Dr. Peter Zakarow receives first-ever Durham College honorary credential

August 16, 2010

Former board chair honoured during 2010 spring convocation ceremony

From left to right: Aileen Fletcher, chair of the Durham College Board of Governors; Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic; Dr. Peter Zakarow; and Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. Dr. Zakarow received the college’s first-ever honorary credential at this year’s spring convocation ceremony.

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College is extending congratulations to Dr. Peter Zakarow on receiving the college’s first honorary credential during the 2010 spring convocation ceremonies that took place on June 18 at the General Motors Centre.

A native of Oshawa, Dr. Zakarow graduated as a dental surgeon from the University of Toronto in 1956 and soon established a dental practice in his hometown, which he operated for more than 40 years.

“I am very happy to be honoured with this award,” said Dr. Zakarow. “It’s a great accomplishment that I’ll never forget. I never imagined I would receive something of this stature – it is a first for me and for Durham College.”

Dr. Zakarow began his active association with the college in 1982 as a college governor, volunteering and canvassing for donations at numerous fundraisers. After serving as vice-chair of the board of governors, he was named board chair in 1985, a position he held until 1987.

Dr. Zakarow was also a member of the Durham College Dental Advisory Committee and instrumental in implementing the college’s very successful Dental Hygiene program and its curriculum. This included calling on his fellow dentists to help provide dental equipment to students and personally pledging an annual scholarship to outstanding students in the program.

“I am very pleased to present this award to Dr. Zakarow on behalf of the college,” said Don Lovisa, president of Durham College. “Dr. Zakarow is a firm believer in community involvement and has always been extremely dedicated to us. I am thrilled to recognize him as a friend and college champion and thank him for his ongoing support. This is an exciting moment in Durham College’s history.”

In addition to his dedication and commitment to the growth of Durham College, Dr. Zakarow’s widespread community involvement extends to numerous charitable initiatives, committees and associations including the United Way, the Ukrainian Professional and Business Federation and the YMCA.

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About Durham College 
At Durham College, the student experience comes first, an approach it has taken for more than 40 years. Through a vast range of market-driven programs that are taught by exceptional professors with real-world experience, students develop the skills required to meet the ever-changing needs of employers and the job market. Moving forward, Durham College’s expansion plans will see its Whitby campus grow by 40,000 square feet. Phase 1 of the construction features an energy-neutral living laboratory for new technologies and education to serve the growing needs of the emerging energy sector. Phase 2 is increasing the size of the Skills Training Centre to create classroom and laboratory space to support new program development and Phase 3 will be a Food Centre designed to house culinary arts programs; a food and agricultural component; a food processing centre and agriculture and science laboratories. Durham College has more than 7,000 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and more than 1,400 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact: 
Allison Rosnak
Communications, Marketing and External Relations
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

 

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