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CBC’s Rick Mercer Report attends international robotics showdown at Durham College

CBC Television’s Rick Mercer was on hand at Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s shared Oshawa campus on March 12 as the college and university co-hosted the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Canada Greater Toronto East Regional FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC).

Over three days of intense competition, 50 teams from across Ontario, Quebec and Alberta, as well as New York and Texas, demonstrated their engineering skills and knowledge playing FIRST Stronghold™, a robot battle developed for the 2016 competition. The game features a medieval-themed playing field equipped with reconfigurable obstacles that teams incorporate into their battle strategies.

Competitors and judges both agreed that Rick Mercer’s visit was one of the highlights of this year’s event, especially when Rick himself tried to navigate the robots while competing against students in a match. His visit to the FRC competition will be featured on the Tuesday, March 22 episode of the Rick Mercer Report, which airs at 8 p.m. EDT on CBC.

An international, not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, FIRST hosts several levels of competition for students with FRC being the most senior.

“Not only is FRC an incredible forum for students to learn, compete and improve alongside their peers, it’s a celebration of science, technology, engineering and math,” said Elaine Popp, vice-president, Academic at DC. “This is why we love being part of these competitions. It’s our privilege to host these science and tech leaders of tomorrow, as well as the educators and families who support them.”

Each match in the competition saw two competing alliances of teams remotely guide a robot on a quest to breach their opponents’ fort, weaken their tower with boulders and ultimately capture their opponents’ castle. During two-and-a-half-minute matches, points were awarded to each team for defending their castle, retrieving boulders and defeating the other alliance. During the first 15 seconds of each battle, robots operated independently of their drivers to earn points by moving themselves.

After the final match, the four teams of the winning alliance were declared regional champions. They are:

  • (2056) Orchard Park Secondary School (Stoney Creek)
  • (2634) Chaminade College (Toronto)
  • (746) Westview Centennial Secondary School (Toronto)
  • (118) Clear Creek High School (League City, Texas, USA)

Each winning school was awarded a spot at the FRC World Championship, taking place in St. Louis, Missouri from Wednesday, April 27 to Saturday, April 30. Three other teams that won in specific award categories will also compete at the World Championship. The Greater Toronto East Regional FRC was the second of seven national qualifying competitions across Canada.

See a complete list of award winners.

For more information about the FRC program, please visit http://www.firstroboticscanada.org.

Grads-to-be countdown to convocation with exciting events and prizes

Durham College’s (DC) 2016 spring and fall graduates-to-be enjoyed more than just a free lunch during the college’s annual Countdown to Grad events held at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses and Pickering Learning Site.

The event provides students with a fun opportunity to learn about convocation details, cool alumni benefits, and employment services, while enjoying pizza and other treats. Participating students were also presented with a graduate gift.

“Graduation can be both exciting and a little overwhelming,” said Lori Connor, alumni officer, Durham College. “Countdown to Grad is an excellent opportunity for students to get all the information they need about their upcoming transition while having some fun. It’s also a great way to learn about the many perks of becoming a DC alumni.”

The events were held on Tuesday, March 8 (Oshawa campus), Wednesday, March 9 (Whitby campus) and Tuesday, March 15 (Pickering Learning Site) with more than 850 students in attendance.

During the Countdown to Grad events, students also had a chance to enter the School Cup Challenge – a friendly competition where students can submit their favourite DC memories for a chance to win great prizes as well as bursaries for their schools to award the following academic year.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

First place – $1,000 bursary
Centre for Food

Second place – $500 bursary
School of Science, Engineering & Technology

Individual Prize – $500
Jelena Petrovic, student in the Biomedical Engineering Technology program

Individual prize – Toronto Maple Leaf tickets
Kyle Mundy, student in the Construction and Hoisting Techniques program

For more information about the 2016 graduation please visit the Spring Convocation page.

DC hosting international partners to support the advancement of leadership in higher education

As part of its commitment to supporting international education and training, Durham College (DC) has embarked on its most recent global partnership in collaboration with the Government of Barbados Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (METI), and Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).  

The agreement is being facilitated through the Government of Barbados Skills for the Future Program – an initiative that aims to enhance the delivery of educational leadership and management under the umbrella of competency-based education and training (CBET). The program is comprised of four components including: support for an employer-driven training system; improving the quality and relevance of secondary and post-secondary education; institutional strengthening; and a communication campaign.  Funded by the Inter-American Development Bank, its objective is to support the government’s human resource development strategy with an emphasis on improving the quality and relevance of secondary education and the effectiveness of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

In November 2015, DC was chosen by METI and CICan to focus on the component of institutional strengthening. Through customized training, mentoring and coaching, the goal is to enhance leadership skills of TVET managers and support Barbadian leaders from METI; the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Human Resources Development; Barbados Vocational Training Board; Barbados Community College; Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic; and 12 secondary schools in understanding the value of leadership models that are focused on current best practices.

As such, the college is currently hosting 25 management professionals, faculty, and representatives from METI, the Barbados Vocational Training Board and TVET at its Oshawa campus from March 7 to 19, and sharing learning strategies related to:

  • Strengthening the leadership skills needed to guide a transformational process of TVET institutions.
  • Building leadership skills to drive competency-based education.
  • Enhancing collaboration skills for developing dynamic relationships with industry partners.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to support higher learning on an international level,” said Mark Herringer, executive director, international education. “We look forward to supporting our Barbadian partners in creating business plans that will guide the transformation and modernization of trainings offered by their institutions and ensuring those offerings align with industry demands.”

The on-site training agenda was developed by DC’s International office and supported by an interdisciplinary team from across the college including faculty, employees from student service areas, Corporate Training Services, the Centre for Academic and Faculty Enrichment (CAFE), the School-College Work Initiative and the Durham District School Board.

In addition to the in-person training, ongoing mentorship and coaching will also be provided by Pam Stoneham, associate dean, School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology throughout the year via an online portal. Several onsite visits in Barbados are also scheduled to support, monitor and evaluate progress and ensure the change management projects are well positioned for successful implementation.

“It is an honour that DC was chosen as the lead Canadian college to support this exciting project,” said Stoneham. “It is exciting to share the insight and expertise the college has developed in the areas of leadership and competency-based, student-centered teaching and learning while supporting the effort of Barbados to transition to a more effective education model.”

CICan is the national and international voice of Canada’s publicly-funded colleges and institutes, with 1.5 million learners of all ages and backgrounds at campuses serving over 3,000 urban, rural and remote communities. For more information about the college’s commitment to international partnerships and engagement, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/international. 

Human Resources Professionals Association recognizes outstanding DC student

On January 21, Durham College (DC) Human Resources Management graduate certificate student Daniela Rojano was recognized with the Outstanding Student, HRPA Scholarship Award from the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). The scholarship is presented to an outstanding student member enrolled in part-time or full-time studies in the association’s required academic courses who also demonstrates a financial need.

Rojano’s success spans from Mexico to Canada with Rojano deciding to further her post-secondary education at DC in 2015.

After obtaining her Bachelor of Business Administration from Technological University of Mexico in 2004 she gained significant human resources experience through a multitude of positions, eventually landing a leadership role as a human resources business partner and organizational development manager at PepsiCo. Despite holding a steady and rewarding job in Mexico, Rojano felt the need to expand her existing knowledge in the ever-changing field of human resources (HR).

After visiting the DC Oshawa campus, she became confident that the college’s Human Resources Management graduate certificate was the perfect fit. With the support of her husband and two young sons and with a commitment to continuous learning in mind she packed up her family and moved to Whitby, Ont.

“The role of human resource professionals has evolved since I began my career,” said Rojano. “In addition to being knowledgeable experts on topics such as compensation, labour relations, managerial accounting and occupational health and safety, HR professionals have the opportunity to add value to an organization by speaking the same business language to engage and influence business partners. I am inspired by the constant challenges in this field.”

In addition to maintaining high academic standards, Rojano also volunteers her time as a member of the Professional Development Committee of the HRPA Durham Chapter, a group committed to providing opportunities for learning and developing new competencies for HR professionals. After completing an internship at Teva Canada as part of her program, she was hired as a senior human resources generalist.

Rojano received her award at HRPA’s Annual Conference & Tradeshow, Canada’s largest human resources conference, attracting HR and business professionals from around the world. Taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the three-day event featured keynote speakers, informative sessions, more than 240 exhibitors and an opportunity to network with others in the industry.

“The first time I visited Durham College I was impressed by the supports and services available to me on campus,” said Rojano. “In my experience as a student, I am continually amazed by the passionate and knowledgeable professors who are always willing to help.”

DC’s Human Resources Management graduate certificate is designed for individuals with previous post-secondary education or relevant work experience. Students enhance their knowledge and abilities, enabling them to contribute to business success in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

The Oshawa Horseless Carriagemen chime in to support DC students

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

“The Barbershop Harmony Society has supported the college’s CDA program for more than 10 years,” said Elizabeth Maga, a professor and co-ordinator of the CDA program. “We could not provide the high quality of learning we do without its continued support.”

The funds are used primarily to facilitate the purchase of items used in the CDA classroom. These resources are used to enhance students’ training and ensure they are prepared to serve the needs of clients during two different field placements and post-graduation when working with clients in the field.

Items purchased include a copy of The Baby Signing Book by Sara Bingham for each student; PLS-5 Preschool Language Scales, an assessment tool widely-used speech and language screening kit; and a TruTone Electrolarynx, a device used for people who have had their larynx removed.

In addition, the donation also enables students to attend a full-day Motor Speech Disorders and Therapy in Preschool Children workshop led by world-renowned speaker, Debra Goshulak from the Speech and Stuttering Institute in Toronto.

“The resources we purchase with this generous donation greatly benefit current and future CDA students, and through them, the community in general,” said Maga. “The skills and hands-on experience our students gain from these items will ultimately benefit so many individuals with communicative disorders in the future.”

The CDA program, which is recognized by the Communicative Disorders Assistant Association of Canada, is a one-year, three-semester graduate certificate program that prepares students to, provide speech and language therapy to clients of all ages under the guidance of qualified speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists.

The Harmonize for Speech fund was established nearly 40 years ago as a fundraising project of the Barbershop Harmony Society. It continues to provide support for numerous speech-related projects across Ontario. At this year’s cheque presentation ceremony, treasurer Greg Goodall was joined by Match Point, a quartet from the Oshawa Chapter who performed for the CDA students in their classroom. “It was a wonderful event which no one in attendance will soon forget,” said Maga. 

DC’s Communications and Marketing department recognized with seven industry awards

Durham College’s (DC) Communications and Marketing department is once again being recognized for its expertise and creativity, winning seven industry awards from both the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) Paragon Awards and the Higher Education Marketing Report’s Education Digital Marketing (EDM) Awards.

Over the course of the last four months, the team has added four gold, two silver and one bronze to their trophy case.

“I am extremely proud of the innovative, dedicated and professional members of DC’s Communications and Marketing department.” said Carol Beam, executive director, Communications and Marketing. “Every day this amazing team reaches for new heights and pushes themselves to produce the highest quality of work possible. To be recognized by awards programs hosted by both the Education Marketing Report and the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations for the third consecutive year is a great honour and a testament to all of their hard work.”

DC took the gold for the 2015-2016 Academic Catalog at the NCMPR Paragon Awards and received gold from the Higher Education Marketing Report for the 2016-2017 College Guide; the Annual Report and the Experience DC microsite. In addition, DC received silver for the International Viewbook and the Experience DC marketing campaign and bronze for the DC Alumni Magazine in the online publications category.

NCMPR’s prestigious Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in communications at community and technical colleges. It’s the only national competition of its kind that honours excellence exclusively among marketing and PR professionals at two-year colleges. Winners hail from large, multi-campus districts and small institutions, from large staffs with healthy budgets and from one-person shops with limited resources. All of them demonstrate that creativity, originality and unique approaches to problem-solving set the winners apart.

The Higher Education Marketing Report is the most widely read publication for educational marketers. The EDM Awards recognize the best educational websites, digital content, electronic communications, mobile media and social media, judging submissions on creativity, marketing execution, message impact, technology application and innovative content.

Designing a path for Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates

The demand for mechanical engineers in the challenging industrial environment is growing. In fact, in 2014, 79 per cent of Durham College (DC) Mechanical Engineering Technology students found employment in a related field after graduation according to the college’s Graduate Employment Report.

Using the skills they acquired at DC, a number of these graduates are carving out careers at Thinkpath Engineering Services (Ontario) Inc. (Thinkpath), a global leader in engineering and design services. In 2013, Eddie Riby, an engineering account manager at Thinkpath met with several students in the third year of DC’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program. Impressed by their strong familiarity with the computer-aided design (CAD) software currently being used by Thinkpath, Riby has hired 14 DC graduates since that initial meeting.

“I find that Durham College graduates have a good foundation of 3D modelling and drafting skills,” said Riby. “During the program, students are trained using Siemens NX, the CAD software we use at Thinkpath Engineering Services. Having an understanding of this software before graduation is an asset they can build throughout their design career with Thinkpath.”

One of the DC alumni who joined the Thinkpath team is Riley Tomiuck, a 2014 Mechanical Engineering Technology program graduate. There he uses the skills he acquired during his time DC to provide mechanical design services to several clients. In addition, he delivers technical presentations outlining engineering issues he is responsible for discovering and resolving for clients. 

“The professors at DC really went above and beyond my expectations,” said Tomiuck. “In addition to facilitating hands-on training, they inspired us by sharing their extensive knowledge, personal experiences and advice. Our professors also passed along interview tips, which made me far more confident when job searching.”

The college’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program prepares graduates to work both independently and as part of an engineering team to provide technical support and service in fields such as manufacturing, construction and energy generation. In the third year of the program, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and problem-solving skills in the college’s 8,000-square-foot Integrated Manufacturing Centre, a world-class training facility located at the Oshawa campus.

Aspiring entrepreneurs audition for Dragon’s Den at DC Oshawa campus

Student, employee and community entrepreneurs had the exciting opportunity to pitch their ideas and concepts to producers of the hit CBC-TV television show, Dragon’s Den at Durham College (DC) on March 2.

The show, now in its 11th season, is embarking on a nation-wide tour to find new business concepts and products that will be presented on air in front of Canada’s top business moguls. Aspiring entrepreneurs had 15 minutes or less to wow producers. If they proved successful, they will move on in the process for a chance to secure a financial investment that may help turn their dreams into reality.

“It was a pretty cool experience,” said Greg Moran, professor and faculty research co-ordinator for DC’s School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology and Centre for Food, who auditioned for the show. “Getting ready in the waiting room with the other entrepreneurs and sensing the excitement was fun. If anyone has an idea, they shouldn’t be nervous about failure, but should get out there and give it their best shot. They’ve got nothing to lose and the world to gain.”

The day also provided a hands-on learning experience for young student entrepreneur, Jennifer Whyte, who was selected to volunteer with the CBC-TV producers throughout the auditions.

“I was thrilled at the chance to see first-hand how the audition process worked, and to meet and speak with all the people who were auditioning,” said Whyte, a second-year student in the Entrepreneurship and Small Business – Business program at DC. “I learned there is no limit to your dreams and ideas, and bringing your business to fruition. As an entrepreneur, working mostly on your own, sometimes you need a break such as a chance for some exposure, like Dragon’s Den, but even if you don’t get that, you learn valuable lessons. You learn from your mistakes and from the constructive criticism, and hopefully you will move forward and keep trying.”

Whyte, owner, operator and labourer of an urban, organic farm located in north Oshawa called BareFoot Veggies, was also chosen to participate in the DC Winter Accelerator program – an initiative to help students and graduates take their innovative ideas or business ventures to market faster while utilizing the professional services from an experienced support team.

The Accelerator program is part of the FastStart initiative, an entrepreneurial training partnership aimed at university and college students. Through the partnership, DC is committed to helping students increase their entrepreneurial skills and awareness while assisting with the creation of solid business plans designed to help them take their products and services to market quickly and successfully.

“DC is a strong supporter of entrepreneurship, here on campus and within the community and this was an excellent opportunity to foster innovation in Durham Region, ”said Debbie McKee Demczyk, director, Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at DC. “Through FastStart, DC was pleased to work with CBC-TV to bring Dragon’s Den to Durham Region. We welcome partnerships that strengthen entrepreneurship and generate access for students and others in the community to showcase their innovative ideas.”

DC athletes/coach receive provincial awards

Durham College (DC) volleyball players, Jessica Broad, Kristen Curtis, Matt McGirr and Andrew Watson, and women’s head coach, Tony Clarke, were recently recognized with awards at the Ontario Collegiate Athletic Association (OCAA) championship banquets.

Broad and Curtis were both named East Division first team all-stars, while McGirr was named an East Division second team all-star, and Watson was named to the OCAA all-rookie team.

Clarke was named  East Division coach of the year after leading the Lords to a 17-1 record and their first east division title since the 2012-2013 season. In two seasons with the women’s volleyball program, he has posted an impressive 30-6 conference record. Clarke was also selected by the league as a nominee for the Canadian College Athletic Association coach of the year award.

The women’s and men’s teams are currently competing in the OCAA championships. For more information please visit durhamlords.com.

DC students inspire future students at Mock Trial Competition

Each year, Durham College supports the York Region Secondary School Mock Trial Competition held at the Newmarket Courthouse. 24 high schools compete by conducing mock trials before Judges in the Superior Court of Justice.

This year, Stephanie Ball, executive dean of the School of Justice & Emergency Services and School of Interdisciplinary Studies, joined the coordinating committee comprised of the Chief Justice of Ontario, the Crown Attorney for York Region, Senior Regional Chief Justice of Ontario, and York Region Deputy Chief of Police. 

Durham College (DC) students from the Paralegal program were thanked by Ball for inspiring high school students as she opened the ceremonies. In her speech, she shared the stories of how students often pursue a career in the field of justice because of these mock trials.

Current DC student Andrew Keeping participated in the competition when he was in high school and credits the experience with leading him to DC and the Paralegal program.

“I would say that my experience with the mock trial was incredibly educational and beneficial in many ways. The most apparent way was that I benefited from the competitive nature of the event and I really enjoyed interacting with real legal professionals and real judges, in a real courtroom.  You can’t get more real than that,” said Keeping.

Tasif Chowdhury, also a DC Paralegal student was unsure as a high school student if pursuing an education in law was the right option for him, the mock trial helped convince him it was the correct choice.

“When I decided to join the Mock Trial team in high school I was unsure of how much I really enjoyed law. But, after having worked with lawyers to prepare for the trial and having the experience of being in a court room, I ended up changing my mind. Being involved with the mock trial was actually fun, and only confirmed my interest in pursuing a career within the legal field.  Now at Durham College, I continue to gain all of the skills needed to succeed. There is nothing more empowering than the knowledge I have gained in this program and looking back I now know I made the right choice,” said Chowdhury.

The mock trials were created to help high school students develop their interest in the legal field while exposing them to a fully integrated, hands-on experience. DC supported the event administratively through Professor Burger, a lawyer teaching in the paralegal program, and Nicole Davidson, Student Recruitment and Admission Services.

DC’s Paralegal program is accredited by The Law Society of Upper Canada (Law Society), the regulatory body governing professional paralegals in the province. The program prepares students for the Law Society’s paralegal licensing examination, enabling them to provide legal services within authorized areas of law practice and represent clients before Small Claims Court, Criminal Court (summary convictions), Provincial Offences Court and government tribunals.