Alumni Welcome to the DC alumni family! To ensure you receive the latest #DCAlumni news and monthly digital updates, please ensure your contact information is up to date. Visit the DC Alumni website to access exclusive alumni benefits and discounts, explore events and networking opportunities, and make the most of your DC alumni experience. Share Your Story We’re #DCProud of our alumni and love celebrating your accomplishments after graduation. Share your story by emailing alumni@durhamcollege.ca or submitting an Alumni in Focus profile for a chance to be featured across DC’s online channels. For questions or support, contact the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations – we’re here to help! View the Grad Guide Download DC Alumni Connect 2026 Alumni of Distinction With a growing network of more than 125,000 alumni across the globe, Durham College (DC) alumni represent the college well by contributing to their communities, making a positive impact, and driving change. Each year, we recognize outstanding alumni whose extraordinary contributions are making a difference in their community and beyond. The 2026 Alumni of Distinction Award recipients are: 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.
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