Durham and Centennial colleges celebrate grand opening of Pickering Learning Site Posted on November 13, 2012 at 2:28 pm. Local government and community partners join faculty and students to recognize first-ever public post- secondary presence in Pickering PICKERING, Ont. – Durham College President Don Lovisa and Ann Buller, president and CEO, Centennial College, were joined by Tracy MacCharles, MPP (Pickering-Scarborough East); Dave Ryan, mayor, City of Pickering; and government and community partners on November 13 as they celebrated the grand opening of the joint Pickering Learning Site (PLS). The PLS, which officially opened its doors in September 2012 and is the first public post-secondary presence in Pickering’s 200-year history, is designed to meet the needs of students looking to further their credentials in an environment focused on mature, professional learners. “I am extremely pleased to continue this partnership with the City of Pickering and Centennial College in the operation of this joint learning centre,” said Lovisa. “This wonderful facility reflects our commitment to providing high-demand programs and is already providing exciting, unique and convenient educational opportunities to current students and will continue to do so for future students in Pickering and across the Greater Toronto Area.” The grand opening event, which featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, provided attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the unique learning environment offered by the Centre including tours of the facility. “We’re delighted to be working together with Durham College to bring accessible post-secondary education to our neighbours in the community of Pickering,” said Buller. “This is a ready-made facility for commuters who want to further their education while remaining close to home. It’s a facility conducive to learning and one that will open doors to new career opportunities for local residents.” Pickering was chosen to be the home of Durham Region’s newest post-secondary learning environment because of the economic potential for both Toronto and the Durham Region. It also provides direct access to major highways, strong infrastructure and supportive governments. “This is a legacy achievement that will bring jobs, innovation and skills training to the City of Pickering,” said MacCharles. “This facility showcases why Pickering is the fastest growing city in the GTA and I’m proud to be part of this important event today.” The 9,000-square-foot, two-storey building, which can accommodate approximately 300 students, offers graduate certificate and continuing education programs from each college including Durham College’s one-year Addictions and Mental Health; Human Resources Management; Victimology; and Youth Corrections and Interventions graduate certificate programs and Centennial College’s Corporate Communications and Public Relations graduate certificate program. In addition it offers a flexible learning environment that includes continuing education courses in the evenings and on weekends and several workshops to better serve students. “With its location at the north end of our landmark pedestrian bridge, the Pickering Learning Site represents a unique fusion of education and infrastructure,” said Ryan. “I thank both Durham College and Centennial College for providing our residents, as well as students from across the GTA, with the opportunity to enhance their education and gain valuable job skills for today’s marketplace.” Featuring four classrooms, a computer lab, student space and faculty offices, the PLS is conveniently located just north of Highway 401 off Liverpool Road, with direct access to GO Train services and other public transit. For more information, please visit the Pickering Learning Site website. -30- About Durham College At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000. About Centennial College Centennial College is Ontario’s first public college, established in 1966, primarily serving the eastern portion of the Greater Toronto Area through four campuses and seven satellite locations. It has a record of exemplary teaching, innovative programming and extensive partnership building. Centennial is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse post-secondary institutions in Canada. Almost 100 ethno-cultural groups are represented and 80 languages are spoken on campus. For more information contact: Michelle Roebuck/Allison RosnakCommunications and Marketing905.721.2000 ext. 2197 or ext. 2333michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca or allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca SHARE:
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