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Students shine at successful Harvest Dinner

An iconic Durham College (DC) tradition continued on September 19, made possible by our talented and hard-working students, staff and faculty members.

Each year, the Harvest Dinner marks the arrival of fall with a unique dining experience under the stars at our Whitby Campus. It’s the result of countless hours of preparation in the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food’s (Weston Centre) fields, labs and classrooms, and an invaluable opportunity for experiential learning.

Students in DC’s Culinary programs worked tirelessly in the Bistro ’67 kitchen to prepare the delicious food that was served at the event, and those from the Horticulture programs harvested all of the produce that was featured on the menu. Event Planning students helped set up and provided terrific service throughout the evening, while Hospitality volunteers handled bartending and serving duties.

“It was such an incredible example of teamwork,” marveled Lori Saint, Weston Centre General Manager. “It was so rewarding to see it all come together.”

The evening was particularly rewarding for Paige Daniel and Ashley Sedgwick, two Culinary Management students who jumped at the chance to take part in the popular event. Both were given the unique opportunity to introduce different courses of the meal to the eager attendees, describing each menu item in delectable detail.

“Harvest Dinner is so fantastic for bringing together students and faculty”, exclaimed Sedgwick, who helped out in the kitchen. Being part of the Harvest Dinner was an opportunity for the student to further immerse herself in the field-to-fork-to-field philosophy of DC and the Weston Centre, which she enthusiastically supports.

“The focus on sustainability we have here is something that really speaks to me personally,” she said. “Zero waste and sustainability is super cool and I love learning about it.”

For Daniel, who interacted directly with the guests as a server, the highlight was seeing the happiness and satisfaction on their faces.

“The atmosphere was beautiful,” said Daniel. “I was very thankful to be part of an amazing event and see it come to fruition.”

Weston Centre Interim Service Manager Megan Simmons had a unique perspective on the event, having taken part in it during her time as a DC student. The Event Management alumna came full circle by overseeing the front-of-house operations at this year’s dinner, working with current DC students to ensure everything went off without a hitch.

“It’s a good demonstration of how everything works together, and gaining that experience of accomplishing a shared goal is really valuable,” she said. “Coaching the future generation of hospitality and event professionals has been an absolute honour.”

Overcome the fear of messing up: Durham College AI Hub course for executives helps address barriers to businesses adopting AI

When it comes to adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI), businesses have two fears: missing out and messing up.

To tackle that second fear—messing up— and ensure that businesses don’t miss out on the transformative power of AI, Durham College’s AI Hub has partnered with the Council of Canadian Innovators to launch the AI Guide Program. The innovative program is a six-week intensive executive development program for non-technical professionals in Canada’s business and innovation sectors, including leaders in HR, sales, operations and public affairs.

“One of the things that was coming up again and again with companies and individuals was this trepidation around adopting AI in a responsible way,” explains AI Hub Senior Manager Natalie Arthurs. “These sticky issues of governance, responsible AI ethics, how data is being used, those are the issues that a lot of non-technical leaders and executives grapple with and it’s creating an impediment to moving forward with AI.”

Dr. Priyamvada Tripathi, a DC faculty member who teaches AI and data analytics, is the lead instructor for the program. She explains the 90-minute online sessions will feature a series of industry guest speakers who will bring practical scenarios to the table.

“We’re getting real-world perspectives and the guest speakers have the experience of how AI is being implemented, what are the road blocks to adoption and how to balance all the concerns about AI with innovation,” said Tripathi.

That means the course will focus on practicalities and business concerns like key performance indicators and value generation.

“How do you balance all that, how do you remain ethical while not losing out on the race to adopt AI,” she said. “Especially for us Canadians, how do we stay competitive while maintaining our core values?”

The program targets non-technical leaders because in many cases they are the people making overarching decisions for businesses.

“We’re helping address the fear of messing up component here by giving people that literacy, by giving them hands-on, real-world case studies and session leaders who have been there, done that,” Arthurs adds.

The AI Guide Program runs between October 23 and November 27. Registration closes October 13.

Durham College recognizing Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with events, initiatives

Durham College (DC) is committed to reconciliation, which requires genuine efforts to address the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples and communities. Education plays a pivotal role in this process.

Leading up to and on September 30 – Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – there will be a number of events and initiatives presented by the First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC). By taking part, DC students and employees will learn more about the history of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, and take meaningful steps towards reconciliation.

“Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are incredibly important because they remind us of the ongoing impact of colonialism and the need for healing and understanding,” said Dr. Kayla Murphy, Director, Indigenous Initiatives and a member of Walpole Island First Nation. “These days provide opportunities to honour the survivors of residential schools and reflect on the history of these institutions. They also encourage us to take concrete steps toward reconciliation, both as individuals and as a community.”

Scheduled Events

Orange Shirt Display
Orange shirts will be on display, with information to help our community learn more about the history and meaning of this day. You can also express your support by purchasing an orange shirt at one of the Campus Stores.
Date: September 23 to 30
Location: Oshawa (The PIT) and Whitby (Don Lovisa Building atrium)

‘Healing Through Food’ Panel Discussion
Join us for a panel discussion with two Indigenous Chefs on the healing properties of food within the Indigenous context. All are welcome to attend.
Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Location: Whitby Campus, W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, Room B101
Register now.

FPIC ‘Reawakening’ Ceremony
Elder Gerard Sagassige will return to the space he named Suswaaning Endaajig (Nest Away from Home) for a Reawakening Ceremony. Light refreshments will be provided.
Date: Friday, September 27, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Centre for Collaborative Education, Room 141
Register now.

Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Join us to honour this important day with guest speakers and opportunities for education and reflection. The event will start indoors and end with a gathering at the Weeping Willow Tree in the Naanaagide’endamowin Courtyard. In the evening, the DC sign (Oshawa) and Don Lovisa Building atrium (Whitby) will be illuminated in orange.
Date: Monday, September 30, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Centre for Innovation and Research, Room 102, and First Peoples Indigenous Centre (CFCE Room 141)
Register now.

The Durham College Library has also curated a collection on Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, heritage, rights, and histories. More resources are available here.

Durham College study examines impact of exercise on physical and mental health for forensic patients

Researchers at Durham College (DC) are partnering with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and the Abilities Centre in Whitby to examine barriers to exercise for forensic patients and how community-based exercise could impact their physical and mental health.

Dr. Erin Dancey, a faculty member in DC’s Fitness and Health Promotion program, is leading the three-year project through the college’s Social Impact Hub. The research is made possible through a $350,000 College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CHIR) which was announced on September 13.

“We’re interested in the impact of exercise on not just physical fitness, but as a means to increase social connections and improve mental health and wellness and quality of life,” said Dancey. “We met with Ontario Shores and they were already trying to think about ways to get their patients exercising more and the Abilities Centre is close and aims to provide an inclusive space for all individuals in the community, so it all came together.”

The overall goal of the project is to develop exercised-based treatment options that will reduce health disparities and inequities experienced by Canada’s forensic patient population, people who have been found not criminally responsible for an offence or unfit to stand trial by the courts due to mental illness and are hospitalized and receiving treatment to improve their mental health.

Forensic patients with mental illness are more sedentary, have reduced levels of physical fitness and are at a higher risk for obesity as compared to the general population for several reasons including the impact of medication on metabolic health and barriers to exercise while accessing care in a hospital setting.

While other studies have demonstrated the benefits of exercise for people living with mental illness, there is limited research focusing specifically on forensic patients.

“It’s interesting, important research for patients in an institutional, hospitalized setting because it has the potential to improve their quality of life,” said Dancey.

The first phase of the research project will look at barriers to engaging in community-based exercise for patients receiving forensic psychiatry care at Ontario Shores. In the second phase, patients participating in the study will engage in community-based exercise at the Abilities Centre and the researchers will investigate the impact on physical fitness, quality of life, social isolation, mental health and sleep quality.

At DC, Dancey will work with Faculty of Heath Sciences faculty member Dr. David Copithorne and Jennifer Bedford, a faculty member in the Faculty of Media, Art and Design. The project also comes with experiential learning opportunities for students from both faculties.

“We will hire Fitness and Health Promotion students as well as Community Mental Health students as research assistants so they will gain experience with the research ethics approval process, data collection, fitness assessment and prescription, and working with a vulnerable population and community partners,” said Dancey. “We’re also going to hire Media, Art and Design students to help create a video outlining the project findings as well as infographics that will share our results with a broader audience.”

Benefits of the research may include creating a low-cost treatment for people living with mental illness that can be used in combination with medication which could be expanded to patients in the general psychiatry and outpatient clinics at Ontario Shores and elsewhere. It also provides the Abilities Centre and other similar community recreation centres with new tools and ways to support a marginalized group, people living with mental illness.

Funding allows Social Impact Hub to study and improve mental health care for Black communities

Researchers at Durham College’s (DC) Social Impact Hub are launching a project to study and improve mental health care for Black communities thanks to a $360,000 federal grant.

Announced on September 13, the grant is from the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF), funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada (2022), 35.4% of Black Canadians experience significant psychological distress, but only 1.2% of them seek the aid of mental health services. With that in mind, ‘Bridging the gap: Developing Culturally Responsive Mental Health Care with and for Black Communities’ will explore the experiences of Black patients and frontline workers in emergency, acute and community mental health settings. Beginning this fall, researchers will collect data and work with members of the Black community, caregivers, and frontline workers to co-create resources from a culturally responsive lens.

The project will be led by researchers from the Social Impact Hub with a team consisting of Black community-members and academics.

“This is a very important project,” said Dr. Crystal Garvey, lead researcher and a faculty member in DC’s Nursing – Collaborative Bachelor of Science (BScN) program. “Historically, when decisions are being made for members of the community who have to access the healthcare system, they’re made by leaders and experts who are not representative of the groups they are serving or making decisions for. What makes this research different is that it is a co-creation piece, where those who actually use the services and are navigating the system will now have a say in what bridging the gaps look like”

The Social Impact Hub is partnering on the project with the Health Research Council for People of African Descent, the Regional Municipality of Durham, Black Health Alliance and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

DC students will have the opportunity to contribute to the new initiative, with three being hired each year. Two students from the Faculty of Health Sciences will provide support as research assistants, while one student from a Media, Art and Design program will assist in documenting and promoting the project.

“We have some really amazing stakeholders that are going to be engaged in this project. I am deeply grateful that they are ready and willing to listen, and that’s the first step to changing any narrative,” said Dr. Garvey. “I am so appreciative and humbled by our community leaders who are involved in this project. They are being intentional with giving space to voices who historically have been ignored or silenced. Because of this project we all now have a seat at the table to engage in sincere discourse to create the authentic change needed.”

Dr. Garvey and her fellow researchers hope to gain the trust of the Black community and encourage them to seek mental health support before crisis hits.

“I hope that we can be the community that breaks down barriers and makes sure that mental health care is being received equitably and fairly,” she said. “This research, in collaboration with community support and involvement, is going to change the status quo and belief systems associated with mental health.”

“I say with all confidence that it’s going to be a game changer.”

Bistro ’67 nominated for Business Excellence Award from Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce

Durham College’s (DC) on-campus restaurant, Bistro ’67, has been nominated for a Business Excellence Award from the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce in the category of sustainability.

Each year, the awards recognize organizations that excel in all areas of business and leadership within the community. DC was previously recognized in 2020, when the AI Hub and W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (CFF) received awards for innovation and sustainability, respectively.

This year’s winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 24.

“We make a really great effort towards sustainability initiatives in Bistro ’67 and throughout the CFF,” said Lori Saint, General Manager of the CFF. “We’re very appreciative that all of our efforts have been noticed.”

She pointed to Bistro’s Feast On™ and LEAF certifications as examples of their commitment to sustainable and locally produced dining.

“We couldn’t be any more local for a lot of our products because they’re coming from the urban farm we have here on campus,” she noted.

She also cited their zero waste initiatives. This year, Bistro ’67 has been focused on finding new uses for food waste. In one such case, vegetable scraps from the Bistro kitchen are dried, frozen and turned into a powdered broth for sale in The Pantry.

“Sustainability is something that we focus on every single day and it’s very rewarding to be recognized for that.”

Durham College takes proactive measures to support mental health on campus, launches new resources for employees to assist students

In response to the growing need for mental health supports on campus, Durham College (DC) is prioritizing resources and supports to ensure that students’ needs are met.

The fall 2024 semester is the first to welcome learners who experienced the pandemic throughout high school, starting in Grade 9, reinforcing the need for additional mental health supports in post-secondary education.

“Over the past few years, the CHWC has noted a substantial increase in both the volume and complexity of students’ mental health challenges post-pandemic, and we’ve implemented the supports to proactively address these needs,” said Jennifer Elliott, Director, Campus Health and Wellness Centre at DC.

To educate and empower employees to support student mental health, the CHWC has launched a comprehensive guide and quick reference flowsheet. The resources, developed by mental health experts on campus, support employees by enhancing their understanding of mental health while helping them navigate the college’s emergency processes. Both resources include a focus on user experience and are a part of DC’s broader effort to ensure that the entire campus community has the knowledge and support needed to succeed.

“These resources were developed in direct response to a growing demand for support among employees who are working diligently to assist these students,” said Elliott.

To support the launch of the CHWC’s mental health guide and flowsheet, DC is providing ongoing opportunities for employees to engage with CHWC mental health clinicians. Employees can ask questions and learn about how to support students in managing their mental health on campus. Additionally, employees have the option to book a classroom visit or health promotion session to explore various mental health topics.

For students, the CHWC offers access to confidential and comprehensive services with an expert team of health care professionals and are encouraged to visit the CHWC to learn about all the resources available. Students can also explore the online Wellness Directory, which highlights other resources available at the college to support them.

This month, on September 10, DC will be hosting the Canadian Mental Health Association Durham (CMHA) Durham’s Safety Expo, along with its partners, to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day. The event will include presentations and resource booths on key topics such as transgender care, suicide prevention, and more. Attendees will have access to valuable insights and the chance to engage with experts in the field, ensuring members of the community have the supports they need to thrive year-round; an initiative Elliott says is critical as mental health needs continue to evolve.

“Events like this further underscore DC’s dedication to prioritizing the mental health and well-being of its community, ensuring that support evolves alongside the needs of everyone.”

Outstanding Durham College alumni nominated for 2024 Premier’s Awards

Durham College is proud to celebrate five exceptional alumni nominated for the 2024 Premier’s Award.

The awards have been presented by Colleges Ontario since 1992 and they recognize outstanding college graduates who are making an impact in Ontario and throughout the world.  More than 100 graduates are nominated for a Premier’s Award each year, which recognizes achievements in areas such as health care, science, technology and engineering, community services, the arts, business and the skilled trades.

“At DC, we’re more than 114,500 alumni strong and we’re proud to select these five graduates who have built successful careers and made a significant impact on the lives of others,” said Bonnie St. George, Vice President, People, Equity and External Relations at Durham College (DC). “Our nominees this year not only excel in their chosen fields, they are also making important contributions to their communities including advancing diversity and mental health.”

Jeremy Burns – Law & Security Administration Class of 2004; Penology and Youth, Class of 2005
Aaron Dale – Police Foundations, Class of 2005

Building on their college education and military service, Toronto police officers Jeremy Burns and Aaron Dale co-founded the Military Veterans Wellness Program (MVWP), designed to help law enforcement members support veterans in crisis. MVWP has been endorsed by organizations including Veterans Affairs Canada, National Defence’s Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group, Royal Canadian Legion, and is now part of mandatory training for Toronto police officers. They are nominated in the Community Services category.

Chris Cull – Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician, Class of 2007

Founder of Inspire By Example, Chris Cull is a motivational speaker and filmmaker who uses his experience as a recovering opioid user to advocate for mental health and addiction recovery. He has cycled across Canada twice and produced two films to raise awareness and educate the public, transforming many lives. Chris has shared his expertise at numerous notable events, including the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. He is nominated in the Health Sciences category.

Shelby Nelson – Sport Administration, Class of 2000

With a love for sports and community, Shelby Nelson, has dedicated 24 years to the Toronto Blue Jays organization. With a DC education as a foundation, Shelby’s 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. As the local face of the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Shelby is a respected community leader and a champion of diversity. He is nominated in the Business category.

Paula Sojo – Video Production, Class of 2024

At the age of 18, Paula Sojo was diagnosed with a severe case of Crohn’s disease, resulting in 17 surgeries and a permanent ostomy. Determined to help others, she teamed up with her brother to found Ostome Fashion, a thriving business that provides fashionable and empowering options to all ostomy users. With help from family, friends and mentors, she has not only changed her life, but promoted representation and acceptance and empowered her community. She is nominated in the Recent Graduate category.

The winners of the Premier’s Awards will be announced on November 25, 2024. Good luck to all the DC nominees!

School’s in session: Durham College ready to welcome back more than 13,000 students this fall

From refreshed physical spaces to wrap-around student services designed to help students succeed, Durham College (DC) is welcoming more than 13,000 post-secondary and apprenticeship students this fall.

These students will pursue credentials including graduate certificates, diplomas and degrees in 145-plus market-driven programs including four new programs starting this September.

We’re welcoming more than 6,700 new students and many of them are already on campus participating in orientation activities, including Academic Welcome Week where they get to know their faculties and pick up important tips for success in their programs. Orientation events also include fun social activities designed to help students connect, like a movie night under the stars at our Oshawa campus, a corn roast at our Whitby campus and the return of our popular Campus Cup soccer rivalry with its festival atmosphere. To help them start strong this semester, we have compiled a content collection of some of our most popular blog posts, which are full of helpful information.

Students will enjoy a number of new and refreshed spaces at both of our state-of-the-art campuses this year. Highlights include:

  • A new multifaith prayer room in the Justice Wing.
  • Additional bike racks and repair stations to promote sustainable transportation and convenience for cycling students.
  • A redesign of Founder’s One parking lot to accommodate increased pedestrian traffic between the Centre for Innovation and Research and the rest of campus.
  • A renovated garden at the Whitby Campus’ Don Lovisa Building, creating an inviting entrance and a welcoming space for students to gather.

Before opening our doors to students for the new semester, DC employees gathered for Academic Kickoff which featured panel discussions, a keynote speaker and more. The annual event sparked new ideas and generated excitement for the academic year ahead.

To help support students’ needs, DC’s Campus Health and Wellness Centre developed resources designed to educate and empower employees to support the mental health and well-being of students on campus. And our newest faculty participated in a multi-day professional development opportunity hosted by the Centre for Teaching and Learning. A number of important topics were covered, including the science of learning principles, teaching strategies, curriculum, assessment, and educational technology.

Visit durhamcollege.ca to learn more about our programs and upcoming campus events and follow us on social media including Instagram and TikTok and get a feel for our dynamic campuses.

Durham College kicks off Strategic Plan consultation sessions

A series of consultation opportunities for Durham College’s (DC) Strategic Planning Process are scheduled and set to launch in the coming weeks. DC’s Board of Governors, students, employees, alumni, retirees, donors and community partners are all invited to get involved and contribute to the process by sharing their unique insights.

“This is a pivotal time for Durham College as we shape the future together, and we are excited to collaborate with everyone in our DC community,” said Lisa Allen, DC Board Chair. “The diverse insights and perspectives of all our members are essential in guiding us to new heights, strengthening our institution, and enhancing the success and impact we have on the broader community we serve.”

Over the next several months, the DC community will consider how student and industry needs have changed, how our organization and the workforce have evolved and how the landscape of higher education has shifted. The result will be a new Strategic Plan – expected to launch in spring 2025 – serving as a roadmap with tangible goals and objectives to inform decision-making and resource allocation.

Consultation details, as well as timelines, objectives and team members are available on DC’s Future Focused: Strategic Planning microsite. There are many ways to engage in the process and share feedback. Students and employees are encouraged to register for upcoming in-person Town Hall sessions and participate in “one big question pop-ups” that will appear throughout the Oshawa and Whitby campuses over the fall. Alumni, retirees, and key community partners will hear directly from the Strategic Plan Working Group and have opportunities to provide their input. Additionally, all community members are invited to complete the online survey to share their thoughts.

“As our current Strategic Plan comes to an end, this is an incredible opportunity to look critically at our work and listen to our communities’ aspirations, needs and ideas,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President. “Together, we will develop an actionable plan to move DC forward in building a sustainable, future-proof, equity-driven, people-focused and community-connected college.”