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. DC graduate receives prestigious award from Canadian Bureau for International Education Posted on November 19, 2025 at 4:35 pm. Taking a life-changing trip to Guatemala wasn’t on Andre Ata’s radar when he began his studies at Durham College (DC). But last October, the 2025 Video Production graduate seized the opportunity to participate in a Faculty-Led Classroom Abroad (FLCA) trip to the Central American country. There, he and his DC peers visited the community of San Felipe and taught local students how to tell stories through visual media. It was a powerful experience for Ata, and when he returned home, he produced a moving video essay to commemorate the journey. In recognition of his contributions to the FLCA trip and the profound impact it had on him, he was nominated for the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s (CBIE) New World Award, given annually to a Canadian student who contributes to the internationalization of their campus community. Earlier this month, he attended the CBIE’s annual conference in Quebec City to accept the award. “It was one of the greatest decisions I’ve made in my entire life,” said Ata of taking part in the trip. “If I could only describe it with one word, it would be fulfilling.” Offering opportunities for students to become global citizens is a priority for DC, and they don’t even have to leave campus to gain an international perspective. With Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiatives, faculty members can co-develop and co-teach courses with international partners, and students can connect with peers from other countries virtually. And with DC’s Global Learner Recognition Program, students can participate in activities to explore different perspectives and worldviews. “DC is a leader in creating global citizens and providing opportunities for students and faculty,” said Abbas Sumar, Dean, International Education. “Our students benefit from transformative global experiences that broaden their perspectives and complement their in-class education with experiential learning.” Unsurprisingly, Ata and the DC contingent experienced some culture shock when visiting the small community, including a language barrier. But they overcame the challenges to bond with their welcoming hosts and find plenty of common ground. Together, the DC students and their Guatemalan friends worked on videos exploring important subjects like deforestation, climate change and pollution. “It was very surprising to see kids who are no older than 15 or 16 years old having such mature mindsets and talking about real life problems,” he said. “They’re very self aware and very mature. I was able to teach them, but they were able to teach me things too.” Sharing his knowledge with the students only solidified Ata’s love for teaching, which he first discovered in his role as an instructor at the Harmony Martial Arts and Fitness Center in Pickering. He plans to pursue it in the future, while continuing to develop his own multimedia design company. His experience in Guatemala has proven to be invaluable, and he encourages students to embrace any opportunity to do something similar. “It’s a very grounding experience. It takes you away from this western civilization that we’ve come to know and take for granted. Once you go into these different parts of the world, it really expands your view,” he said. “There are so many other civilizations, so many other people, so many other things going on in this world, and I think experiencing them firsthand will help you grow as a person.” More information about international education at DC is available online. Durham College employees proud to welcome new students Posted on September 4, 2025 at 11:26 am. The Durham College (DC) community continues to grow, with approximately 6,000 new students pursuing their post-secondary education with us this year. As the 2025-26 academic year gets underway this week, new and returning students are being met by friendly DC employees ready to welcome them. Whether answering questions and giving directions or ringing up purchases at the Campus Store, they’re easily spotted by their green DC gear and big smiles. “It shows the welcoming spirit that Durham College has,” said Tara Koski, Dean, Students, who joined the Welcome Team in The Pit at the Oshawa Campus to help new students as they arrived for the first day of classes. Other employees wore green in support of DC and as a welcoming signal to the newcomers. By doing so, they ensured that new DC students experienced a vibrant, inclusive, and confident start to their studies. “There’s a whole host of emotions, from excitement to nervousness, and for a lot of students asking for help can be a barrier,” explained Koski. “I’ve waved hello to certain students that I’ve seen at the Academic Welcome sessions, and you can just see their relief that there’s a friendly face.” Some need directions to their next class, while others have questions about our many student services. For Records Manager Julie Hunt, who spent her morning helping out in the Campus Store as students bought their textbooks and other school supplies, getting students acclimated to DC is a priority. “The faster we can help students and address their questions or their concerns, the more comfortable they feel,” she said. With comfort, confidence and a lot of hard work, the very same new students who are learning about DC today will be crossing the Convocation stage in the future. For Koski, seeing students make that journey is truly special. “Nothing’s better than seeing a student at Convocation, and they remember you,” she said. “And then you’ll see them come back and be mentors and presenters in classes. It really is a full community experience.”
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