On October 26, Durham College (DC) once again hosted the Expand The Possibilities: Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades (YWSTT) conference, which saw more than 1,000 students in Grades 7 and 8, from five school board across Ontario, virtually come together for a morning of exploration designed to connect them with careers in science, technology and skilled trades designed to encourage girls to pursue careers in science, technology and skilled trades.

 Beginning with an inspiring keynote presentation from Gitanjali Rao, who has been recognized as America’s Top Young Scientist and one of Forbes “30 Under 30 in Science”, as well as TIME’s “Top Young Innovator” and “Kid of the Year” for her innovations and STEM workshops, the students then participated in hands-on workshops.

Each workshop was led virtually by DC faculty and employees, along with active facilitation on the part of the classroom teachers, and featured a variety of engaging experiments and challenges. Examples included coding a Bristlebot; making bath bombs with household ingredients; building a pasta tower and discussing social media safety.

This is the third time DC has hosted the conference, which was the largest to-date, and it couldn’t have been done without the generosity and support of community sponsors General Motors of Canada, Gerdau, Ontario Power Generation, RESCON and Black & McDonald.

More information about YWSTT, as well as a unique post-conference plant growing competition for the attending classes to participate in over the next month and a half, is available online.

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) will continue its decade-long collaboration with Durham College (DC) and Ontario Tech University through a new $5-million investment.

“It’s important for us to invest in the next generation of talent to help power Ontario’s energy workforce,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG president and CEO. “This is a dynamic time for the energy industry, as we move toward electrification and efficient economy-wide decarbonization. We know this partnership will ensure the right people with the right skills are ready to be the generation to power the future to meet Ontario’s increasing electricity needs.”

The funding will assist in recruiting and retaining students—including those currently under-represented in the industry, such as women and Indigenous people—to build a diverse population of potential employees for the energy sector in skilled trades, science, engineering and technology. Much of this will focus on technology development in the energy sector for climate change initiatives, including:

• Electrification, particularly in the transportation sector
• New nuclear, including small modular reactors
• Renewable generation projects

The funding will be provided in annual installments over five years.

“As a leader in post-secondary trades and technology education, we are preparing our students to be career-ready as they pursue a future in highly specialized sectors that are facing a critical labour shortage,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Continuing our partnership with OPG will support innovative capital projects that enhance our training facilities, as well as provide vital financial support for traditionally underrepresented groups in skilled trades, technology and science careers.”

The partnership also focuses on research and development to support OPG’s Climate Change Plan, as well as digital and data innovation including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, augmented and virtual reality.

“Ontario Tech University deeply values its foundational partnership with OPG, whose investment in our innovative programs and high-tech research infrastructure helps prepare career-ready graduates who excel in the changing energy landscape,” said Dr. Steven Murphy, president and vice-chancellor, Ontario Tech University. “The partnership has always been a natural fit, with energy making up the university’s greatest applied research strength. We look forward to charting a bold energy future for Canada with OPG in the years to come.”

The three partners have long collaborated to meet the need for career-ready energy sector workers and provide training opportunities to OPG employees to build skills through industry-related college and university programs.

A recent donation through OPG’s Centre for Canadian Nuclear Sustainability supported construction of DC’s new Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology at its Whitby campus and highlights OPG’s ongoing commitment to the development of skilled trades and training.

OPG has also worked with Ontario Tech to assist the university in establishing industry-responsive and market-driven academic programs, including micro-credentials and upskilling opportunities.

Under the terms of the renewed partnership, the college and university will work together on the implementation of bridging programs between the two institutions to produce graduates with a greater range of technical skills and knowledge.

On September 30, Durham College (DC) recognized Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by hosting a number of events to help foster understanding and a commitment to change. These included the sharing of personal pledges from DC students and employees online and in-person, and a screening of the film Indian Horse.

The Naanaagide’endamowin Courtyard

In addition, members of the campus community gathered in the courtyard of the Centre for Collaborative Education for a special ceremony to signal its transformation into an outdoor education space dedicated to Indigenous education.

Dr. Elder Shirley Williams began the event by offering an opening prayer before announcing the space’s Anishnaabemowin name. Now known as the Naanaagide’endamowin Courtyard, which means The Art of Thinking, plans for further Indigenization were also revealed, including the creation of gardens to grow Sacred Medicines, and the installation of QR codes near the various elements throughout the courtyard, which will link to the First Peoples Indigenous Centre webpage and provide information about Indigenous Ways of Knowing.

One element already in place was a newly planted weeping willow tree to commemorate the Indigenous children who did not make it home from Indian Residential, Day and Industrial Schools. Long recognized for its pain-relieving medicinal properties, the weeping willow signifies strength. Its pliable limbs can bend without breaking, signifying the resilience and adaptability of Indigenous communities.

The hope is that the DC community, sheltered under the branches of the weeping willow, will use the courtyard for reflection and quiet contemplation on the lives that were forever altered by the Indian Residential School system, remembering those children who never returned to the loving care of their communities. It will also serve as a place where individuals can review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, considering what they can do personally and professionally to ensure that the calls to action are fully realized.

For more information about the First Peoples Indigenous Centre at DC visit www.durhamcollege.ca/fpic.

When it comes to food and farming in Canada, there are a number of challenges to consider, both within the industry and broader community. There are opportunities to adopt more sustainable and regenerative practices, and address potential skills gaps – the Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council predicts 123,000 agricultural jobs will go unfilled by 2029 – with Ontario accounting for the majority of Canada’s agricultural labour gap. There are also concerns about food access issues and food insecurity – according to the Dieticians of Canada, one in eight Canadian households do not have enough money to buy safe, nutritious food.

To combat these challenges, while championing excellence and innovation in urban farming, Durham College (DC) is pleased to announce the official launch of The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture (The Barrett Centre). Established thanks to a $5-million donation from The Barrett Family Foundation, its vision is to become an internationally recognized hub of excellence in urban agriculture practices, research, education and training.

“The Barrett Centre is an amplification and expansion of all the expertise we’ve gained bringing the field-to-fork philosophy to life each and every day in our food, farming and horticulture programs”, said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “The knowledge and experience gained from turning unused fields into a vibrant crop-bearing farm serves as a solid foundation for what The Barrett Centre will accomplish, and we are looking forward to continuing to lead the way together, with The Barrett Foundation, our students, faculty and the community.”

At the heart of the work will be the building of a dynamic new urban farm that will be developed as a community-inspired living lab in the coming years. In addition, the centre will:  

• Enhance the existing urban farm at the Durham College Whitby campus.
• Become a source for information, support and coaching for traditionally underserved and marginalized communities when it comes to urban agriculture initiatives including food security. 
• Create a comprehensive and connected array of educational programs and materials in urban agriculture will be to meet growing employment needs.
• Create dozens of new opportunities in the years ahead for students to gain experience working on urban farms and in roles supporting the operations.
• Become home to a team of highly respected experts working to establish it as an internationally recognized hub of knowledge around sustainable urban agriculture. 

“Our goal as a foundation is to partner with organizations that positively impact communities, locally and globally,” said Bob Barrett, The Barrett Family Foundation. “With its focus on sustainable agriculture, coupled with student learning and research, The Barrett Centre stands to do just that. We are really looking forward to seeing all the great work that will be achieved.”

For more information about the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture visit www.durhamcollege.ca/barrettcentre.

This fall, more than 11,400 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students have chosen Durham College (DC) as the next step in their academic journey, helping them get job-ready through the best in innovative and transformative education. Included in that number are more than 5,500 first-year students, and 2,000 new and returning international students from 74 countries. Another 7,000 students are also gaining new skills and knowledge via part-time studies.

With the increase in vaccination rates across Ontario leading to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, approximately 65 per cent of DC students are also joining their peers on campus this fall, with 73 per cent of programs offering an in-person component this semester.

“We are thrilled to kick off this academic year by welcoming students to our on-campus and virtual learning spaces,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “Whether studying face-to-face, remotely or a combination of both, Durham College is preparing students to be leaders in their chosen field by helping them develop an exceptional theoretical foundation of knowledge and providing access to unique and interactive experiential learning opportunities. We can’t wait to see what amazing things our students accomplish.”

This year’s cohort of students includes the inaugural class of DC’s Honours Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence degree program, Behavioural Science Technician diploma program and Pharmaceutical Science graduate certificate program.

The college is also significantly expanding its industrial trades training capacity, with students in select programs excited to begin their year learning in the brand new 60,000 sq. ft. Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology at the Whitby campus. The facility, which includes a double-height shop lab, new classrooms and student touchdown spaces, among other features, is home to DC’s post-secondary Electrical Engineering Technician, Electrical Techniques, Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices and Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing programs, and the Electrician – Construction and Maintenance, Elevating Devices Mechanic and Plumber apprenticeship programs.

“The energy on campus is unmistakeable – students and employees alike are excited for the fall semester to be under way and we’re all looking forward to a rewarding year ahead,” said DC President Don Lovisa. “We are optimistic that the winter semester will see most of our students back on campus, and are continuing to lead the way as an institution where students can dive into a fully immersive educational experience that supports them on their path toward a meaningful career.”

Durham College (DC) welcomed a new cohort of first-year domestic and international students to campus last week for the fall semester through a mix of virtual and in-person Orientation activities to kick off the 2021-2022 academic year.

Designed to help new students transition to college, Orientation is a time-honoured tradition that provides the opportunity for first-years to meet staff and faculty, explore student services, get to know the college’s Oshawa and Whitby campuses, and learn more about program expectations, all while developing new friendships.

Festivities began with an in-person Campus Kit pick-up event, where students could take a campus tour, enjoy a refreshing treat, meet members of the Durham College Student Association (DCSA), and attend an in-person Ask a Student, or parent and family session. It was followed by virtual Orientation for International students and online program welcome sessions with faculty and school leadership teams.

Later in the week, DC celebrated the fall semester through a number of exciting social events to help students meet new friends, discover opportunities to get involved on campus, and make the most of their time at DC. Events included the First Day of School Smudge and Prayer, an International Student Social, DCSA Picnic Party, DC’s Price is Right Challenge, Virtual Deal or No Deal, DCSA Movie Night, Virtual Pride Collective Trivia Night, Yoga on the Lawn, the Get Involved and Service Fair, and more.

Closing out Orientation on September 15, all new and returning students were invited to show their DC pride at the 2021 Campus Cup, an annual exhibition soccer match between DC and its campus partner, Ontario Tech University.

With great participation in the various virtual and in-person sessions and activities, Orientation 2021 was an exciting start to a new academic year.

On August 31 Durham College (DC) more than 480 employees gathered virtually for Academic Kickoff 2021. Led by Executive Vice President, Academic, Dr. Elaine Popp, this annual event offers an opportunity for colleagues to come together for engaging discussions and presentations in anticipation of the coming school year.

The program included presentations from colleagues about successes and lessons learned during the past year, and how their efforts supported the goals of DC’s Academic Plan. Student shout outs to faculty were also shared. The event culminated with a keynote address from Ajay Agrawal, who is founder of the Creative Destruction Lab, as well as the Geoffrey Taber Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.

Discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI) from an economics perspective, Agrawal delved into its role in prediction and how it can be applied in a variety of settings, including the classroom. He also explored how AI is becoming more accessible and less costly, making it easier to solve today’s challenges with greater accuracy and success.

Following the keynote presentation, DC’s chief administrative officer, Dr. Scott Blakey, announced this year’s nominees for the Employee Awards of Excellence. Presented each year to one employee in the administrative, support staff and faculty groups, the awards recognize their outstanding contributions to the college and broader community. This year there is also the addition of a new category to recognize the contributions of teams or departments from throughout the college. All the winners will be announced in mid-September.

With the majority of classes starting on Wednesday, September 8, the entire DC community is well prepared and looking forward to another year of leading the way in teaching and learning.