Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College is proud to celebrate five exceptional alumni nominated for the 2024 Premier’s Award.

The awards have been presented by Colleges Ontario since 1992 and they recognize outstanding college graduates who are making an impact in Ontario and throughout the world.  More than 100 graduates are nominated for a Premier’s Award each year, which recognizes achievements in areas such as health care, science, technology and engineering, community services, the arts, business and the skilled trades.

“At DC, we’re more than 114,500 alumni strong and we’re proud to select these five graduates who have built successful careers and made a significant impact on the lives of others,” said Bonnie St. George, Vice President, People, Equity and External Relations at Durham College (DC). “Our nominees this year not only excel in their chosen fields, they are also making important contributions to their communities including advancing diversity and mental health.”

Jeremy Burns – Law & Security Administration Class of 2004; Penology and Youth, Class of 2005
Aaron Dale – Police Foundations, Class of 2005

Building on their college education and military service, Toronto police officers Jeremy Burns and Aaron Dale co-founded the Military Veterans Wellness Program (MVWP), designed to help law enforcement members support veterans in crisis. MVWP has been endorsed by organizations including Veterans Affairs Canada, National Defence’s Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group, Royal Canadian Legion, and is now part of mandatory training for Toronto police officers. They are nominated in the Community Services category.

Chris Cull – Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician, Class of 2007

Founder of Inspire By Example, Chris Cull is a motivational speaker and filmmaker who uses his experience as a recovering opioid user to advocate for mental health and addiction recovery. He has cycled across Canada twice and produced two films to raise awareness and educate the public, transforming many lives. Chris has shared his expertise at numerous notable events, including the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. He is nominated in the Health Sciences category.

Shelby Nelson – Sport Administration, Class of 2000

With a love for sports and community, Shelby Nelson, has dedicated 24 years to the Toronto Blue Jays organization. With a DC education as a foundation, Shelby’s career trajectory has seen him rise to Vice President of Florida Operations where he leads a team responsible for Spring Training, the Dunedin Blue Jays, and the Player Development Complex. As the local face of the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Shelby is a respected community leader and a champion of diversity. He is nominated in the Business category.

Paula Sojo – Video Production, Class of 2024

At the age of 18, Paula Sojo was diagnosed with a severe case of Crohn’s disease, resulting in 17 surgeries and a permanent ostomy. Determined to help others, she teamed up with her brother to found Ostome Fashion, a thriving business that provides fashionable and empowering options to all ostomy users. With help from family, friends and mentors, she has not only changed her life, but promoted representation and acceptance and empowered her community. She is nominated in the Recent Graduate category.

The winners of the Premier’s Awards will be announced on November 25, 2024. Good luck to all the DC nominees!

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contact

Reka Szekely
Communications Officer
Reka.Szekely@durhamcollege.ca