Durham College names three new Alumni of Distinction

Durham College (DC) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2023 Alumni of Distinction award. 

Christine Cunningham (Social Service Worker, 2015), Stew MacDonald (Sports Administration, 1981) and Tre Sanderson (Culinary Management, 2015) have all been selected this year and will be presented with their awards at Spring Convocation. It’s a meaningful milestone for all of the honourees, each of whom credits DC with playing a key role in their success.

“It was through Durham College that I was able to change my career and come into social service work,” said Cunningham, who runs a successful counselling private practice and is the founder and executive director of Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario (PWO). She also acts as a placement supervisor for Social Service Worker students from DC. “I believe in the work I’m doing in this community and it’s wonderful to have more people learn about it because of winning the award.”

MacDonald is president and chief revenue officer with the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League. Throughout his tenure, the team has won multiple Stanley Cup championships, hosted the NHL’s first-ever outdoor game and relocated to a new, state-of-the-art arena. Throughout his career, he has supported DC as an Alumni Leader, a participant in the DC Talks: Alumni Series, and a mentor to students.

“I am forever grateful to Durham College for accepting me as a student and for preparing me for my career,” he said. “I have always been very proud of being a Durham grad, so to be recognized by the College as an Alumnus of Distinction is a huge personal honour. The list of past recipients of this award is so impressive, and to be included in that group is incredibly special.”

Tre Sanderson made history last year as the first Black winner of Top Chef Canada. He has worked in some of Toronto’s best kitchens throughout his career and incorporates his diverse culinary influences into his creations. He returned to DC earlier this year as the guest chef for a special event at the campus restaurant, Bistro ’67, and shared his knowledge and experience with today’s students.

“This means a lot to me. Being recognized for my accomplishments since graduating from Durham with this awesome award is rewarding,” he said. “I’m very thankful.”

“We are proud to celebrate Christine, Stew and Tre who, throughout their remarkable careers, have epitomized what ‘leading the way’ is all about,” said Linda Flynn, associate vice president, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs. “These exceptional individuals show the power of a DC education, and they are an inspiration for our entire community.”

Learn more about this year’s nominees.