Durham College honours 2007 Alumnus of Distinction award winners at annual spring convocation

June 22, 2007

Five alumni recognized for outstanding career achievements and community contributions

OSHAWA, Ont. – Along with celebrating the graduation of 1,400 students, Durham College announced today that five of its alumni are being honoured for excellence in their careers as well as their outstanding contributions to their communities. Gary Christian, John Edward Draper, Gail Elliott, Carolyn Luscombe and Connie Wood are all being recognized with 2007 Alumnus of Distinction Awards at the college’s annual spring convocation ceremonies being held today at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa, Ontario. Their accomplishments are prime examples of how graduates of Durham College go on to spectacular career success and take on community leadership roles that help our country grow and prosper.

A great addition to the maintenance field, Christian, a 1986 Maintenance Techniques – Industrial graduate and 1990 Industrial Mechanic Millwright graduate, currently works for the Regional Municipality of Durham as a water treatment operator. Christian is a member of the Durham College Advisory Committee for the Water Quality Technician program where he contributes practical training ideas and provides faculty with interactive learning strategies. In addition, he assists seniors in the community with grass-cutting and home maintenance.

Draper, a 2005 Journalism graduate, found success through the creation of his business, Together We Rock! His company encourages leadership and learning through a series of presentations and a school program that promote communities that are accessible to and inclusive of people with disabilities. Draper volunteers extensively within the community, visits campus often and continues to break down barriers in education and the working environment for people with disabilities.

A 1970 Public Administration graduate, Elliott made the transition from student to teacher after completing college. She spent her entire educational career with the Durham District School Board and its predecessors, including spending time as principal of Lord Durham Public School in 1986. Elliott also participates in the annual Terry Fox Run and at Parents as Partners conferences; supports anti-bullying initiatives; is actively involved with special-education conferences; plays a role on the Council for Exceptional Children; and supports her church’s food bank.

Luscombe is founder and president of Eclectic Events International. Since graduating from the Entertainment Administration program in 1995, she has received more than 25 international nominations for her work with the organization. She also taught Event and Meeting Management at George Brown College for 10 years. Luscombe is a member of the International Special Events Society in Toronto and the winner of prestigious Canadian Event Industry Awards for Spirit of the Industry and Producer of the Year.

Wood has had 31 years of nursing experience thanks to the Registered Nursing diploma she received in 1976. Through her work in a variety of health-care settings she provides quality long-term care, acute care and community nursing services. She is also a healthy living co-ordinator with the Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team. Wood’s community involvement includes serving on the Haliburton Friends Network board for Sir Sanford Fleming College, volunteering for Haliburton Highlands Health Services and participating in the Access Indicators panel for the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) report card.

The Alumnus of Distinction Awards recognize graduates who have excelled in their careers and contributed to the development of the college and/or their communities. More than 50 alumni have received the honour since the awards launched in 1990.

About Durham College

Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who will succeed in a challenging, supporting and inclusive learning environment. Offering approximately 80 different full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of continuing education and part-time programs, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for close to 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of close to 95 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has close to 6,000 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and over 1,575 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.caor call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2209
tony.doyle@durhamcollege.ca

 

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