They may not have crossed the stage at the Tribute Communities Centre, but Durham College’s (DC) more than 3,800 graduates are being recognized through a variety of online and physical festivities, designed to acknowledge and celebrate their hard work and achievements.

The class of 2019-2020 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.

Filled with elements typically seen at convocation, the site features:

• Messages of congratulations from DC’s leadership team and each school’s dean.
• Virtual shout outs and recognition for grads submitted by family, friends, faculty and college employees.
• A list of frequently asked questions related to graduation.
• Links to order DC merchandise, from grad rings to t-shirts and flowers.
• Information about life as a college alumni, including benefits details.
• Digital DC swag so #DCGrad2020 pride can be shared online.
• Details about what comes next after graduation.

In addition, the site acknowledges this year’s Alumni of Distinction winners. The Alumni of Distinction award honours the extraordinary contributions DC graduates make to society while achieving career success. Congratulations to Judy Pal (Sports and Entertainment, 1983), Nancy Shaw (Practical Nursing, 1985), Lori Lane Murphy (Public Relations, 1988) and Ellen Stitt (Water Quality Technician, 2013).

The DC Alumni Association (DCAA) also helped ensure the class of 2020 was celebrated by providing free, DC-branded lawn signs that are now displayed at graduates’ homes to show college pride while celebrating their success.

More than 745 signs were distributed during three DC style drive-through events, featuring curbside pick up, as grads were cheered on by the college’s leadership team and its school deans. The sign is also available for download for those who missed the events or do not live locally.

“It was so important to find other ways to honour our graduates and their accomplishments,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College.  We’ve all experienced a lot of change and upheaval but our grads were able to persevere and finished what they set out to do when they chose to study at DC. I truly believe these students have graduated with a greater sense of inclusion, empathy and understanding of the roles we each play in making society a better place. They also have the skills they need to succeed in whatever comes next in their personal journeys, which is an incredibly powerful combination. On behalf of the entire college community, I want to congratulate and wish them the best of luck.”