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. 2024 – A Year in Review at Durham College Posted on December 20, 2024 at 11:16 am. 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.
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