.

We are proud to celebrate the excellence, resilience, and innovation of the Black community and we want to shine a spotlight on DC’s incredible students, employees and alumni through the Black Excellence & Achievement Content Collection. These stories highlight the contributions and accomplishments of incredible people who are shaping and strengthening our community.

Throughout February, and in support of the theme Pathways to Excellence: Celebrating and Cultivating Black Brilliance at DC, the college’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is hosting a series of community consultations to better understand the challenges faced by Black community members and to ensure their voices and perspectives inform DC’s decision-making processes.

“Black History Month offers an important opportunity for our Black students and employees to tell us what they need to nurture their brilliance, and facilitate their flourishing,” said Sadie Goddard-Durant, Director, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “Through these consultations, DC can enhance existing efforts to maximize the contributions our Black communities have been making to DC, Durham Region and beyond, and to document how they contribute to our future tapestry.”

DC has raised the Pan-African Flag at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses—a powerful symbol of Black liberation and solidarity for members of the Black/African diaspora.

“As we celebrate Black History Month, let us also take a moment to reflect on how we, as individuals, can contribute to building a community rooted in equity, respect, and inclusion,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President. “By embracing these values, we not only honour the history being recognized this month but also uphold the principles that strengthen us as a college and as a society.”

As a college, we are uniquely positioned to address issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as we prepare our students to become leaders and contributing members of our community, said Dr. Popp. “This commitment calls on us to model equity and inclusion at every level of the institution—from leadership to classrooms and beyond. Together, we all have a role in fostering an equitable and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.”

DC Alumni reconnect while cheering on the Oshawa Generals

It’s always a good time when Durham College (DC) alumni get together – especially when the home team gets the win. With the Oshawa Generals taking the lead in the third period, it was good cheer all around at the annual DC Alumni Hockey Night on January 24.

Hosted by the Durham College Alumni Association (DCAA), the event welcomed DC alumni, employees, and their friends and family to watch the Oshawa Generals take on the Peterborough Petes at the Tribute Communities Centre (TCC). Guests reconnected while enjoying dinner and the game in the TCC’s Medallion Lounge.

“Durham College Alumni Hockey Night brought together more than 170 attendees this year, showcasing the incredible strength of our alumni community,” said Mary Weller, Alumni Officer at DC. “A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsor, TD Insurance – their support makes nights like this possible!”

At the top of the game, DC’s Vice President, People, Equity and External Relations, Bonnie St. George; DCAA President, Drew Samuels; and DC’s mascot, Lou, represented the college during the ceremonial puck drop.

Next year, the DCAA will be celebrating the 10th DC Alumni Hockey Night. DC grads are encouraged to watch for more information about this and upcoming events in the digital Alumni Newsletter or on DCAA’s Instagram account.

Durham College to honour exceptional graduates with 2025 Alumni of Distinction Award

Durham College (DC) has been providing dynamic, hands-on learning for over 50 years, and our graduates can be found all around the world, contributing to their communities, making a positive impact and driving change. Each year, DC recognizes some of our remarkable graduates through the Alumni of Distinction Award. Nominations for this year’s awards are now open.

DC’s rapidly-growing alumni community exceeds 116,000 people who play impactful roles both locally and internationally. Since 1990, more than 120 alumni have been honoured with the Alumni of Distinction Award. Recipients are chosen based on their professional, community and personal accomplishments, the scope of their impact, as well as their contributions to the advancement of DC. Winners have ranged from respected medical practitioners to accomplished broadcasters and leaders in sport.

“We are proud of all our alumni, who are making a difference around the world, using the skills and knowledge learned at Durham College,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College. “This award is our opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional contributions they are making in their communities while recognizing and celebrating their remarkable achievements.”

The 2024 Alumni of Distinction included Shelby Nelson, Vice-President of Florida Operations for the Toronto Blue Jays, and Adam Ruppel, founder of Chico Racing and co-founder of Mud Hero and the Drive Festival at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

The nomination form is available online at www.durhamcollege.ca/alumniofdistinction and must be submitted to alumni@durhamcollege.ca before 5 p.m. on Friday, March 7. The award recipients will be recognized at DC’s Spring Convocation in June.