Durham College honoured the outstanding academic achievements of more than 170 students at its annual Scholarship Ceremony held on February 2 at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre at the Oshawa campus.

The event saw scholarship award recipients and their friends and family join Durham College President Don Lovisa; members of the college’s leadership team and Board of Governors; academic deans; faculty and staff members; and 35 generous donors to watch students from the Oshawa  and Whitby campuses and Uxbridge location receive in-course scholarship awards valued at $127,000.

Students were applauded for their ability to attain academic excellence while often meeting additional demands outside of the classroom. “We are privileged to see examples of great student achievement and the power of initiative everyday on our campuses, with many students striving to balance their school, work, athletics and personal commitments,” said Lovisa.

Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and granted to the top two students from each program in their second or third year of studies. “As award winners their hard work and commitment to their academic pursuits is remarkable and worthy of acknowledgement,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic.

The event was also an opportunity for the college to express its gratitude to the many donors and partners who give scholarship awards each year including 14 anniversary donors who have been contributing to the college for five, 10, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years for a remarkable cumulative total of 175 years. “The dedicated support of our donors is a core investment in our collective future and helps to offer these wonderful awards in recognition of academic excellence each year,” added Lovisa.

The event serves as a unique opportunity for donors to come together to meet their award recipients and see first-hand the impact they have on students success. “It’s great to be here with the students to celebrate their achievements,” said Roger Anderson, regional chair and chief executive officer, Region of Durham, and longtime supporter of the college. “I really believe in our youth and feel it’s important to help them get through school and get a better job as a result because, in the end, these are the people that will be caring for us in the future.”

Durham College scholarship awards are managed through the Financial Aid and Awards office. To find out more about available scholarships or bursaries, please contact the Financial Aids and Awards office.