2000 Alumni of Distinction

2000

Laurie Beaton Dental Assistant, 1975     Laurie Beaton has distinguished herself professionally and in her community, as the founding member and first president of the Durham Region chapter of the Ontario Dental Nurses’ and Assistants’ Association, while serving on the association’s board of governors for eight years. Since 1987, Beaton has chaired Durham College’s Dental Health advisory committee and has generously given her time to groups including the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, Camp Can Do, the Durham District School Board, The Eastview Boys’ and Girls’ Club in Oshawa, Ontario and Big Sisters in Oshawa. Beaton is a Level 2 dental assistant with the office of Dr. George Lysyk in Oshawa.

Jeff Denomme Sports Administration, 1986     Jeff Denomme is president and chief operating officer of the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Combining his love of hockey with a rewarding career, he is credited as the driving force behind the hall’s success and its use of information technology and multimedia exhibits, also spearheading its major expansion. Recognizing the important link between his education and career, he invites Durham College Sports Administration students to gain valuable practical experience by working at the Hockey Hall of Fame’s yearly induction ceremony.

Scot Magnish Journalism, 1990     Scot Magnish, a reporter with the Toronto Sun, has garnered a national newspaper award nomination, while writing about crime, poverty and injustice. Magnish also helps raise money for spinal cord research, supports the Heart and Stroke Foundation, has been a guest lecturer at Durham College and serves as a contact for Durham College students searching for field placements and jobs.

Paul Vessey Business Administration — Marketing, 1975     Paul Vessey’s promotion to chief operating officer at Visa USA marked the latest success in his illustrious 26-year career. In addition to his Durham College diploma, he holds a graduate degree from Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. His current and past board experience includes working with organizations such as CIBC Mortgage Corporation, Equifax Canada, the Toronto Film Festival and Women’s College Hospital. Vessey was honoured with the Premiers Award in 2000 and is the director of the Durham College Foundation and spoke at the college’s 1999 convocation ceremonies.