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FastStart Star Story: Ohh Products

Imagine having to choose between having what everyone else is eating and drinking and facing the health consequences, or having nothing at all to choose from. This is a common reality for people with dietary restrictions who are limited in the treats, beverages and food options available to them.

Brittany Charlton, Paralegal student and graduate of the Law Clerk Advanced program at Durham College, grew up dealing with the restrictions of being lactose intolerant. Now as an adult, she has channeled her inner entrepreneur and placed her focus on providing healthy products for those with dietary restrictions. Charlton’s company, Ohh Products, creates food that tastes great and is made with 100 per cent natural, lactose free ingredients.

In October 2016, she launched her first line of flavoured cocoas. With only 25 calories per 6 oz. mug, three natural ingredients, no added sugar, dairy or gluten, Ohh Products Cocoa is a healthy treat that can be personalized to your pallet.

Brittany credits the FastStart DC team with helping her throughout the business journey.

“From developing the logo, to choosing brand colours, designing packaging, and figuring out the correct market for my product, the FastStart DC team provided insight and guidance every step of the way,” said Charlton.

Brittany stands by three sayings that have inspired her over the years: it’s not about hard work, it’s about working hard; talk is cheap, execution is what sets you apart; and if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is the only way to know if you can do it, is to get out there and do it.  Network with people, watch success stories and do something you are passionate about. It will keep you going, especially when it gets difficult.

Charlton’s products are currently being sold at health food stores across Canada, and she was recently featured in two subscription box packages, ElleBox and the Foodie Pages Tasting Box.

Congratulations, Brittany!

From Backpack to Briefcase – DC supports student and alumni success

Durham College (DC) has launched an exciting new initiative to further help students and alumni make smooth transitions from college to the workplace and succeed throughout their careers.

The Backpack to Briefcase (b2B) initiative, which is offered in partnership with DC’s Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, Career Development and the Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions, provides students and new alumni with access to insight, skills and networks in addition to the expertise they gain in their academic programs.

DC’s b2B events include opportunities to:

  • Connect with employers
  • Learn how to build a comprehensive, relevant and appropriate social media presence
  • Gain valuable leadership skills

These are just a few examples of the non-academic components that are essential to achieving success as a young professional. 

The initiative also supports DC’s Co-curricular Recognition program, which acknowledges students’ participation in campus activities that complement their resumes, portfolios, academic transcripts and more. Students will receive one leadership point for attending four or more of the b2B events offered throughout the academic year. 

“This is a very positive initiative that will better enable DC to support our students from their first day with us, when they enter the workforce, and throughout their careers,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “The b2B program is another example of DC’s commitment to ensuring that the student experience comes first.”

In addition, students and alumni who attend select b2B events will be eligible to win a $100 door prize. To learn more about b2B and register for coming events, including those with door prizes, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/b2B.  

DC launches the new semester and 50th anniversary celebrations with a warm welcome back to campus

On January 4, Durham College (DC) kicked off the new academic semester and the college’s 50th anniversary celebrations with a warm welcome back to campus. Upon their arrival at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses, students were greeted by DC employee volunteers offering free cups of hot chocolate and coffee to help ease everyone back into the swing of new schedules and classes.

“Our warm welcome back to campus has been a DC tradition for a while now and is always a big hit with our students,” said Kirsti McNabney, coordinator, Student Orientation and Transitions, Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions, DC. “The start of a new semester can be equally exciting and nerve-wracking, so being greeted by friendly faces and a comforting drink has a really positive impact on our students’ experiences.”

DC also used the early morning meet and greet as the official on-campus launch of its 50th anniversary festivities that are taking place throughout 2017. As one of the first colleges established under the Ontario college system, DC is marking its founding in 1967 with ‘The Start of Something Amazing,’ a year-long celebration of the college’s past and future.

Volunteers sported DC 50th anniversary-themed t-shirts, cups donned commemorative sleeves and drink stations were flanked by banners sharing the college’s dedicated anniversary website and Homecoming Weekend that will be held on Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9.

“Events like this are what being part of the DC family is all about,” said Pamela Dunn, 50th anniversary special events manager, DC. “Students are so appreciative of the gesture held within a single cup, and many of them stopped to talk to our volunteers about the 50th anniversary and what’s ahead in our milestone year. There were also more than a few volunteers helping students with directions and even walking them to class to help alleviate any first-day-back jitters.”

Up next on the 50th anniversary events calendar is the public celebration launch at the annual DC Alumni and Employee Night at the Oshawa Generals hockey game on Friday, January 13.

Visit DC’s 50th anniversary website for details on all of the upcoming festivities and much more!

The start of something amazing: Durham College kicks off 50th anniversary year

With 2017 marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of Durham College (DC), one of the first colleges established under the Ontario college system, DC today announced ‘The Start of Something Amazing’, a year-long celebration of the college’s past and future.

“DC has come a long way since we first opened our doors in 1967 to 205 students learning in 16 portable classrooms,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “For five decades we have been committed to meeting the needs of students, business and industry and we can’t wait to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together, in Durham Region and beyond, while looking ahead to what we will achieve next.”

To celebrate, the college will be weaving anniversary festivities into more than 50 events and activities over the course of the year. This includes the public 50th anniversary kick-off taking place at DC’s annual alumni and employee night at the Oshawa Generals game on Friday, January 13; the college’s annual spring and fall open house events being held on Saturday, March 25 and Saturday, November 18; and the third annual Harvest Dinner to be held at the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food on Thursday, September 21.

In addition, the college will host two signature 50th anniversary events in 2017. This includes a two-day homecoming celebration on Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9, and a skating party scheduled for December 2017 to commemorate the end of the college’s 50th celebrations.

“Staying connected to our DC family members and the broader community is always top of mind for Durham College, but our 50th anniversary year provides a natural opportunity to take those connections to the next level,” said Lovisa. “We are encouraging everyone – prospective, current and future students; employees; retirees; alumni; business and industry partners; and community groups – to visit the college’s 50th anniversary website and learn how they can join the celebration by sharing memories, attending events and spreading the word that DC is celebrating the start of something amazing!”

While the campaign theme is a nod to the amazing impact that more than 76,000 alumni have made in our community, it also speaks to the college’s vision for the future. This includes the construction of the new Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE) at the Oshawa campus, a legacy project tied to the 50th anniversary. A crossroad of education, services, supports and community, the CFCE will serve as a unique academic and cultural access point for students that brings together local, Indigenous and global community groups along with members of key business sectors while also providing a new home for several of DC’s most innovative programs.

“As we prepare for our sixth decade, Durham College remains committed to staying at the forefront of ‘what’s next’ for industry, business, culture and society , all in service of our students – past, present and future – which is exactly what the CFCE will embody,” said Lovisa.

As one of the first colleges established under the Ontario college system, DC is also sharing its 50th anniversary year with the province’s 23 other colleges of applied arts and technology. Colleges Ontario has a dedicated 50th anniversary website where more information on province-wide celebrations can be found.

For more information on DC’s 50th celebrations, including a complete list of upcoming events, facts, photos, videos and more, visit the college’s 50th anniversary website.

Chemical Institute of Canada award winners credit DC training for their success

Durham College’s four winners of the 2016 Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) say they were well prepared by their college professors.

The CIC winners are: Chemical Laboratory Technician program students Da Eun Chung, who won the silver medal, and Brittney Richards, who won the book prize; Chemical Engineering Technology program students Natasha Beattie, who won the silver medal, and Kelsey Henderson, who won the book prize. Silver medals are presented to the top students completing their final year at each Canadian college in chemical technology or related programs. Book prizes are presented to the student at each Canadian college completing her or his final year while demonstrating the greatest improvement overall.

Brittney said Durham College (DC) professors really motivated her to improve. “The profs teach us to really think outside of the box. They tell us to think “why” you’re doing something beyond the assignment that we are working on.”

Kelsey agreed saying, “Professors push and encourage us to achieve. They make you want to work harder.”

Da Eun said, “The attention to detail required in my lab courses came in especially handy while I was sifting through records and filling out spreadsheets in my work-study job in the president’s office.”

Natasha added that DC’s environment is very positive for students and its programs are well known. “I love Chemistry – so I came here.”

Each year the Chemical Institute of Canada administers awards and competitions to recognize the outstanding contributions by students at Canadian universities and colleges. The CIC is a national not-for-profit organization committed to advancing chemical sciences and engineering through its constituent societies in chemistry, chemical engineering, and chemical technology.

Durham Men of Harmony make donation to Communicative Disorders Assistant program

Durham College’s (DC) Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) graduate certificate program has once again received a generous $2,500 donation from The Durham Men of Harmony, on behalf of the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Harmonize for Speech fund.

“This donation has and continues to help in providing our students with additional learning opportunities and materials,” said Sherry Hinman, professor and interim program coordinator of the CDA program. “The items we are able to purchase using the donation allow current, as well as future students the opportunity to excel during their time at the college and succeed in the field following graduation.”

Items purchased using the annual donation include The Baby Signing Book, authored by former CDA professor Sara Bingham and received by all students in the program; two iPads which students practice on as the device is used by patients with difficulty communicating verbally; and a one-day workshop for students led by world-renowned speaker, Debra Goshulak from The Speech and Stuttering Institute to speak about motor speech disorders and therapy in preschool children.

The CDA program is a one-year, three-semester graduate certificate program that prepares students for work, under the guidance of qualified speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists, providing speech and language therapy to children and adults.

The Harmonize for Speech fund was established nearly 40 years ago as a fundraising project of the Barbershop Harmony Society and continues to provide support for various organizations and projects.

DC helps make it a ‘Merry Little Christmas’ for a local woman hoping to attend college

On December 15, Durham College (DC) helped make the holidays a little merrier for a local high school student with dreams of attending DC to study nursing. The college welcomed Samantha Garrow to its Oshawa campus where a smiling crew, including DC President Don Lovisa, was waiting to take her on a tour, offer guidance on planning for her post-secondary studies, and present her with a tuition certificate to the college.

Earlier in the month, Garrow was nominated and selected to receive some extra help this holiday season as part of Toronto-based 99.9 Virgin Radio’s annual Merry Little Christmas campaign. Garrow’s incredible story of pursuing her education while also caring for her young daughter on her own included a wish to someday study nursing at DC. Ross Carnwith, manager of Ancillary Services with the college, was listening that morning. He was so inspired by what he heard that he took quick action to bring Garrow’s story to the attention of his DC colleagues.

“When Ross shared Samantha’s story and wish to study at Durham College, we were moved to reach out to her,” said Lovisa. “She is working incredibly hard to earn her high school diploma and realize her educational goals so that she can make a better life for her daughter and herself. As a college, we are committed to giving back to the community, particularly during this season of giving, and are proud to be able to offer her some assistance.”

With the help of Virgin Radio’s morning show, Tucker in the Morning, DC was able to connect with Garrow. While visiting the college’s campus, she was given a glimpse into what a future studying at DC could look like as well as information on the admissions requirements and process related to DC’s Practical Nursing program.

“I am overwhelmed with everything that’s been going on,” said Garrow. “I can’t even express how grateful I am.”

More than 150 participated in Ho Ho Ho Holiday Hullabaloo in support of campus Holiday Food Drive

The Centre for Food (CFF) at Durham College (DC) has announced the winners of its second-annual Gingerbread Competition at the Ho Ho Ho Holiday Hullaballoo, in support of the campus Holiday Food Drive.

The Gingerbread Competition and Ho Ho Ho Holiday Hullabaloo were part of the Gingerbread Festival hosted by the CFF. The Gingerbread Competition was lead by CFF professor and Chef Tanya Heck and the Ho Ho Ho Holiday Hullabaloo was lead by Kolleen Brunton, also a CFF professor, with the support of Event Management students.

“The Ho Ho Ho Holiday Hullabaloo (on Nov. 26) hosted over 150 people, of whom 100 were children who were very excited and happy to be able to kick off the holiday season. The event raised over $400 for the campus Holiday Food Drive, as well as many pounds of non-perishable food items,” said Brunton. “It was a morning filled with pictures with Santa, character visits from Elsa, Olaf, Batman and Superman, crafts, cookie decorating, and much more fun!”

Chef Heck said, “The Gingerbread Competition was a great success with 28 competitors. The houses entered this year were absolutely amazing and only a few points separated the top 10. A big thank you to our judges: pastry Chef Georg Krohn, Culinary Management program Advisory Committee member; Marco Cassano, owner of Anninas Bakeshop, in Goodwood; and Chef David Hawey, CFF professor. They did not have an easy job this year.”

She added, “I would like to personally congratulate all of the gingerbread house entrants on a job well done. So many creative and elaborate houses really made this event shine.”

Gingerbread Competition winners

High school division:

  • First Place – Connor Grimes and Riley Hennessy, of East Northumberland Secondary School, in Brighton.
  • Second Place – Sarah Cooke and Emily Doris, of Saint Peter’s Catholic Secondary School, in Peterborough.
  • Third Place and People’s Choice Award (as voted on by Hullabaloo attendees) – Kacey Payne, of Henry Street High School, in Whitby.

DC student winners were:

DC staff winners:

  • First Place – Kelly O’Brien, CFF
  • Second Place – Kolleen Brunton, CFF

All gingerbread houses were donated by the entrants to the Silent Auction with proceeds from it going to the campus Holiday Food Drive.

A year of accomplishment for DC student musician Cale Crowe

As his last live performance of the year quickly approaches, Durham College (DC) student Cale Crowe feels confident about setting new goals for 2017.

On Friday, December 30, the third-year Music Business Management (MBM) student will play his 112th show of the year at Oshawa’s The Moustache Club, greatly surpassing his goal of doing 100 shows in 2016.

In addition to besting his goal, Crowe also landed a plum MBM work placement position at Warner Music Canada as a digital marketing intern.

“I wouldn’t have been able to land this internship if it wasn’t for my program at DC,” said the modern folk-rock troubadour, who has several videos on YouTube. “The MBM program has taught me how to be a better speaker and listener. The classes also provide safe learning spaces where it’s acceptable to make mistakes and to learn from them. The professors are there to not only share their knowledge, but to make sure students understand it, and that’s because they care about both the students and the future of the music industry.”

Crowe’s placement has allowed him to connect with people in different departments at Warner Music Canada and gain diverse experience. “A lot of my job involves collecting raw data and helping my superiors and supervisors analyze and interpret it. I’ve also done some work with the A&R [Artists & Repertoire] department.”  

His studies and training at DC have provided him with a foundation for a career and a life in music that he has always wanted, said Crowe, who was born and raised in Alderville, near Cobourg, and performs regularly in Kingston, Peterborough and Oshawa.

While 2016 has been a very good year for him, 2015 wasn’t bad either as Crowe released his debut album, Stars and Promises, which is available on iTunes. Looking ahead, as he prepares to graduate in 2017, Crowe feels positive about his life in music. “I crave the atmosphere that surrounds the music industry – be it live performance or administrative work, or something in between, as long as I’m contributing to music I will be satisfied.”

Crowe says he may even set a goal of 200 live shows in the New Year.

Photo credit: Lana Missen

Campus community celebrates newest athletics facility

The impressive list of leading-edge athletics facilities at Durham College’s (DC) Oshawa campus grew this fall with the opening of the Campus Fieldhouse, a multi-sport turf centre that the college shares with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). Formerly the Campus Tennis Centre, the transformed facility features two playing fields that can accommodate a variety of intramural sports and activities including soccer, field lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, flag football and bubble soccer, among others.

An official opening for the Campus Fieldhouse was held on November 24, which included a ribbon-cutting by Don Lovisa, president, Durham College and Tim McTiernan, president and vice-chancellor, UOIT. The celebration also saw students participate in an exciting score-to-win contest and an intramural game of soccer.

“We are excited to celebrate the opening of the Campus Fieldhouse, a facility that opens up a new world of athletic and recreational opportunities for our students,” said Ken Babcock, director, Campus Athletics. “Transitioning the tennis centre into the fieldhouse has been a positive move for students on campus. This is a facility that will serve as a hub for community activities for years to come.” 

When not being used by the Department of Athletics, the Campus Fieldhouse is available to be rented by community recreational leagues and other sport organizations. It can even be rented for birthday party celebrations.

To learn more about Campus Fieldhouse availability, contact Marta Prado or call 905.721.3122. Facility updates are also posted at www.campusicecentre.com.

Campus Fieldhouse facts and benefits:

  • Creates new recreational space for students at the Oshawa campus that can be used year-round.
  • Provides new opportunities for students and the community to participate in a wide variety of sports and activities.
  • Available for varsity athletic teams to train and prepare for competition, including the DC Lords.
  • Approximate size of turf field: two adjacent fields, each measuring 30 metres wide by 45 metres long, separated by a vertical net.
  • Turf composition: artificial sand-based infill grass system (similar to the surface used by the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre).
  • Change room onsite.
  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
  • The Campus Fieldhouse sports bubble is located along Founders Drive, near the Campus Ice Centre and Vaso’s Field (north of Conlin Road and west of Simcoe Street).