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Durham College’s Voices in Durham honoured at Canadian Student Journalism Awards

Durham College (DC) Journalism – Mass Media students have earned national recognition for their work amplifying local voices through Voices in Durham — a community-driven storytelling project that connects students with local organizations across Durham Region.

The project received an Honourable Mention in the Community-Driven Project of the Year category at the 2025 Canadian Student Journalism Awards, hosted by J-Schools Canada. As the only Ontario college recognized among this year’s winners, DC stood proudly alongside leading university teams from across the country.

Community collaboration and impact

Launched in 2021, Voices in Durham was developed to help address what’s known as a news desert — communities where shrinking newsroom resources have left residents without consistent local coverage. In these areas, stories about social issues and everyday lives often go untold.

Through the project, DC students collaborate with local organizations and community partners to bring stories to light — with empathy, understanding, and an emphasis on community connection. Topics explored have included homelessness, mental health, criminal involvement, and racism, aligning with priorities identified in Durham Region’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.

“This initiative shows how collaboration between students and community partners not only strengthens local journalism but also ensures that important stories are told with care and accuracy,” said Teresa Goff, Program Coordinator of the journalism programs at DC. “It gives students the chance to practice journalism that listens before it speaks.”

The project spans multiple courses in the college’s Journalism and Broadcasting programs and has been supported through funding from Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada and partnerships with organizations, such as Safety Network Durham, Revitaled Reintegration, Their Opportunity, Autism Homebase, and the Clarington East Food Bank.

Student leadership on display at CAJ Unplugged 2025

With support from the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), the students have built on this momentum and helped organize CAJ Unplugged: Voices in Durham 2025, a two-day event set to take place November 15 and 16.

Working together with DC’s Collaboragency team, students will support social media promotion, videography, and event coordination, continuing the project’s focus on hands-on learning and community storytelling.

Journalism student Lauren Cole, one of two producers for this year’s event, said the experience has deepened her understanding of the role local journalism plays in community life.

“As a journalism student, it’s important to know the community you report on,” she said. “This project helped me learn about the non-profits that make a real difference in Durham Region.”

Fellow producer Juan Suarez and Indigenous peer mentor Eva Ritchie are also contributing in key leadership roles, with Ritchie collaborating with traditional knowledge keeper Jim Adams to ensure Indigenous perspectives are represented respectfully throughout the event.

From classroom learning to national recognition, Voices in Durham continues to demonstrate the impact of community-first storytelling — and the growing role of DC’s Journalism students in revitalizing local news.

Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture honoured with 2025 Durham Region Accessibility Advisory Committee Award

Accessibility is at the heart of Durham College’s (DC) Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture, where every element of its work — from design to programming — is focused on ensuring everyone can learn, grow, and connect through food.

This commitment has earned the Barrett Centre a 2025 Accessibility Advisory Committee Award from the Region of Durham, which honours organizations and individuals making outstanding contributions to accessibility across the region.

Received in recognition of its work at the Ajax Urban Farm, the Barrett Centre is reimagining how agriculture and experiential learning can be inclusive for all. The farm was built with universal design principles in mind, and features accessible picnic tables, crushed gravel pathways, raised garden beds, and regular rest stops to support individuals with reduced mobility or complex needs. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) signage and handheld supports further ensure that everyone can communicate and participate fully in on-site activities.

“Creating inclusive spaces where everyone can learn and experience the benefits of sustainable agriculture is an important part of our mission,” said Carey Yeoman, Partnership Manager at the Barrett Centre. “This award reflects the dedication of our team and community partners who help us break down barriers every day.”

Through weekly on-farm partnerships and seasonal programming this summer, the Barrett Centre collaborated with various community organizations, including:

    • The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region, whose clients engaged in gentle movement, reminiscing, and hands-on activities.
    • The Community Development Council of Durham – Adult Newcomers, which focused on community building, agri-education, and language skills.
    • Grandview Kids, where participants explored communication, sensory experiences, and nature connections.

“This was our first time hosting one of our Active Living programs entirely outdoors, and it was largely made possible due to the accessibility considerations of the farm’s design and team,” said Sara Sellers, Manager, Alzheimer Society of Durham Region. “They took the time to learn about our client’s needs, abilities, and interests and completed our Dementia Friendly Community training beforehand to expand their dementia skills and knowledge.”

The Barrett Centre’s Food IQ workshop series also extends this work beyond the farm, engaging groups such as the Brain Injury Association of Durham to build food literacy, skill development, and hands-on learning focused on affordable, nutritious, and replicable meals.

As the farm season winds down, the Barrett Centre will continue advancing accessibility initiatives through the Food IQ series and other community-based programs across Durham Region.

“Our goal is to keep building on this momentum,” Yeoman added. “We want to continue demonstrating that agriculture can be a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone.”

The Barrett Centre received the award at the Region of Durham’s Annual Accessibility Awards Celebration in September.

Research project empowers parents with cognitive challenges

Durham College’s (DC) Social Impact Hub is at the forefront of a groundbreaking community-engaged research project designed to identify gaps and determine how to improve support for parents with cognitive challenges.

Research shows that while many such parents are able to hold jobs and live independently with minimal support, the average global rate of custody removal for those that become parents is significantly higher than any other group of children.

“Parents with cognitive challenges should not have to prove themselves capable of parenting and yet, they do,” explained Amanda Cappon, DC faculty member who led the project with DC faculty member Kay Corbier. “They are held to a level of scrutiny higher than any other parent, which was the motivation for this project – to challenge the stigma of being a parent with cognitive challenges and mitigate trauma to families.”

The project, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) through the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF), brought together a wide network of collaborators, including the Starfish Parent Support Program, the Regional Municipality of Durham, Durham Children’s Aid Society, Lake Ridge Community Support Services, and Brock University. Students from DC were hired as research assistants, gaining hands-on experience in community collaboration and applied research while contributing to positive social impact.

Raising Resilient Families: Empowering Parents with Cognitive Challenges highlights the importance of early intervention, community collaboration, and support systems rooted in respect and dignity, influencing lasting change that promotes the well-being of families and prevents unnecessary disruption.

At the heart of the project was a deep commitment to amplify the voices of parents with cognitive challenges, ensuring their lived experiences shaped the project at every step. The multi-phase project included:

  • Interviews with parents and service providers to identify barriers, strengths and gaps in support.
  • Training to over 30 staff from local service providers in the evidence-based Step-by-Step Parenting Program, developed by team member Dr. Maurice Feldman, to build awareness of the unique needs and challenges of parents with cognitive challenges and enhance their skillset for supporting them.
  • Collaborative sessions with parents and service providers to design supports, such as a post-birth plan and parent support group model.

The Raising Resilient Families Final Report identifies the need for systemic change — enhanced supports for parents, tailored training for service providers, and policies that reduce bias and promote equity. The project team will actively share the knowledge gained from this project over the next few months, aiming to spark further conversations and actions that will positively impact practice and the lives of families in our communities.

“The role of parents is critical, as they have the ability to quite literally shape future generations,” said Deanna Cooper, Research Associate and DC Alumni. “As individuals with cognitive challenges embark on their journey of becoming parents, we’re committed to improving the individualized support they may need to foster a safe and healthy environment for their children.”

Regional Chair’s Classic Honours Roger Anderson, supports DC students and mental health programs

The 2025 Regional Chair’s Classic in Memory of Roger Anderson brought together community leaders, generous sponsors, and avid golfers to support students and mental health initiatives across Durham Region.

Held on Thursday, June 12 at Deer Creek Golf and Country Club in Ajax, the 27th annual tournament welcomed 184 participants who rallied behind a common cause—helping students at Durham College (DC) and Ontario Tech University, as well as supporting patient-focused programs at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

This year’s event raised an impressive $268,000, bringing the tournament’s total fundraising efforts to over $8 million since its inception.

“Each year, this tournament plays a vital role in supporting students in need at Durham College and Ontario Tech University, as well as the invaluable youth programs at Ontario Shores Centre. It is a true testament to the power of community and generosity,” said Regional Chair John Henry. “There is no better way to celebrate Roger Anderson’s remarkable legacy of service than by coming together for a fantastic day on the golf course, united in our commitment to these meaningful causes.”

The cheque presentation featured Fred Eismont, Regional Chair’s Classic Committee Chair; John Henry, Durham Regional Chair; Warren Anderson (Roger Anderson’s son); Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President; Lee Hays, Executive Director, Advancement, Ontario Tech University; and Tracy Clegg, CEO, Ontario Shores Foundation.

The 2026 Regional Chair’s Classic is scheduled for Thursday, June 11.

Durham College hosts events to empower and inspire Black students

This spring, Durham College (DC) welcomed hundreds of elementary students from the Durham District School Board (DDSB) to campus for two inspiring events; The Cypher: Black Male Empowerment Conference and Empower Her, dedicated to Black female students.

Each event served as an invaluable opportunity for young Black students from Grades 6 to 8 to celebrate their identity and culture while getting a glimpse of what the future might hold. They spent their time at DC immersed in workshops and engaging with entrepreneurs, community leaders, and organizations, enjoying thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities and moments of connection.

“It was wonderful to welcome these young Kings and Queens to our campus,” said Dr. Sadie Goddard-Durant, Director of DC’s Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. “Through our collaboration with DDSB, we sought to enable them to curate a safe space for young students to reflect on how they embody Black Excellence, and a how post-secondary education might factor into that. We’d love to see them again at DC!”

  • The Cypher: Black Male Empowerment Conference

    “The Cypher is really about creating opportunities for young Black males to see themselves represented in a variety of different ways,” explained Sean McCormack, event Co-Chair.

    Each year, the event empowers young Black males to be leaders and allows their skills and passions to shine, according to Cypher Co-Chair Lynda Dortelus.

    “I want them to see themselves as rising kings,” she said. “It doesn't matter what you do in life, you will rise up and you will overcome whatever barriers that are coming your way because you're capable, and because there are Black kings out there that have done the same.”

    That powerful message was embraced by students like Shemar Burke from Oshawa’s Sunset Heights Public School and Elijah Carrington from Bellwood Public School in Whitby. By the end of the eventful day, they were both thinking about their futures in post-secondary education.

    “I don't really know about colleges, but now that I've had a look around, I will consider DC. It was really fun here,” said Shemar.

    “It feels like college is a place where you can relax and have freedom,” added Elijah.

  • Empower Her Conference

    The success of the Cypher event naturally led to interest in a similar event for young Black girls. Empower Her launched in 2019, and this was the event’s second year at DC.

    The goal of the event is to help Black girls recognize their strength, identity, and potential. This year’s theme, ‘Queens Rising,’ emphasized the inherent power and dignity of each participant. The conference promotes high expectations, goal setting, and self-awareness, equipping attendees with tools to navigate their academic and personal futures with confidence and purpose.

    “This is an event that is meant to inspire young girls to think about how they can use their voice, their lived experiences, and dream big in order to create a bright future,” said Kerron Slack, Vice-Principal at Maamawi iyaawag Public School in Oshawa.

    The participating students met a wide range of successful professionals, from doctors and lawyers to hairdressers, dancers, choreographers and singers.

    “It allows you to really connect with your sisters, which is other Black females, and create some lasting relationships as well.”

    Those opportunities were embraced by all of the students, including Saige Brown and Olivia Persaud from Fallingbrook Public School in Whitby.

    “In the jewelry making workshop, we were talking to this girl who is a Black entrepreneur,” said Saige. “She started making jewelry, and she goes to different trade shows. It was very nice to see someone close to our age doing something that we could possibly do.”

    “I would recommend this event because you get to meet new people and do fun activities,” added Olivia.

Photos of the events were generously provided by Natural Image Photography.

DC alumni, speakers shine at TEDxOshawa

Durham College (DC) was well represented at the second annual TEDxOshawa event in May.

The co-founders and organizers of the event are both DC alumni. Faris Mahoon Siddiqui is a 2024 graduate of the Firefighter – Pre-Service Education and Training program, while Chad Andress recently completed the Electrical Engineering Technician program.

Together, they’ve created a stage for the changemakers of Durham Region to share their expertise. This year, that group included four members of the DC community.

“I’m DC proud,” said Siddiqui. “I love Durham College, and I wanted to give back to the school.”

Three of our DC faculty members – Corey Gill, Arjun Kashetty and Stan Zalewski – as well as Director of Corporate Training Services Robin Young, happily accepted the invitation and presented to the sold-out crowd at the event.

Siddiqui, who now works in industrial safety and rescue, sees the event as more than just a showcase — it's a platform for forward-thinking, practical dialogue on a multitude of important subjects.

“We’ve never had something like this in Oshawa that happens year over year,” he said. “It’s really good sharing these ideas with the community. I think we’re here to stay.”

Read on for more about the four DC speakers who entertained and informed the crowd at TEDxOshawa.

  • Corey Gill – “AI: Your Unexpected Child”

    Students in DC’s Human Resources programs are well acquainted with Faculty Member and Program Coordinator Corey Gill.

    “My focus is on equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application skills that are essential for their future careers in HR and business,” he said.

    His presentation at TEDx was all about artificial intelligence (AI); its profound impact and the importance of guiding its development intentionally.

    “AI is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives, and we must shape its evolution to reflect ethical values, diversity, and fairness. By engaging with AI thoughtfully, we can ensure it becomes a force for positive change rather than perpetuating biases and misinformation.”

    Watch Corey's TEDx talk.

  • Arjun Kashetty – “The Power of Supply Chain and Buying Local”

    DC’s Supply Chain students benefit from Arjun Kashetty’s expertise in the important field, having held key roles at large retailers like Walmart, Sobeys and Home Depot. At TEDx, he leveraged that experience to explain the importance of buying local and how it impacts the supply chain industry.

    “Buying local will make our supply chains stronger and resilient,” he explained.

    “I want to educate and empower the next generation to build massive supply chain infrastructures.”

    Watch Arjun's TEDx talk.

  • Robin Young – “The Ripple Effect of Kindness: Why Kindness is an Essential Leadership Competency”

    As DC’s Director of Corporate Training Services, Robin Young helps people and organizations boost performance and integrate change through workforce development.

    At TEDx, his presentation explored how small, compassionate actions can create a powerful ripple effect in personal and professional environments.

    “I encourage leaders to pause, reflect and choose kindness in times of stress and negativity, in order to create positive and lasting change in workplaces and communities.”

  • Stan Zalewski – “From Tent Cities to Thriving Communities: Rethinking Urban Housing”

    As Program Coordinator of Architectural Technology at DC, Stan Zalewski has inspired students to address important issues like sustainable building and the housing crisis. At TEDx, he spoke to these issues as they relate to Durham Region, as well as the rest of Canada

    “I described initiatives in various countries including Canada, Finland, and Austria, showing successes and setbacks in the fight against homelessness,” he said.

    “Homelessness is a structural ill of society and making housing available to all is possible. The means are available if we want to apply them.”

    Watch Stan's TEDx talk.

This year’s presentations will soon be available for viewing on the TEDxOshawa website, and plans for next year’s event are already underway.

Recognizing Black History Month at DC

February is Black History Month and at Durham College (DC) we’re joining Canadians from coast-to-coast in honouring the legacy, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals and communities across the country.

We are proud to celebrate the excellence, resilience, and innovation of the Black community and we want to shine a spotlight on DC’s incredible students, employees and alumni through the Black Excellence & Achievement Content Collection. These stories highlight the contributions and accomplishments of incredible people who are shaping and strengthening our community.

Throughout February, and in support of the theme Pathways to Excellence: Celebrating and Cultivating Black Brilliance at DC, the college’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is hosting a series of community consultations to better understand the challenges faced by Black community members and to ensure their voices and perspectives inform DC’s decision-making processes.

“Black History Month offers an important opportunity for our Black students and employees to tell us what they need to nurture their brilliance, and facilitate their flourishing,” said Sadie Goddard-Durant, Director, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “Through these consultations, DC can enhance existing efforts to maximize the contributions our Black communities have been making to DC, Durham Region and beyond, and to document how they contribute to our future tapestry.”

DC has raised the Pan-African Flag at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses—a powerful symbol of Black liberation and solidarity for members of the Black/African diaspora.

“As we celebrate Black History Month, let us also take a moment to reflect on how we, as individuals, can contribute to building a community rooted in equity, respect, and inclusion,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President. “By embracing these values, we not only honour the history being recognized this month but also uphold the principles that strengthen us as a college and as a society.”

As a college, we are uniquely positioned to address issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as we prepare our students to become leaders and contributing members of our community, said Dr. Popp. “This commitment calls on us to model equity and inclusion at every level of the institution—from leadership to classrooms and beyond. Together, we all have a role in fostering an equitable and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.”

2024 – A Year in Review at Durham College

Durham College (DC) enjoyed an eventful year in 2024. We welcomed a new President and largest incoming cohort, we celebrated our largest graduating class ever, opened up our campuses to thousands of prospective students and cheered on our athletes. We made great strides in research, furthered our connections with our local and global community, kept in touch with our alumni and watched with pride as our students and employees thrived.

Read on to explore some highlights from this remarkable year.

News

DC ushered in a new era with the appointment of Dr. Elaine Popp as President.

With an eye to the future, we began development of our next Strategic Plan, which will launch in spring 2025.

Our state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) lab, opened in 2023, was named the Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre, in recognition of the generous support of philanthropists Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke.

The main building of the Whitby campus was named in honour of former DC president Don Lovisa.

A $300,000 grant from Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) will allow us to continue supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with our consultation and IP investment program.

Our Campus Health and Wellness Centre launched new resources in support of the mental health of our students.

DC researchers are partnering with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and the Abilities Centre in Whitby to study the impact of exercise on physical and mental health for forensic patients, thanks to a $350,000 College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) grant.

Researchers at the Social Impact Hub utilized a $360,000 grant from the CCSIF to launch a project to study and improve mental health care for Black communities.

Accolades

Durham College was named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the eighth time, a Greater Toronto Top Employer for the 14th time, and one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges.

DC received twice the recognition at the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Awards of Excellence. We received a bronze in the Excellence in Sustainable Development category, and Program Coordinator Laura Maybury earned a bronze in the Leadership Excellence Award for Faculty.

Journalism student Andrew Neary received three impressive awards, including Experiential & Work-Integrated Learning Ontario (EWO) Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Student of the Year, Co-operative Education & Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada Emery-Dufault Student of the Year, and DC’s Alumni Association Scholarship for Academic Excellence.

Police Foundations graduate Maya Austin received the Joe Moylan Award of Excellence, given each year to a remarkable Police Foundations graduate from an Ontario college.

Our DC students brought home 10 medals from the Skills Ontario 2024 competition. Alexander Harley won gold in Auto Service Technology and moved on to the Skills Canada Nationals Competition in Quebec, where he finished fourth.

The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture was recognized at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, receiving an Honourable Mention in the Urban Agriculture Excellence category from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).

Programs

DC partnered with Sheridan, St. Clair and Fanshawe College to support women in the skilled trades. With over $2 million in federal funding, the partners will spearhead initiatives focused on elevating awareness and providing opportunities for women in exploring career education, networking and apprenticeships within the Red Seal skilled trades.

That commitment continued with the Introduction to Millwrighting program, which provided 10 women with personalized support and training to help them prepare for the millwright aptitude test. An all-Indigenous group of 11 students successfully completed the five-week program.

Our Journalism program marked its 50th anniversary with a special event in the Rotary Global Classroom. Six alumni took part in a panel discussion, sharing stories from their careers in the ever-changing industry and offering advice to today’s students.

DC’s Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture and the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) partnered on a Dual Credit program that gives Ajax high school students the experience of working on a farm.

Four new programs will launch in fall 2025, including the Electric Drive Vehicle Technician (EDVT) program, focused on creating skilled technicians capable of maintaining and servicing electric and hybrid vehicles. Other new programs include Environmental Technician, Interior Decorating, and the Immigration Case Management graduate certificate, furthering our commitment to meeting industry and community needs by producing career-ready graduates.

Events

We celebrated Employee Appreciation Day with President Popp’s first address to the DC community in her new role.

At Spring Convocation in June, we celebrated one of our largest graduating classes in history, while Dr. Elaine Popp was officially installed as President. Fall Convocation was equally special with over 2,200 graduates crossing the stage.

Our Open House events in the Spring and Fall welcomed thousands of prospective students and their families who learned about our 145+ career-driven programs and toured our state-of-the-art facilities.

The President’s Breakfast celebrated the donors who generously support our students.

The Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) opened its doors for the ORSIE Impact Expo, a celebration of the innovative research work happening at DC.

Over 300 students completed the Centre for Success (CFS) and Adult Dual Credit (ADC) programs, overcoming unique challenges to achieve academic success.

Experiential Learning

Our students enjoy scores of opportunities to gain hands-on experience and put their skills to the test.

Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigations students are taking advantage of a new virtual reality (VR) scenario program to develop their communications skills and practice some of the challenging situations they’ll face in their profession.

The Faculty of Media, Art and Design’s 48-Hour Storytelling Challenge gave students a chance to showcase their artistic skills in a variety of mediums.

Talented musicians hit all the right notes during Oshawa Music Week, an annual celebration of the local music community organized by Music Business Management students.

Students from the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA/PTA) and Journalism – Mass Media programs teamed up to produce the Rehab Matters Newsletter. OTA/PTA students brought their expertise on rehab while the journalism students provided guidance on writing and editing.

A number of Faculty-led Classroom Abroad trips allowed DC students to immerse themselves in new cultures while enhancing and applying the skills they have learned in the classroom.

Athletics

A successful winter season resulted in provincial bronze medals for the men’s basketball and women’s indoor soccer teams.

In a strong fall season, our women’s softball team became both national and provincial champions. The women’s rugby team also became provincial champions, while the men’s baseball team earned provincial bronze.

DC’s Esports team triumphed over their rivals from Ontario Tech University in the annual Campus Clash.

We announced the formation of a sitting volleyball team, a new accessible sporting option for DC students.

The women’s volleyball team prioritized their mental health by partnering with HONE Athletics to use a unique digital mental health platform to increase team communication and well-being through weekly check-ins.

We look forward to another great year at Durham College in 2025.

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.

Durham College’s student recruitment team gearing up to connect with thousands of prospective students this fall

Durham College (DC) is preparing for a busy fall season, with its recruitment team primed to connect with prospective students at a variety of local events. These interactions provide valuable opportunities for future DC students to explore more than 145 innovative programs, engage with recruiters, and discover the college’s vibrant community and student life.

DC’s recruitment team will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the college’s wide range of career-driven programs and services at several upcoming events, including:

Ontario College Fair – October 16 and 17
DC will be participating in the Ontario College Fair, one of the largest post-secondary education events in Toronto. This highly anticipated event allows attendees to meet face-to-face with recruiters, ask questions, and explore programs and support services. Whether prospective students are interested in upgrading their education, pathways to university, or gaining career-ready skills, the Ontario College Fair provides a prime opportunity to discover how DC can support their future goals.

College Information Program – October 24
For those seeking a more personal connection, DC will host College Information Program (CIP) events at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses. Attendees can tour the campuses, speak directly with recruiters from more than 20 Ontario Colleges, and learn about college programs available across the province. With both campuses offering different program options and state-of-the-art facilities, the CIP events provide a comprehensive look at the DC experience.

Fall Open House – November 9
Prospective students and their families are invited to join us at our Fall Open House for the chance to experience DC firsthand. This event offers an immersive look into campus life, where attendees can tour the college’s cutting-edge facilities, engage with faculty and student services representatives, and meet current students. Whether guests are upleveling their education or just beginning their academic journey, Open House serves as a perfect opportunity to explore everything DC has to offer.

For those unable to attend these events, DC’s student recruitment team is available year-round to answer questions and provide guidance. From virtual meetings to in-person campus tours, prospective students can connect with the team to make informed decisions about their academic future.

Get to know our recruiters and discover a full list of recruitment events online.