2013

Kevin Campbell Renewable Energy Technician, 2011     Kevin Campbell, an alumnus of the inaugural class of the college’s Renewable Energy Technician program in 2011, is committed to the energy systems of tomorrow through the construction and distribution of high-quality solar power equipment. Since graduation, Campbell has been actively involved in the solar photovoltaic development and construction sector, serving in roles at Sunmac Solar and Green Technology, Sunset Metal and Siding and Solrcon Green Energy Systems, where he was responsible for a variety of duties including installation, maintenance and service of photovoltaic systems, managed transportation logistics and provided operational field support for solar racking systems. In September 2012, Campbell joined Bondfield Construction Company as a project co-ordinator but was quickly promoted to construction manager, Energy Division. At Bondfield, he manages all elements in the construction of commercial roof-top solar projects, including the negotiation of contracts with suppliers and supervising multiple projects at various stages of construction. In addition to fulfilling his managerial role, he is also dedicated to furthering his education and is currently enrolled in Durham College’s Operations Management – Business Administration program. Campbell is an associate member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) and in his spare time enjoys running, camping, hiking and studying environmental issues.

Paul Clark Machinist, 2008     A graduate of the Machinist program in 2008, Paul Clark is a successful entrepreneur and businessman with a green thumb. After graduating from Alexander Mackenzie High School in Richmond Hill, Ont. in 1996, Clark spent 11 years working at golf courses and country clubs including Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club in Gormley, Ont., fulfilling duties as a back shop and pro shop technician and golf course maintenance. In 2003, while working as a welder with Clarke Industries, he met Joe Szarka, then owner of Eagle Machining Incorporated. Szarka encouraged Clark’s interest in machining and he soon began an apprenticeship at Eagle Machining Inc. Following his graduation from Durham College, Clark worked at Eagle Machining Inc. for three years, eventually becoming a Red Seal certified machinist, at which time he and his co-worker, Zbig Bloch were given the opportunity to buy the business and operate it as their own. Clark is now a 50 per cent owner and operator of Eagle Machining Inc. where they repair and refurbish machine parts and also offer welding and fabricating services  

Steven Dickson Business Administration– Human Resources, 1998     Since completing the Business Administration – Human Resources program in 1998, Steven Dickson’s attention to detail and commitment to continued learning have led to successful positions in multiple municipal governments including the City of Hamilton and the City of Mississauga. Dickson’s current position as senior legal counsel for the City of Mississauga requires him to provide timely and effective legal advice and representation to ensure compliance with all legal requirements. As well, he is responsible for legal services providing and contributing to the effectiveness of programs and services throughout the city. Prior to this, he served in a similar role with the City of Hamilton as solicitor and assistant corporate counsel. Before joining the municipal government sector, he gained experience as a part-time instructor at Wilfrid Laurier University; as an associate lawyer with the Simpson Wigle LLP law firm and by providing community legal aid. Dickson is driven to expand and further his education, earning a bachelor of commerce degree from Ryerson University, a bachelor of laws degree from the University of Windsor, a master’s degree in Business Administration from California Southern University and a master of public administration degree at University of Victoria. He is currently completing a master’s degree of laws at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. Dickson is also a member of various associations including the Ontario Bar Association, Canadian Bar Association, Canadian Corporate Counsel Association and the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario. He serves his community volunteering with local soup kitchens and food banks, and is a member of the Legal Fundraising Board for the United Way and volunteers as a soccer coach with the Saltfleet Go-Ahead Soccer Club.

Marnie Ham Air Transport and Industrial Engineering Technology, 1991     Since graduating from the Air Transport and Industrial Engineering Technology program in 1991, Dr. Marnie Ham has shown a commitment to preparing the next generation of engineers. During her 18-year career as a post-secondary educator, she has served in a variety of roles in several departments making an impact on everyone she serves. Ham is currently an assistant professor with the Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech) in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. She has held this position since 2007 and has served with numerous groups, organizations and committees including as chair of the University Scholarship Committee, the Automotive Program Review Committee and the Ontario Tech Faculty Association as chief negotiator. Prior to her position with Ontario Tech she was a teaching fellow and teaching assistant at Queen’s University for 12 years in the mechanical and materials engineering and chemical engineering departments and also served as a research assistant in the chemistry and chemical engineering departments at the Royal Military College of Canada from 1995 to 1997. During her time teaching in post-secondary institutions, she extended her knowledge by taking on positions that challenged her skill-set, including the role of manufacturing planning specialist with Ford Canada and a business analyst, supervisor and project manager with Bombardier Aerospace. She has also been a member of several societies including Women in Science and Engineering, the Canadian Society of Mechanical Engineering, the American Society of Mechanical Engineering and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Ham is a valued member and supporter of the Girl Guides of Canada and was recognized for her commitment to the organization in 2005 with the Gold Merit Award for excellence in volunteering and the Innovator Award in the Girl Guides Canada Programs for introducing engineering and science.

Michael Lysko Sports Administration, 1983     Since graduating from the Sports Administration program in 1983, Michael Lysko has established himself as a leader in sports marketing. In his current position as director of the Sport Management program at Southern Methodist University (SMU), he has developed the SMU Sport Management brand through experiential learning opportunities and contacts with professional leagues; governing sports bodies and conferences; corporate sponsors; facilities; sports broadcasting companies; events; and various sports marketing agencies. Before moving to Texas, Lysko served as director of Athletics and Recreation Services for Western University. There he directed the overall operation of the largest intercollegiate athletics program in Canada, overseeing 38 men’s and women’s varsity sports. After three years at Western, he joined Intersport Inc. in Chicago, Illinois, as the vice president, Marketing Partnerships where he directed all marketing strategies and partnerships for a variety of events and initiatives. Prior to joining UWO, Lysko served as the youngest commissioner in North American team sports with the Canadian Football League (CFL) from 2000 to 2002. As commissioner, Lysko led all operations of the league, including championing the CFL Rivalries ad campaign which received numerous awards including Marketing Magazine’s Gold Medal and Best of Show, and a Cannes International Advertising Festival nomination. Lysko has also been a supporter of Durham College, teaching in the Sport Management program during the 1990s and occasionally returning as a guest speaker, as well as taking on several Durham College students as interns throughout his career. He has been recognized with several awards including an honourable mention for Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal’s Sports Business Executive of the Year in 2002 and was named one of Marketing Magazine’s Top 10 Marketers that Matter in 2001. He currently lives in Allen, Texas with his wife Kathryn, daughter Kelly, and son Max.

Patricia Mazzaotta Practical Nursing, 1997 and Nursing, 2002     Patricia Mazzotta, graduate of the Registered Practical Nursing program in 1997 and the Practical Nursing program in 2002, has shown a true commitment to nursing and the preparation of the next generation of nurses. Through her extensive clinical experience and pursuit of education she has excelled in both her professions as a registered nurse and teacher. Currently serving as a nursing professor and program co-ordinator at Centennial College, Mazzotta is responsible for developing and implementing orientation for new faculty and providing instruction and evidence-based practice for students in classes such as nursing research, health assessment and pathotherapeutics. Prior to joining Centennial, she worked in several units at the Sunnybrook Health Science Centre in Toronto, Ontario. This included time with the Emergency and Trauma unit, Coronary Intensive Care unit and Telemetry/Angioplasty unit. Mazzotta has also maintained her commitment to education during her established career, completing her bachelor of science (nursing) degree at Ryerson University and her master of science (nursing) degree at York University. She is currently set to begin her PhD in nursing through the University of Victoria in September 2013. Her hard work in nursing care and the classroom have both been recognized. She has received several awards including the Board of Governor’s Teaching Excellence Award from Centennial College. As well, she was recently one of only six recipients from across Canada to receive the John and Suanne Roueche Award for Excellence from the League for Innovation in the Community College. Mazzotta gives back to the community by assisting with local soup kitchens and elementary school events and she has volunteered with the Strong Girls, Strong Women campaign educating young girls on the importance of education though positive role models.

Eddy Racine Renewable Energy Technician, 2011     Eddy Racine is also a member of the first graduating class of the Renewable Energy Technician program in 2011. With a diverse educational background, Racine has focused his efforts on renewable energy and its important role in our world. Through his current role in renewable energy technical support at Westburne Electrical Supply, he is responsible for handling national technical calls for small and large solar and off-grid projects and provides accurate project quotes while ensuring timely delivery of materials. Before enrolling at Durham College, Racine completed the Presentation and Public Speaking for Radio and TV program at the National Institute of Broadcasting in 2004. He also finished a variety of leadership and project management courses while employed as a senior teleservices representative at IBM Canada. During his six years with IBM Canada, Racine also served as a team leader, where he oversaw more than 30 representatives to provide excellent customer service. He also filled the role of customer relations account manager where he resolved a high volume of customer complaints while negotiating fair resolutions. Racine is also an active member in the community, as an ordained deacon and elder with the Seventh-day Adventist Church and a disaster relief volunteer.

Erik Walchuk Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques (HVAC), 2004 and Gas Technician, 2005     An alumnus of two Durham College programs – Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques (HVAC) in 2004 and the Gas Technician program in 2005 – Erik Walchuk has translated his education into a successful career in the trades industry. Walchuk has also achieved his carpentry level 1 certificate; received training related to renewable energy and HVAC equipment; and is currently completing training on building environmental systems. Currently serving as facilities maintenance technician for the Town of Ajax, his responsibilities include scheduling and performing maintenance work throughout the town; ensuring all preventative measures for building mechanical systems are maintained; and communicating regularly with other departments to ensure efficient operations. An owner and partner with Taunton Trades since 2006, he assists with the co-ordination of capital projects throughout the Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area and provides direction, assigns duties and supervises his team of employees on various work sites. Walchuk has given back to the community, as a coach with boys’ soccer from 2002 to 2004 and continues to coach boys’ hockey.