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D.G. Biddle visits Whitby campus to celebrate support for DC’s Civil Engineering Technician and Technology programs

Durham College (DC) welcomed local civil engineering and planning services consultancy, D.G. Biddle & Associates Limited, to the Whitby campus in March to celebrate their gift of $50,000.

D.G Biddle’s generous donation allowed the college to purchase a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) for use in the Civil Engineering Technician and Technology programs, greatly enhancing students’ hands-on learning experience.

During the visit, first-year Civil Engineering Technology students, James Gallagher-Conejo and Zain Khan, demonstrated a double shear test on aluminum and copper.

“A UTM can be used to perform tensile, compression, shear, double shear, hardness, and flexure tests on materials like steel, aluminum, brass and copper,” explained Myla Minelli, Program Coordinator. “These tests allow students to understand how materials behave under different loading and how they are applied in real-world construction scenarios.”

After the demonstration, guests visited the D.G. Biddle & Associates Limited Computer-Aided Design Lab, named in recognition of the firm’s generous support for capital equipment at DC – the college’s top fundraising priority at this time.

“We’re proud to support students at Durham College,” said Michael Carswell, Managing Principal, D.G. Biddle & Associates. “We like to hire local talent and believe that supporting DC’s programs is a great way to contribute to the education of those seeking satisfying and rewarding careers in civil engineering.”

In 2024, D.G. Biddle & Associates Limited marked the company’s 50th anniversary. Located in Oshawa, their team includes technicians, clerical, and field personnel providing civil, structural, mechanical, electrical engineering and planning services to both private and public clients. Over the years, D.G. Biddle has built a strong partnership with the college, offering co-op and field placements to students as well as hiring DC grads.

“I’d like to thank Michael and the team at D.G. Biddle for seeing the value of DC’s civil engineering tech programs,” said Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations. “This investment in our programs and students ensures our students have access to the equipment and opportunities they need to acquire the experience employers are looking for.”

 

Becoming an Alumni Leader

Many alumni look for opportunities to give back to Durham College (DC), helping to support future generations of students through co-op opportunities, mentorship, and philanthropy. The Alumni Leaders category recognizes DC graduates who have made an annual donation to DC of $500 or more, further building upon the lasting impact they’ve had on the college.

We caught up with Alumni Leader and President of the Durham College Alumni Association (DCAA) Board of Directors, Drew Samuels to ask him about why he chose to give back to DC and what philanthropy means to him. A 2011 graduate of the Paralegal graduate certificate program, Drew is a licensed paralegal as well as a part-time professor at DC.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GIVE TO DC?

Often when you go through life and experience a challenging time, you ask yourself, “Why me?” I think you should also ask yourself the same question when you experience good times. For that reason, I feel it is imperative that I give back to DC. During your post-secondary educational journey, you may experience difficult times. There is a sense of urgency and with that urgency comes stress. However, some of the best times are experienced at school as well. Giving to DC can help students who are in need and allow them to fully embrace the student experience.

BEYOND YOUR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS AS A DONOR, YOU GIVE BACK TO DC THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM ON THE DCAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ARE ASLO A PART-TIME PROFESSOR. HOW HAVE THESE ROLES BENEFITED YOUR CAREER OR YOU PERSONALLY?

Money is an important factor in giving back but time can be impactful too. On the DCAA Board of Directors, I have the privilege of speaking with alumni about their experiences and helping to define the vision of how we engage with alumni. Through teaching in DC’s Paralegal program, I get to be the professor I always wanted to be and am able to assist others on their pathways to success.

My volunteerism and my time as a part-time professor has enriched both my career and personal life. There are numerous benefits, including professional development, networking opportunities, visibility in the community, personal fulfilment, and also skill diversification.

HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COLLEGE HAVE IMPACTED STUDENTS?

One of the most important things we can pass on to students is information. I often meet students who just want to know how to galvanize their education and create a career path. Part of that journey is understanding that someone before them had similar concerns and fears, as well as similar hopes and dreams. To know a person just like them overcame odds and achieved success is a burden lifted from them and can inspire hope. I think it propels the students I speak with to go on and achieve far greater success than I have. I cannot think of a greater feeling than trying to provide a student with inspiration by providing them information, mentorship, and/or sponsorship and then watching that student execute and achieve their dreams.

WHAT ROLE DOES PHILANTHROPY PLAY IN YOUR LIFE?

With the resources I am fortunate enough to have – both time and money – I am able to influence social change which will outlive me. Your legacy can certainly be your family, but it can also be accompanied by your philanthropic endeavours. What you do today will have an effect on tomorrow and quite possibly generations to follow. I believe my legacy is intricately tied to the good I do with the resources I can provide.

If you’re interested in becoming an Alumni Leader, contact the Advancement & Alumni Relations team for more information or make a donation online. A contribution of $50 a month to the Student Experience Fund can help ensure students have access to new and industry standard equipment in their field.  

Career Launch event series prepares soon-to-be grads and alumni for their next step

Durham College (DC) helps students gain not only industry-specific skills, but also provides invaluable opportunities to hone soft skills, make connections and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

Over the past three months, soon-to-be grads and alumni participated in Career Launch, a series of events to help them develop confidence and smoothly transition from college to the workplace.

“These activities are designed to complement classroom learning and ensure that they are ready to enter professional environments,” said Mary Weller, Alumni Development Officer. “It’s wonderful to see students and alumni make connections that will open doors and leverage opportunities for personal and professional development.”

Building your brand

During the LinkedIn Mastery Seminar, PUNCH media’s Leslie Hughes shared tips for optimizing a presence on LinkedIn. Guests received new, professional headshots, taken by students in DC’s Photography program. Students also practiced their elevator pitches at three Pitch Perfect sessions.

Learning new skills

Representatives from TD Wealth Financial Planning were on hand at the Financial Literacy Session to answer questions about budgeting, investing and debt management during the Financial Literacy Session.

Back by popular demand was DC’s Etiquette Dinner. Led by etiquette consultant Susy Fossati, guests participated in a practical lab to gain dining tips to use at their next interview or meeting – all while enjoying a three-course meal at DC’s own Bistro ’67.

“There is a lot to think about during a formal dinner,” said Computer Programming and Analysis student Christian Weersink. “I learned a lot and was even recognized for my honesty in the number of mistakes I made! What a fun way to pick up tips and guidance.

Making connections

Events focused on networking included the campus Job Fairs, Student Leadership Summit, and International DC Talks. These events allowed students to build relationships with potential employers, industry leaders and alumni.

The Career Launch program is organized by Career Development, Student Development, International Education and the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations.

After graduation, alumni also have lifetime access to career development services through the college’s Hired Portal where they can to search for job listings, explore career resources, or book an appointment with a Career Coach.

Exploring the zigzag career path at DC Talks: Alumni Series

No career path is the same and the path to success is not always a straightforward one.

To demonstrate this, four Durham College (DC) alumni from varying industries recently returned for a DC Talks: Alumni Series titled, The Zigzag Career Path. They shared with students, employees and fellow alumni how they leveraged the skills and connections they made during their time at DC to help propel them into the next, sometimes unexpected, chapters of their careers.

Karey Anne Large, CEO, Whitby Chamber of Commerce, and 1997 graduate of Legal Administration (now named Law Clerk), shared that when she didn’t make the move to work full-time in a law firm, she thought she would never use what she learned in college. “But my office role evolved,” she said, “And I ended up being the point person for executing contracts – and I still use those skills today! I wouldn’t change what I studied because it puts a different lens on the things I do now.”

The conversation covered the importance of building resiliency and adaptability, as well as embracing the opportunities in front of you.

“Younger me didn’t know it was okay to change the dream,” said Adam Hare, President of Petley-Hare Insurance Brokers, Co-founder of Bread & Butter Creative Agency and 2006 graduate of Multimedia Design (now named Interactive Media Design). “You all have a dream right now, but things are constantly evolving. Be okay with that.”

The DC Talks: Alumni Series is hosted by the Durham College Alumni Association and aims to inspire current students, facilitate networking among alumni, and highlight success stories. Hosted twice a year, this event welcomes panellists and guests to join online or in person in the Rotary Global Classroom.

Read on to get to know the panellists and learn from their experiences. Watch the full recording of DC Talks: Alumni Series “The Zigzag Career Path.”

  • Adam Hare

    Multimedia Design, Class of 2006

    Adam’s career journey began as a young entrepreneur, launching his own clothing line, and later evolved into managing a creative team at Universal Music Canada, one of the world’s top entertainment companies. More recently, Adam has made a significant impact in the insurance industry, modernizing a century-old business model into a cutting-edge, culture first, technology-driven operation. In addition, he co-founded a full-service digital marketing and consulting agency, Bread & Butter Creative Agency, helping large brands and small businesses across Canada elevate their presence and achieve success.

  • Karey Anne Large

    Legal Administration, Class of 1997

    While working in the corporate world in 2005, Karey Anne started making cakes out of her home kitchen. After discovering her passion for cake decorating, she dove in headfirst, leaving her corporate career behind and opening her first retail location in 2011. She saw many sweet successes during her cake decorating journey, claiming a number of awards, including first runner up on Food Network’s Cake Wars. In 2017, she became the Executive Director of the Downtown Whitby Business Improvement Area, combining her experience as a small business owner with her love for the Town of Whitby. In recent years, Karey Anne has continued to serve the business community as the Executive Director of the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, and has now returned to Whitby as the CEO of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce.

  • Leslie Seeley

    Sports Administration, Class of 1986

    Leslie’s extensive career with General Motors of Canada spanned multiple roles, including Senior Community Leader and Business Manager. With over 30 years of experience in operations, project management, and safety oversight, Leslie retired from GM and opened Pure + Simple Oshawa, a premium wellness spa franchise. In addition to her role as manager and owner of Pure + Simple, she is also a part-time professor at DC, where she continues to focus on driving results, fostering innovation, and supporting others in achieving their potential.

  • Kirsten Walker

    Human Resource Management, Class of 2010

    In 2011, Kirsten moved to the UK to play professional football but stayed to pursue a Master’s degree in Business Psychology and now calls London home. Kirsten has over 10 years’ experience of leading, supporting and embedding large-scale transformation initiatives. A strong relationship manager, this has taken her cross-industry in the transport, pharmaceutical, energy, financial services and public sectors and has worked with various levels of executives to embed change. In her role as Business Manager at Newton Europe, she is currently leading a team of Operations and Digital consultants to improve people’s health and social care outcomes in Dorset by transforming their Urgent and Emergency Care pathways.

DC Alumni reconnect while cheering on the Oshawa Generals

It’s always a good time when Durham College (DC) alumni get together – especially when the home team gets the win. With the Oshawa Generals taking the lead in the third period, it was good cheer all around at the annual DC Alumni Hockey Night on January 24.

Hosted by the Durham College Alumni Association (DCAA), the event welcomed DC alumni, employees, and their friends and family to watch the Oshawa Generals take on the Peterborough Petes at the Tribute Communities Centre (TCC). Guests reconnected while enjoying dinner and the game in the TCC’s Medallion Lounge.

“Durham College Alumni Hockey Night brought together more than 170 attendees this year, showcasing the incredible strength of our alumni community,” said Mary Weller, Alumni Officer at DC. “A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsor, TD Insurance – their support makes nights like this possible!”

At the top of the game, DC’s Vice President, People, Equity and External Relations, Bonnie St. George; DCAA President, Drew Samuels; and DC’s mascot, Lou, represented the college during the ceremonial puck drop.

Next year, the DCAA will be celebrating the 10th DC Alumni Hockey Night. DC grads are encouraged to watch for more information about this and upcoming events in the digital Alumni Newsletter or on DCAA’s Instagram account.

Durham College to honour exceptional graduates with 2025 Alumni of Distinction Award

Durham College (DC) has been providing dynamic, hands-on learning for over 50 years, and our graduates can be found all around the world, contributing to their communities, making a positive impact and driving change. Each year, DC recognizes some of our remarkable graduates through the Alumni of Distinction Award. Nominations for this year’s awards are now open.

DC’s rapidly-growing alumni community exceeds 116,000 people who play impactful roles both locally and internationally. Since 1990, more than 120 alumni have been honoured with the Alumni of Distinction Award. Recipients are chosen based on their professional, community and personal accomplishments, the scope of their impact, as well as their contributions to the advancement of DC. Winners have ranged from respected medical practitioners to accomplished broadcasters and leaders in sport.

“We are proud of all our alumni, who are making a difference around the world, using the skills and knowledge learned at Durham College,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College. “This award is our opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional contributions they are making in their communities while recognizing and celebrating their remarkable achievements.”

The 2024 Alumni of Distinction included Shelby Nelson, Vice-President of Florida Operations for the Toronto Blue Jays, and Adam Ruppel, founder of Chico Racing and co-founder of Mud Hero and the Drive Festival at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

The nomination form is available online at www.durhamcollege.ca/alumniofdistinction and must be submitted to alumni@durhamcollege.ca before 5 p.m. on Friday, March 7. The award recipients will be recognized at DC’s Spring Convocation in June.

Durham College grad receives G.W. McLaughlin Award

Durham College (DC) alumnus Kyle Douglas has been named the 2024 G.W. McLaughlin Award recipient by the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce (GOCC), recognizing the profound impact he has made in his community. Selected by the Chamber’s Board President, this award is given to an individual who displays exceptional dedication to the community, outstanding career achievement, civic pride and who has been a mentor, both in business and in life, to the Board President.

“Kyle truly embodies the spirit of the G.W. McLaughlin Award,” said GOCC CEO, Jason King. “I’ve only known Kyle for just over three years. In this time, I’ve seen firsthand his dedication to both the Chamber and the Oshawa community. His easy style of community leadership, enthusiastic commitment to service, and genuine care for others make him more than deserving of this recognition.”

Winning this award so early on in his career underlines Douglas’ natural commitment to community, which he says was instilled in him by his family who emphasized the importance of giving back. In addition to leadership roles on various Chamber committees, he also served on the GOCC’s Board of Directors from 2018 to 2019, making him the youngest President in the Chamber’s history.

Outside of his involvement with the GOCC, Douglas currently volunteers his time through coaching his children’s sports teams, on the Durham Regional Police Appreciation Dinner & Awards Night committee, and as a Durham College Alumni Association (DCAA) Board Director.

“Joining the DCAA Board of Directors felt like a great way for me to stay connected with the college,” explained Douglas. “To give back to the institution that played such a pivotal role in my life is really important. I’ve always believed that supporting the alumni association strengthens the community. It’s inspiring to see the positive impact our college has on students and the local workforce.”

A 2011 graduate of DC’s Human Resources – Business Administration program, Douglas began his DC education as a mature student and attributes his choice to enroll at DC to the college’s strong presence in the community. In his role as Manager, Corporate Services at DKI CRCS, a family-owned business started by Douglas’ parents, he acknowledges his company hires a large percentage of DC grads from a wide range of programs.

“Durham College provides their students with the practical skills and real-world experience they need to succeed in their career,” said Douglas. “You can get an education anywhere, but when you have top-level faculty, staff and facilities, it really makes it difference in in what students get out of their school.”

DKI CRCS provides residential and commercial restoration services from their offices in Oshawa and Peterborough. The company just celebrated its 45-year anniversary in September.

Music Business grad nominated at 2024 Canadian Live Music Awards

This spring, Durham College (DC) alumnus Brendan Kennedy was nominated in the Road Warrior (Tour Manager) of the Year category at the 2024 Canadian Live Music Industry Awards (CLMIA), recognizing his more than 10 years on the road working with bands including The Glorious Sons, Valley and Billy Talent. The 8th annual CLMIAs took place on June 4 and celebrated Canada’s live music industry.

Kennedy grew up in Brockville, Ontario, playing in local bands as a drummer. In a small town with minimal resources, he also took on the role of promoter and sound technician – creating a clear vision for a career in the music industry.

Coming from a musical family, with both of his parents being teachers, he was encouraged to get a post-secondary education in an area he felt passionate about. He enrolled in the Music Business Administration program at DC and graduated in 2013.

“I went into the program with a pretty solid goal of what I wanted to accomplish, but the courses and faculty helped me understand how the whole music industry ecosystem works,” said Kennedy. “I took every available opportunity to gain experience doing sound. I did every open mic and took on a really big leadership role at The Reel Music Festival.”

The Reel Music Festival, now Oshawa Music Week, is an annual event organized by students in DC’s Music Business Administration/Music Business Management program and features live music showcases, entertainment for music lovers, and music-industry education for aspiring and established music-business practitioners.

After graduation, Kennedy moved to Toronto with his band, but quickly found his existing connections in the industry were opening opportunities for him to kick-start his career off stage. He began working in the studio with his friend, and future Juno Award-winning producer, Derek Hoffman. He then secured a position doing sound at two Toronto venues working DJ nights and shows. A bartender at one of the venues was Chris Cresswell from Canadian punk-rock band, The Flatliners. Cresswell heard Kennedy mixing a show and invited him on tour.

Since that first tour, Kennedy has been on the road with different bands consistently for 10 years touring Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada and the United States.

He attributes his success not only to technical skills but to soft skills like organization, problem solving and an ability to connect with people. “You have to be good at your job, but being personable is also important,” he said. “I’ve been told I’m a very patient person, so that helps. I’ve always attributed that to my grandparents because they were so patient with my cousins and me as kids.”

A self-described open-book, Kennedy returns to campus when he can to offer guidance and inspiration to current students. His advice to those starting out in the music industry is to find an area you enjoy and stick with it.

“If you know you want to go into tour management for example, find people in that role to network with and just work really hard at that one thing. Putting yourself out there is the most important thing you can do in this business, and if you can stick close to your goals, it’ll pay off.”

* photo credit: Becca Hamel