DC celebrates 50 amazing years with Homecoming Weekend

More than 1,500 members of the community helped celebrate Durham College’s (DC) 50th anniversary in a big way at the college’s Homecoming Weekend on September 8, 9 and 10. Students – past, present and future – along with DC employees, retirees, their families and more came together for three fun-filled days of music, meals and memories to commemorate the milestone birthday.

Beginning with a kick-off event that featured live music from local soul band Professors of Funk and rising Canadian country music star Eric Ethridge, the first stop on the Colleges Ontario Amazing 50 mobile exhibit tour and free pizza, ice cream and giveaways, the weekend crackled with energy from start to finish.

Media personalities also got in on the action. Steve Paikin, host of TV’s The Agenda, spoke to a packed room about former premier and Ontario college system founder Bill Davis. Then TSN’s Kate Beirness – former voice of the Durham Lords – gave the keynote address at the DC Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony that saw nearly 100 athletes, coaches and team staff from four historic DC teams honoured.

The weekend’s Family Day festivities drew DC supporters of all ages, while the Party Through the Decades on Saturday night took partygoers back in time with themed food stations, bars, displays and attractions, then treated them to a live performance by Juno-award-winning singer-songwriter Colin James.

Rounded out with a double feature of movies on the lawn outside the college’s Student Services building, varsity vs alumni games in volleyball, baseball and softball, and a special prix fixe dinner menu and brunch at Bistro ’67, there was truly something for everyone at DC’s Homecoming Weekend.

The year-long party continues next with DC’s 50th anniversary speaker series (details to be announced shortly), commemorative elements at the upcoming fall convocation ceremony on Thursday, October 26, fall Open House on Saturday, November 18 and a skating party that will wrap up the college’s amazing 50th year (date to be announced shortly as well).

To learn more about DC’s milestone anniversary, history and upcoming events, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/50.