On June 11, 12 and 13, more than 4,000 Durham College (DC) students received their credentials during this year’s Spring Convocation, with friends, family and the college community cheering them on.

Held at the Tribute Communities Centre in downtown Oshawa, graduates from the Centre for Food and schools of Business, IT & Management; Continuing Education, Health & Community Services; Interdisciplinary Studies; Justice & Emergency Services; Media, Art & Design; Science & Engineering Technology and Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology received their diplomas and certificates.

Guest speakers at each ceremony were:

• Kent Farndale, a community philanthropist, volunteer, longstanding DC supporter and recipient of a DC Honorary Credential in Community Development, who spoke on June 11
• Manjula Selvarajah, a freelance journalist, technology columnist for CBC Radio and producer for local CBC Radio shows, as well as a 2014 graduate of DC’s Journalism – Print and Broadcast program (now known as Journalism – Mass Media), who spoke on June 12
• Andrew Genge, a Canadian Paralympian snowboarder who is currently enrolled in DC’s Practical Nursing program, who spoke on June 13

Over the course of the three days, the college also awarded four Alumni of Distinction Awards, which honour the extraordinary contributions DC alumni make to society while achieving career success.

The following alumni received the award:

• Chief Bryant Wood, a 1990 graduate of the Electronics Engineering Technology program
• Manjula Selvarajah, a 2014 graduate of the Journalism – Print and Broadcast program – now known as Journalism – Mass Media
• Kurtis Sisk, a 2000 graduate of the Public Relations program
• Roland Kielbasiewicz, a 1990 graduate of the Business Operations Management program