REFLECTIONS ISSUE 96 | FALL 2019 CONTENTS

3. Alumni Updates 8. Mock Media 19. Paws and Cuddle 26.Eyes on the Prize Conference 4. Developing the Next 21. Them Gains of Giving 2 7. Bon Appétit! Generation of AI Talent 12. But First, Makeup Back 28. How FASTSTART 6. Durham College’s Very 14. From DC To 23. Animation Nation Turns Big Ideas Into Reality Own Fundraising Prodigy, The Snowy Slopes of 24. Ending the Stigma 30. Where Success Linda Flynn Brimacombe Happens 7. How She Gained the 1 7. How To Get Ahead In Experience Advertising ALUMNI UPDATE

1970 1979 1993 Ron A. Sheyan Dennis Stokoe Scott Wildman

Business Administration Food and Drug Technology Sports Management Information Systems Dennis lives in Etobicoke, Scott lives in Maple, Ont., Rob lives in , Ont. Ont. with his wife Jackie with his wife Maria and is with his wife, Beth. and works as the Quality the Business Development Assurance & Regulatory Manager at Copywell Affairs Manager with Smith & Printing. Nephew .

2012 2014 Follow us! Racheal A. O’Callaghan Amanda Cunning @durhamcollegealumni Personal Support Worker Office Administration

Racheal lives in Newcastle, Amanda lives in , Ont. with her husband Shawn, @alumni_DC Ont. and works as the Leadership Administrative Secretary with the Durham District School @alumni_DC Board.

About this issue... Editor-In-Chief: Matisse Hamel-Nelis Production Manager: Katrina O’Neill Managing Editor: Lauren Crummey Digital Content Manager: Liz Morris Art Director: Kris Sonderskov-Lamb Associate Art Director: Alexandria Wilcox Copy Editor: Marissa Campbell Photo Editor: Mauricio Cuellar Developing the Next Generation of AI Talent By Mauricio Cuellar “Being able to deliver expertise Photo credit: Mauricio Cuellar in the domain of AI will create huge economic opportunities roud of his for Canada. Our talent can accomplishments in his 26 P become a domestic export.” years, Amit Maraj is getting According to Indeed, jobs ready to become Durham in Canada requiring AI skills College’s (DC) new program have grown by more than co-ordinator of the first and 1,000 per cent since 2013. only, one-of-its-kind Artificial Additionally, the $125 million Intelligence Analysis, Design Canada is investing through and Implementation (AIDI) the Pan-Canadian Artificial graduate certificate in Canada. Intelligence Strategy is focused Maraj believes every on increasing the number company is transitioning into of AI researchers and skilled using artificial intelligence (AI) graduates. service, but they’re not able DC is helping to solve the to get qualified practitioners shortage of talent by launching to build on their unique value the AIDI graduate certificate proposition as companies. in the fall of 2019. The college “Canada is facing a lack of has relied in Maraj and his skilled professionals who are vast experience to lead this able to implement AI projects,” challenging milestone. says Maraj. Graduating from DC’s Computer Systems Technician Without the program in 2014, Maraj also opportunities“ I’ve holds a Bachelor of Science received from DC, I in Information Technology probably would never Security and a Master of have been able to Science in Computer Science, advance my education both from the University and career as far as it’s of Institute of Technology. He is currently Maraj has been awarded with the Silver Faculty of Excellence in Leadership by Colleges come. completing his PhD in and Institutions Canada and the Outstanding Faculty Researcher Award by DC. REFLECTIONS 04” Computer Science with a specialization in Natural Language Processing. Maraj is also a principal investigator on the primary research team with DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE), where he has developed and implemented more than 20 industry-centric projects. However, one of the most rewarding parts of his job is being a faculty member with the School of Business, IT and Management. “Giving students the opportunity to work with companies in the industry, gain real-world experience and develop things they never knew were possible is the most rewarding part of my job,” says Maraj. “Without the opportunities I’ve received from DC, I probably would never have been able to With the ORSIE, Maraj helped establish the Applied Research in Artificial Intelligence for Business Systems (AI Hub) at Durham College, and created boot camps, workshops as well as several fully documented machine learning examples, which are hosted publicly for students. advance my education and career as far as it’s come.” goal in life. By sacrificing some students become familiar his shoulders to develop Maraj is proud of his of my time now, it will allow working with AI-based the next AI export-quality accomplishments, however, me to dedicate more time to technologies, algorithms and talent, he simply wants to be he’s had to make tough the things that are going to be frameworks, and to give them a remembered as a friend. decisions along the way that super important to me in the practical advantage over their “I would like to be have preventing him from future, like becoming a father.” competition in developing AI remembered as someone that reaching his life goal. For now, Maraj is prepared solutions for companies. people can rely on. I want “I’ve always wanted to be a to launch the AIDI program Despite his talent and everybody to remember me as dad,” says Maraj. “That’s my in September 2019 to help the huge responsibilities on their friend”, Maraj says. REFLECTIONS 05 Durham College's Very Own Fundraising Prodigy, Linda Flynn

By: Diane El-Hachem “Our class was the first to graduate with desktop t took her a few years to publishing skills in the get there, but Linda Flynn I program. I was hired at my first landed her dream job at job right out of school,” said Durham College as associate Flynn. vice-president of the Office of Development and Alumni “Having graduated 30 years Affairs. Flynn consistently ago in 1988 and then to come delivers devotion, passion and back now in a leadership role love to all her work. She is part has been amazing,” said Flynn. of a breakthrough in the digital Flynn says her most revolution and brought rare, memorable career highlights highly sought-after skills to the were the community workplace. engagements and the relationships made along the way. Flynn and her team Linda Flynn stands before the newly installed donor wall in the CFCE lobby. recently raised $5-million (Diane El-Hachem) towards Durham College’s “I would say as long as it’s Flynn is an extraordinary new Centre For Collaborative interesting, I’m really happy example of an alumni that is Education (CFCE). where I am,” said Flynn. leading a fulfilling career. She “I am passionate about the Linda advises those in their is a wonderful person that school and the amazing things last year of their program is inflamed with passion and happening here, and also to continue networking and charisma. about bringing alumni back learning. “Do what you love, follow because of the excitement they “Get to know as many your passion. Sometimes it get from coming back here,” people as you can, learn as takes a while to get there at said Flynn. much as you can and soak it times but follow your love. I’ve Flynn strategically looks up,” said Flynn. been really fortunate to be at how Durham College able to do that,” said Flynn. should be engaging with the communities it serves as well as working with alumni. Of I would say as long as it’s interesting, I’m “ really happy where I am. Linda Flynn speaking at the Building course, it helps that she is Something Amazing Campaign that raised doing what she loves. It’s no ” funds for the CFCE. (Durham College) surprise she plans on staying. REFLECTIONS 06 How She Gained The Experience Story and photo by Lauren Crummey Her placements were at gaining valuable knowledge allowing her to transfer her ively, motivated and Youth Connections, a youth of what it would be like in the credits to UOIT’s Forensic Lcompassionate — three program geared toward field. While at Simcoe Hall program. This allowed her to words that describe Nicole under-18 male sex offenders, Settlement House, she ran complete both a diploma and Weller to a tee. A 2017 and at the Simcoe Hall a cooking class, did intakes degree in four and a half years. graduate of the Social Service Settlement House, a non-profit and distributed food to the Her interest in getting to know Worker (SSW) program at community resource centre. community. people and seeing the world Durham College (DC), she “These placements stretched through their eyes helped is currently attending the These placements my comfort zone and allowed encourage her to take the University of Ontario Institute stretched“ my comfort me to get hands-on experience Forensic Psychology program. of Technology (UOIT) for zone and allowed in the field,” says Weller. Her new career path was Forensic Pqsychology. When me to get hands-on “It also helped choosing something Weller didn’t she’s not being a full-time experience in the two things that were very expect. And like many young student, she’s working at one field. different from each other. By adults, she knows it’s tough of her two jobs — running completing my first placement, choosing the right one. Her after-school programming During her time” at Youth it made me realize that I didn’t advice for anyone embarking at the YMCA or creating Connections, she worked days necessarily want to do social on their career journey? delicious drinks as a Starbucks and nights, providing one-on- work, but I wanted to be more “Take all of the experiences barista. one guidance sessions for the involved in the legal aspect.” you can and ask a lot of Her journey began back in young men around things such That’s when she found DC questions in school,” says 2015, when she started the as school and home life, while offered a bridge program, Weller. “Ask your professors two-year SSW program. how they got to where they “I entered into the program are. And know it’s OK to not because I liked the idea of know what you want to do.” being a social worker and In the future, Weller hopes helping someone get through to take what she’s learned at a tough situation,” says Weller. DC and UOIT and apply it “The things you learned in to a full-time legal position class, you practiced in class, so working with people in distress. I felt like I was really learning With the amazing qualities she and not just taking notes.” brings to the table, Weller is As part of the program, she ready to take on anything that was tasked with finding and comes her way, with a smile on completing a placement each her face. year. Weller, content, as she continues her exciting journey through post-secondary education. REFLECTIONS 07 Mock Media Conference: A Moment of Truth By Marissa Campbell partners not only advise the t draws from experience group on the viability of the gained in every course and public relations campaign, but Iproject that’s come before it, they also participate in the and it’s worth a considerable event itself by coming to the part of your mark. The mock conference as the featured media conference is the guest speaker. capstone assignment of the media relations course in the Students work in Public Relations Advanced “groups and partner Diploma program at Durham with a non-profit College (DC). organization to create To succeed in this a real-world mock assignment, students in their campaign. These second year of the fast-track partners not only compressed program utilize skills learned in photography, advise the group videography, writing, media on the viability of relations, research, graphic the public relations design, social media, event campaign, but they planning and strategic also participate in the communications. Saying event itself by coming nothing of the soft skills tested to the conference as like problem solving, time management, collaboration, the featured guest creativity and the ability to speaker. work under pressure. ” Picture it. College spaces Students work in groups transformed into themed and partner with a non-profit media conferences. In 2018, organization to create a real- Public Relations Advanced Diploma Alumni Tasha Jetha and Program Co-ordinator Lynn a boardroom functioned as Gough pose for a Polaroid shot at the #memorymaniac media conference. (Singh) world mock campaign. These REFLECTIONS 08 a stage with a live band, a without swag. photo studio became a barn, In short, from proposal, complete with hay bales and to planning, to execution, a humble classroom was students pool all their illuminated by a dynamic light resources to create a show, turned into a winter memorable experience that wonderland and transformed prepares them for the real- into an ‘80s bedroom with world application of their skills. iconic posters on the walls and The assignment is the a Polaroid photo booth. No brainchild of Program Co- detail is too small. ordinator Lynn Gough. With a The students love strong media background from “this project. It builds her experiences working with CBC, she wanted to create a their confidence curriculum that contributed to to work in teams, student success by teaching pitch their ideas to them the transferable skills The Walk to Rock media conference crew: back row: Kris Lamb, Garret Christian and clients, as well as the necessary to ensure their Kramer White of DellaRose pose with Kamila Moorji, Kaitlin Romain, Lynn Gough and Police Constables Papadopoulos and Arsenault. (Lamb) media, and execute continued success. professional industry “The students love this outcomes to build their project,” says Gough. “It builds their confidence to work in portfolios. teams, pitch their ideas to ” clients, as well as the media, Media are invited to attend, and execute professional and the mock campaign is industry outcomes to build announced with speeches by their portfolios.” dignitaries and student teams. A press kit is created to hand Last fall, second-year public out to media and attendees, relations student Mauricio which includes a press release, Cuéllar and his team partnered photo release, image and video with Huntington Society of bank, fact sheet, bios, poster, Canada to create a fully- speeches and event rollout. implementable campaign that Everything, including the press would help raise money and kit folder itself must have awareness for Huntington consistent, original branding. Disease. Their concept was Mauricio Cuéllar, Avijit Singh, Leah Ridpath (Vice President, Huntington Socidety of Canada - Peterborough Chapter) and Justin Currier highlight the issues facing sufferers And, no one walks away to create a barn dance and bring a little fun into the lives of Huntington Disease. (Lamb) REFLECTIONS 09 of those suffering from the student success. debilitating neurodegenerative disease. We really felt we “We really felt we had to do “had to do this for this for those suffering from those suffering from Huntington Disease,” says Huntington Disease. Cuéllar. “It wasn’t because we It wasn’t because we needed a mark. It was because needed a mark. It was we understood the importance of addressing this challenge. It because we understood was a very uplifting opportunity the importance to learn and contribute to the of addressing this community.” challenge. It was a very When asked about the uplifting opportunity to importance of hands-on learn and contribute to learning, Cuéllar commented, the community. Emma Higgins, Liz Morris, Detective Constable Wayne King, Katrina O’Neill and Marissa “What I love about studying Campbell help raise awareness for the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region with the ” at DC is their experiential “Lynn Gough, and the #memorymaniac social media campaign. (Lamb) learning philosophy — what faculty she’s worked with over you learn in the classroom the years, are all adamant and how you apply those skills about giving you skills that in a real-world environment. make you competitive,” says The mock media conference Murphy. “When the rubber is a moment of truth. You walk hits the road, you really get away knowing you have all the traction on your career, with skills needed to be successful.” how you write, how you speak Student success is key to and present and how you DC’s mission and values, research. They make sure you and the Public Relations have a whole palette of skills Advanced Diploma program and diversity of experience so prepares students for an your experiences as a student engaging, challenging career prepares you for professional in communications. Greg life. You truly get a targeted Murphy, Executive Dean, overview of all that’s involved School of Media, Arts & Design in working within public Lynn Gough joins the Dog Days of Winter team Diane El-hachem, Lauren Crummey, credits the faculty’s high relations.” Emily Edwards and Sarah Abbott along with Cindy Bennett and Christine Murphy from expectations and the program’s The mock media conference the Humane Society of Durham Region (Lamb) hands-on learning approach to is just one example of the REFLECTIONS 10 many opportunities DC students are given to practice valuable skills learned throughout their programs. With DC’s hands-on approach, students are blazing brilliant trails of success, all because of the knowledge and experiences gleaned in the humble classroom. What I love about studying“ at DC is their experiential learning philosophy — what you learn in the classroom and how you apply those skills in a real- world environment. The mock media conference is a moment of truth. You walk away knowing you have all the skills needed to be successful.” For more information about the Public Relations Advanced Diploma program visit https:// durhamcollege.ca/programs/ public-relations.

Madeleine Dender, Alexandria Wilcox, Kayla Mcgray and Emily Sleep collaborate with David Clarke from Durham Mental Health Services as videographers, photographers and an enrapt audience looks on. (Lamb)

REFLECTIONS 11 But First, Makeup By Kayla McGray and took additional courses to learn professional techniques achael Authors proves there and special effects makeup. Ris power in owning your insecurities and transforming People weren’t so them into inspiration. “focused on staring at Growing up, Authors had my acne or scarring acne-prone skin, which anymore, they saw resulted in insecurities and me for who I was piqued her interest in learning instead. the best methods to manage ” her skin. In high school, she “After taking some courses, decided to experiment with I was doing beauty and makeup as another option to production work, before manage the appearance of her I landed my first special skin. effects contract at Canada’s “People weren’t so focused Wonderland Halloween on staring at my acne or Haunt,” explains Authors. scarring anymore, they saw me “From there, I kept building for who I was instead,” says my skills, working with large Authors showing what her makeup kit includes to the students of the Cosmetic Authors. brands and doing freelance Techniques and Management program at DC (McGray). Her friends began to work.” recognize her talent and the Authors eventually started makeup up, even when I was in Most recently, Authors technique she had when her masters in occupational school.” began teaching as a full-time therapy, but still had the ability applying makeup. This led It has been important to professor in the brand-new to work as a freelance makeup Authors to start working her her to mesh the two careers – Cosmetic Techniques and artist. makeup magic on others for that surprisingly have a lot of Management program at the first time. “The freedom and flexibility crossovers, including building Durham College (DC), which After completing her first of freelance work let me client relationships, self-care launched last September. degree in life sciences, Authors create my own schedule so, I and self-esteem – because of The program prepares decided she wanted to take always found time for it,” says the love and passion she has students for a career in the her hobby to the next level Authors. “I couldn’t give the for both. cosmetics and personal care REFLECTIONS 12 industry through hands- on experience and a field placement. With a focus on the business side of the industry including, but not limited to, cosmetic selling, marketing, communications and entrepreneurial event planning. Additionally, it offers courses on colour theory, product knowledge and makeup techniques. Special effects makeup done by Authors Even though they’ll for Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt “stop this program at (Authors). be new products and terms some point, it won’t and technology, which is mean they’ll stop important for the students to learning. recognize.” ” With an industry that is “The main reason I chose to teach in this program always evolving, one thing has at DC is because I enjoy stayed the same – Authors was the collaboration that able to turn her insecurities happens between different into inspiration to succeed departments,” says Authors. within her career. “The culture here is excellent and very innovative.” Authors is hopeful she will inspire her students to pursue the career they want and teach them the lesson of being a lifelong learner. “Even though they’ll stop this program at some point, it won’t mean they’ll stop learning,” believes Authors. “The industry is always Another special effects makeup look done Beauty makeup done by Authors for a close friend on her wedding day (Authors). evolving. Every year there will by Authors for Halloween Haunt (Authors). REFLECTIONS 13 From DC To The Snowy Slopes of Brimacombe Story and Photos By Alex Wilcox

aking your lunch break at Twork, being able to throw on your ski gear and head out for a couple of runs on the slopes is something people dream about doing. Steffan Lemosn is able to live this dream as the marketing and communications co-ordinator at Brimacombe. Lemon graduated in 2015 from Durham College’s (DC) three-year Marketing - Business Administration program. The great thing about DC is it offer placements and co- ops within its programs. These opportunities allow students to apply the skills learned in the classroom and gets hands-on experience to prepare them for the real world. “I would definitely recommend the Marketing — Business Administration program because I believe Lemon standing at the top of the slopes ready to tackle the many hills at Brimacombe. For hill updates head to brimacombe.ca. the co-op piece made a big difference,” says Lemon. REFLECTIONS 14 Lemon hanging out at the west chalet at Brimacombe. The chalet has a fire, snacks and a patio to enjoy the amazing view. A definate stop the next time you are at Brimacombe.

“Getting real, hands-on real world, Lemon believes challenges often come with work experience is always a DC helped prepare him for his the job, and he is only going good thing and really helps current role. to grow in the long run. Since with confidence when applying “Not every course that I took starting as the marketing and As long you are for jobs and building your taught me a skill that I use on communications co-ordinator, confident“ in what resume.” a daily basis, but I did learn a one career high has been handling the donations to you are doing on the Lemon did his co-op at lot in school that would help job you will feel a A Gift of Art in Newcastle, me in the future. The skills different charities. Ont., a local art gallery that that I accumulated that I can “It’s such a great feeling lot better about the showcases art from local apply to my current each and when you get to help people work you are doing, artists. every day are software such raise money for their great and that comes with “It’s a very small non-profit as InDesign and Illustrator. I causes,” says Lemon. “It always taking in as much and it the First Frost, Brimfest use these programs to create makes me happy getting to do as you can in school which happens every February posters for events and any that. But a low would have to and in any work as well as a Puddle Jump in updates we need for the ski be that feeling of not always hill.” says Lemon. knowing how to do something, experience you may March, so I help out a lot with get. the planning of those main There are always going to be but it’s something everyone events.” ups and downs when starting a goes through and the answers ” come with more experience.” As for being ready for the new career, but Lemon knows REFLECTIONS 15 Lemon taking a break from the slopes on a beautiful sunny day to to check out the view from the west chalet at Brimacombe. It’s great to take some time to enjoy the view.

For someone thinking about the work you are doing, and going into the Marketing that comes with taking in as For more information about Brimacombe – Business Administration much as you can in school and follow them on social media: program, Lemon has a little in any work experience you advice. may get.” “Be open to learning as Job opportunities in the Twitter: @Brimacombe much as you can and to not marketing industry are endless. Instagram: @Brimacombe be afraid to get out of your Durham College really helps comfort zone,” says Lemon. prepare their students for Facebook: facebook.com/brimacombe “As long you are confident in success and that can be seen what you are doing on the job with Lemon and all of the great you will feel a lot better about things that will come his way. www.brimacombe.ca REFLECTIONS 16 AHEADHOW IN TO ADVERTISING GET By: Kris Lamb Photo credit: Heather Nowak

Advertising grad Cassandra Kim Laviolette Cassandra Kim Laviolette holds up her SoftMoc buisness card proudly displaying her keeps growing in her ever-changing field passion for her job and company.

everal years ago, community called Grafton Laviolette excelled through portfolios,” she says. SCassandra Kim Laviolette and chose Durham College her programs, and particularly The payoff came for wanted to merge her passion because of its great sense of enjoyed her classes in Laviolette on graduation day. for art with a career that would community and welcoming photography and design She was confident and ready to give her perfect work-life environment. It reminded me theory. She was equally take on the advertising world. taken by her courses in Sales balance. She enrolled in the so much of home.” “My program had covered Techniques, in large part due three-year Advertising program While studying at Durham, a broad range of topics and to the teaching methods of at Durham College and today Violette lived in residence a balance of technical and professor (and now Advertising she’s a successful e-commerce and student housing near creative skills, so I was ready,” program co-ordinator) Dawn photographer who has never the campus, which she says she says. “I was familiar with Salter. looked back. greatly enhanced her college design and media planning and “The advertising industry experience. “Dawn always found a way to my internship placement had itself peaked my interest “There was always a fun get students engaged and push prepared me for the working because it offered a wide range event or activity going on,” them to their limits, which world. I couldn’t wait to get out of creative possibilities,” says she recalls. “I met so many resulted in them producing there.” Laviolette. “I grew up in a small different and amazing people.” amazing work for their

REFLECTIONS 17 Currently, Laviolette is employed as an e-commerce Above all, Laviolette is a big proponent for creativity in photographer for SoftMoc, one of Canada’s largest footwear advertising and a believer in embracing change. retailers, which requires her to prepare and style all new product “Be open to the endless possibilities and engage yourself in arrivals for pictures and 360 GIF animations. These pictures and every possible way to learn what is best fit for you,” she says. “Be animations get uploaded to the SoftMoc website and onto the prepared to work in an industry that will forever be evolving.” main Amazon shopping portal. She also writes scripts, record voice overs and shoots product videos. On occasion, she also assists with marketing photos for e-blasts and flyers. “My field is constantly growing with the ever-evolving world of social media and the internet,” she says. “In the e-commerce world, and at my job specifically, we are always updating and changing the way our products are being displayed on the web to better reach consumers.”

Behind the scenes of ecommerce photography at SoftMoc.

REFLECTIONS 18 Students who are stressed with assignments, or who just want a break from it all, can PAWS AND CUDDLE come in on specific days of By: Sarah Abbott Photo Credit: Durham College the month to visit the dogs. These canine companions are ollege can be a stressful specifically trained to bring Cyet rewarding time for comfort to those in need. students. When they’re I work at the in the throughs of exams, “ assignments and presentations, Solace Centre, and well-deserved breaks are I’ve personally seen always welcome. In 2018, the the effects these dogs Solace Centre at Durham have on students who College partnered with St. visit. John Ambulance to bring the “We liked partnering” with “Paws and Cuddle” program, a well-known, well-established which brings therapy dogs on community organization,” says campus twice a month in their Bickle. “St. John Ambulance inclusive space. has been a partner in the When I did a little Durham Region community “ for a long time, so we reached bit of research, a out to them for an on-going lot of colleges and partnership. We want students universities have a to think about how dogs or A Durham College student interacts with one of St. John Ambulance’s therapy dogs at animals in general can be part therapy dog program the Solace Centre. where it’s not just once of their on-going wellness levels on campus during “When I did a little bit of practice.” or twice a year, but exam season. The positive research, a lot of colleges and on a more on-going During the first month of effects these loving, patient universities have a therapy dog the program, the centre had basis. dogs had on students did program where it’s not just a large turnout, and thanks ” not go unnoticed. With the once or twice a year, but on Since being launched in to popular demand, the huge success of the previous a more on-going basis,” says September, the program has program is here to stay. With programs, the college decided Heather Bickle, who is the taken off and is quite popular the winter months being that having the dogs on school’s health promotion co- among students. These dogs especially gruelling for college campus regularly would boost ordinator. “We looked at trying have been on campus in the students, having this service morale and give students a to make that happen here at past, but only to lower stress at their fingertips has made a chance to unwind. Durham College.” significant difference. REFLECTIONS 19 “I work at the Solace Centre, and I’ve personally seen the effects these dogs have on students who visit,” says Jackee Pollard, who is currently a student employee at the centre. “Being a student myself, I love the fact that we have a program like this on the campus.” Services offered at the Solace Centre are available to both students and alumni. Next time you’re taking a stroll down the hall, stop by and take a load off. You might even meet a new furry friend that will absolutely make your day. St. John Ambulance “has been a partner in the Durham Region community for a long time, so we reached out to them for an on-going partnership. Next time you’re taking” a stroll down the hall, stop by and take a load off. You might even meet a new furry friend. that will absolutely make your day.

A St. John Ambulance therapy dog on duty at the Solace Centre for Paws and Cuddle.

REFLECTIONS 20 The Gains of Giving Back

Don Terry Shows Students the Power of Volunteering By: Kaitlin Romain on Terry isn’t your average important that students and Dprofessor. With almost professors are equipped with 33 years as Director of Public the skills to succeed in the Affairs for Ontario Power modern work force. Generation (OPG) and his “While one can teach based current volunteer position on book smarts, I believe it’s as Co-Chair of the Durham valuable for professors to Region 2019 Ontario Parasport be involved in the field they Games, Terry brings with teach,” says Terry. “This way, him a wealth of hands-on they stay current and share experience that allows him to personal experiences that are share relevant knowledge with relevant and resonate with students. students.” The importance of professors Despite retiring from OPG in 2013, Terry ensures that Don Terry was co-chair of the Ontario 2019 Parasport Games. Terry wears his official his knowledge base is up-to- Ontario Parasport Games gear as he encourages fans to “Be the Roar” at upcoming events. There are many Photos courtesy of Sabrina Byrnes/ Metroland “ date by volunteering within rewards that come the community and lending can, the world will be a better happier than to see people with volunteering, but his expertise to the Durham place for everyone.” I hired and mentored have ultimately I just believe Region 2019 Ontario Parasport success in their careers and Games, Sport Durham, Idea But his generosity isn’t it’s the right thing to life in general.”Luckily for his Summit and much more. He is limited to the community and do. students, the passion Terry adamant that volunteering isn’t world of volunteering. ” has for seeing success in his having real-world, up-to-date just for retirees looking to keep Even during his time with employees has transferred to experience is absolutely vital their knowledge base up-to- OPG, he enjoyed being able to the classroom. He takes pride in today’s job market. Giving date. help others grow and develop students relevant knowledge in sharing his knowledge with “There are many rewards within the company. is the only way that the future the future public relations work that come with volunteering, “My favourite moments in work force can be prepared force and believes that his but ultimately I just believe my career stem from my role to be successful. With an students teach him as much as it’s the right thing to do,” says as a manager,” remembers ever-evolving economy he teaches them. Terry. “If we all do what we Terry. “Nothing makes me and corporate climate, it is REFLECTIONS 21 “My favourite part of “Empathy will allow you to teaching at Durham College is understand the needs of your my time in the classroom with stakeholders, customers, the students and all that they and others. It allows you to teach me,” he says. understand what motivates In reflection of his own them. It allows you to find win/ career path, Terry believes wins.” volunteering is one of the For Terry, a successful most important steps a career for him and his much student can take to support appreciated support to the their pursuit for a career. He community are a win/win for believes volunteering may be everyone and a definite win the answer to students lacking for Durham College’s students experience in their field. “Lack who are lucky enough to call of experience is the age old him “professor”. saw,” says Terry. “How do you get experience if nobody will give you the opportunity? Your college placements are part of the answer, but I encourage seeking volunteer opportunities to gain experience, build your portfolio, and to network with potential employers.” Ultimately, Terry’s lesson for everyone is one of empathy. Volunteering isn’t just about getting something in return. It’s about helping others, giving back to the community and being human. “Empathy, if not the most important skill, is one of the most important skills for graduating Public Relations Don Terry encourages the community’s support at a press conference for the Durham students as they enter the Region 2019 Ontario Parasport Games. He is accompanied by the games mascot, Pachi. work force,” says Terry. Photos courtesy of Sabrina Byrnes/ Metroland REFLECTIONS 22 Animation Nation By: Katrina O’Neill ameron O’Neill likes “zombifying” selfies or creating Cto keep his creative custom animation shorts options open. On an average and designing graphics for day, the Bowmanville, Ont., custom gamer and influencer resident can be found creating merchandise. everything from new emojis to O’Neill gives credit to the customized animation pieces. Durham program for opening For this graduate of Durham his eyes to the possibilities of College’s Animation program, animation. no two work days are alike. “Until then, I never realized how nearly every feature When I start creating film or television show or “a story, or a character; even clothing has some form my main focus is of animation factor,” he says. creating something “Durham really helped me that I would have been combine my love of video games with my passion for obsessed with when animation.”. I was younger. I want Looking back, O’Neill says kids these days to have Durham College not only the same childhood as helped him prepare for the me. technical demands of the O’Neill hard at work on a freelance animation for popular gamer Nicki Taylor. ” animation world, but also gave O’Neill found his starting him confidence. point at Durham College. says he’s enjoying the journey that I did. When I start creating “I love how the program Currently, he is in the midst so much that he doesn’t a story, or a character; offered the three-year diploma of a variety of freelancing want to limit his future career my main focus is creating in order to make us really feel projects for gamers and online options. something that I would have confident and ready for the influencers. Although he began “I chose animation because been obsessed with when I was work force,” he says. “Durham the Animation program with of how much I loved the movie younger. I want kids these days taught me that, at the end of the goal of shooting for the Toy Story as a child,” says to have the same childhood as the day, it’s about having pride stars and – ideally – landing a O’Neill. “Today, I look around me.” in your work and not cutting job at the world-famous Pixar and I feel like kids aren’t On most days, O’Neill corners.” animation studio, O’Neill now experiencing the same magic can be found in his studio REFLECTIONS 23 Ending The Stigma The Importance of Mental Health Story by: Kamila Moorji about the industry. Photos by:Seema Jadavji “I think the program helped me get into the working ddiction and mental health mindset of the field from the Aare topics that continues very first day,” says Jadavji. to be stigmatized among many “The professors I had were members of society in various extremely approachable and communities. Durham College always encouraged us to pick (DC) graduate Seema Jadavji their brain and ask them recognizes this as an issue that anything we wanted. They needs to be tackled. were very honest and blunt about the positive and negative things about the mental health I wanted to enter field, so there were little to no “this field because I surprises after we graduated wanted to provide and began looking for jobs.” the same assistance Seema Jadavji works on her computer at the Canadian Mental Healthh Association to anyone who during her night shift. The most inspiring was struggling with university, I decided to take residential rehab worker in thing“ about my job is to some time off and I began transitional housing at the addictions and mental seeing a counselor,” says Canadian Mental Health see progress withing a health problems. Jadavji. “It helped me so much Association, she recalls how client. They inspire me to talk about my own struggles her time at Durham helped to continue to keep my After struggling with mental” and I continued this when I her be more prepared to work mental health in check health problems in university, went back to school. I wanted in such a demanding industry. as well and I learn a Jadavji decided to take the to enter this field because I Not only were a lot of the lot from them every Addictions and Mental Health wanted to provide the same courses offered with a hands- day. graduate program at DC to try assistance to anyone who was on approach, the professors and help anyone who might be struggling with addictions and were more than willing to help ” in the same position as her. mental health problems.” their students be successful Jadavji’s role is to help “After a really bad year at Currently working as a once they left the classroom develop lifestyle and wellness and were extremely open REFLECTIONS 24 skills with clients living in resident every day, especially the residence. This can when they teach me how to be anything from teaching cook because I am still not a someone how to make pasta good cook!” Her biggest and most I ask residents and important tip for students clients to teach me wanting to enter the field is “ self-care. things all the time. I “The more you practice learn a lot of different self-care techniques, the more things from each you can provide for your resident every day. clients,” she says. “In this field especially, we give so much ” of ourselves emotionally, we or doing laundry to helping have to remember to re-charge someone learn to deal with so we can continue to give. stress and anxiety. Even though Don’t be afraid to set your own her position can be taxing and boundaries and work at your requires her to work 12 hour own pace.” days, she always seems to find inspiration. “The most inspiring thing about my job is to see the For more information progress within a client,” she Seema Jadavji answers a phone call from a resident at the Canadian Mental Health Association. on mental health, visit: says. “I get so proud when disclose things about her own a client is able to cook for Canadian Mental themselves, clean up without life with them. She also finds In this field a reminder or is able to talk asking about their favourite especially,“ we give so Health Association about a stressful situation in a movies, books or what they like much of ourselves www.cmha.ca healthy way. They inspire me to cook has been very positive for their working relationship. emotionally, we have to to continue to keep my mental remember to re-charge Mental Health First Aid health in check as well and I Not only does she learn about www.mhfa.ca learn a lot from them every them, she also learns from so we can continue day.” them. to give. Don’t be “I ask residents and clients to afraid to set your own CAMH She continues to find ways www.camh.ca to build on her relationship teach me things all the time,” boundaries and work at with her clients and loves how says Jadavji. “I learn a lot of your own pace. she’s able to use humour and different things from each ” REFLECTIONS 25 Eyes on the Prize Sports Management Grad Andrew Edwards Takes His game to the Next Level Story and Photo by: Justin Currier he hockey world can be us to volunteer with Ttough both on and off profoessional sports teams and the ice, but Andrew Edwards organizations, which gave us learned early on the key to valuable hands-on experience. survival is perseverance. You And they also taught a wide have to keep your eyes on the range of subjects, such as prize. accounting, marketing and “In the professional sports event management that helped world, it’s really important to me to be prepared.” put in the time, to be invested While attending Durham, Andrew Edwards speaks at the Durham College Sports Business Conference. and work hard and good things Edwards volunteered his time program and were passionate Additionally, the program will will come,” says Edwards. with the as about sports. We were a tight now offer internships starting “Don’t give up. Eventually, a game-day runner for three group and rode out the entire in the new year, rather than people will recognize this and seasons. He completed his three years together.” a one-semester or full-year it will benefit you.” internship with the team and As for his fondest memories internship. So far, sticking to that game became co-ordinator of the road tour. He was eventually during his three-year program, At the end of the day, plan has worked out nicely Edwards cited his positive survival in the professional and for the graduate of Durham promoted to manager of game-day presentation, media friendships with his Sports amateur sports world requires College’s Sports Management Management classmates. a team-player approach. program. Currently, Edwards relations and special events, a title which he held for four “Our class was super close,” Edwards recommends students is holding down duties as the in the Sports Management director of business operations years. he says. “We toughed out the hard times together and to this program focus on networking, for five-time Memorial Cup He grew up in Durham with an eye to the future. Champions, the Oshawa Region, which allowed him to day, I still keep in touch with Generals. He gives full live at home while attending several of them.” “Build those relationships,” credit to Durham’s Sports Durham College. Edwards says he’s impressed he says. “Even if the Management program for that the Sports Management conversation only lasts 10 “I never got to live the seconds. Introduce yourself preparing him to work in the campus life too much since program is evolving with the professional sports field. changing times. and ask for a business card, I lived in nearby Courtice, and then send a follow-up “Analytical data is such a “When I graduated, I was [Ont.],” says Edwards. after meeting with the person. huge part of the industry and 100 per cent prepared to go “However, I loved that I was Networking is a big part of it wasn’t when I was going to into the sports industry,” he still able to bond with people professional and amatuer school,” he says. “Now it’s a says. “Professors encouraged who truly cared about the sports today.” class in the program.” REFLECTIONS 26 Bon Appétit!

By: Emma Higgins Photo credit: Durham College I truly believe I he W. Galen Weston “have the best job TCentre for Food is at Durham College changing the way people eat because every day at Durham College -- one I get to come to an delicious course at a time. amazing facility and “The W. Galen Weston work with extremely Centre for Food has become passionate students a true community hub,” says and employees Tony Doyle, associate dean at who are dedicated the W. Galen Centre for Food. Guests gather at Durham College’s annual Harvest Dinner. “We have students who harvest to our post- in the morning and are serving secondary programs to Bistro ’67, a fine-dining everyone involved. Students customers that evening. Bistro and business restaurant right on campus. from each CFF program menus are set seasonally The game plan is to provide collaborate to plan this event, operations. and often feature student- a well-rounded practical which provides students the ” created items that have been experience for students along opportunity to execute their developed by working with our with a field-to-fork philosophy. knowledge and put forth the executive chef.” skills they have learned all employment. He says that rule “Right outside Bistro ’67 is With programs in culinary, while providing guests with a still holds true today and takes a field, greenhouse, orchard, food and farming, horticulture, remarkable dining experience considerable pride in helping apiary and other growing areas hospitality, and special events that keeps them coming back provide students with the skills that produce more than 50 management, the Centre to learn and grow in their types of food, representing each year. for Food (CFF) is providing chosen fields. thousands of pounds of students with valuable Doyle actually studied at produce,” says Doyle. experience in the classroom Durham College himself (in through hands-on methods Each year, the CFF hosts the Journalism program) and that also serve the community. the annual Harvest Dinner says he initially chose the event. This celebration is college for its solid reputation The CFF is also home truly a unique experience for of preparing graduates to find REFLECTIONS 27 HOW FASTSTART TURNS BIG BUSINESS IDEAS INTO REALITY Durham College's in-house program helps entrepreneurs business model by guiding them through the basics. The IdeaEngine course realize their dreams. Story and photography by Liz Morris is devoid of due dates or grades and is open year- very new entrepreneur getting started and there’s no round to accommodate Eis faced with the same pressure,” says Rathor. “They’ll student schedules. The course question: How do they turn help you narrow down your culminates with a one-on-one their great big idea into a path, so you know exactly what meeting with a FASTSTART successful business? you want. It’s always objective advisor to determine what services would benefit the At Durham College (DC), and they never pressure you student most and provides tips these budding entrepreneurs into going one way. It feels like on how to move the business often reach out to the you’re talking to friends instead forward. FASTSTART program, which of coming in to meet a boss.” is helping aspiring business Students who join “Nobody ever shut me hopefuls take the next step FASTSTART are able to attend down,” says Rathor. “Nobody toward reality. a wide range of entrepreneurial ever said, ‘This idea isn’t good, go a different route.’ Instead, And each new business events, including workshops they’d say things like, ‘The train requires its own customized and boot camps, and of thought you’re on is good recipe for success. The receive access to dedicated but maybe you want to focus FASTSTART program examines presentation rooms and one- more on this one particular each business idea individually. on-one coaching sessions. aspect.’” All interested students need to As a result, they benefit from do is register to gain access to being connected to a network FASTSTART recently the program. of community programs and opened its doors of its new funding partners with the goal open-concept workspace in That’s how the road to of helping them further their the Centre for Collaborative success began for Ramandeep businesses after graduation. Education building on college’s Rathor, a DC student who Oshawa campus. The high- launched his own tech How it works: The initial tech work space has already The logos of affiliated organizations and company, Syncing Solutions, stages of FASTSTART include become home to staff offering student companies decorate the walls of last year with the assistance of each student completing a multitude of specialties to the new FASTSTART office space providing the program. a dedicated course, called inspiration to future entreprenuers. IdeaEngine, that helps them ensure that students receive “They help you find your create a comprehensive everything they need to start comfort zone when you’re REFLECTIONS 28 HOW FASTSTART TURNS BIG BUSINESS IDEAS INTO REALITY

their business. “If we don’t know the topic, we will bring in an expert,” says Sofia Mingram, interim program co-ordinator of FASTSTART. “When you’re working in the room, you’re around so many other entrepreneurs. If you’re on a journey they’ve been on, they can advise you. It’s nice to be working in a family environment.” Ramandeep Rathor, a DC student who launched his own tech company, Syncing Solutions, through FASTSTART, and Sofia Mingram, Any business idea is interim program co-ordinator of FASTSTART pose together in the program’s new conference room in the CFCE building. welcome at FASTSTART, which operates as a free service for any Durham College external connections to other students under the age of organizations including Core21, More information about 29. More than 60 students FASTSTART can be found RBC, and Futurprenuer, among Nobody ever shut are currently enrolled in the others. on the Durham College service at various stages, and me“ down. Nobody ever website. “All of our services are over 12 initiatives have been said, ‘This idea isn’t completely free,” says durhamcollege.ca/about/office- successfully launched as Mingram. “If you’re a Durham good, go a different of-research-services-innovation- thriving full-scale businesses. College student, you already route.’ Instead, they’d and-entrepreneurship-orsie/ In addition, FASTSTART have access. Come to the say things like, ‘The fast-start currently maintains office and as soon as you train of thought you’re Questions about partnerships with UOIT, register, you will be able to on is good but maybe FastStart DC can be , Trent have access to all of our rooms you want to focus more directed to: University, the Greater and services and come to our on this one particular Lindsey Jeremiah, Peterborough Innovation workshops. But the student still Entrepreneurship Cluster and the Spark Centre. aspect.’ has to take that first big step Co-ordinator, FASTSTART also facilitates toward success.” ” connections to other DC 905-721-2000 ext. 3600 programs like Enactus, and [email protected] REFLECTIONS 29 WHERE SUCCESS HAPPENS

By: Emily Edwards

Photos by: Randy Nickerson and Sabrina Byrnes

hey say every journey wait to get started.” Tbegins with a single step, While attending DC, and for Cameron Osborne the Cameron put all his energy first step toward owning his into his goal of maximizing own successful business began his business education. He with Durham College (DC). also worked closely with the Currently, the proprietor Business Advisory Centre of the thriving training Durham (BACD) and Durham facility Osborne Academy College Employment Services. of Acrobatics Inc. (OAA) in Pickering, Ont., Cameron “Making connections discovered his enduring and having that Gold medalist Rosie MacLennan competing in the Ontario Cup event hosted by OAA passion for gymnastics when roundtable discussion he was only 11 years old. Two about something that their ideas into reality. jobs, they needed help starting years later, he was already might take years to The BACD listened and businesses,” says Cameron. coaching his fellow gymnasts be discovered might took action. Today, there On a broad scale, the on a regular basis, all of which is a free initiative called FastStartDC program takes made his decision to enroll in actually take a few the FastStartDC program, students out of their comfort DC’s Entrepreneurship and minutes to explain - so which gives students from zones and drops them Small Business program in 2015 always be ready to take any program the chance to into challenging real-world an easy decision. that first step and keep develop their business ideas situations. Among other skills, “Going to Durham was networking. and plans and helps build the the program teaches students an obvious choice for me,” marketing assistance required how to deliver business Through his involvement” with explains Cameron. “They had to take their plan to the next pitches and prepares them the DC Employment Services, the most complete curriculum level. to withstand the myriad of he proposed that the college and I could tell the program “This resource turned out challenges that can come with should offer an in-house was designed to help young to be really useful for business launching any new business program to business students entrepreneurs make the most students because most of plan. In retrospect, Cameron that would help them launch of their chosen field. I couldn’t them didn’t need help getting says that the communications REFLECTIONS 30 Cameron and Madison from The Osborne Academy of Acrobatics hosted the 2019 Trampoline and Tumbling First Ontario Cup, with various trampoline and apparatuses. and entrepreneur classes were of maximizing his business plans to expand further in the particularly helpful, as were education was the course he near future. Cameron is happy Osborne the instructions on mastering took on HST ruling through to share his experience with Academy of public speaking. the BACD. fellow entrepreneurs and even Acrobatics “I never really liked public Shortly after graduating from offers up some savvy advice for speaking, so it helped take DC, Cameron opened the future DC business students is open from me out of my shell,” he says. Osborne Academy and hasn’t “The most important thing Monday to Friday “The courses pushed me looked back since. The facility I’ve learned so far is the and helped me develop the currently accommodates 130 importance of networking,” he 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. skills required to do business athletes, from walking age to says. & pitches. It also taught me how grandparents, and his gym is OAA is located at 1420 Bayly Saturday to write compelling letters to always filled with passionate St., Unit 16 in Pickering, Ont. sponsors.” athletes. In only four short 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No less valuable in helping years, the facility has made Cameron achieve his goal several expansions and has REFLECTIONS 31 Published by the Durham College Alumni Association, 2000 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa, Ont., L1H 7K7 T: 905-721-3035 F: 905-721-3134 E: [email protected]