Durham College open house draws more than 3,000 guests

Durham College President Don Lovisa greets potential students in the Oshawa campus Galleria at the college’s spring open house. The event provided program information and tours to more than 3,000 students and their families.

Though Saturday is normally a day of relaxation, Durham College was abuzz with activity last weekend, hosting over a thousand potential students and their families during its March 27 spring open house.

With more than 3,000 people in attendance, the open house jammed the halls of the Oshawa and Whitby campuses with information on the various programs from the college’s seven schools. Students and general public attended information sessions and chatted with faculty about Durham’s courses.

Guests also toured the two campuses, led by student volunteers through the various facilities, with 2,700 people visiting the Oshawa campus and 360 touring the Whitby campus.

Moreen Tapper, associate registrar, found visitor response to be almost universally positive, saying the day’s success had much to do with complete participation.

“It was not just a recruitment event,” said Tapper. “We had representation from the service, program and executive areas. It gave us the ability to showcase the entire college and everybody participated. I’d say it was an event well done.”

She added that having the open house on a Saturday greatly increased attendance, allowing family members who are usually busy during weeknights to come out and see the college with their children.

New to the open house this year was a chance for visitors to meet Don Lovisa, president of Durham College, Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic and Norm Fenton, dean of the School of Applied Sciences, Apprenticeship, Skilled Trades & Technology.

“This event gives potential students and their families an opportunity to interact with the executive level and get a sense of the mission and vision of the college,” added Tapper. “It also allows the executives to hear first-hand the concerns, questions and areas of interest for the applicants. It really sets the tone of us being a welcoming institution right from the top all the way down.”