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Strong showing for host Durham Lords at Softball National Championship

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, Durham College (DC) proudly played host to the 2026 Canadian Collegiate Softball Association (CCSA) National Championship.

The best collegiate women’s softball players in Canada travelled to our Oshawa campus, where they spent three days battling for national supremacy. Competition was fierce, with 14 of 19 games being decided by three runs or less.

Our Lords opened the tournament with a 2-0 shutout victory over Laurier and a 3-1 win over Calgary before dropping their final round-robin matchup 6-2 to Humber.

They bested Western 5-2 in the quarterfinal round, punching their ticket to the semifinals. There, they lost a tight 3-0 game to the eventual gold medalists, St. Clair, sending them to the bronze medal game where they fell 3-1 to Laurier, finishing in fourth place.

“Making it to the final day and competing for a medal was a good showing for our team,” said Scott Dennis, Athletic Director.

Chelsea Oke was named to the championship all-star team thanks to her standout efforts both on the mound and at the plate.

“She had a phenomenal pitching performance in the first game, and she had a big home run in the quarterfinals against Western. It was a great weekend for her,” said Dennis of the two-sport athlete who also competes on DC’s women’s volleyball team.

Now in her fourth season with the Lords, the veteran Oke was thrilled to take on the best teams in Canada right here at home.

“It was an incredible opportunity to compete at the highest level in front of my family and friends! Being able to celebrate both the wins and the losses with them made the experience that much more special,” she said. “The event exceeded all my expectations, and as a player, it was so much fun to be a part of.”

DC always excels as a host, and this event was no different, from the opening banquet at the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food to the game action at both Babcock Field and Vaso’s Field, which was temporarily reconfigured for softball.

“We got a ton of feedback that it was a phenomenal event,” said Dennis. “We try to go above and beyond, and we wanted to make sure it felt like a national championship. From the fan support to the community getting involved, it was a big success.”

The Lords also finished fourth at nationals in Calgary last year, after winning their first CCSA championship in 2024. They remain the most decorated team in Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) history with 22 provincial championships. They’ll have a chance to add to that tally later this month at this year’s tournament in Windsor.

Women making an impact in DC’s Lacrosse Sixes debut

The Durham College (DC) Lords are making an impact in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association’s (OCAA) inaugural season of lacrosse sixes, and two women are playing a key role.

Unlike traditional varsity sports divided into men’s and women’s competition, lacrosse sixes is open to all athletes, and Jia Leblanc and Natalia Quesnel are taking full advantage of the mixed format.

“It feels really good to be part of something new and help establish a sport that is mixed, especially on a team that is predominantly men,” said Quesnel. “Jia and I have integrated really well with the group, and it has been a great experience being part of the program from the beginning.”

The Massage Therapy students are already varsity athletes with the Lords. Leblanc competes with DC’s women’s soccer team, while Quesnel is a member of the women’s rugby sevens program. They both have experience in field lacrosse through Lacrosse Canada and the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women’s program, with which Leblanc won an Ontario University Athletics silver medal.

Lacrosse sixes is played on a 70 by 36 metre surface (smaller than field lacrosse) with six players on each side.

Leblanc had never previously played on a team alongside men, adding another new element to an already unfamiliar format.

“I hope being out there shows that women belong in this environment too,” said Leblanc. “The coaches and the guys have been incredibly welcoming from day one. They’ve helped us improve while treating us like any other teammate, and that has made it really easy to feel included and comfortable competing.”

Their skills and experience on the lacrosse turf has translated well to the new format, according to head coach Kyle Curtis.

“Jia and Natalia have both been great additions to our group. They’re extremely athletic, competitive, coachable, and have brought a great energy to the team,” he said. “Having athletes like them involved is a great example of how skills from other sports can transfer to lacrosse and how Sixes can create opportunities for talented female athletes to compete at the collegiate level.”

The OCAA’s first lacrosse sixes showcase was held last month at Rob Ford Stadium in Etobicoke, and Leblanc and Quesnel appeared in both of DC’s games, each recording a shot on goal while the latter also picked up an assist.

The exhibition schedule will continue at Vaso’s Field on Sunday, October 18. The Lords will be in action at 11 a.m. against Mohawk College and again at 3 p.m. against Fleming College.

Kicking off the 2026-27 Academic Year at Durham College

This week, Durham College (DC) officially welcomed the 2026-27 academic year.

Classes began on Tuesday, September 8 at both our Oshawa and Whitby campuses, with approximately 10,800 students making DC their Best. Decision. Ever. More than half of those are first-year students beginning their journeys towards earning graduate certificates, diplomas and degrees in 145-plus market-driven programs.

We welcomed the first cohorts of students into four new future-focused programs, where they will gain the skills and experience employers are looking for in:

DC’s newest students had the opportunity to get a jump on their campus community experience over the last two weeks with our full slate of Academic Welcome events. There, they connected with faculty members and their new classmates, learned more about their programs, and explored the DC campus.

This year’s first day of classes was capped off with a record-setting Campus Cup, the annual event where DC’s men and women’s soccer teams battle their counterparts from Ontario Tech University. Over 2,000 fans set an attendance record to watch the action at Vaso’s Field, where DC’s women’s team won their game 1-0 while the men fell 2-1 in a competitive contest.

Fun Orientation events continue throughout September, including The Main Stage, Campus Con 5, Campus Rec Day and much more.

Whether you’re a new or returning student, or one of our accomplished faculty members and employees, we can’t wait to see what this academic year holds for you.

Start your own DC journey! Visit www.durhamcollege.ca to explore our programs, campus events, and student life.

New Campus High-Performance Complex coming to the Oshawa campus

Durham College (DC) and Ontario Tech University (OTU) are creating a new destination for students to play, train, study, and connect. 

Anticipated to open in August 2028, the Campus High-Performance Complex (CHPC) is a three-storey project that will add nearly 60,000 square feet of new space and renovate approximately 9,000 square feet within the Campus Ice Centre. It will include basketball and volleyball courts; integrated strength, conditioning and fitness areas; study and lounge spaces; and expanded food services, in addition to the existing two ice pads.

The flexible facility will serve the DC Lords and OTU Ridgebacks varsity teams while creating more capacity for intramurals, fitness programming, tournaments, camps, campus events and everyday student and community use.

“The Campus High-Performance Complex builds on the strong partnership between Durham College and Ontario Tech,” said Scott Dennis, Director, Athletics and Recreation at DC. “This new facility will provide optimal spaces for connection, performance, and wellness, giving students and student-athletes an environment where they can thrive. It also reflects our shared commitment to creating a connected campus and strengthening our relationship with the broader community.”

“This expansion will give our student-athletes the environment they need to pursue excellence while creating more opportunities for every student to be active, build community and feel connected to campus,” said Audra Sherman, Director, Athletics and Recreation at OTU. “It reflects the high-performance, student-centred future we are building for the Ridgebacks.”

The project is in response to growing participation and capacity pressures across existing athletics and recreation facilities. Its modern, accessible spaces will support physical well-being and a sense of belonging while giving students more places to connect and recharge between classes.

Beyond daily student use, the new facility will create additional opportunities for community programming, rentals, tournaments, camps and events. It will help strengthen the shared campus as a destination for sport, recreation and community activity across Durham Region.

The Campus Ice Centre will remain open during construction.

Starting a new chapter: DC’s 2025-26 Annual Report

Durham College’s (DC) Annual Report for 2025-2026 is now available online.

This comprehensive look back at the first year of our Strategic Vision highlights the meaningful progress we’ve made toward our shared purpose of transforming lives, building careers, and enriching communities. It showcases the collective efforts of employees across the college and the positive impact of our efforts on our students, communities, and each other.

In its pages, you’ll learn how we’re strengthening the quality and relevance of our programs, enhancing the student and employee experience, and responding to the changing needs of industry and community.

Highlights from the report include:

  • The largest graduating class in DC history, with 4,858 graduates celebrated at Convocation 2025.
  • The launch of seven new, forward-thinking programs.
  • Our new national designation as a Bee City campus.
  • An expanded commitment to Parasport through initiatives like sitting volleyball and more adaptive sport programming.
  • Receiving the Gold Program Excellence Award for Applied Research and Innovation from Colleges and Institutes Canada.

“As the first year of our Strategic Vision comes to a close, I am proud of the progress we have made and the direction we are setting for the years ahead,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President. “This annual report reflects a year of meaningful momentum and demonstrates that we are united by our shared commitment to the students and communities we serve, and by our belief that at Durham College, success truly matters.”

Lacrosse Sixes: The newest sport at Durham College

This fall, student-athletes at Durham College (DC) will hit the lacrosse field for the first time.

DC is joining Humber Polytechnic, Mohawk College, and Fleming College in a pilot season of lacrosse sixes, with the goal of making the popular sport a permanent fixture in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA).

Each of the four schools will host an exhibition series this fall, with DC set to welcome teams to the Oshawa campus on October 18.

“Lacrosse has deep roots in Canadian heritage, especially in our region, and we are excited to help create another pathway for athletes to continue competing at the collegiate level,” said Scott Dennis, Director of Athletics and Recreation at DC. “The growth of the game across Durham Region, combined with the passion within our local lacrosse community, makes this an exciting opportunity for Durham College and the OCAA. We are proud to help shape the future of collegiate lacrosse and create new opportunities for athletes to be part of the game.”

Lacrosse sixes is played on a 70 by 36 metre surface (smaller than field lacrosse) with six players on each side. As a competitive club sport, the team will be open to both men and women. Tryouts will be held at the Campus Fieldhouse in September.

DC’s team will be led by head coach Kyle Curtis, a Whitby native with extensive experience in the sport both on and off the field. He has coached teams for the Whitby Minor Lacrosse Association, Edge Lacrosse, and Team Ontario, as well as the Oshawa Blue Knights. In his own playing career, he competed at the NCAA Division II level with Belmont Abbey College.

“To be part of launching lacrosse at Durham College is an opportunity I’m extremely grateful for,” said Curtis. “I’m excited to help build a program that players can be proud of, compete at a high level and create another pathway for local student-athletes to stay in Durham Region while continuing their lacrosse careers.”

The popularity of lacrosse continues to grow in the region, with several established minor lacrosse organizations and the recent arrival of the National Lacrosse League’s Oshawa Firewolves.

“The number one question we get at Open House is, ‘Do you have lacrosse?’. There’s a demand for it,” said Dennis. “There’s definitely a lacrosse movement right now, so to be a part of that at the college level is exciting.”

To learn more about the first year of DC lacrosse, visit the Durham Lords website.

Durham College launches $15 million capital campaign to equip career-ready graduates

Durham College (DC) has officially launched its Equipped campaign, a transformational $15 million capital campaign that connects the value of hands-on education directly to the skilled professionals our communities rely on everyday.

As an educator, research hub, and community partner, DC plays a vital role in responding to evolving workforce needs, training individuals working in some of the most high-demand sectors. Through the Equipped campaign, DC will invest in capital equipment, expanding students’ access to the experiential learning they need to build successful careers and enrich their communities.

“Students need access to expert faculty, industry-standard and emerging tools and technology, and meaningful opportunities to apply their knowledge. That’s the experience DC provides to thousands of students each year, and it is strengthened through philanthropic and community support,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President. “Through donor and partner investment, we are able to build modern learning spaces, remove barriers to education, and enhance our ability to meet the growing demand from Durham Region employers for skilled graduates.”

The Equipped campaign will support programs across all nine of the college’s Academic Faculties, including DC’s most equipment-intensive programs that prepare students to enter careers in three critical areas: Health, Wellness, and Community Service; Skilled Trades and Sustainability; and Creative Expression and Intelligent Technologies.

These areas train healthcare practitioners, experts in agriculture, cybersecurity analysts, automotive technicians, engineering specialists, and broadcasters – all roles evolving at a rapid rate as industries navigate a complex economy, transitions to greener technologies, and an ever-changing digital landscape.

At a recent campaign launch event, guests heard from two alumni who shared how their education prepared them for their future. Lleyton Williams, a recent graduate of the Firefighter – Pre-Service Education and Training and the Fire Prevention and Technology programs at DC, was inspired to pursue his career path after he experienced a fire in his family’s home.

“The fire protection systems and safety measures in place helped save our lives,” said Williams, who is now employed as a Fire Alarm Technician at Vipond. “One of the most valuable parts of my education were the hands-on learning opportunities made possible through the equipment and resources available to us. Rather than simply reading about these systems in a textbook, we had the opportunity to work with industry-standard equipment and tools that helped bridge the gap between the classroom and the field.”

Guests also explored some of the existing equipment on campus, including high-fidelity trainers in the Nursing Labs, virtual experiences in the Mixed Reality Capture Studio, and a Building Automation Systems trainer used by second-year Electromechanical Engineering Technology students.

“We know that when students have access to the right tools, environments, and support, they can thrive and succeed,” said Dr. Popp. “And the Equipped campaign will help us build on that foundation – ensuring we can continue to provide the experiential learning that prepares students for their future careers and the needs of our communities.”

To learn more about how individuals and organizations can support future-focused growth at DC, visit durhamcollege.ca/equipped or contact Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations.

New Chair and Vice Chair elected by Durham College Board of Governors

The Durham College Board of Governors (BOG) has elected Peter Pryce as Chair and John Ecker as Vice Chair for the 2026–2027 board year. In these leadership roles, Pryce and Ecker will guide the Board in fulfilling its governance mandate, providing strategic oversight and supporting the long-term success of the College.

Pryce has served on the Board for four years and brings an operational perspective through his role as a Senior Operations Manager at Lakeside Performance Gas Services. His experience with large-scale project execution, along with his interest in mentorship and workforce development, aligns with the Board’s priorities related to sustainability, industry connection, and student outcomes. He also holds a designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

“I am honoured and excited to take on the role of Chair of the Durham College Board of Governors for 2026–2027,” said Pryce. “I look forward to working closely with my fellow governors and engaging with management in a transparent, collaborative, and productive environment that fosters strong governance, advances our strategic priorities, and ensures long-term financial sustainability. Together, the Board will continue to guide the College in achieving its goals, upholding sound policies, driving continuous improvement, and supporting the College’s ongoing success.”

Ecker, a Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council appointee, has served on the Board for three years and brings executive-level experience in governance, communications, branding, and fundraising. His background spans the nonprofit, public, and faith sectors, and he currently serves as Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust and as a member of several boards, including the Durham Regional Police Service Board.

“At their core, good boards function as teams. I look forward to supporting Peter as our new board team leader,” said Ecker. “The province’s recent $151.4 million investment in Durham College will help our incoming Board stay focused on student success and delivering programs that lead to great careers.”

Together, the Chair and Vice Chair play a critical role in fostering effective governance practices, ensuring transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making. The Board remains committed to upholding its fiduciary responsibilities and advancing the College’s purpose through collaborative leadership and sound governance.

Learn more about the Board’s governance framework and officer roles by reviewing the Board policy.

Annual event helps international students connect with industry leaders

The latest International Alumni Talks event welcomed 70 graduating international students and recent international alumni to connect, network, and gain support as they take their first steps into the Canadian workforce.

The event, organized by the International Education Office, featured a panel of five international alumni from diverse backgrounds who have each leveraged their DC education to grow careers in their respective fields. Panelists shared their post-graduation experiences with current students and fellow alumni, from navigating job search to securing employment in Canada.

“Hearing from international alumni about their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned was reassuring for many students navigating similar paths,” said David Moge, a student in the Supply Chain Management – Global program who attended the event. “A big thank you to the International Education team for organizing such a valuable event. I’m grateful to be a part of a community that continues to create spaces for learning, mentorship, and meaningful connections.”

With a focus on relationship-building, attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a speed networking session allowing students to connect directly with international alumni as well as industry professionals, recruiters, and employers in their fields to exchange ideas, ask questions, and build meaningful professional connections.

Among the attendees were leaders and alumni working at organizations such as BMO, Ontario Power Generation, Lakeridge Health and the Durham District School Board, representing a wide range of industries and career paths.

“We are incredibly proud of this event,” said Dandan Shi, Manager, International Student Support and Engagement at DC. “It reflects our continued commitment to supporting international students beyond arrival and enrollment, recognizing that the transition from graduation to employment is a critical and often overlooked phase of their journey. Through International Alumni Talks, we aim to strengthen that final step and help our students feel confident, connected, and supported as they move forward.”

The Career Launch program provides current students and alumni with opportunities for professional development. These activities complement classroom learning, help develop networking, leadership skills and personal marketing tools, and enhance essential employability skills.

Durham College recognizes graduates at Convocation 2026

Durham College (DC) proudly celebrated the achievements of 7,205 graduates during Convocation 2026, held this week at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa. Across nine ceremonies, graduates from every academic faculty were recognized for their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to learning as they received their credentials and officially joined DC’s growing community of over 125,000 alumni.

“Our graduates are entering a world defined by change, but they are ready for it,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President. “Through their experiences at Durham College, they have developed the knowledge, skills, and resilience needed to navigate new opportunities, embrace challenges, and make a meaningful impact in their careers and communities.”

This year’s ceremonies also included the inaugural graduates from four programs: Honours Bachelor of Construction Management, Fire Prevention and Technology, Law Clerk, Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science (BHTN Pathway). These first-ever graduating classes reflect DC’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative, career-focused education that aligns with evolving workforce needs.

In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of its newest alumni, DC recognized four exceptional graduates as 2026 Alumni of Distinction recipients: Carrie-Anne Atkins, Matthew Canning, Dr. Danna Paulson and Rachael Wraith. The recipients were honoured for their professional achievements, community leadership and ongoing contributions to their respective fields.

This year’s ceremonies reflected the strength of a DC education, where hands-on learning, industry-informed curriculum and applied experiences prepare graduates to contribute with confidence in their chosen fields.

The Convocation 2026 ceremonies were a proud celebration of academic achievement, personal growth, and the bright futures that await DC graduates.