Whitby campus celebrates 20th anniversary

In honour of its grand opening two decades ago, the Whitby campus celebrated its 20th anniversary of providing high-quality training in skilled trades, apprenticeships and renewable technology, with a ceremony on November 21.

More than 80 people gathered in the student lounge area to hear remarks from Don Lovisa, president; second-year Construction Carpentry – Sustainable student Lissi Sorenson; and Sandy MacDonald, former 29-year employee at the college and fixture at the Whitby campus during his time there.

“While many things at the Whitby campus have changed, the college’s goal to provide quality learning experiences and the best facilities possible for each and every student has remained true,” said Lovisa. “I’d like to thank and recognize the faculty and administrative and support staff who helped open the campus in 1993 and those who continue to support its operation today.”

Guests were treated to a slide show of images from the past 20 years at the Whitby campus, including pictures from the official grand opening event on November 18, 1993. Cadbury treats were handed out in recognition of the building’s former resident before the college purchased the facility in 1992.

Covering more than 29 acres of land, the campus started as a 150,000-square-foot Skills Training Centre featuring shop and lab space; a productivity improvement centre; skills development office; and Bureau of Excellence.

The original campus layout also included a bookstore, library, student service centre and cafeteria. Since its opening, a computer commons, offices and further student space has been added.

The majority of the campus’ growth has taken place in the past four years as part of the three-phase expansion project. Phase 1 opened in December 2009 and included a second-storey addition with new classrooms and labs, wind turbines and geothermal technology systems in support of the college’s focus on renewable energy.

May 2011 saw the opening of Phase 2 which included 13,000 additional square feet of expanded shop area as well as new labs, classrooms and boardrooms; a renovated reception area; and two new residential labs.

The third and final phase of the expansion – the Centre for Food (CFF) – officially opened on October 17 and accommodates approximately 900 students enrolled in culinary, hospitality, tourism, horticulture and agriculture programs. It also features Bistro ’67, a full-service restaurant; Pantry, a retail store presenting ready-made food prepared by students; and state-of-the-art kitchens, classrooms and labs.

Sorenson a second-generation student at the Whitby campus, is following in her father’s footsteps and will be graduating next spring. She has great appreciation for what she will take away from her educational experience.

“I believe the college provides a learning environment that really lets the students who have a voice know that they will be listened to,” Sorenson said. “I am very proud to be graduating saying that I attended Durham College. It’s left nothing but a positive impression on me and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.”