Aligning with DC’s internationalization focus, Durham College (DC) International’s three-year Caribbean Education for Employment (C-EFE): Driving World Connections project has officially come to a successful conclusion marked by a closing ceremony, hosted by the Government Technical Institute (GTI), the vocational institute in Georgetown at the centre of the project, and DC, in Georgetown, Guyana on September 15.

A DC contingent, including Katie Boone, manager, International Projects and Partnerships, Doug Hart, manager, Curriculum Design, Corporate Training Services and Phil Raby, professor/program co-ordinator, Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media, travelled to Georgetown to participate in the ceremony. Boone spoke at the event and presented GTI with a plaque to recognize their partnership.

Jan Sheltinga, counsellor, Development Cooperation, High Commission of Canada, also spoke at the ceremony, congratulating the partners on their success while Guyana’s minister of education, Nicolette Henry, emphasized the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to Guyana. Henry expressed her appreciation to the Canadian partners for their support.

Visitors in attendance were taken on a tour of the institute and its facilities by its principal, Renita Crandon Duncan, faculty members and students.

A special moment of the afternoon was the ribbon-cutting and official launch of GTI’s new Automotive Electrical/Electronics and Repairs Program – a direct outcome of the C-EFE project. Developed by DC and its partners, the College of the North Atlantic and the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland, the program was designed in response to the growing needs of Guyana’s auto industry. The first cohort of students started the program this summer and will receive the National Vocational Qualification when they graduate.

Over the lifespan of the partnership, project initiatives have included: structured training for the Guyanese faculty to modernize their automotive curriculum under a competency-based model; technical training on new equipment as well as capacity-building in applied teaching strategies; support for GTI to build sustainable relationships with internal and external stakeholders; and fostering the growth of the leadership and change management skills of GTI’s administrative team. The project initiatives bolstered communication and teamwork between all of the partners resulting in more positive working relationships as reflected in GTI’s emerging institutional five-year strategic plan, developed with DC’s mentorship.

The C-EFE: Driving World Connections project was conducted with support from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and Global Affairs Canada.

Linzie Mark is currently enrolled in her first year of Durham College’s (DC) Practical Nursing program. She is also diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.

To help keep her grounded in the midst of a PTSD or anxiety attack, and on the advice of her doctor, Linzie relies on her service dog, a Border Collie named Eloise. While Eloise is still a seven-week new puppy, she is also in training, learning specific sensory techniques to help her partner. The two are inseparable, which means they go everywhere together, including the classes and labs Linzie attends every week.

Linzie and Eloise are just one service animal/partner pair that can be found on the college’s Oshawa and Whitby campuses and learning site in Pickering; the start of the 2017-2018 academic year brings with it the highest number of service animals ever at DC.

While many people are aware of the use of guide dogs to help those who are visually impaired, there is increasing reliance on service animals to assist those with less visible exceptionalities. Now more than ever, students are relying on the support of service animals to help with a growing range of exceptionalities, needs and challenges.

Recognizing this growing trend, and as part of the evolution of accommodation at DC, the college’s Accessibility Committee has drafted its first stand-alone Service Animal Policy and Procedure, to not only ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) but to further inclusivity for the college’s students, employees and visitors.

Both documents clearly articulate the definitions and requirements for the use of service animals at the college. They also outline the expectations for those relying on the animals and for the college and its accommodation of those requests.

Drafts of both the policy and procedure are now in review and are expected to be finalized by the end of the 2017-2018 academic year.

In the meantime the college will continue its efforts to increase awareness and understanding, not only of the role of service animals, but also best practices for those who may find themselves in contact with one of the animals in class and on campus.

 

 As Durham College (DC) celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017, it has also begun the construction of the new Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE), a state-of-the-art learning environment where students, employees and the broader community can work together in ways that transcend traditional concepts of education.

To achieve DC’s vision for the centre, the college has embarked on a capital campaign – Building Something Amazing – and on September 27, it publicly launched this fundraising initiative during a special event for donors and the college community.

“Projects of this magnitude do not happen without substantial investment,” said Linda Flynn, associate vice-president, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs. “After receiving funding from all levels of government, DC was tasked with raising an additional $5 million to complete construction of the CFCE. We are 75 per cent of the way to our goal but still have just over $1.2 million remaining to raise.”

Prior to enjoying a hard hat tour of the CFCE progress to-date, attendees heard from Cassie-Jean Dillon, a second-year student in Fitness and Health Promotion program, about what the CFCE will mean to her and the others who will have the opportunity to learn there.

Donor Elaine Mendicino was also on hand to share her story about why she is supporting the capital campaign. After losing her husband suddenly in 2011, she wanted to honour his memory. She chose to do so as a thank you to the college where she and her husband met and gained the skills they needed to thrive in their chosen careers. The Rob Hogan Student Commons will bear her late husband’s name as a testament to his memory and the promise of collaboration and innovation that the new CFCE holds.

“As a college, we have been extremely lucky to have the support of the local community and organizations to help us champion student success,” said Flynn. “Investing in the Building Something Campaign is yet another way people can choose to give back, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

When completed, the multi-level CFCE will provide 75,000-square-feet of space that will serve as an educational access point for students, while bringing together local, Indigenous and global community groups and members of key business sectors when it opens in fall 2018.

For more information about the CFCE or to make a donation to the Building Something Amazing capital campaign please contact DC’s Office of Development and Alumni Affairs.

Durham College (DC) is proud to announce that its president, Don Lovisa, has been named Business Person of the Year by the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce at the prestigious 22nd annual Business Excellence Awards. The awards were presented on September 27 at a gala held at the Jubilee Pavilion.

“Receiving this award from the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce in Durham College’s 50th anniversary year is an incredible honour,” said President Lovisa. “Each day I go to work at what I believe is Canada’s best college. To be recognized for doing something I truly love is humbling and I share this achievement with my colleagues who join me each day to ensure that the college is able to live its mission that the student experience comes first.”

The Business Excellence Awards are held each year to recognize the success and outstanding contributions of companies and individuals within the Greater Oshawa business community. Winners are honoured in the following award categories: Business Person of the Year; Business Excellence; EnGen Award, which recognizes individuals under the age of 40 who are making their mark in the Greater Oshawa area and beyond; Innovation; Civic Pride; and New Enterprise.

In selecting President Lovisa as Business Person of the Year, the award jury considered his strengths in all areas of business as well as his leadership within the community.

President Lovisa joined DC in July 2007 as vice-president, Academic, following a successful 20-year career at Confederation College in Northwestern Ontario, where he held numerous positions including dean of the School of Business, Hospitality and Media Arts. He was named interim president of DC on May 16, 2008, and formally appointed president on January 1, 2009.

The college has thrived under President Lovisa’s guidance, realizing significant, strategic growth in students, learning spaces and reputation. During his tenure, DC has become the fastest growing college in Ontario, moving from less than 7,000 students in his first year at DC to more than 12,000 in fall 2017; one of the largest employers in Durham Region, with more than 1,500 employees; and has undergone a campus revitalization of nearly $180 million in renovations and new buildings.

Prior to entering the post-secondary sector, President Lovisa worked internationally, providing training, teaching and consultations in areas of globalization, market-driven economic transition, international trade, and entrepreneurship and business development. This impressive range of skills has proved beneficial for not only the college, but the greater community as well.

“Don has a vision of the deep, long-term impact education has for local and global communities, and leaders have aligned with him to invest in his inclusive vision, time and time again,” said Scott Blakey, chief administrative officer, DC. “His accomplishments support students and industries, and provide a visionary view into what the college represents for the local economy. The entire DC family is thrilled to see him recognized for his tireless work on behalf of the college and the greater community.”

Read more about President Lovisa’s achievements

On September 21, more than 130 community members gathered under the stars at the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (CFF) for Durham College’s (DC) third annual Harvest Dinner.

Against the backdrop of the CFF fields and greenhouse, guests celebrated fall’s bounty with a multi-course, family-style meal featuring food that was planted, picked and prepared by the college’s students and faculty. Highlighting the CFF’s field-to-fork philosophy, the meal consisted of a charcuterie and cheese platter appetizer, followed by four courses representing the freshest produce and local ingredients. From cedar-planked Ontario whitefish to sweet pepper salad to King Cole duck breast, the meal offered flavours for every palate. A dessert of assorted pastries capped off the feast.

The event was the culmination of countless hours spent preparing in CFF fields, labs and classrooms. It was a true team effort that saw Horticulture – Food and Farming and Horticulture Technician students cultivate and harvest the produce used in the meal, Culinary Management, Culinary Skills and Advanced Baking and Pastry Arts students prepare the dinner and students from the Special Events Management, Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations and Hospitality Skills programs serve guests.

For those who missed the Harvest Dinner, CFF produce and other local ingredients will continue to be served at Bistro ’67, the CFF’s full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant. Fresh produce and student-prepared goods are also available at Pantry, the retail store within the CFF. For anyone looking to expand their own culinary skills, cooking classes and demonstrations are available through DC’s School of Continuing Education.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/cff. 

In celebration of Durham College’s (DC) 50th anniversary, 50 origami paper cranes, all made by Sara Donner, administrative assistant, School of Health & Community Services (HCS), hang delicately in the HCS office window.

Each is a crisp and colourful work of art in the tradition of origami – ori meaning “folding,” and kami meaning “paper” – often associated with Japanese culture. The paper crane is considered to be the most classic design.

Sara taught herself the craft and also recently shared the skill with the HCS faculty:

“I am on the Social Committee for HCS and thought it would be a nice idea to teach our faculty how to make the cranes since our theme was health and wellness at our All School meeting,” said Sara.  “This was fun and challenging and I have a new found respect for teachers!”

To see the display, visit HCS at SW106 at the Oshawa campus.

 

Have you envisioned a way to help combat climate change? Do you have some ideas to ensure a sustainable agricultural system? Or, maybe your inspiration is going to change information technology (IT), media or fashion as we know it. If you’ve spent time on any of the topics listed below, it’s time to take your idea and Pitch It!

FastStart invites students at Trent University, Durham College, Fleming College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology to submit their innovative business ideas for the third annual Pitch It! competition for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The event will showcase up to five contestants pitching their idea from these various business categories:

• Agriculture and food.
• IT and media.
• Clean-tech and the environment.
• Trades and retail business.
• Lifestyle and fashion.

Applications must be submitted by noon on Friday, September 22. The final Pitch It! competition will take place at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus on Wednesday, October 4 and is open to the public. It is a Dragons’ Den-style pitch competition before a panel of industry judges. Participating students can meet other like-minded entrepreneurs, get help to bring their innovative idea to the market, and win $500!

Visit the Pitch It! website for more information or to download a submission form.

The Pitch It! competition is sponsored by FastStart, an entrepreneurial training partnership designed to increase the entrepreneurship skills and awareness of university and college students, and help them develop solid business plans and take products to market.

On September 13, the Durham College (DC) Brewing Memories Coffee Tour went global, as alumni from five countries came together in real time to share memories of DC and updates on their careers. Participants also learned about new college developments and took questions from audience members watching live, both in-class and on the web.

Hosted by Global Class founder and DC professor Lon Appleby and DC president Don Lovisa, the event broke down worldwide borders, uniting the graduates who are currently residing in Turkey, Romania, Japan, London, England, and across Canada in British Columbia for a DC Brewing Memories stop unlike any other.

The participants were:

Matt Warburton, Vancouver, British Columbia
Graphic Design, 1983
2015 Alumnus of Distinction

Jennifer Iacob, Bucharest, Romania
Nursing, 2004
2011 Alumna of Distinction and 2012 Premier’s Awards nominee

Rustu Ataman, Istanbul, Turkey
Renewable Energy Technician, 2015

Cameron Munro, Tokyo, Japan
Business Administration – Operations Management (now Supply Chain and Operations Management – Business Administration), 2012

Bob Wheller, London, England
Graphic Design, 1983
2015 Alumnus of Distinction

Advice shared with those watching the Global Class broadcast, both online and in class, included recognizing the importance of lifelong learning, seizing opportunities and not being afraid to stand up and ask questions. For full biographies of each DC graduate, or to view a recording of the Global Class session, please visit the Global Class page.

Hosted by DC’s Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, the Brewing Memories Coffee Tour is a travelling series of 50 events, held in honour of the college’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017. To-date 35 stops have been made across Ontario, giving DC the chance to re-connect with its graduates, to hear their success stories, learn about their career paths and share all the new and exciting things happening at DC – all while enjoying free coffee, tea and baked goods.

More than 1,500 members of the community helped celebrate Durham College’s (DC) 50th anniversary in a big way at the college’s Homecoming Weekend on September 8, 9 and 10. Students – past, present and future – along with DC employees, retirees, their families and more came together for three fun-filled days of music, meals and memories to commemorate the milestone birthday.

Beginning with a kick-off event that featured live music from local soul band Professors of Funk and rising Canadian country music star Eric Ethridge, the first stop on the Colleges Ontario Amazing 50 mobile exhibit tour and free pizza, ice cream and giveaways, the weekend crackled with energy from start to finish.

Media personalities also got in on the action. Steve Paikin, host of TV’s The Agenda, spoke to a packed room about former premier and Ontario college system founder Bill Davis. Then TSN’s Kate Beirness – former voice of the Durham Lords – gave the keynote address at the DC Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony that saw nearly 100 athletes, coaches and team staff from four historic DC teams honoured.

The weekend’s Family Day festivities drew DC supporters of all ages, while the Party Through the Decades on Saturday night took partygoers back in time with themed food stations, bars, displays and attractions, then treated them to a live performance by Juno-award-winning singer-songwriter Colin James.

Rounded out with a double feature of movies on the lawn outside the college’s Student Services building, varsity vs alumni games in volleyball, baseball and softball, and a special prix fixe dinner menu and brunch at Bistro ’67, there was truly something for everyone at DC’s Homecoming Weekend.

The year-long party continues next with DC’s 50th anniversary speaker series (details to be announced shortly), commemorative elements at the upcoming fall convocation ceremony on Thursday, October 26, fall Open House on Saturday, November 18 and a skating party that will wrap up the college’s amazing 50th year (date to be announced shortly as well).

To learn more about DC’s milestone anniversary, history and upcoming events, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/50.

#amazing50 celebration the place to be @durhamcollege! Come check it out! #dc50 #dchomecoming #cdnpse pic.twitter.com/1UCnH4lvrc

— Colleges Ontario (@CollegesOntario) September 8, 2017