From left to right: Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic; Don Lovisa, president, Durham College; Lisa McInerney, vice-president, Durham College, Your Student Association and Sports Management student; and Margaret Greenley, vice-president, Student Affairs. McInerney received the Richard Lowe Memorial Award at Durham College’s annual donor reception on March 31.

Durham College hosted its annual donor reception on March 31 when it invited its scholarship recipients to meet their donors for a night of great food and conversation.

More than 100 students and donors mingled in Durham College’s Dining Room, many connecting with one another face-to-face for the first time. They talked, ate and listened to inspirational speeches from some of Durham College’s top executives, including President Don Lovisa and David Chambers, president of the Durham College Foundation and associate vice-president, Office of Development.

“It went very well indeed,” said Chambers. “We had an excellent turnout. There was a tremendous feeling of warmth and community in the room. The difference these donors make in our students’ lives is important because when a student succeeds, the community succeeds.”

Students and donors had a chance to get their pictures taken together to commemorate the night with students whose donors were absent having their pictures taken with Lovisa.

The night was a success, according to Chambers, because the donors could see tangible evidence of their donation at work. “These receptions put good intentions and philanthropy into action and you can see the result,” said Chambers. “For a lot of people it’s not about a tax receipt, it’s about making a difference in a student’s life.”

The Durham College Donor Awards program is funded and named for generous individuals and organizations within the community.

Students interested in applying for a donor award can do so via MyCampus. For more information on the Durham College Awards program and a listing of awards, please visit the Donor Awards program page.