For most young adults awaking to the sound of an early morning phone call is met with an unwelcome response. On an early morning in mid-May, 20-year old Megan Welsh had just the opposite reaction when she received a call from Durham College letting her know that she was the lucky winner of a free tuition prize.

Welsh had attended Durham College’s spring open house in March when she registered for a chance to win the prize, which is valued at $2,400.

“I was asleep when my mom came to get me up for the call,” said Welsh. “I was shocked then a little confused and unsure it wasn’t a prank. I’ve never won anything before. It was awesome.”

Welsh explored the entire campus at her open house visit and impressed by its warm and welcoming environment was immediately sold on the Dental Assisting program.

“I loved the facilities and the hands-on approach to learning,” said Welsh. “The staff, faculty and students were so enthusiastic, showed me around campus and even offered demonstrations. I learned a lot.”

It was a day well spent for Welsh whose name was drawn from a pool of 845 open house attendees who provided feedback on their open house experience through a paper survey, online or through the college’s call campaign for a chance to win the tuition prize.

“We were thrilled with the response we received on the feedback form, said Lisa Corbett, associate registrar. “At Durham College the student experience comes first and this was a great way to reach out to our prospective and future students to learn more about their first impressions of the college.”

Welsh came to collect her winnings at an official cheque presentation held at the Oshawa campus on June 13. She was welcomed by the Admissions and Recruitment team then joined by Durham College President Don Lovisa and Corbett as she was presented with her winnings.

“Making the call to Megan was probably just as exciting for me, added Corbett. “ Hearing her enthusiasm and knowing what a tremendous impact the prize will make on her and her family made it that much more rewarding.” 

 “It was definitely the best wake-up call I’ve ever had,” added Welsh who will begin her studies in September.

For more information on the college’s next open house, taking place on Saturday, November 10, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/open-house.