September 18, 2007

Oshawa mayor’s proclamation of Durham College Day among the events held today to kick off a year’s worth of activities

OSHAWA , Ont. – Durham College alumni received a warm welcome back to campus today, as the college marked the 40^th anniversary of its first day of classes with a celebration and a retrospective look at its tremendous growth over the last four decades and its ongoing commitment to the success of students and graduates.

Activities included a barbecue, speeches, tours, entertainment, and an alumni and retiree reception, while a particular highlight was a City of Oshawa proclamation declaring September 18 as Durham College Day. Mayor John Gray read the proclamation in the South Village Residence Courtyard at the college’s Oshawa campus as alumni, former employees, business partners, and community leaders reunited with current students and staff.

“I am delighted to have so many of our alumni back on campus sharing this illustrious day in Durham College’s history,” said Leah Myers, president of Durham College. “I’m also honoured that the City of Oshawa has chosen to declare September 18 as Durham College Day. It’s a strong affirmation of our connection with Oshawa and the role Durham College plays in the community.

“For four decades we have ensured that our graduates have the market-ready skills to succeed in their careers and make a difference in the world. Making the student experience come first at Durham College has been the key to our success.”

Today’s activities were the kickoff to a number of events in the coming months that will celebrate the college’s 40^th anniversary. Plans are well under way to unveil an Alumni Wall of Distinction and to host a Homecoming Weekend in early May, along with other activities.

“Durham College has graduated more than 42,000 alumni who have gone on to succeed in challenging and rewarding careers and to assume their positions as business and community leaders across Canada,” said Laurie Beaton, president of the Durham College Alumni Association. “Not only are we celebrating the college’s anniversary, we are celebrating the incredible contributions our graduates, faculty and staff have made to their communities.”

It was back in May 1965 when then-Ontario Education Minister Bill Davis introduced legislation to establish colleges of applied arts and technology across the province. On October 13, 1966, a volunteer Board of Governors for Durham College met for the first time and administrative offices were soon set up in The Bateman House, at 304 Simcoe Street North, a location that was provided by the Oshawa General Hospital. Before long, a permanent campus for the college was found when E.P. Taylor came forward and identified the southwest corner of Conlin Road and Simcoe Street as a suitable home.

Durham College officially opened for studies on September 18, 1967 in 16 portable classrooms, employing a staff of 14 and serving 205 students. The first academic calendar offered courses in applied arts, business and technology.

The college has grown to more than 6,100 full-time students, thousands more in part-time studies and close to 1,600 apprentices who pursue high-quality programs that are continually shaped by market needs and delivered by exceptional teachers with real-world experience. Programs are offered in the high-demand areas of applied sciences and technology, business, communication arts, design, emergency services, health and community services, information technology, integrated studies, justice, and skilled trades and apprenticeship.

Dr. Gordon Willey, Mel Garland, Dr. Gary Polonsky and Myers have all served as president of Durham College over its history, helping it grow to become the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who succeed in a challenging, supportive and inclusive learning environment.

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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 more than 6,100 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and close to 1,600 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2513
melissa.levy@durhamcollege.ca

 

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