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Durham College celebrates 2025 Alumni of Distinction recipients

This year, Durham College (DC) welcomes five individuals to the long list of outstanding graduates who have been recognized as the college’s Alumni of Distinction.

The 2025 Alumni of Distinction recipients Jeremy Burns, Aaron Dale, Chris Cull, Shawn Small and Paula Sojo, will be celebrated at DC’s Spring Convocation.

“We are so proud to celebrate this group of inspiring DC graduates,” said Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations. “Each of them has found success in a career path using their own experiences to guide and assist others.”

  • Jeremy Burns

    Penelogy and Youth, 2005
    Law and Security Administration, 2004

    Aaron dale

    Police Foundations, 2005

    As Canadian Armed Forces veterans, Burns and Dale have a personal understanding of the gaps in support for military veterans. Together, they co-founded the Military Veterans Wellness Program (MVWP), a pioneering initiative designed to support Canadian military veterans in their transition to civilian life and improve public safety. The program is now part of mandatory training for Toronto police officers and more than 18,000 people have participated in the training in Canada. MVWP has been adapted internationally and is in the process of implementation in Australia, Ukraine, and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). Burns graduated from the Penology and Youth program in 2005 and the Law and Security Administration program in 2004, while Dale graduated from Police Foundations in 2005. Both have served as Toronto Police Service officers for the past six years.

  • CHRIS CULL

    Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician, 2007

    A 2007 graduate of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician, Cull’s inspiring achievements in health sciences are rooted in his personal transformation from opioid addiction to recovery and advocacy. Collaborating with DC’s Social Impact Hub, he created his 2023-2024 docuseries, Surviving Addiction, which highlights the humanity behind addiction and how it affects individuals and those surrounding them. A motivational speaker, filmmaker, and policy consultant, he has advised numerous institutions, including but not limited to, the Ontario Health Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, the Government of Canada, and the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. In addition, he is a member of the World Health Organization's Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Mental Health, Neurological and Substance Use Conditions.

  • SHAWN SMALL

    Sports Administration, 1998

    Founder and President of RISE Integrated Sports + Entertainment, Small has built an agency that champions diversity, inclusion, and innovation in sports partnerships. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded major sponsorship initiatives for organizations, including Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Northern Super League, and the Canadian Elite Basketball League. An industry leader, he regularly shares his insights as an event speaker, panellist, and awards judge. Beyond driving measurable success for sports organizations, Small is dedicated to mentorship, helping to guide the next generation of sports leaders. He has also made an impact on DC students, previously teaching in the program that shaped his own professional journey in 1998, Sports Administration, and serving as a member of the Program Advisory Committee.

  • PAULA SOJO

    Photography, 2025
    Video Production, 2024

    At the age of 18, Paula Sojo was diagnosed with a severe case of Crohn’s disease, resulting in 17 surgeries and a permanent ostomy. Determined to help others, she teamed up with her brother to found Ostome Fashion, a thriving business that provides fashionable and empowering options to all ostomy users. With help from family, friends, and mentors, she has not only changed her life but also promoted representation and acceptance and empowered her community. Sojo is a 2024 graduate of the Video Production program and will cross the Convocation stage for a second time this spring as a 2025 graduate of DC’s Photography program.

Thousands of graduates will celebrate their achievements next month at DC’s Spring Convocation, which takes place from Monday, June 16 to Thursday, June 19 at the Tribute Communities Centre.

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.