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DC hosts Celebration of Excellence and Distinction

On June 26, Durham College (DC) welcomed guests to the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food for its first ever Celebration of Excellence and Distinction, to recognize the achievement and success of DC alumni, employees and community partners in the college’s 50th anniversary year.

Guests reconnected with fellow Alumni of Distinction winners and recipients of the Founder’s Cup, President’s Award of Excellence, Employee Awards of Excellence, Honorary Credential and Emeritus Award, to learn about college news and developments while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts prepared by DC students working in Bistro ’67.

Durham College receives Silver Stars rating

Durham College (DC) is pleased to share that it has received a silver rating from the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS), offered through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), for its on-campus sustainability initiatives.

DC became a member of AASHE in 2009 and achieved a bronze rating in 2012. Work towards achieving silver status began in January 2016, with employees from many departments and schools across the college contributing to the collection of data required to support the application.

Environmental responsibility has been a key focus for the college’s Sustainability Committee and Living Green initiative, who, along with the entire campus community, have been implementing changes to increase green activities and operationalize sustainability programs across DC. These include the use of solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, co-mingle waste bins and low-flow toilets, all of which contributed to achieving the silver rating.

STARS is a comprehensive tool that compares the sustainability initiatives of participating colleges and universities by focusing on several key areas including education and research; operations; planning; and administration and engagement, with each category holding a percentage-based score.

AASHE has extensive participation from several universities and colleges throughout North America. This group of institutions creates networking opportunities to advance sustainability through sharing ideas and opening dialogues on behalf of the diverse community AASHE effects. Administrators, faculty, staff and students all contribute to improve sustainability and demonstrate the value of collaboration on these initiatives.

DC’s PD Day is a success as employees network and learn

Durham College (DC) employees enjoyed their Professional Development (PD) Day with sunny skies and a positive tone.

The role of PD Day is to remind college employees how their roles are essential to igniting the passion and imagination of DC students to help them achieve their goals. It’s also a day for employees to reconnect with each other and recharge through exposure to new ideas and skills.

The day coincided with National Aboriginal Day which was celebrated with a smudging ceremony performed outside the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre (CRWC) by representatives from the Aboriginal Student Centre. Employees then gathered in the CRWC gyms where Don Lovisa, DC’s president, welcomed participants to the event and introduced Elder Dr. Shirley Williams, a member of the college’s Aboriginal community. Lovisa acknowledged DC’s presence in the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nations which was followed by Elder Shirley’s blessing for the event.

Lovisa touched on DC’s 50th anniversary theme, ‘The Start of Something Amazing’ and the PD Day theme of You Matter, emphasizing that DC employees are amazing and play a key role in providing excellent educational experiences for DC students.

Keynote speaker and ‘happiness expert,’ Neil Pasricha followed the president’s welcome, giving an inspirational and funny talk from his perspective on finding happiness at home and at work. Pasricha, who is the bestselling author of The Book of Awesome and The Happiness Equation, also reflected on his childhood in Oshawa throughout his presentation.

For the remainder of the day, employees took part in breakout sessions where they discussed current best practices in education with experts from DC, and also learned about using social media, incorporating helpful work practices, eating healthy and creating an appropriate work-life balance. An Aboriginal reconciliation workshop was also provided.

The event’s theme, the importance of playing your role, was present on social media with participants encouraged to tweet about their experiences with the hashtag #youmatter. Highlights, photos and videos of the day can be viewed on Twitter.

With more than 770 full-time employees and approximately 1,400 part-time employees, DC is one of the region’s largest employers and provides more than $800 million in positive economic impact annually. Events like PD Day are a great opportunity for DC employees to learn, network and appreciate their peers.

Durham College awards sixth honorary credential to Edith Alger

Durham College (DC) is excited to share that Edith Alger was awarded the college’s sixth honorary credential during its 2017 Spring Convocation, which took place on Tuesday, June 13 at Oshawa’s Tribute Communities Centre.

Edith, a long-time Oshawa resident and community philanthropist, received her diploma in Community Development. The honorary credential recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the college, Durham Region and beyond in the areas of leadership, innovation and partnerships.

“We are incredibly pleased to honour Edith with this award,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “She has played an integral role in the growth and development of DC, not only through financial contributions but also the donation of time and expertise. Her diploma in community development is well-suited given all she has done for organizations across the region.”

Edith’s roots within the community are deep, as she has dedicated her life to volunteering with and financially supporting many non-profit organizations focused on advancing education and improving access to healthcare. Her involvement with DC began when she served as a member of the Board of Governors from 1987 to 1992. In the late 1990s, she also served on the DC President’s Advisory Committee providing insight into the creation of the partnerships between the college and the newly established University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

She has supported students at both institutions through generous gifts towards construction of the Oshawa Campus Library and the purchase of new adaptive technologies for the joint Centre for Students with Disabilities. In 2011, she also donated funds towards construction of the Centre for Food, to help turn the college’s field-to-fork vision into reality.

Edith has also delivered Meals on Wheels, organized blood donor clinics for the Canadian Red Cross and coordinated events and day-programs at WindReach Farm. She has served on the Boards of Directors for the Durham Region Heart and Stroke Foundation, Hearth Place, Information Oshawa, WindReach Farm and the WindReach Farm Foundation, the YWCA and the Columbus United Church. She is currently serving as chair of the Board of Directors of the Durham Community Foundation and is a community advisor with the Community Innovation Lab, a hub providing programming and support for entrepreneurs at all stages of business development.

Edith and her late husband Bill have four children. One of them, as well as three of her grandchildren, are Durham College alumni.

 

Durham College celebrates student success at 2017 Spring Convocation

Durham College (DC) proudly celebrated as more than 3,700 students walked across the stage to receive their credential during the 2017 Spring Convocation ceremonies. Whether beginning their career or pursuing further education, these individuals will continue their journey knowing they have the skills they need to succeed.

Held from June 12 to 14 at the Tribute Communities Centre in downtown Oshawa, graduates from the Centre for Food and schools of Business, IT & Management; Continuing Education, Health & Community Services; Interdisciplinary Studies; Justice & Emergency Services; Media, Art & Design; Science & Engineering Technology and Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology received their diplomas and certificates, cheered on by family, friends and college employees.

Guest speakers at each ceremony included DC alumni and its immediate past vice-president, Academic:

  • Shelley Jones, lawyer and registered trademark agent and graduate of DC’s Legal Administration program;
  • Rob Leth, Global News sports anchor and graduate of DC’s Journalism program;
  • Judy Robinson, immediate past vice-president, Academic at DC;
  • Brent Lessard, co-founder of the online think tank rLoop and graduate of DC’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program; and
  • Nancy Shaw, CEO and general manager of the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and graduate of DC’s Nursing Assistant program.

Emeritus Award

As part of the college’s commitment to building on its positive reputation, the outstanding contributions and exemplary service of retired faculty and staff members were recognized through the honorary designation of emeritus:

  • Ben Kelly, a professor in the School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology received the title of professor emeritus; and
  • Judy Robinson, immediate past vice-president, Academic received the title of vice-president emeritus.

Honorary Credential

DC also awarded its seventh honorary credential, a diploma in Community Development, to Edith Alger, during Tuesday afternoon’s ceremony. A long-standing Oshawa resident, Edith has volunteered with and financially supported many non-profit organizations focused on advancing education and improving access to healthcare in Durham Region, including DC.

Alumni of Distinction

Three past DC graduates also received Alumni of Distinction awards, in honour of the extraordinary contributions they have made to society while achieving career success:

  • Richard Gauder – Marketing Administration, 1984;
  • Joyce Hunter – Journalism – Print, 2003; and
  • Brent Lessard – Mechanical Engineering Technology, 2014.

The full videos of each ceremony will also be posted later this month for those who missed the ceremony or want to relive the moment.

Roger Anderson Charity Classic celebrates a successful 20th anniversary year

There was much to celebrate at this year’s Roger Anderson Charity Classic, as the golf tournament marked its 20th anniversary and the fact it has now raised more than $6 million to support local youth since its inception.

One of Durham Region’s most popular and well-established fundraising events, 220 golfers took to the Deer Creek golf course on June 8, raising $403,000 to support students in financial need at Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, as well as child and youth programs at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

“This golf tournament was started to raise valuable funds for local youth, and we’ve had two decades of fun doing that,” said Roger Anderson, Durham Regional chair and chief executive officer. “I am so grateful for the support of the community – from the golfers, many of whom represent local organizations and businesses, to the volunteers who tirelessly dedicate their time – for helping make this tournament a success every year.”

Karim Mamdani, president and CEO, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences; Tim McTiernan, president, UOIT; and Don Lovisa, president, Durham College, attended the evening’s cheque presentation, offering their own thanks for the hard work and dedication of the tournament organizers and the generosity of its sponsors.

Tournament organizers also give recognition and gratitude to all sponsors and volunteers for their generous and continued support.

North Oshawa Farmers’ Market coming to DC

Beginning Sunday, June 11, and running through to October, Durham College will host the North Oshawa Farmers’ Market every second Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Founders Lot 2.

The gates to the campus parking lots will be up during these times to welcome market patrons and so that anyone who typically parks in Founders Lot 2 can access alternative parking.

Started by a group of local residents, the market hosts a wide variety of local produce, meats, pastries and other goods.

For more information on the North Oshawa Farmers’ Market please visit: www.northoshawafarmersmarket.ca.

DC’s Dental Hygiene students help those in need

“Allow the way to your great work to be guided by your service to others.” – Mollie Marti

On May 27 and 28, Durham College (DC) Dental Hygiene students who are in their fifth semester gained on-the-job experience while putting their skills to work for a worthy cause by providing dental hygiene care to clients of Health Mission Outreach in Brampton.

Thirty-six students, as well as seven program graduates and four faculty members, made a significant impact on the not-for-profits’ patrons, treating over 100 people who otherwise would not have had access to basic dental care.

A culmination of their program studies, the opportunity for the students to serve some of the community’s most vulnerable members proved to be equal parts challenging and rewarding. With faculty guidance, the students were able to practise many of their dental hygiene skills while providing assessments, periodontal debridement, fluoride treatments and oral hygiene instructions.

Previous to their work with Health Mission Outreach, the students had gained experience treating clients through DC’s Dental Hygiene Clinic, field placements and additional volunteer work, including the provision of education and dental screenings at The Refuge youth shelter in Oshawa.

Working with vulnerable populations helps students to develop greater capacity for bringing empathy and compassion to their dental hygiene practice, a skill in itself that is vital to their success and a hallmark of DC’s Dental Hygiene program.

DC to help Oshawa become world’s first “Teaching City”

Durham College (DC) has joined a partnership with the City of Oshawa, University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, and the Canadian Urban Institute, to help Oshawa become the world’s first “Teaching City”.

The four parties launched their new project and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on June 5 at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa.  Under the agreement, DC and the City of Oshawa, along with their other educational partners, will collaborate on making Oshawa a “Teaching City” — in a similar way to how some medical centres become “teaching hospitals” — that builds momentum and establishes the city as one focused on experiential learning, applied research and innovative teaching partnerships to address urban issues.

“Oshawa is already a great place to live, work and innovate,” said DC president Don Lovisa. “Today, Oshawa became an even brighter spot in Canada’s knowledge economy because there will be new opportunities for DC students to explore and problem solve through the issues that matter to residents and businesses, with city staff, DC faculty and other education partners. This is experiential learning at its best.”

Through the project, the MOU signatories, along with local and regional partners, will develop the city as a “living laboratory” to address and study complex urban issues and identify opportunities. Together the partners will explore and pursue the following objectives:

  • Identify and develop initiatives focused on creating practical, scalable and sustainable solutions to urban issues.
  • Develop and potentially commercialize technologies and techniques.
  • Develop and coordinate joint experiential learning opportunities, applied research, and innovative educational activities.
  • Contribute to seminars, workshops and academic initiatives that drive the business goals of the city.
  • Share access to facilities, equipment, systems, information and data.
  • Work toward the long-term positioning of Oshawa as a locally and globally recognized community of urban research and learning.

DC students will get their first opportunities to participate in the TeachingCity through an upcoming hack-a-thon on city data and the development of the city’s first Diversity and Inclusion Plan. These initiatives will allow students to gain skills and experience while also developing a strong level of engagement and connection within the community.

DC Fine Arts students paint collection of Milestones for Canada 150

Durham College (DC) students from the School of Media, Art and Design’s (MAD) Fine Arts – Advanced program, recently grew their experiential learning in the community through a project that allowed them to paint on the windows of the Arts Resource Centre near Oshawa City Hall to commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday and other milestone anniversaries being celebrated by community partners in 2017.

As part of their work in the Community Collaborations course, each student was tasked with filling a window with a design that would capture an organization’s spirit or certain period from its history.  In addition to recognizing DC’s 50th anniversary, the project also captures the following milestones:

  • Francophone Organizations Council of Durham Region / Conseil des Organismes Francophones de la Région de Durham – 30th Anniversary
  • Oshawa Art Association – 50th Anniversary
  • Oshawa Church Hockey League – 70th Anniversary
  • Oshawa Historical Society / Oshawa Museum – 60th Anniversary
  • Parkwood Estate National Historic Site – 100th Anniversary
  • Robert McLaughlin Gallery – 50th Anniversary
  • Simcoe Street United Church – 200th Anniversary

“This has been such a fabulous experience for our students, staff and faculty,” said Greg Murphy, executive dean, MAD. “We need partners who give us an opportunity to make a contribution to the cultural landscape of Oshawa, and the city has been a great partner.”