Durham College’s mission that the student experience comes first is ringing true for two future students who visited the college’s annual Spring Open House on March 23.

Welcoming approximately 4,700 visitors to the Oshawa, Whitby and Pickering campuses, potential students were given the opportunity to win free tuition (maximum $2,500) at Durham College by filling out a survey of their open house experience or an iPad for visiting all indicated open house areas and completing the Passport to Success challenge.

As Wilson Martins of Brampton, Ont. finalizes plans to begin in the General Arts and Science – Pre-Health program in September, that simple survey turned into a $2,500 tuition cheque.

Martins was selected as the winner from a pool of more than 1,100 entrants who completed the open house experience survey. Upon learning of his big win, Martins took to Twitter to express his excitement.

“Just won $2,500 from @durhamcollege…I’m freakin’ out!”

With the initial goal of graduating from the Pre-Health program, Martins hopes to use that diploma to enter either the Practical Nursing or Paramedic program at Durham College in September 2014.

Brittany Estwick of Oakville, Ont., who will begin the Animal Care program at the Whitby campus this September, was also a lucky winner, receiving a new iPad for completing the Passport to Success challenge. During her open house experience, she visited all designated areas including program information sessions; the walking tour; photo booth; admissions, career planning and financial aid and awards presentations; and the student services booth.

“I felt very excited, I didn’t think I would win the iPad,” said Estwick. “The prize will definitely help me for school on those days when it isn’t necessary for me to bring a computer to school.”

For more information regarding Durham College’s Fall Open House, which will take place on Saturday, November 16, please visit the DC Open House page.