As Durham College (DC) celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017, it has also begun the construction of the new Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE), a state-of-the-art learning environment where students, employees and the broader community can work together in ways that transcend traditional concepts of education.

To achieve DC’s vision for the centre, the college has embarked on a capital campaign – Building Something Amazing – and on September 27, it publicly launched this fundraising initiative during a special event for donors and the college community.

“Projects of this magnitude do not happen without substantial investment,” said Linda Flynn, associate vice-president, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs. “After receiving funding from all levels of government, DC was tasked with raising an additional $5 million to complete construction of the CFCE. We are 75 per cent of the way to our goal but still have just over $1.2 million remaining to raise.”

Prior to enjoying a hard hat tour of the CFCE progress to-date, attendees heard from Cassie-Jean Dillon, a second-year student in Fitness and Health Promotion program, about what the CFCE will mean to her and the others who will have the opportunity to learn there.

Donor Elaine Mendicino was also on hand to share her story about why she is supporting the capital campaign. After losing her husband suddenly in 2011, she wanted to honour his memory. She chose to do so as a thank you to the college where she and her husband met and gained the skills they needed to thrive in their chosen careers. The Rob Hogan Student Commons will bear her late husband’s name as a testament to his memory and the promise of collaboration and innovation that the new CFCE holds.

“As a college, we have been extremely lucky to have the support of the local community and organizations to help us champion student success,” said Flynn. “Investing in the Building Something Campaign is yet another way people can choose to give back, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

When completed, the multi-level CFCE will provide 75,000-square-feet of space that will serve as an educational access point for students, while bringing together local, Indigenous and global community groups and members of key business sectors when it opens in fall 2018.

For more information about the CFCE or to make a donation to the Building Something Amazing capital campaign please contact DC’s Office of Development and Alumni Affairs.