On October 6 the City of Toronto together with partners and sponsors hosted an International Students Festival to celebrate the rich diversity these students bring to the Greater Toronto Area. Durham College student Sanjay Surendran was the recipient of the Community Service Award presented by the college’s President Don Lovisa at Nathan Phillips Square.

Surendran is from Jaipur, Rajasthan, India and is currently in his third year of the Computer Programmer Analyst program. He has been an active participant in college activities both on and off campus and is passionate about Durham College.  In recognition of his dedication to the college and the broader Durham Region community, Surendran was elected this year to the Durham College Board of Governors – the first international student to ever hold such a position at the college.

The City of Toronto is committed to promoting and advocating for all educational institutions in the region and to providing a positive experience for students. The festival recognized six students in all with Toronto International Student Excellence Awards in the categories of community services; entrepreneurship; high achiever; academic achievement; sports; and arts & culture. The festival also included cultural performances, prize draws, information booths and networking.