An act of remembrance, a commitment to service

On Remembrance Day, Durham College (DC) employees, students and members of the public joined together at ceremonies on the Oshawa and Whitby campuses to honour those who have served our country in times of war, conflict and peace, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and acknowledge the families whose lives have also been shaped by military service.

At DC, remembrance also means recognizing the experiences, skills and perspectives that military-connected learners bring to the college community, supporting their educational and career goals, and contributing to Canada’s defence sector.

Through its Military Connected-College (MCC) initiative, DC supports active members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Veterans, Reservists and military families as they navigate post-secondary education.

For many, the transition to college comes alongside responsibilities, such as service commitments and deployments, as well as lived experiences that differ from those of other learners.

Thom MacDonald, DC’s Associate Vice President, Enrolment and Registrar and a CAF Veteran, understands why recognizing those experiences matters.

“Remembrance Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the people behind military service and the experiences they carry with them,” says MacDonald. “As a Veteran, I know that those experiences continue to shape people long after their service. At Durham College, we have a responsibility to recognize that and ensure military-connected learners feel supported as they pursue their education and prepare for what comes next.”

That recognition is reflected in practical supports designed to reduce barriers to education. DC acknowledges prior learning and military experience, while flexible approaches can also help accommodate service commitments as learners work toward their academic goals.

DC’s connection to military service also extends to its work with the community and industry. As Canada’s defence sector evolves and federal investment creates new opportunities for businesses and organizations across Durham Region, DC is working with regional partners to support the skilled workforce, learning and innovation needed to respond to these emerging needs.

Through Research, Innovation and Training Services (RITS), the college is connecting with defence-sector partners in areas including cybersecurity compliance, artificial intelligence, immersive simulation technologies and customized training. This work brings together DC’s technical expertise, research capabilities and workforce development services to help organizations build the skills and capacity needed to support Canada’s defence sector.

Remembrance Day calls on us to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served, to listen to their stories and consider how their contributions continue to shape our communities.

At DC, that includes honouring military service, supporting military-connected learners and finding meaningful ways to contribute to Canada’s defence sector.

Learn more about DC’s Military Connected-College initiative and its work to support innovation and training in the defence sector through Research, Innovation and Training Services.