December 20, 2007

Four Durham College health-care students and two students in the collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered jointly by Durham College and UOIT, were recognized for their strong commitment to education and community recently when they received awards from the Central East Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).

The recipients gathered together on December 3 with their family and professors to celebrate their accomplishments. They also received accolades from Judy Robinson, dean of Durham College’s School of Health and Community Services.

“We are so proud of these students who, in just a short time, have already made a significant impact in the community,” said Robinson. “Before they have even graduated, they have applied the skills they have learned at Durham College from our exceptional professors and high-tech learning environment, which is designed to help them develop the confidence they need to succeed in the workplace.”

Amanda Mcpherson and Lori Duguay, students in the Personal Support Worker program, each received scholarship awards valued at $500; Melissa Weishen and Trent Neil, students in the Practical Nursing program, received scholarship awards valued at $750; and Alexandra Saul and Frances Tropea, students in the collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, received scholarship awards valued at $1,000. The scholarship award criteria require that students demonstrate leadership in the community and on campus, exhibit a passion for their study areas and achieve a minimum 70 per cent average.

This occasion marks the fourth year the CCAC has recognized Durham College students for their leadership.

The CCAC is a network of local organizations established by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care that work together in the community to enhance access to government-funded home and community services, and long-term care facilities. Jeannette Taggart, chair of the Board of Directors for Central East CCAC, was on hand to present the awards.

“Health care is moving beyond the borders of a hospital and the system can only be sustained by moving care out of institutions and into the home,” said Taggart.

“A quality-driven and sustainable health-care system depends on the next generation of health-care providers, and these students represent a future filled with promise.”

One of the award recipients was touched by the CCAC personally when her late mother required home care during her battle with cancer. Mcpherson said the CCAC “was a wonderful support to my family during the final days at home with my mother,” and it was that experience that inspired her to enrol in the college’s Personal Support Worker program and continue to volunteer in her community.

Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who succeed in a challenging, supportive and inclusive learning environment. Durham graduates have the market-ready skills to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world.