A Year in Review: 2025 at Durham College Posted on December 23, 2025 at 10:28 am. Durham College (DC) marked another year of growth, achievement, and community impact in 2025. From launching bold new programs and strengthening industry partnerships, to celebrating a record-breaking Convocation and hosting thousands of visitors on campus, our students and employees continued to shine. Across athletics, applied research, and community initiatives, DC remained a place where talent is nurtured, curiosity is encouraged, and careers are launched. Explore some of the highlights that made 2025 a year to remember. News Durham College unveiled a new Strategic Vision that will guide the institution’s priorities and decision-making for the years ahead, strengthening our focus on students, employees and community impact. The Minister of Colleges and Universities Nolan Quinn visited DC to experience the hands-on learning of our in-demand culinary and hospitality programs alongside local MPPs. A new bursary established by The Joyce Family Foundation is expanding access to preparatory programs at DC and helping remove financial barriers for learners. At our state-of-the-art Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology, we welcomed Ajax Fire and Emergency Services for a unique, hands-on emergency elevator rescue training session. A $75 million provincial investment in post-secondary institutions will expand construction and planning programs across Ontario, ensuring DC will play a central role in strengthening the province’s workforce. Thousands of future students and supporters visited campus at our Open Houses in Spring and Fall as well as our Program Information Nights, giving learners and families the chance to explore programs, meet employees and experience life at DC. The annual Mature Student Event showcased why our supportive services and flexible delivery models make DC the perfect place to help returning students strengthen their professional skills. We highlighted student ingenuity across engineering and sustainability challenges at the DC Innovation Showcase, where learners presented creative projects and connected with industry partners. There was a real buzz on campus when DC was officially recognized as a Bee Campus by the Pollinator Partnership, recognizing our sustainability efforts to support pollinators and protect biodiversity. DC marked a historic milestone at Spring Convocation 2025, celebrating the achievements of our career-ready graduates. A collaborative applied research project was launched to empower parents with cognitive challenges by developing tools and supports that enhance daily living and family well-being. A strategic partnership with NAIT was formed to advance AI literacy in Canada’s energy sector, equipping learners and industry with skills for emerging technologies. The Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation expanded its capabilities with a new grant to strengthen industry-aligned training and applied research in craft beverage production. Indigenous artist Emma Whiteye created space for reflection and connection within the DC community. Accolades DC was once again named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc., affirming its national leadership in applied research and innovation. Durham College faculty were recognized this year for excellence, innovation and teaching, with Dr. Teresa Avvampato honoured with the OSOT Innovation and Impact Award, Dave Hawey earning a prestigious Worldchefs Global Certification, and Professor Chris Daniel named an Outstanding Educator by OACETT. The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture was honoured with a 2025 Durham Region Accessibility Award for its commitment to inclusive design and community impact. DC student Abigail Ansell received golden recognition from Colleges and Institutes Canada, celebrating student leadership and achievement on a national stage. Durham College graduate Daylan Belsey claimed first place in animation at the Ubisoft Toronto NEXT Challenge, highlighting student talent and creative achievement on a global stage. DC proudly celebrated its 2025 Alumni of Distinction recipients, recognizing graduates who are making meaningful contributions in their fields and communities. Two of those recipients were awarded one of Ontario’s highest honours for college alumni. Jeremy Burns and Aaron Dale, co-founders of the Military Veterans Wellness Program (MVWP), received the Premier’s Award for their groundbreaking work supporting military veterans. Durham College graduate Andre Ata received the prestigious New World Award from the Canadian Bureau for International Education in recognition of his contributions to global learning through transformative international experiences. Programs and Academics This year, we welcomed the first classes in our new Electric Drive Vehicle Technician and Interior Decorating programs. DC’s new partnership with RPA Canada is creating an innovative pathway for accounting graduates to advance their professional credentials. We partnered with Achēv to train licensed automotive service and body repair technicians on how to properly service electric vehicles. Our partnership with Seven Generations Education Institute helped to expand access to healthcare education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners in Northern Ontario. A new program to strengthen mental health care skills for healthcare and community service professionals was launched to respond to growing demand for compassionate, evidence-informed care. The AI Hub launched a new executive development program to help professionals get up to speed with artificial intelligence and its transformative impact. Five new industry-driven programs launching in Fall 2026 were announced to help learners build career-ready skills aligned with evolving workforce needs. An international partnership with Ayrshire College was launched to drive innovation in industry and skills development, expanding global learning and collaboration opportunities. A new diploma-to-degree agreement with Trent University was established to accelerate talent development for the supply chain sector through a clear pathway from college to university. Experiential Learning Students applied their skills through online game development for the Barrett Centre, gaining real-world experience while supporting a community partner. A partnership with Community Care Durham is delivering workplace training that supports personal support workers and strengthens local care services. DC students deepened their learning by travelling around the globe, gaining global perspectives through international experiences. DC partnered with the Lakeridge Health Foundation for the NightShift 2025 emergency simulation event, giving students and community members hands-on experience in fast-paced medical scenarios. Sport Management and Sport Business Management students had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work as ambassadors for Major League Baseball and Stand Up To Cancer at Game 2 of the World Series. DC Supply Chain students embraced experiential learning through real-world challenges, including the SAP ERPSIM competition and collaborative international projects. Athletics The Durham Lords completed a successful winter season, with men’s basketball capturing the OCAA championship and earning national silver, volleyball teams posting strong performances and the varsity curling squad making a memorable return. DC volleyball players shone on the national stage, showcasing talent, teamwork and competitive excellence. Sitting volleyball became a hit at DC, highlighting inclusive sport opportunities on campus. The Durham Lords men’s basketball team captured the OCAA championship and earned CCAA silver, marking a standout campaign. Our volleyball teams also posted strong performances, and the revived curling squad made its mark on the ice. The Fall 2025 season was another successful one for Lords, with our Women’s Rugby Sevens club became the first in OCAA history to win four consecutive provincial championships. The men’s rugby team brought home provincial silver while DCSA Executive Chairwoman Megan Bent, who is also serving as Student Governor on the DC Board of Governors, wrapped up her stellar collegiate rugby career and welcomed her sister as a fellow student. As we close the chapter on 2025, we celebrate the achievements, creativity, and dedication of our students, employees, and partners, and look ahead with excitement to all that 2026 will bring to the Durham College community. Durham College recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges and a leader in artificial intelligence applied research Posted on December 4, 2025 at 12:52 pm. Durham College (DC) is a nationally recognized leader in research and innovation, having once again been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc. The high-impact work done by DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s (ORSIE) five research centres – the AI Hub, Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation, MRC Studio, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Social Impact Hub – received strong reviews in the annual report. This year, DC placed first among medium-sized colleges in two artificial intelligence (AI) related categories; AI research partnerships, with 87, and AI completed research projects, with 106. Led by the AI Hub, DC has cemented its reputation as an authority in the burgeoning AI sector. “AI is everywhere for companies right now, and they are looking to colleges and organizations like ours to help them bring it into their work in a meaningful way,” explained Natalie Arthurs, Senior Manager of the AI Hub. “DC is a destination of choice for cutting-edge, applied AI.” As the only Technology Access Centre (TAC) in Canada that’s exclusively focused on artificial intelligence, the AI Hub has solved complex challenges for a variety of companies in eight provinces. For Niagara-based beauty brand Adoreyes, they helped develop a deep learning-based skin analysis platform that provides real-time insights to estheticians. They teamed with Forged Operations to determine how AI could improve the software utilized in nuclear environments. “With the deep expertise we have across our five research centres, we are meeting the needs of our industry partners,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research at DC. “Being named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges recognizes that expertise and the good work that we’re doing in our community and across the country.” To learn more about DC’s applied research centres, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/orsie. Durham College supports key industries with first graduating classes of three programs Posted on June 17, 2025 at 10:02 am. This week, nearly 5,000 graduates will cross the stage at Durham College’s (DC) Spring Convocation to receive their credential and be career-ready in their chosen field. Among them will be the very first graduating cohorts in three programs – Honours Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence , Clinical Bioinformatics and Recreation Therapy – who are well equipped to meet demand in critical industries. “At Durham College, our role is to align the skills our students develop with the evolving needs of today’s employers,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students. “Through real-world learning opportunities and strong industry partnerships, our graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact—driving innovation, filling critical labour gaps, and contributing to the long-term growth and prosperity of our community.” Here’s how these newest DC programs are preparing students with the knowledge and skills employers and industries need. Artificial Intelligence honours degree DC broke new ground with this ambitious four-year program, Ontario’s first Honours Bachelor degree in artificial intelligence (AI). It was designed with a dynamic and industry-responsive structure, and has swiftly adapted to rapid advancements in the field. Regular consultations with industry partners ensure students are trained in cutting-edge technologies and real-world applications. “Four years ago, AI was starting to become a big thing. Now it’s basically the biggest thing available,” noted Program Coordinator Mohammad Shamas. “The challenge was to keep the courses as up to date as possible because there’s always something new.” DC faculty embraced the challenge of working in such a fast-evolving field, integrating the latest developments in AI to ensure students received a foundational and current education. The students had to be just as nimble. “It’s exciting and humbling to know that we’re setting a foundation for future students. I feel a strong sense of pride and responsibility, knowing that we have contributed to shaping the direction and standards of this pioneering program,” said one graduate, Rhichard Koh. His classmate Mohsin Mohammed will also cross the Convocation stage, and he’s ready to take what he’s learned into the job market. “I’m glad I took my first step towards acquiring this degree, because I feel confident in my ability to use AI and understand how it works under the hood.” Clinical Bioinformatics graduate certificate By training students to turn vast amounts of biological data into actionable clinical insights, this program supports a critical need in modern healthcare. It’s a need that Faculty Member Gobi Thillainadesan sees firsthand in his role as a research associate at Sunnybrook Hospital. “There’s a serious lack of talent in this area to move things forward, so the more hands the better,” he said. The fully online program is aimed at working professionals, particularly those already near or within the health and life sciences fields, aiming to upskill them with specialized training. “It’s a fantastic stepping stone for them to move into this field.” In addition to the convenience of remote learning, the program also prioritizes practical experience. Students are encouraged to complete a field placement where they work directly with scientists in labs and hospitals. For those unable to arrange in-person placements, a simulated lab experience provides an interactive, project-based learning environment. The first graduating class is now ready to receive their credentials, and Thillainadesan is proud of the progress they’ve made. “I am a clinical biometrician myself. I can confidently tell you that we have trained these students to a point where they’re capable of coming into a clinical environment and doing the work themselves,” he said. Recreation Therapy diploma This program was developed in direct response to industry needs that became especially visible during the pandemic. It’s ideal for students who want a career that blends healthcare with creativity, compassion, and connection. Unlike traditional healthcare roles, recreation therapists are often seen as the “fun ones,” but the work they do is deeply grounded in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. It’s a comprehensive, evidence-based practice that makes a measurable difference in rehabilitation and quality of life. “It’s a rewarding career,” explained Program Coordinator Erica Arbour, a seasoned educator with a strong background in long-term care and active living programs. “You’re working with people of all ages and all abilities, and developing meaningful opportunities for people to improve their quality of life through recreation, leisure and play.” The two-year diploma has proven to be both popular and successful, with some students being hired directly from their field placements. They have been particularly beneficial to retirement living and long-term care homes, which are in urgent need of qualified professionals, according to Arbour. For one student, Melanie Lai, it was the program’s focus on evidence-based practices, person-centered care, and professional development that made all the difference. “I always knew that I wanted to help people, I just never knew how,” she said. “This program taught me the skills and confidence that I needed to turn my passion for helping others into a meaningful and creative career. I finally feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be.” Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) hosts impactful event Posted on October 30, 2024 at 4:12 pm. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Durham College’s (DC) Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) opened its doors for an exciting event last week. The ORSIE Impact Expo on Friday, October 25 invited industry, business and community partners to explore and celebrate the innovative work they’re doing at DC. Close to 150 visitors filled the Centre for Innovation and Research to discover DC’s hub for research and development, new products, processes and services, and experiential learning. They also explored its four applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed Reality Capture Studio and the Social Impact Hub, as well as the Institutional Research Team and the Experiential Learning Hub. The Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation didn’t miss out on the fun, travelling from the Whitby campus to bring samples of their non-alcoholic products. DC’s Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research, Debbie McKee Demczyk was proud to welcome so many attendees to the event. “We’re so excited to share all of the cutting-edge ideas, products, and innovations that are being created right here,” she said. Another big draw for the crowd was world-renowned keynote speaker Hamza Khan. A bestselling author and proven educator, he kept the audience intrigued and entertained with his powerful presentation on leadership. Hailing from the Greater Toronto Area, and having worked with DC before, he was eager to take part in the special event. “This was a very meaningful opportunity for me. DC was one of my first clients when I started in the early 2010’s. They’re one of the first companies that said yes to me, that took a chance on me, and so this felt like coming home,” he said. “This is a community of students, staff, faculty, partners and friends, who are all galvanized around the same idea.” Though he spoke for an hour, Khan arrived at a simple and powerful conclusion for his listeners. “Put people first.” With those words in their ears, visitors spent the rest of the morning exploring, enjoying interactive tradeshow displays, and networking with peers and DC leaders. It was an event that made DC proud, including President Dr. Elaine Popp. “We’re fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting adaptability and agility, and encouraging a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement,” she said. “I’m excited about the future of DC. We are determined to be a future-proof college and spearhead the transformation of education. ORSIE is leading that charge.” Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) hosts impactful event Posted on October 30, 2024 at 3:41 pm. Durham College’s (DC) Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) opened its doors for an exciting event last week. The ORSIE Impact Expo on Friday, October 25 invited industry, business and community partners to explore and celebrate the innovative work they’re doing at DC. Close to 150 visitors filled the Centre for Innovation and Research to discover DC’s hub for research and development, new products, processes and services, and experiential learning. They also explored its four applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed Reality Capture Studio and the Social Impact Hub, as well as the Institutional Research Team and the Experiential Learning Hub. The Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation didn’t miss out on the fun, travelling from the Whitby campus to bring samples of their non-alcoholic products. DC’s Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research, Debbie McKee Demczyk was proud to welcome so many attendees to the event. “We’re so excited to share all of the cutting-edge ideas, products, and innovations that are being created right here,” she said. Another big draw for the crowd was world-renowned keynote speaker Hamza Khan. A bestselling author and proven educator, he kept the audience intrigued and entertained with his powerful presentation on leadership. Hailing from the Greater Toronto Area, and having worked with DC before, he was eager to take part in the special event. “This was a very meaningful opportunity for me. DC was one of my first clients when I started in the early 2010’s. They’re one of the first companies that said yes to me, that took a chance on me, and so this felt like coming home,” he said. “This is a community of students, staff, faculty, partners and friends, who are all galvanized around the same idea, which is leading the way.” Though he spoke for an hour, Khan arrived at a simple and powerful conclusion for his listeners. “Put people first.” With those words in their ears, visitors spent the rest of the morning exploring, enjoying interactive tradeshow displays, and networking with peers and DC leaders. It was an event that made DC proud, including President Dr. Elaine Popp. “We’re fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting adaptability and agility, and encouraging a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement,” she said. “I’m excited about the future of DC. We are determined to be a future-proof college and spearhead the transformation of education. ORSIE is leading that charge.” Interior Decorating, Immigration Case Management among four new programs launched by Durham College Posted on October 25, 2024 at 11:23 am. Four new programs are launching at Durham College (DC) in fall 2025 to meet industry and community needs and ensure graduates are career-ready and in-demand. Applications are now open for the Electric Drive Vehicle Technician diploma program, Environmental Technician diploma program, Immigration Case Management graduate certificate and Interior Decorating diploma program. “At Durham College, our role is to ensure that we are preparing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to fill evolving and in-demand careers,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students. “Consulting with industry professionals and leaders is an important part of our rigorous program development process so we’re confident these new programs align with the expertise employers are seeking.” Demand in the immigration field, for example, has increased in recent years as Canada has welcomed millions of newcomers. DC is meeting the demand for legal support skills in the highly specialized area of immigration, refugee and citizenship law by launching the Immigration Case Management program – one of only two available at a public college in Canada. “Law firms are craving legal assistance,” said Ana Bernal, program coordinator for Immigration Case Management. “Immigration law firms, community centre and centres for that help newcomers are looking for people with specialized knowledge because employers are finding it difficult to train new employees in this complex field.” Explore all the new programs at DC: Electric Drive Vehicle Technician (EDVT) – This four-semester diploma program is one of only two in Ontario and meets the demand for technicians to service electric and hybrid vehicles. It’s focused on both traditional mechanical expertise and specialized EV knowledge with students training at DC’s state-of-the-art Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre. Environmental Technician (EVTN) – Through this four-semester diploma program, students will train to play a key role in helping conserve Canada’s ecosystem and protecting the health of communities from environmental contaminants. They will learn to evaluate, monitor and control potential risks to the environment and public health and assist in environmental protection and sustainability efforts. Immigration Case Management (IMCM) – This two-semester graduate certificate empowers students with specialized knowledge and skills required to support people engaged in the immigration, refugee and citizenship process. Students acquire specialized legal skills aimed at supporting law practitioners, government agencies and community centres with immigration-related case load. Interior Decorating (INDR) – Students in this four-semester diploma program will explore the design process, space planning and decoration of both residential and commercial environments. They will learn to work with clients and tackle creative challenges to enhance quality of life through the curation of functional, accessible and beautiful environments. Connect with our Start at DC team today to explore these new programs and all of DC’s 145+ career-ready programs. Durham College powers up Ontario’s workforce with new Electric Drive Vehicle Technician program Posted on October 16, 2024 at 10:24 am. As the demand for electric and hybrid vehicles continue to rise, so does the need for skilled technicians capable of maintaining and servicing these advanced systems. Responding to this industry need, Durham College (DC) has launched its new Electric Drive Vehicle Technician (EDVT) program, one of only two offered in Ontario. With the automotive sector rapidly transitioning to greener technologies, DC’s program is designed to equip graduates with the expertise needed to thrive while meeting the province’s demand for electric vehicle (EV) professionals. “With the automotive sector undergoing a significant transformation, Durham College is committed to offering new programs that align with industry trends and provide students with career-ready skills,” says Dr. Rebecca Milburn, Executive Dean, Faculty of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship and Principal at Whitby campus. “What makes the Electric Drive Vehicle Technician program unique is its focus on both traditional mechanical expertise and the specialized knowledge required for electric and hybrid vehicle systems. Our graduates will be well-positioned to succeed in this growing field.” For more than two decades, Canada’s clean transport industry has been the fastest-growing industry within the country’s clean energy sector. With significant investments, totaling over $17 billion since 2020, the Canadian and Ontario governments have prioritized EV manufacturing, positioning Ontario as a future hub for this innovative industry. Emerging professionals in DC’s EDVT program will build on their understanding of conventional vehicle systems inside the college’s state-of-the-art Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre and develop expertise in diagnosing and servicing electric and hybrid vehicles from various manufacturers. Homer Manlangit, Faculty member, says the two-year diploma program is specifically designed to equip learners with the technical knowledge required to succeed. “To ensure their success post-graduation, students will work with the latest tools and technologies used in the industry, while gaining practical experience in areas such as high-voltage electrical systems, electric drivetrains, and battery management,” he says. “The program also covers the fundamentals of hybrid vehicles, and we teach students how to service and maintain these increasingly popular vehicles, which combine traditional internal combustion engines with electric power.” In addition to technical skills, students will develop critical problem-solving abilities by working on real-world scenarios in state-of-the-art shops, simulating the complexities they’ll encounter in the field. By the time they graduate, they’ll have completed a 56-hour EV capstone project that fuses learning from previous coursework in electric and hybrid vehicle technology, offering a hands-on, project-based experience. DC’s EDVT program reflects the college’s commitment to sustainability and remaining future focused as an industry leader and is currently accepting applicants for September 2025. Those interested in creating a greener future and launching a career in this in-demand field are encouraged to apply online today.
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