Durham College (DC) is proud to announce that its president, Don Lovisa, has been named Business Person of the Year by the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce at the prestigious 22nd annual Business Excellence Awards. The awards were presented on September 27 at a gala held at the Jubilee Pavilion.

“Receiving this award from the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce in Durham College’s 50th anniversary year is an incredible honour,” said President Lovisa. “Each day I go to work at what I believe is Canada’s best college. To be recognized for doing something I truly love is humbling and I share this achievement with my colleagues who join me each day to ensure that the college is able to live its mission that the student experience comes first.”

The Business Excellence Awards are held each year to recognize the success and outstanding contributions of companies and individuals within the Greater Oshawa business community. Winners are honoured in the following award categories: Business Person of the Year; Business Excellence; EnGen Award, which recognizes individuals under the age of 40 who are making their mark in the Greater Oshawa area and beyond; Innovation; Civic Pride; and New Enterprise.

In selecting President Lovisa as Business Person of the Year, the award jury considered his strengths in all areas of business as well as his leadership within the community.

President Lovisa joined DC in July 2007 as vice-president, Academic, following a successful 20-year career at Confederation College in Northwestern Ontario, where he held numerous positions including dean of the School of Business, Hospitality and Media Arts. He was named interim president of DC on May 16, 2008, and formally appointed president on January 1, 2009.

The college has thrived under President Lovisa’s guidance, realizing significant, strategic growth in students, learning spaces and reputation. During his tenure, DC has become the fastest growing college in Ontario, moving from less than 7,000 students in his first year at DC to more than 12,000 in fall 2017; one of the largest employers in Durham Region, with more than 1,500 employees; and has undergone a campus revitalization of nearly $180 million in renovations and new buildings.

Prior to entering the post-secondary sector, President Lovisa worked internationally, providing training, teaching and consultations in areas of globalization, market-driven economic transition, international trade, and entrepreneurship and business development. This impressive range of skills has proved beneficial for not only the college, but the greater community as well.

“Don has a vision of the deep, long-term impact education has for local and global communities, and leaders have aligned with him to invest in his inclusive vision, time and time again,” said Scott Blakey, chief administrative officer, DC. “His accomplishments support students and industries, and provide a visionary view into what the college represents for the local economy. The entire DC family is thrilled to see him recognized for his tireless work on behalf of the college and the greater community.”

Read more about President Lovisa’s achievements