Durham College celebrates official opening of learning labs Posted on October 16, 2012 at 9:45 am. New academic environment at Whitby campus demonstrating changes in construction and building trades sectors Monday, October 15, 2012 Whitby, Ont. – Durham College officially launched a key component of the development project happening at its Whitby campus on October 12 when it opened two new on-site learning labs. The labs, part of the $44 million, three-phase expansion that has been underway at the Whitby campus since 2009, are designed to demonstrate the many changes that have occurred in the building trades over the years. This includes the various methods used to retrofit older homes as well as the energy-efficient technologies currently being used in the construction of newer homes. The event saw close to 60 community leaders; business partners; faculty; staff; students; alumni; board members; and donors join Durham College President Don Lovisa, Town of Whitby Mayor Pat Perkins, Town of Whitby Councillor Ken Montague and Durham Custom Homes President Jeff Goldman for tours of the new learning labs. In addition, the college recognized the outstanding commitment of the donors who contributed to the learning labs through gifts-in-kind, services and monetary donations with the unveiling of a recognition plaque, which will be displayed in the west wing of the Whitby campus. Founded by Harry Goldman, Durham Custom Homes has been building quality homes in southern Ontario for more than 60 years. “My grandfather didn’t speak English very well but he had a simple philosophy when it came to home building,” said Goldman. “When constructing houses, he would say ‘build them good for the people’. These learning labs will teach students and future trades and construction workers this same concept so they too can learn ‘to build them good for the people’.” Learning Lab 1, a new, high-efficiency green home built by Durham Custom Homes, features the latest in environmentally friendly technologies. It is being used by students studying in programs such as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques; Plumbing Apprenticeship; Electrical Technician – Instrumentation and Control; and Electrical Techniques. “As part of the overall plan to transform the Whitby campus to better serve students and secure meaningful jobs in the 21st century an idea was born,” said David Chambers, associate vice-president, Office of Development, Durham College. “This idea was made possible through the generosity of community donors, businesses and trades people who stepped up to the challenge to bring the learning labs to life.” Learning Lab 2, a 1940s era house with dated technology and wiring that was purchased by Durham Custom Homes then moved to the Whitby campus in January 2011, is enabling students to gain real-world experience in retrofitting older homes including an understanding of how to increase energy efficiency. “I am honoured to have played a part in such an exciting project for the future of our community,” added Goldman. 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 approximately 9,000 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. For more information: Allison Rosnak/Rhonda Daley Durham College 905.721.2000 ext. 2333 or ext. 2197 alllison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca or rhonda.daley@durhamcollege.ca SHARE:
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