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DC brings North America’s renowned brewing school to Ontario

Want to brew the best beer in North America?

Durham College (DC) has some good news for aspiring brewers. The college is officially announcing full course details of its Ontario-exclusive partnership with the North American-renowned, Chicago-based Siebel Institute of Technology.

An agreement, initially announced in April 2016, is seeing the two institutions work together to deliver specialized craft brewing courses in Ontario. The courses are designed to equip brewers from across the province and beyond with additional expertise related to improving the quality, consistency and food safety of beer.

Starting in February, three courses will be available through DC’s Siebel Institute Brewing Certificate Program. Taught at the college’s Whitby campus, each will see participants learn from master brewers and other industry experts.

The certificate courses are:

  • Sensory Analysis for Flavour Production and Control – A one-day course led by Lyn Kruger, Siebel president and chief operating officer, on Monday, February 13.
  • Brewing Microbiology – A nine-day course on quality control starting Monday, February 20, and starting again on Monday, February 27.
  • Basics of Commercial Brewing – A five-day business course on small brewery process and operations starting Monday, April 24.

Participants will complete the courses with a better understanding of brewing standards, best practices, and a foundation to make and sell great beer.

The Siebel Institute of Technology offers courses in brewing, beer styles, distilling and other areas of fermented beverage technology. Established in 1872, the Siebel Institute and its World Brewing Academy affiliate conduct courses and programs at locations in Chicago, Munich, San Diego, Montreal, and now Whitby.

See the complete course descriptions and registration details.

‘Awesome’ program allows students to complete high school and earn college credits

Graduates of the Centre for Success (CFS) program thanked their teachers and the Durham College (DC) environment for enabling them to continue completion of their secondary school educations.

“It was an awesome environment. Teachers made changes to how we could approach our studies compared to high school,” said Tyler Ahrens, of Courtice, who received his certificate at the Completion Ceremony in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre, on Thursday, January 19.

The CFS program is hosted on campus through the School College Work Initiative (SCWI), which is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Education. The program is designed to enable in-risk secondary school students to complete their high school academic requirements in a college setting, with high school teachers instructing them on campus. The program offers the students access to smaller class sizes, flexible schedules and increased one-to-one access to teachers. In addition, it provides an opportunity for students to earn at least one, and potentially more, college credits toward their post-secondary education at Durham College.

Erick Joyner, of Pickering, said in his valedictory speech before about 170 CFS graduates, and their families, that the teachers made students feel respected. “They treated us like adults and made sure we completed our studies.”

He said the individualized approach of the teachers “made a difference” for him and the other graduates from four area school boards.

Graduates of the CFS program also frequently continue their studies into post-secondary education. Joyner said he is entering DC’s Paralegal program.

DC President Don Lovisa, Robert Wager, manager, SCWI and Academic Upgrading, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, and Heather Hamilton, from the Ministry of Education, congratulated the students on their hard work and success.

In addition to the DC employees, the students were joined by their families, professors, representatives from the ministry and the partnering district school boards (DSBs): Durham DSB; Durham Catholic DSB; Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB; and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic DSB.

2016 Holiday Food Drive a success

The co-chairs of the annual Holiday Food Drive would like to express their sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this year’s drive. A longstanding campus tradition, the campaign provides hampers and financial assistance to student families at Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).

“Last year we experienced a significant increase in demand for holiday season support, and this year was no different,” said Brad MacIsaac, co-chair, Holiday Food Drive. “Thanks to the generosity of our campus community, we raised nearly $41,000 over the month-long campaign, which will provide assistance to more than 230 DC and UOIT student families–that’s more than 500 people in total.”

“We could not have achieved any of this without the help of everyone who donated food and contributed financially, nor without our wonderful volunteers who joined us on December 18 to pack and deliver hampers,” added Kevin Dougherty, co-chair, Holiday Food Drive. “Once again this proved to be a wonderful opportunity for our campus community to come together for a great cause.”

Some recipients took to social media to express their appreciation:

“I’m blown away by everyone’s generosity. I’m not sure exactly how many people received hampers, but I know it has made a big difference to their holidays. When you have to choose between buying food or Christmas gifts for your children, it’s hard to enjoy the season. All I can say is thank you so much to everyone. When I can, I will be sure to pay it forward.”

DC welcomes elementary students – and their LEGO robots – to campus

On January 14, Durham College (DC) was proud to host more than 400 of Ontario’s brightest young minds, along with their teachers, families and friends, as they competed in the annual FIRST® LEGO® League Ontario East Provincial Championship.

Known by its acronym that means For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, FIRST is a U.S.-based, not-for-profit public charity that inspires young people to be science and technology leaders. Leadership and innovation was on full display at this year’s competition, held in DC’s Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre at the college’s Oshawa campus, as teams of students, ages nine to 14, showcased their hard work and skills.

Teams first presented research projects to multiple judging panels before unleashing their robots, which students designed, built and programmed using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology, on to table-top playing fields.

This year’s competition theme, Animal AlliesSM, challenged teams to think of people and animals as partners in the quest to make life better for everyone. Each team was asked to identify a real-world problem that occurs when people and animals interact; design a solution that would make the interaction better for animals, people or both; then share their identified problem and solution with others. In keeping with the theme, the robot playing fields and their challenges also focused on interactions between people and animals.

At the end of a day filled with fierce and fun competition, team CTRL-Z from Bayview Glen School in Toronto was crowned the winner and awarded an opportunity to compete at the FIRST LEGO League World Festival in St. Louis, Missouri, in April.

As a sponsor and host of FIRST LEGO League, DC offers students what is often their first experience in a college environment and helps them to envision where their passion for robotics, technology and engineering can take them to pursue a post-secondary education. Just prior to the provincial championship, DC President Don Lovisa discussed just that when he joined the team from the First Nations School of Toronto, as well as FIRST representative Annika Pint, on City TV’s Breakfast Television.

For more information about FIRST LEGO League, including a complete list of award winners from the Ontario East Provincial Championship, please visit www.firstroboticscanada.org.

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.