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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.

Durham College takes proactive measures to support mental health on campus, launches new resources for employees to assist students

In response to the growing need for mental health supports on campus, Durham College (DC) is prioritizing resources and supports to ensure that students’ needs are met.

The fall 2024 semester is the first to welcome learners who experienced the pandemic throughout high school, starting in Grade 9, reinforcing the need for additional mental health supports in post-secondary education.

“Over the past few years, the CHWC has noted a substantial increase in both the volume and complexity of students’ mental health challenges post-pandemic, and we’ve implemented the supports to proactively address these needs,” said Jennifer Elliott, Director, Campus Health and Wellness Centre at DC.

To educate and empower employees to support student mental health, the CHWC has launched a comprehensive guide and quick reference flowsheet. The resources, developed by mental health experts on campus, support employees by enhancing their understanding of mental health while helping them navigate the college’s emergency processes. Both resources include a focus on user experience and are a part of DC’s broader effort to ensure that the entire campus community has the knowledge and support needed to succeed.

“These resources were developed in direct response to a growing demand for support among employees who are working diligently to assist these students,” said Elliott.

To support the launch of the CHWC’s mental health guide and flowsheet, DC is providing ongoing opportunities for employees to engage with CHWC mental health clinicians. Employees can ask questions and learn about how to support students in managing their mental health on campus. Additionally, employees have the option to book a classroom visit or health promotion session to explore various mental health topics.

For students, the CHWC offers access to confidential and comprehensive services with an expert team of health care professionals and are encouraged to visit the CHWC to learn about all the resources available. Students can also explore the online Wellness Directory, which highlights other resources available at the college to support them.

This month, on September 10, DC will be hosting the Canadian Mental Health Association Durham (CMHA) Durham’s Safety Expo, along with its partners, to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day. The event will include presentations and resource booths on key topics such as transgender care, suicide prevention, and more. Attendees will have access to valuable insights and the chance to engage with experts in the field, ensuring members of the community have the supports they need to thrive year-round; an initiative Elliott says is critical as mental health needs continue to evolve.

“Events like this further underscore DC’s dedication to prioritizing the mental health and well-being of its community, ensuring that support evolves alongside the needs of everyone.”