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Durham College students recognized with national chemistry awards

Durham College (DC) is celebrating the achievements of nine students from the Faculty of Science and Engineering who have been recognized by the Canadian Institute for Chemistry (CIC) Toronto Chapter for their academic excellence, perseverance and commitment to the chemical sciences.

The students received CIC Silver Medals and Book Awards during the 2026 Student Awards Ceremony. The awards recognize outstanding achievement among students enrolled in chemistry-related programs across Ontario.

The CIC Silver Medal is awarded to the student with the highest cumulative grade point average entering their final year of study. The honour recognizes sustained academic excellence, strong technical knowledge and practical skills, and dedication to the field of chemistry.

This year’s Silver Medal recipients from DC are:

The CIC Book Award recognizes the most improved student entering their final year and celebrates perseverance, growth, and commitment to learning.

DC’s 2026 Book Award recipients are:

“These awards recognize not only academic achievement, but also the determination, growth and passion our students bring to their studies every day,” said Kara Woods, Associate Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering. “We are proud to see their accomplishments recognized by the Canadian Institute for Chemistry and grateful for the opportunities these industry connections create for our students as they prepare for careers in science and technology.”

The Canadian Institute for Chemistry represents thousands of professional chemists, chemical engineers and technologists across Canada. Recognition through the CIC awards highlights the high standard of learning and student achievement within Durham College’s science and engineering programs.

By fostering strong connections with industry organizations and supporting student success, DC continues to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to contribute to Canada’s science and technology sectors.

DC congratulates all award recipients on this honour and wishes them continued success as they complete their studies and pursue rewarding careers in science and industry.

Durham College launches military-connected college initiative

In recognition of Canadian Armed Forces Day on June 7, Durham College (DC) is proud to announce it is a military-connected college (MCC), expanding its efforts to support military members, Veterans, and their families.

As an MCC, DC is strengthening pathways from service to post-secondary education and onward to meaningful careers, while helping ensure those with military connections are recognized, welcomed, and connected across every stage of their academic journey.

Thom MacDonald, Associate Vice President, Enrolment and International Education, brings personal experience to the initiative. MacDonald served as a Canadian Armed Forces Reservist for 17 years while studying and working at DC.

“My service was only possible because DC was open to being flexible around my training and tasking commitments,” said MacDonald. “Our goal is to ensure military-connected learners have access to that same flexibility and support. We are proud to welcome them to DC and to ensure that they feel seen and supported throughout their studies. These learners bring leadership, discipline and valuable lived experience into our classrooms. Our role is to reduce barriers where we can and help them translate their experience into academic and career success.”

To further support this community, DC has launched a new online resource hub designed specifically for those whose lives have been shaped by military service.

The new MCC webpage serves as a central hub for information and services available to prospective and current learners with military connections, including prior learning recognition, academic advising, financial guidance, career counselling, flexible learning options, and connections to community resources.

Located in Durham Region, a community with deep military roots, DC is proud to build on longstanding local connections to service and leadership. As this work continues, DC will expand services, partnerships, and learning opportunities that help members of the military-connected community succeed in their studies and future careers.

Durham College hosts provincial leaders to highlight healthcare programs

Durham College (DC) welcomed three provincial leaders to its Oshawa campus for an in-depth look at how the college is helping ensure that Ontario’s healthcare system will be supported by a highly skilled, frontline workforce for decades to come.

On May 22, the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security; the Honourable Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Acting Minister of Infrastructure, and MPP for Durham; and Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministers of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, and Children, Community and Social Services, toured Durham College’s state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical learning spaces used by students in the Practical Nursing, Personal Support Worker (PSW) and Paramedic programs.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Minister Quinn, Minister McCarthy and MPP Coe for a firsthand look at how Durham College is preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through career-focused, hands-on learning,” said DC President, Dr. Elaine Popp. “We value our strong relationship with the provincial government and were proud to demonstrate how our students are gaining the skills and experience needed to make an immediate impact in their careers and our communities.”

Students from the Faculty of Health Sciences programs showcased the training opportunities and industry-standard equipment that are supporting their education. The demonstrations included an explanation of the importance of sterile technique in caring for a wound, the proper method for transferring a patient to a wheelchair, and treating an adult experiencing heart attack symptoms.

“Ontario’s colleges play a critical role in preparing the next generation of nurses, PSWs, and paramedics that protect the province’s health-care system,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “It was a pleasure to visit Durham College to tour their world-class health-care simulation labs and clinical spaces where students are learning the hands-on, in demand skills they need for successful careers as they save and improve lives across Ontario.”

For Elias Faiz, the unique experience underscored his commitment to preparing for a future career in nursing.

“The program has been great. It’s everything I was looking forward to,” said the first-year Practical Nursing student. “The instructors are excellent, the lab rooms are up to date and we have amazing equipment.”

Personal Support Worker student Lucy Williams also took part in a demonstration to display the effectiveness of the experiential learning techniques that are incorporated into her program.

“It’s one thing to sit in a classroom, but it’s so much more helpful to be in a lab setting where you can use equipment and figure out the mechanics of everything,” she said.

Durham College remains committed to delivering high‑quality programs that directly support the growing need for skilled nursing, PSW, and paramedic professionals.

Announcing DC’s 2026 Alumni of Distinction

Every year, Durham College (DC) recognizes exceptional graduates through its Alumni of Distinction Awards, celebrating alumni who are making meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.

The 2026 Alumni of Distinction recipients – Carrie-Anne Atkins, Matthew Canning, Dr. Danna Paulson, and Rachael Wraith – will be celebrated at Convocation in June and join more than 120 outstanding graduates who have been recognized by DC with this prestigious award.

While each recipient has followed a unique career path, what they do share is a connection to DC and a commitment to serving their communities, advancing their industries, and mentoring future generations.

“My education allowed me to pursue a career where helping people is my North Star,” said Canning, a 2009 graduate of DC’s Practical Nursing program.

From leading impactful local initiatives to driving change on a global scale, DC alumni continue to make a difference while inspiring future generations of students.

“One of the college’s highest honours, our Alumni of Distinction Awards give us the opportunity to highlight some of the many incredible individuals who are a part of our rapidly growing alumni network,” said Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations. “Carrie-Anne, Matthew, Danna and Rachael are inspiring examples for graduating students and I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments.”

  • Carrie-Anne Atkins, Public Relations, Class of 1998

    Carrie-Anne Atkins is a senior strategic communications and stakeholder relations professional at Ontario Power Generation, currently Senior Manager, Corporate Relations & Projects at the Wesleyville Site, where she builds trusted relationships and advances key initiatives. A recognized leader in Durham Region, she has served in numerous volunteer positions across civic, philanthropic, business, environmental, and community organizations, including as President of the Durham College Alumni Association, Board Director of the Parkwood National Historic Site, President of Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and Chair of the Durham Community Foundation. She is a strong ambassador for DC, building partnerships between the nuclear industry and the college that have resulted in program development and enhanced learning opportunities for students. Nationally, Atkins contributes to leadership development and gender equity in the nuclear sector through Women in Nuclear Canada and collaborates with government, industry, and communities to shape public understanding of energy and infrastructure projects.

  • Matthew Canning, Practical Nursing, Class of 2009

    Matthew Canning is the Clinical Director of Ontario’s largest in-person PrEP clinic, where he leads a multidisciplinary team delivering comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment services. The clinic serves more than 5,000 patients annually and provides both HIV-focused and primary care to a largely uninsured population. He is deeply committed to equitable access to HIV prevention and treatment, and to advancing the role of Nurse Practitioners in achieving this goal. His work has contributed to system-level improvements, including collaboration with the FAST-HIV program to support rapid linkage to HIV prevention services from emergency departments, and to the evolution of Ontario’s VitaLink program aimed at reducing financial barriers to laboratory testing. In addition to clinical leadership, he has served on HIV research advisory boards focused on expanding care for women and gender-diverse populations, was a part of the scientific steering committee for Canada’s first injectable PrEP (CAB-LA) guidance, and is a contributing author to the Canadian Family Practice Guidelines (2nd edition).

  • Dr. Danna Paulson, Dental Hygiene, Class of 2010

    Dr. Danna Paulson is a tenure-track Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Beginning her career in Ontario and then internationally in the Cayman Islands, she gained extensive experience in general, pediatric, and orthodontic dentistry before relocating to Minnesota to explore opportunities in teaching and research. A nationally recognized mentor, she demonstrates a dedication to lifelong learning and contributions to education, research, and leadership within her profession. In her role as Chair of Dental Hygiene Admissions at the University of Minnesota, she has contributed to a holistic review process that considers applicants’ broader experiences, strengths, and potential for success alongside academic achievement. Her scholarly work focuses on oral health-related quality of life and patient-centred outcomes research across diverse populations. In addition to her academic accomplishments, she has directly helped improve oral health access by organizing, attending, and expanding student involvement in community fluoride varnish clinics serving underserved adults and children in partnership with churches and schools, participating in Give Kids a Smile events and school-based oral health education programs, and volunteering in National Health Week initiatives.

  • Rachael Wraith, Public Relations, Class of 2007

    Rachael Wraith is an accomplished leader with nearly 20 years of experience in strategic communications, public engagement, and reputation management. As Associate Vice President at Global Public Affairs, Canada’s leading government relations and strategic communications firm, she provides senior counsel to national and international clients across various economic sectors. Prior to Global, she spent a decade in the public service and acted as a Public Information Officer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in her career, she worked for an environmental NGO on key files in conservation, sustainability, water quality, and climate change. These efforts earned her recognition as one of Canada’s Top 25 Environmentalists under 25. A champion for DC and real-world experience, she has remained connected to the college by sharing her knowledge and inspiring future communications professionals as a Program Advisory Committee Chair, guest speaker, and mentor.

Convocation 2026 takes place from Monday, June 15 to Thursday, June 18 at the Tribute Communities Centre.

Durham College joins four post-secondary institutions to form Canadian Clean Energy Workforce Consortium

Durham College (DC) has joined forces with four leading Ontario post-secondary institutions to help meet Canada’s growing clean energy and nuclear workforce demands. Together with Centennial College, Georgian College, Humber Polytechnic, and Ontario Tech University, DC has officially committed to signing a Memorandum of Understanding that will establish the Canadian Clean Energy Workforce Consortium (CCEW).

The consortium will collaborate on a co-ordinated workforce development strategy including the design, delivery and scaling of education and training programs to prepare learners for careers across the nuclear and renewable energy sectors. As Canada accelerates its transition to a clean energy economy, demand for skilled talent continues to grow. Industry estimates indicate that beginning in 2030, close to 40,000 new workers will be required across Canada’s nuclear sector to support new build, refurbishment, and the broader clean energy transition. The CCEW partnership represents a unified commitment to work closely with industry and government partners, aligning education and training with employer timelines and national priorities.

“Durham College is proud to partner with Centennial, Georgian, Humber, and Ontario Tech, in a coordinated new model of collaboration focused on shaping the future of Canada’s clean energy workforce,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President. “Our strength at DC is in hands-on, career-ready education aligned with labour-market demands, and strong employer partnerships. Through the Canadian Clean Energy Workforce Consortium, we are building on that foundation — creating new opportunities for students, supporting innovation, and contributing to a resilient, future-ready workforce and ensuring Canada is well-positioned to lead in the transition to a clean energy future.”

Guided by an Industry Advisory Council, the consortium leverages the complementary strengths of each institution to support training and upskilling in priority areas including:

  • Skilled trades
  • Nuclear operations and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) support
  • Cybersecurity and digital infrastructure
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Microgrids and smart grids
  • Artificial intelligence applications in energy

While post-secondary program development can take years to move from concept to scale, the coordinated approach of the Canadian Clean Energy Workforce Consortium is intended to accelerate program development and responsiveness. This model enables faster program approvals, shared applied research opportunities for industry, and high-quality, experiential, job-ready learning for students.

Domestically, the partnership enables a coordinated approach to pursuing funding opportunities, while offering industry and learners a single, streamlined point of access. Credentials, ranging from micro-credentials to graduate programs, will help strengthen workforce pathways in Canada and support broader collaboration opportunities internationally. While CCEW partners are currently Ontario‑based, the consortium expects to expand to include institutions from across Canada.

Internationally, the consortium will develop a capacity building framework to support emerging nuclear economies including Indonesia and the Philippines, delivering workforce training programs in partnership with Canadian industry.

Colleges and Institutes Canada recognizes DC for excellence in Applied Research and Innovation

Durham College (DC) has been honoured by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) with their coveted Award of Excellence.

During today’s 2026 CICan Connections Conference in Ottawa, we received the Gold Program Excellence Award for Applied Research and Innovation.

The award recognizes the significant growth of DC’s research centres over the last five years, and the national recognition and industry partnerships our Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) continues to foster.

“We have five high-performing research centres that are really recognized in their fields,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research. “I am immensely proud and grateful to work with our team of superstars. These are people who care deeply about our community. They care about success and excellence, and they care about providing students with great opportunities to work on amazing projects.”

Each of DC’s research centres played a key role in earning this award, according to McKee Demczyk.

  • “The AI Hub is a Technology Access Centre – supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada – that has become very well known, not only locally, but also nationally. We’ve earned a lot of respect in that ecosystem.”
  • “The Mixed Reality Capture Studio is doing a fabulous job of carving out a space for themselves, and expanding virtual production capabilities with a new LED research stage to meet growing demand in a number of sectors. It’s really a centre of excellence.”
  • “There is tremendous promise in the work the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation can do in support of the defense sector. We’re very strongly positioned to help organizations enter the defense space or become more prepared to be part of that defense supply chain.”
  • “The Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation is serving a lot of needs that are complementary to small business and entrepreneurship and the tourism focus of Durham Region.”
  • “The Social Impact Hub is making a difference right here in our community by collaborating with organizations to develop new approaches to serving their clients.”

Although the work of our research centres speaks for itself, there’s no denying the value of receiving an award from CICan.

“It’s really a stamp of credibility. Our clients know that we do good work, but when they hear that we’ve won this gold award, it’s just another way of recognizing that they made the right choice in coming to us. They take great pride in knowing that they’ve worked with a top of class research centre,” said McKee Demczyk.

That pride can be shared by everyone at DC.

“We’ve got a pretty awesome applied research enterprise here at Durham College.”

Faculty Member Dave Hawey Earns Prestigious Worldchefs Global Certification

Chef Dave Hawey, Faculty Member in Durham College’s Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science, has been awarded the prestigious Worldchefs Certified Chef de Cuisine certification, underscoring his expertise, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to culinary excellence.

To earn this globally recognized level of achievement, Hawey provided evidence of his years of experience, his job duties, and previously earned credentials. The process also involved responding to detailed questions covering topics such as food safety, customer service, and his philosophy on zero-waste food production. Additionally, he developed and presented three original, complex recipes as part of the evaluation.

“As a believer of both lifelong learning and professional certification, I’m proud to be certified by Worldchefs,” said Hawey. “Obtaining this certification shows my culinary management students that regardless of your age or level of experience, possibilities of personal and professional goal achievement are possible because of organizations such as Worldchefs.”

A Faculty Member in the Culinary Management program at DC for nearly 15 years, Hawey is passionate about hands-on learning and professional development.

“Teaching in the kitchens and classrooms, alongside my colleagues, is what I enjoy the most,” he said. “The Whitby campus has evolved tremendously over the years, and with our state-of-the-art facilities, we can offer a top-tier culinary education. The support from management and my fellow faculty has allowed me to engage in professional development activities that enhance our program, including charcuterie production, butchery, and cheese making. These elements differentiate us from other culinary programs and keep our curriculum dynamic and industry relevant.”

Kelly O’Brien, Associate Dean, Faculty of Hospitality and Horticulture Science, emphasized the impact of Hawey’s achievement on students and the program.

“Recognizing Dave for his Worldchefs Certified Chef de Cuisine global certification highlights his expertise, dedication, and commitment to sustainability within our programs,” she said. “His achievement not only reflects his pursuit of culinary excellence but also strengthens the program’s credibility and alignment with global industry standards.”

For students, this recognition offers direct value—learning from a chef with deep industry connections, a strong focus on sustainability, and an adaptive approach that ensures the curriculum evolves in response to industry demands, said O’Brien.

“Dave serves as a role model, exemplifying continuous learning, innovation, and professional excellence. His expertise enhances the student experience, equipping them with relevant, forward-thinking, and globally recognized skills.”

Durham College Partners with RPA Canada to Offer New Pathway for Accounting Graduates

Accounting – Business students at Durham College (DC) have another route to career success thanks to a new pathway agreement with Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) Canada.

By completing the program at DC, students will be recognized as meeting the RPA prerequisites and be eligible to write the RPA Mandatory Professional Exam. By receiving their RPA designation, graduates will be prepared to provide accounting services for small and medium-sized enterprises, non-profit organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures.

“We are proud to partner with RPA Canada to offer our Accounting – Business graduates an additional pathway to professional success,” said Cristina Italia, Executive Dean, Faculty of Business and Information Technology at DC. “This partnership expands our students’ opportunities for accreditation, equipping them with the credentials and competitive advantage needed to thrive in today’s dynamic job market.”

The agreement was made official with a special event at the Centre for Innovation and Research (CIR) where RPA Canada President Zubair Choudhry and DC’s Vice President, Academic and Students Dr. Jean Choi signed on the dotted line.

“This partnership with Durham College represents a shared vision for empowering future accountants with the practical skills, technological expertise, and professional knowledge required in today’s evolving financial landscape,” said Choudhry. “Together, we are creating accessible and impactful pathways that will shape the next generation of accounting professionals.”

For Choi, the agreement is one more example of DC’s commitment to providing students with unique opportunities and a competitive edge as they launch their careers.

“At DC, we deeply value our partnerships with industry and professional organizations. It’s these connections that help inform our curricula and ensure our programs remain relevant,” she said.

“We hope our students will take full advantage of this opportunity, and we look forward to seeing all they can accomplish as future registered professional accountants.”

To learn more about the RPA designation, visit RPA Canada.

Exploring the zigzag career path at DC Talks: Alumni Series

No career path is the same and the path to success is not always a straightforward one.

To demonstrate this, four Durham College (DC) alumni from varying industries recently returned for a DC Talks: Alumni Series titled, The Zigzag Career Path. They shared with students, employees and fellow alumni how they leveraged the skills and connections they made during their time at DC to help propel them into the next, sometimes unexpected, chapters of their careers.

Karey Anne Large, CEO, Whitby Chamber of Commerce, and 1997 graduate of Legal Administration (now named Law Clerk), shared that when she didn’t make the move to work full-time in a law firm, she thought she would never use what she learned in college. “But my office role evolved,” she said, “And I ended up being the point person for executing contracts – and I still use those skills today! I wouldn’t change what I studied because it puts a different lens on the things I do now.”

The conversation covered the importance of building resiliency and adaptability, as well as embracing the opportunities in front of you.

“Younger me didn’t know it was okay to change the dream,” said Adam Hare, President of Petley-Hare Insurance Brokers, Co-founder of Bread & Butter Creative Agency and 2006 graduate of Multimedia Design (now named Interactive Media Design). “You all have a dream right now, but things are constantly evolving. Be okay with that.”

The DC Talks: Alumni Series is hosted by the Durham College Alumni Association and aims to inspire current students, facilitate networking among alumni, and highlight success stories. Hosted twice a year, this event welcomes panellists and guests to join online or in person in the Rotary Global Classroom.

Read on to get to know the panellists and learn from their experiences. Watch the full recording of DC Talks: Alumni Series “The Zigzag Career Path.”

  • Adam Hare

    Multimedia Design, Class of 2006

    Adam’s career journey began as a young entrepreneur, launching his own clothing line, and later evolved into managing a creative team at Universal Music Canada, one of the world’s top entertainment companies. More recently, Adam has made a significant impact in the insurance industry, modernizing a century-old business model into a cutting-edge, culture first, technology-driven operation. In addition, he co-founded a full-service digital marketing and consulting agency, Bread & Butter Creative Agency, helping large brands and small businesses across Canada elevate their presence and achieve success.

  • Karey Anne Large

    Legal Administration, Class of 1997

    While working in the corporate world in 2005, Karey Anne started making cakes out of her home kitchen. After discovering her passion for cake decorating, she dove in headfirst, leaving her corporate career behind and opening her first retail location in 2011. She saw many sweet successes during her cake decorating journey, claiming a number of awards, including first runner up on Food Network’s Cake Wars. In 2017, she became the Executive Director of the Downtown Whitby Business Improvement Area, combining her experience as a small business owner with her love for the Town of Whitby. In recent years, Karey Anne has continued to serve the business community as the Executive Director of the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, and has now returned to Whitby as the CEO of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce.

  • Leslie Seeley

    Sports Administration, Class of 1986

    Leslie’s extensive career with General Motors of Canada spanned multiple roles, including Senior Community Leader and Business Manager. With over 30 years of experience in operations, project management, and safety oversight, Leslie retired from GM and opened Pure + Simple Oshawa, a premium wellness spa franchise. In addition to her role as manager and owner of Pure + Simple, she is also a part-time professor at DC, where she continues to focus on driving results, fostering innovation, and supporting others in achieving their potential.

  • Kirsten Walker

    Human Resource Management, Class of 2010

    In 2011, Kirsten moved to the UK to play professional football but stayed to pursue a Master’s degree in Business Psychology and now calls London home. Kirsten has over 10 years’ experience of leading, supporting and embedding large-scale transformation initiatives. A strong relationship manager, this has taken her cross-industry in the transport, pharmaceutical, energy, financial services and public sectors and has worked with various levels of executives to embed change. In her role as Business Manager at Newton Europe, she is currently leading a team of Operations and Digital consultants to improve people’s health and social care outcomes in Dorset by transforming their Urgent and Emergency Care pathways.

DC’s Food Access Bursary provided relief to students over the holidays

Over the holiday season, $165,700 was distributed through Durham College’s (DC) Food Access Bursary, supporting nearly 1,000 students in need.

As students invest in their future by pursuing post-secondary education, they are often faced with additional challenges, including the rising cost of groceries. Thanks to the collaborative support of the DC community – including employees, alumni, volunteers, students, donors, and DC’s Financial Aid and Awards office – the Food Access Bursary can serve as a relief, supplementing grocery costs for students experiencing food insecurity.

“To see everyone in our community come together is heartwarming. It’s what the Durham College community is all about,” said Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations at DC. “Their generosity makes a meaningful impact on our students, and we are so grateful for their support.”

Two college associations returned to support the bursary again this season. The Durham College Student Association (DCSA) were the campaign’s greatest supporter with a donation of $60,000, while the Durham College Alumni Association matched the first $10,000 raised.

“The DCSA is proud to support the college’s effort to fight food insecurity,” said Megan Bent, DCSA Executive Chairwoman. “With rising grocery costs, we saw that the need for support was greater than ever, and we are humbled to have played a role in helping fellow students access the resources they need.”

Originally established as a holiday food drive, the Food Access Bursary is also supported each year by many DC employees who donate directly or through the annual campus Candy Cane Sale, which supports students at both the college and Ontario Tech University.

“Through our collective efforts, we were able to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that more students could focus on their studies and enjoy peace of mind during the holiday season,” added Bent. “Thank you to everyone who supported this important cause and joined us in making a difference for students on campus.”