Today marks the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a global pandemic. In light of March 11 being named a national day of observance, we reflect on the past 12 months – the impact the virus has had on our world and the lives it has changed – and are reminded that despite the obstacles we’ve faced, we’ve still found a way to rise to every challenge.

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In a year of change, our students, employees and community have donated their time and ingenuity, kept our frontline heroes safe while supporting vulnerable populations, and discovered new ways to work and learn. Durham College (DC) has kept the health and safety of our people at the forefront of all our decisions and has ensured our students continue to learn the theory and hands-on skills they need to be in demand.

Here are just a few of the ways DC has been leading the way this year.

DC puts 3D printers into action, making PPE for donation to workers on the frontline of COVID-19

Working out of their garages and basements, 16 DC employees, students and alumni embarked on an inspiring journey in March 2020 to create the frames for face shields used by health care workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. In just a few months, the team grew to an impressive 62 volunteer members using 83 3D printers and raised nearly $16,000 in funds to support the initiative. Members produced 6,350 face shield headbands and 32,700 ear savers that relieve the pressure of elastic bands used to hold face masks in place.

Journalism students put learning to work, gain real-work experience creating COVID-cation podcast

Faced with COVID-19-related cancellations and postponements of their field placements, six DC Journalism – Mass Media students decided to create their own real-work experience. The result was COVID-cation, a weekly podcast produced by students for students. Each episode focused on a specific theme – from education and emotional well-being to finances – while exploring the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on students of all ages.

Virtual Open House engages 3,600 visitors in online experience

More than 3,600 prospective students and their families have explored DC digitally through the college’s Spring and Fall Virtual Open House events, both of which were huge successes. Providing guests with an inside look at the DC student experience, DC is gearing up to offer students a third Virtual Open House on Saturday, March 27.

DC on the Frontlines – meet our frontline heroes!

Last year, DC launched a new initiative, DC on the Frontlines, to honour and shine a light on our college community members serving and protecting others in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and well beyond. You can now meet some of our DC frontline heroes through a virtual gallery.

Durham College recognizes the class of 2020

They may not have crossed the stage at the Tribute Communities Centre, but more than 4,800 DC graduates were recognized through various online and physical festivities designed to acknowledge and celebrate their hard work and achievements. The class of 2020 will be invited to attend an in-person ceremony when it is safe to do so, however, DC recognized the importance of marking the accomplishments of its graduates upon completion of their credentials and created a Convocation Recognition website.

DC’s Working Across Borders project continues to make a global impact during COVID-19

Four years ago, Durham College (DC) started an innovative Working Across Borders (WAB) course for business students, which allows them to engage with various international institutions around the world through virtual collaborative learning. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, last fall more than 500 students from all over the world joined more than 120 DC students, many of which are international, from the Project Management and International Business Management post-graduate programs. Using the Rotary Global Classroom, DC’s live-stream venue, partners from Germany, Belgium, Slovenia, Netherlands, Russia, Finland, Italy, Ecuador, Bangladesh, and Indonesia came together for a kickoff session to discuss project details and to meet their teammates and 2020 WAB project partner and client, Seventh Generation.

DC launches two new degree programs and a graduate certificate for in-demand jobs

DC received consent from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities this year to offer two new degree programs which will address labour shortages being experienced in two of Canada’s hottest job sectors – construction management and artificial intelligence. Following the success of DC’s first degree programs launched in 2017 and 2019, the new Honours Bachelor of Construction Management (HBCM) and Honours Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence (HBAI) are currently accepting applications for September 2021. In addition to the degree programs, DC has also launched a new graduate certificate in Pharmaceutical Science for students with previous post-secondary experience.

DC celebrates successful Campus Food Drive

Thanks to the generosity of our campus community, the 2020 Campus Food Drive raised more than $22,000 to help 384 students in need. The food drive bursary supported qualifying full-time students (married/sole support) with families and students living away from home and experiencing food insecurity.

DC launches Personal Support Worker Accelerated program

DC is launching a new Personal Support Worker (PSW) Accelerated program with start dates in April, May and June in response to a provincial government initiative. The tuition and ancillary fees for accepted students will be covered by the Ontario government and students will graduate with full credentials and ready for employment within six months.

These ways in which we have learned to adapt and thrive over the last 12 months, despite the challenges set before us, demonstrates the resilience, passion and innovation found in the DC community. As we look forward, we will continue to lead the way.