March 31, 2009

New stage in storied history begins as college’s fifth president takes the helm

Aileen Fletcher, left, chair of the Durham College Board of Governors, and College Professor Kevin Dougherty help Don Lovisa into the presidential gown, as part of Lovisa’s official installation as Durham College president. 

OSHAWA, ON. – Durham College students, faculty, staff and alumni, along with community and business partners and distinguished guests, gathered together today at the college’s Oshawa campus for the official installation of President Don Lovisa.

The ceremony, which formally recognized Lovisa as the fifth president in Durham College’s history, was presided over by Aileen Fletcher, chair of the Durham College Board of Governors. Lovisa brings more than two decades of post-secondary leadership to his new role, accumulated during a distinguished career at Durham College and Confederation College in Northern Ontario.

“On behalf of the Board of Governors and the entire college community it is my pleasure to officially welcome Don Lovisa to the role of president of Durham College,” said Fletcher. “The college has a long-standing tradition of excellence in post-secondary education and an unwavering commitment to student success. It is with complete confidence that the board entrusts Don to uphold our rich history while creating a bright future filled with new opportunities – both here in Durham Region and beyond.”

In addition to the many members of the academic community in attendance, Lovisa was celebrated by distinguished leaders from Durham Region and across the province. After Fletcher bestowed the official gold and green presidential gown and administered the presidential oath, Lovisa delivered his installation address focusing on his visions and goals for the college’s future.

“I am honoured that the Board of Governors has placed its trust and confidence in me to lead Durham College during this time in our history,” said Lovisa. “Through our post-secondary programs, retraining services and flexibility in meeting different learning needs, Durham College will continue to meet the requirements of all learners and make a positive impact on the economic and social development of Durham Region and beyond. We will continue to provide hope, solutions and opportunities to men and women who unexpectedly find themselves out of work and at a crossroads in their lives, secondary students with dreams fuelled by imagination and wonder and lifelong learners who want to continue to better themselves through education.”

Lovisa’s academic experience includes 20 years at Confederation College where he managed a number of significant projects while serving in executive and leadership roles, including dean of the School of Business, Hospitality and Media Arts, dean of the School of Access and Literacy and campus manager of a satellite campus location. In addition, he has worked internationally, consulting and providing training and teaching in the areas of globalization, market-driven economic transition, international trade and entrepreneurship and business development.

Lovisa came to Durham College in July 2007. As vice-president, Academic, he provided leadership for several key initiatives focused on quality assurance, academic policy development and academic restructuring. Although officially installed as president today, Lovisa has been serving in the role since May 2008, first on an interim basis and then when the Board of Governors unanimously selected him as president following an exhaustive national search of candidates across all educational sectors. In addition to his dedication to post-secondary education, Lovisa has been actively involved with various community initiatives working with both school boards and chambers of commerce.

“The number-one measurement of our success is our graduates and their success in the marketplace and in life,” added Lovisa. “That means as a Durham College graduate, our students will join a privileged group that enjoys greater access to skilled jobs and increased opportunities for career advancement.”

To read a full copy of Lovisa’s presidential address please click here.

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 100 full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of part-time and continuing education courses, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for more than 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of 95.6 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has more than 6,300 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and almost 1,600 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Michelle Roebuck
Communications and Marketing
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

 

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