Alumni from DC’s first class of Business Administration students reconnect for 55-year reunion

In 1967, Durham College (DC) had just opened its doors and a brand-new program, Business Administration – Information Systems, was preparing students for careers in an emerging field.

This fall, members of that pioneering class returned to DC to celebrate their 55-year reunion, reconnect and reminisce how much the college has grown over the past five decades. The alumni met at Bistro ’67, DC’s on-campus teaching restaurant – a long way from the limited vending machine options the alumni enjoyed as students.

“When we’re together it’s just like we’re sitting in the classroom again,” said Adrian de Laat, who attended the event organized by Beth Sheyan and Gary Dionne. “Fifty years disappears and we just pick up right where we left off. We’re all proud to be DC graduates. I meet fellow alumni everywhere I go and I say ‘I’m student number 23.’”

De Laat and his friends have been connected for the majority of their lives, first meeting during their first semester.

“At the time I had the option to complete Grade 13,” explained de Laat. “But I had heard Durham College was opening up close to home and I was eager to start learning something I could apply to my future.”

After completing his credential, de Laat enjoyed a long career in information systems. Working at GMAC – a subsidiary of General Motors (GM) – right out of college, he set up their computer rooms, including the equipment, procedures, and practices. He was then hired on as a Programmer at GM in 1972. During his time at GM, he was promoted to progressively senior roles and then continued to work as a Senior Security Systems Analyst at Electronic Data Systems until retiring in 2005.

Looking back, de Laat credits DC’s industry-informed education for helping prepare him and his classmates for long, successful careers. “The faculty truly cared and treated us like adults,” said de Laat. “I remember Jim Walker took time to teach us how to write our resumes and do mock interviews to ensure we were prepared.”

They also reflected on how much the college has grown since its first year, noting the campus was made up of 16 portable classrooms. Lunch options consisted of four vending machines and a food truck operated by Tony’s Refreshment Services. All extra-curricular activities were organized by the Students Council, including the memorable Winter Carnival. DC’s first building was erected in 1970, during the final year of their program, and Alice Cooper came to play in the student lounge.

This reunion is not the first time the group has met up over the years. They began meeting in 2007 and have since met a total of five times. The driving force behind the ongoing reunions was their friend and classmate Rob Stewart who passed away in 2025. To honour their friend and celebrate his deep appreciation for DC, Stewart’s classmates made donations to the college, which supported the Faculty of Business and Information Technology’s annual Business Conference.

“Hearing stories about how our graduates’ time at Durham College shaped their lives always brings me joy,” said Sally Hillis, Senior Alumni Development Officer, Advancement and Alumni Relations. “I’m so thankful for people like Rob Stewart who inspire DC pride and life-long connection.”