Hail the graduates: Durham College honours class of 2013 at spring convocation ceremonies Posted on June 20, 2013 at 2:52 pm. OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College is recognizing more than 2,500 graduates this week during its annual spring convocation ceremonies at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa, Ont. The class of 2013 is being joined by family members and friends and college faculty and staff as they accept their diplomas and certificates and celebrate their post-secondary achievements. Being held June 20 and 21, the event is honouring graduates from the schools of Business, IT & Management; Continuing Education; Health & Community Services; Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services; Justice & Emergency Services; Media, Art & Design; Science & Engineering Technology; and Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology. “As our graduates leave today’s ceremony, they do so with the right knowledge and skills required by today’s leading employers,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “All of us at Durham College take great pride in knowing they are well prepared for what the future holds. Congratulations to the class of 2013!” In addition, a number of awards and recognitions are being given out including the presentation of the college’s fourth Honorary Credential to Linda Franklin, president and chief executive officer of Colleges Ontario, in the category of Public Relations. Honorary Credential – Linda Franklin, president and chief executive officer, Colleges Ontario In her role with Colleges Ontario, Franklin has built a successful and distinguished career in communications and government relations, using her knowledge and expertise in strategic planning to aid in bringing the province’s 24 colleges together into one singular organization. In addition, she has developed essential policy positions and increased media coverage and awareness of the college system through proactive marketing strategies. Franklin previously held positions including chief of staff to the Honourable Ernie Eves, minister of Skills Development; director of the Public Affairs and Communications department with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario; vice-president of Enterprise Canada Consulting; and president of the Wine Council of Ontario. She also goes beyond her professional work to better her community by serving on several charitable and community organizations including as a board member for Ontario Place and with the Canadian National Exhibition Association Board. Professor Emeritus awardThe college is also presenting Cala Dimitroff, a former Academic Upgrading professor, advisor and program co-ordinator in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services, with the Professor Emeritus award for her commitment to the success of her students and her dedication to offering a personalized student experience. Alumni of Distinction awardsLastly, the annual ceremonies are recognizing the college’s newest Alumni of Distinction recipients: Kevin Campbell, Paul Clark, Steven Dickson, Marnie Ham, Michael Lysko, Patricia Mazzotta, Eddy Racine and Erik Walchuk. Kevin Campbell, 2011 Renewable Energy Technician program graduateAn alumnus of the inaugural graduating class of the Renewable Energy Technician program, Campbell is committed to the energy systems of tomorrow through the construction and distribution of high-quality solar power equipment. In his current role as construction manager of the Energy Division of Bondfield Construction Company he manages all elements of the construction of commercial roof-top solar projects, including negotiating contracts with suppliers and supervising multiple projects at various stages of construction. Paul Clark, 2008 Machinist program graduateClark worked at Eagle Machining Inc. for three years before eventually becoming a Red Seal-certified machinist. He then became 50 per cent owner and operator of the machining company, which repairs and refurbishes machine parts and offers welding and fabricating services. Steven Dickson, 1998 Business Administration – Human Resources program graduateDickson has found success working with multiple municipal governments including his current position as senior legal counsel for the City of Mississauga. In addition he has maintained his commitment to continued learning, which includes currently completing a Master of Laws degree at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. Marnie Ham, 1991 Air Transport and Industrial Engineering Technology program graduateSince graduating Ham has shown a commitment to preparing the next generation of engineers during her 18-year career as a post-secondary educator. She is currently an assistant professor with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. Michael Lysko, 1983 Sports Administration program graduateLysko is an established leader in sports marketing. A former commissioner of the Canadian Football League , he has been recognized with several business and marketing awards and currently serves as director of the Sport Management program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Patricia Mazzotta 1997 Practical Nursing program graduate Mazzotta has shown a true dedication to nursing and the preparation of the next generation of nurses. She currently serves as a nursing professor and program co-ordinator at Centennial College, providing instruction and evidence-based practice for students in classes such as nursing research, health assessment and pathotherapeutics. Eddy Racine 2011 Renewable Energy Technician program graduateAlso a member of the first graduating class of the Renewable Energy Technician program Racine is a renewable energy technician support at Westburne Electrical Supply. In that role he is responsible for handling national technical support calls for small and large solar and off-grid projects and providing project quotes while ensuring timely delivery of materials. Erik Walchuk, 2004 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques program graduate and 2005 Gas Technician program graduate Walchuk is currently an owner and partner with Taunton Trades and a facilities maintenance technician with the Town of Ajax. He has also achieved his Carpentry Level 1 certificate and is currently obtaining training in building environmental systems. The 2013 spring convocation ceremonies bring the college’s total number of alumni to more than 62,000. About Durham CollegeAt Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000. Media contact: Michelle Roebuck/Allison Rosnak Communications, Marketing and External Relations Durham College 905.721.2000 ext. 2197/ext. 2333 michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca/allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca SHARE:
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