January 29, 2008

Durham to receive $2.38 million for campus renewal projects

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College will receive an additional $2.38 million for campus renewal projects, following an announcement today that the McGuinty government is investing an additional $65 million in college education and training across the province.

The funding is to be used to ensure students have the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities necessary to effectively prepare for today’s high-tech workplace. Durham College leaders are applauding the announcement and working to determine how best to utilize and maximize the funds to enhance the student experience.

“We are tremendously pleased and would like to thank the provincial government for this critical investment in campuses across Ontario,” said Leah Myers, president of Durham College. “This is another clear signal of the provincial government’s commitment to Ontario colleges and that it is listening to our concerns about the need for campus renewal in the college system. We are so happy to partner with them as these funds will significantly help us meet the needs that come with a growing and aging campus.”

The renewal funding is to be used for energy efficiency; campus safety and security initiatives that will ensure students can complete their studies in safe and secure environments; and to help colleges maintain and repair existing infrastructure.

At Durham College, the student experience comes first and this funding for priority areas helps meet that mission. Energy efficiencies are important not only to manage rising energy costs, but allow the college to better serve Durham Region, Ontario’s energy capital, by example and through leadership. The college also places tremendous importance on ensuring our graduates are responsive to the changing demographics of Durham Region. As the local, provincial and national economies continue to evolve rapidly, businesses and industries require highly skilled employees who can step in and help employers remain competitive not only here in Durham Region, but on a global scale.

“For 40 years Durham College has been training highly-skilled graduates, due in large part to our commitment to high-quality programs led by exceptional professors,” said Myers. “However, another key part of our success is having the very latest in equipment and facilities available to train students in the skills employers demand. Today’s announcement is another important step in meeting those needs. These funds are another reminder that there has never been a greater need for college graduates and the skills they bring to building a strong and vibrant economy.”

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 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 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 almost 1,600 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

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

  

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