Approximately 900 graduating students recently attended Countdown to Grad events at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses. Hosted by the college’s Alumni office, the events featured free pizza and a chance for students to learn more about the many benefits and discounts available to them as alumni.

April 4, 2011

The Alumni office recently helped students prepare for graduation when it hosted Countdown to Grad events at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses. The Oshawa campus event took place at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre (CRWC) on March 22 and the event at the Whitby campus took place in the student lounge on March 24.

Approximately 900 graduating students from both campuses enjoyed free pizza as they learned more about the many benefits and discounts that will be available to them as alumni. In addition, many student support services were on-site including Career Services and the Campus Bookstore and academic schools on hand to provide information on post-diploma programs.

Don Lovisa, president of Durham College was also in attendance to speak with students about their upcoming graduation and help the Alumni Association hand out free gifts and door prizes including the chance to win Toronto Maple Leafs tickets.

“It was great to talk to the president about how fun graduation is going to be,” said Stephanie Walsh, an Office Administration – Medical student. “The free pizza, gifts and contests were fun as well.”

As part of its commitment to ensuring that the student experience comes first at the college, the Alumni Association maintains communication with more than 51,000 alumni to keep graduates connected to the Durham College community. The office also co-ordinates events and other initiatives, maintains up to date alumni records and publishes Reflections, the college’s alumni magazine.

“This is the second year that we have held the Countdown to Grad event,” said Lori Connor, alumni relations officer. “I think it is really important to make graduating students aware of the Alumni Association and the benefits and services it offers including off-campus ticket discounts from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Marlies and Canada’s Wonderland.”

Durham College alumni receive benefits and discounts through companies such as MBNA, Manulife Financial and TD Insurance Meloche Monnex. They also have unlimited access to the library through their alumni ID cards and can access the services provided by Career Services for up to two years post-graduation. The CRWC also offers a $50 discount on its public membership.

This year’s spring convocation ceremonies will be held on Thursday, June 16 and Friday, June 17 at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa.

For more information on the Alumni Association, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/alumni.