reflections DURHAMCOLLEGEALUMNIMAGAZINE

WINTER 20 08 | VOL. 63

PRESERVINGTHE PAST ALUMNI OF DISTINCTION Students protest the compulsory Five outstanding alumni recognized at tie and blazer dress code in 1969. convocation ceremonies in June 2007.

GETTING HER FEET WET OVERTHE POND Durham alumna Emma Bowie recently completed a contract at Porter Novelli in Munich, Germany. AMESSAGEFROMTHEPRESIDENT

Dear friends, Broadbent. There’s a story about longtime campaign. When all the counting was As we continue to professor John Green and the use of his done, faculty, staff and students donated celebrate our 40th immense talents in the penning of his almost $33,000 to the United Way. To put anniversary year, I play, You Can’t Dance to Mozart. You’ll also that figure in context, we raised a combined often reflect on what read about recent graduate John Draper, an $41,000 in the previous two years! it is that makes Alumnus of Distinction, and a staunch ally in Of course, our alumni continue to be as one the fight to create barrier-free communities. generous as ever. Jeffrey and Julia Boyce, of ’s premier What strikes me about these stories is both 1980 graduates from the General . that they exemplify how members of our Business-Marketing program, announced a No doubt our high-quality programs, Durham College family give so much of $125,000 gift to establish five annual awards exceptional faculty, first-rate student their time, talents and hearts towards that will provide students in need with services, diverse campus and wonderful making our communities better. financial assistance to pursue their studies. student-life opportunities are all key reasons To be sure, the Durham College spirit and Wow! What a wonderful record of giving for our well-deserved reputation for post- sense of community doesn’t stop there. in just a few short months. secondary excellence. I believe another All of us at Durham College are looking As you read through these pages, you’ll strength is the overwhelming commitment forward to the end of May when the best see this side of Durham College’s spirit; of our people to be active and engaged of the province’s special athletes arrive on the side that is alive and thriving in citizens in the communities in which they campus for the Special Olympics Ontario communities everywhere. live and work. 2008 Spring Games. Countless volunteers Sincerely, You will find amazing examples of such will give their time to ensure the athletes commitment in this edition of Reflections. and their coaches are comfortable during There is a touching story about Durham their stay, at their peak performance and College professor Margaret Rodgers and ready to compete. her gift in memory of Lucille Broadbent, I am also extremely proud of the results Leah Myers, the wife of former national NDP leader Ed of our 2007-2008 United Way campus President, Durham College

AMESSAGEFROMTHEPRESIDENT OFTHEALUMNIASSOCIATION

Greetings! celebration, I am proud such a vast number and professors and help make it a weekend With the winter of alumni have turned out to celebrate the to remember! I promise, you will not be semester quickly tremendous achievements of Durham disappointed. moving along, I have College, the successes of fellow alumni This past year is one we can truly be taken a moment to and to spend time with former classmates. proud of and I look forward to celebrating reflect on the year- The number of graduates who have found more wonderful milestones with all of long 40th anniversary their way back to join us in our celebrations you, our incredible alumni. I hope to see celebrations we have only proves how amazing our alumni are. I you soon! have thoroughly enjoyed each and every hosted and the Cheers, immense pleasure I have had with my event. Durham College family throughout the Looking ahead, I invite you all to join us academic year. May 2 to 4 for Homecoming Weekend to Whether it was the unveiling of the help continue this wonderful year of cele- brating Durham College’s 40th anniversary Alumni Wall of Distinction, the Alumni Lillian Jacoby and our tremendous history. Come out Association comedy night or last September President, Durham College and take part in the festivities, share 18 when we welcomed alumni and other Alumni Association guests to campus for a big anniversary memories, reconnect with old classmates

2 REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 WINTER 2008 CONTENTS

4 A PRESIDENT’S LEGACY 5 PRESERVINGTHE PAST 6 THE ANIMATED LIFE OF A FILMMAKING PROFESSOR 7 EDUCATION EQUALITY FOR ALL 8 IN REMEMBRANCE OF BERT DEJEET 9 HALETOTHE EXHIBIT 10 THE ART OF GIVING 11 JOHN OF ALLTRADES 12 ALUMNI OF DISTINCTION 14 CAMPUS RECREATION AND WELLNESS CENTRETAKES SHAPE 15 NEW WOMEN’S CENTRE 16 LEARNING: A LIFELONG AFFAIR 17 GETTING HER FEET WET OVERTHE POND 18 E-LEARNINGTAKES NURSINGTO A CRITICAL LEVEL 19 SONGBIRDS INTHE HALLS 19 NEW PROGRAM BOOSTS FIRST-YEAR MORALE 20 HOMECOMING WEEKEND MAY 2TO 4, 2008 21 ALUMNI UPDATE 23 ALUMNI RECORD CAMPUS RECREATION AND WELLNESSCENTREOPENED ITS DOORS ON JUNE 29, 2007.

PUBLISHED BY THE DURHAM COLLEGE ABOUTTHIS ISSUE REFLECTIONS IS WRITTEN AND EDITED BY ALUMNI OFFICE PUBLISHER: DONNA MCFARLANE DURHAM COLLEGE PUBLIC RELATIONS STUDENTS SOUTH VILLAGE RESIDENCE, 2ND FLOOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: GINNY COLLING PUBLICATION AGREEMENT NO. 40064655 2000 SIMCOE STREET COPY EDITORS: ERIN BOSHART, ANDREA BRAZIL, RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSEESTO: OSHAWA, ONTARIO L1H 7K4 ANGELA BROWN, ROSANNE CANNELLA, AMANDA DURHAM COLLEGE T: 905.721.3035 CHAMBERS, CHRISTINA DUCEY,YOENEL ESTERINE- 2000 SIMCOE STREET F: 905.721.3134 PRIETO, ZOE FITT, ERIN HAGEN, REBECCA KAY, OSHAWA, ONTARIO L1H 7K4 CIRCULATION: 26,000 DANIELLE LEE, ALYSSA MCCAULEY,TERESA E: [email protected] MCKENNA, MICHELLE MCTEAGUE, GORDON ROBERTSON, CAITLIN SHAUGHNESSY, DEBBIE WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA/ALUMNI SLINN, AND STACY WILKINSON.

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 3 APRESIDENT’SLEGACY MELGARLANDLEFTHISMARKONDURHAMCOLLEGE

by Rebecca Kay

MELGARLAND,PRESIDENTOF DURHAM COLLEGE FROM 1980-1988, PASSED AWAY ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2007.

During his tenure as president at Durham As passionate as he was about his career attended Durham College during her father’s College, Mel Garland’s passion for and the environment, these were not the presidency that she first heard him speak engineering served as the driving force most important things in his life. Family candidly about his experience as a pilot for for many of his accomplishments. On was paramount to Garland. the Royal Canadian Air Force during the September 3, 2007, the college’s second Garland’s friends and family remember Second World War. president passed away at the age of 84. him as not only a college president, but “While I was aware that my dad had served His interest in trade programs sprang from as a family man with a great sense of in WWII, the first time I heard of his war his own educational background. He had humour and fun. He and wife Marguerite experience in detail was as a spectator at a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree were married for 60 a Remembrance Day in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s years and had six “HE CARED ABOUT DURHAM service at Durham University. This fuelled his establishment children, playing an COLLEGE A LOT, AND NO College when I was of apprenticeship programs for the Durham active role in their DOUBT WORKED VERY HARD a student,”Jennifer College school of Applied Sciences and lives. Jennifer recalled. Technology. Dr. Gary Polonsky, who suc- Garland, his daughter, FOR ITS WELL-BEING. THAT WILL NEVER BE LOST.” With all of his ceeded Garland as president in 1988, recalls her father accomplishments, describes Garland’s dedication to the college. taught her how to along with the contri- “He cared deeply about education, students, play tennis, played with her and butions he made to Durham College and and in particular, Durham College,”says her siblings and played golf with family the influence he had on the lives of all Dr. Polonsky. “The School of Technology and friends. He also tried to instill the who were close to him, Mel Garland will was dear to his heart.” importance of education in all of his not soon be forgotten. children and encouraged them to pursue Garland was an environmentalist ahead of post-secondary education. There have only been four presidents of his time, Dr. Polonsky added. He was very Durham College and Dr. Polonsky equates concerned with tree planting, water and “My dad was a mentor and coach, someone the loss of Garland to the loss of some of air quality as well as wildlife habitat preser- I could speak with about professional issues, the school’s history. vation. Dr. Polonsky recalls how Garland, especially since my career was beginning as his was wrapping up,”says Jennifer. “He cared about Durham College a lot, who lived on a river, allowed his children and no doubt worked very hard for its and grandchildren to fish there under one Garland was a humble man, and though well-being. That will never be lost.” condition – all the fish they caught had to close to his family, he did not share every- be thrown back. thing with them. It wasn’t until Jennifer

4 REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 PRESERVING THEPAST

by Erin Hagen PHOTO COURTESY OF DURHAM/UOIT ARCHIVE STUDENTSPROTESTTHECOMPULSORYTIEANDBLAZERDRESSCODEAT DURHAM COLLEGE IN 1969.

Through the long corridors in the base- information and resources is available article. The headline reads, Learn to Read ment of the Campus Library at Durham upon request to staff, students and alumni. & Riot! Students had organized a walkout College and the University of Ontario A couple of days notice is usually required, to protest the college dress code, which as library staff must stipulated that each male student must wear (UOIT), behind a “IT IS IMPORTANT TO INFORM sometimes digitally a tie and blazer to class. The Oshawa District locked entry, there THE ENTIRE CAMPUS scan the documents. Labour Council was involved in the dispute lies a curious time COMMUNITY ABOUT THE “It is important to and vowed to support the students. capsule – the official EXISTENCE OF THE ARCHIVE inform the entire In another cabinet, there is a framed picture campus archive that BECAUSE WE ARE STILL campus community and the personal notes of Dr. Gordon Willey, houses relics and about the existence of the first president of Durham College. These memorabilia dating COLLECTING ITEMS FROM the archive because notes contain the first scrawls of a mission back to the creation DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS.” we are still collecting statement and overall vision for the school. of the college 40 items from different years ago. Access is restricted, tempera- Recently, staff member Brenda Jackson departments,”says chief librarian Pamela completed 38 years of service at the college. ture levels are monitored and light levels Drayson. are low to preserve documents for poster- During her last days on staff, she was ity. There, a story is being told through the In the past, departments have held onto working on cataloguing and organizing painstaking process of cataloguing items, their own relics. The task of digging up the archives. Jackson said that over the which began a year ago. all of the items throughout the college has years, throughout all of the administration been a tedious one, but who knows what changes, campus growth and technological This unique archive contains items that treasures lie hidden at the bottom of a advancements, the objectives of the college relate solely to Durham College and UOIT. filing cabinet or within a yearbook? have remained the same, with student Photographs, building plans, yearbooks, success remaining as the primary focus. course outlines, amongst other items, are For example, buried in a Durham College neatly shelved and stored. Most of the yearbook from 1969 is an interesting

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 5 THEANIMATEDLIFEOFA FILMMAKINGPROFESSOR

by Danielle Lee

PROFESSORCHRISTOPHERGOULDIS SHOWNONTHESETOFHISFIRSTFILM,

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER GOULD TO BE RELEASED IN 2009.

The animated series, Rolie Polie Olie, is animated series, including the Emmy Gould left the filmmaking industry in centred around a robotic family in Polieville. and Gemini award-winning Clone High to step out of the “hustle and bustle” of Polie’s family consists of round robots that and Rolie Polie Olie. the business and moved to Durham Region live in a teapot-shaped house, next door to “Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people with his family where he has been exploring a family of square-shaped robots. This is will come from miles around to watch you his creative ideas as a filmmaker and sharing one of the many cartoons edited by Durham burn,”Gould advises would-be animators. his passion with other future filmmakers. College professor, Christopher Gould. Upon graduating from the Ontario College After years of lecturing and generating film Exposed to the film industry for his entire of Art and Design (OCAD), Gould discov- and animation design, he has decided to life, Gould brought his talents as a produc- ered his love for the art of storytelling step back into his comfort zone to take on tion manager and editor to the classroom through the cinematic language. During his first feature-length documentary. Out five years ago to help shape the future of his years of working in ’s largest from the Cold – A Story of Survival is set Canadian storytellers. entertainment company, Nelvana Limited, to be released in 2009. Recently, he was hired as co-ordinator of Gould learned from some of the greatest Gould’s biggest hope is to help shape the Durham College Animation-Computer professionals in the industry. They have the future of Canadian storytellers and Arts program. Before coming to Durham, encouraged him to always stay strong and encourage them to always stand behind he spent 11 years in the children’s television passionate, noting people will genuinely their creations. industry as an editor and production appreciate and credit his work. manager, working on over two dozen

6 REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGELA BROWN WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA in 2005. College June Durham to idea then the They presented Ontario. in colleges Sault and Lambton, Humber, at offered was being which already program, CICE the on data collecting and researching started Connaty, including children, parents special-needs of with group a ACCESS, mid-2003, In CICE co-ordinator. the program as hired says was board,” who on Connaty, get college gratifying the was see it to so it, wanted really we idea, and the valued we knew we parents, “As challenges. learning severe other or disabilities intellectual with students for designed was program Certificate College Ontario post-secondary two-year, The students Rebecca. 21 daughter, Connaty’s of was list that in September included past and this intake first its had program (CICE) Education Co-operative Through Integration Community The attend. could daughter such her students as that program a start College Durham special see to with wanted Connaty daughter Lynn needs, a of mother ASSISTANTS. the SANDRA As AS EDUCATIONAL WELL CON- AS REBECCA’S LYNN CO-ORDINATOR, CAMPBELL, SUPPORTERS, LIZ BY PROGRAM AND CICE SURROUNDED AND KOLOBUTIN IS MOTHER CONNATY HER NATY, REBECCA STUDENT CICE rvdsoehu fttrn e ls.The class. per tutoring of hour also one and provides them with class attends (EA), who assistant educational an with student works Each success. students’ assist the to in modified are classes optional The Administration. Office taking Rebecca is example, For them. program interests a that from classes other incor- three also porate They success. for skills and seminar literacy computer classes: taking CICE 1 two Semester in out start Students says. college Rebecca else,” to everyone come like to happy opportunity am the I have and to program CICE the love experience. “I college a have to chance a students other 2007, countless and in Rebecca giving curriculum its into program CICE the implemented dedica- College and Durham work tion, hard of years four after and implementation, to conception CICE. From offered that colleges other visiting and researching together, worked Integrated Studies, of School College of Durham dean the Spring, Judy with along Connaty, our Connaty. service community,” says to college the wanted “We aeri eeiainsclinic. veterinarian’s a in career to a lead ultimately will in administration classes office her hopes She friends. new meeting and skills vocational her improving independence, her gaining further while now education can she that loves card, description program the on spokesperson program’s the as appears also who Rebecca, field. chosen their within job a obtain to independence garnered and have experience will and CICE in Certificate College Ontario an with be rewarded will they graduate, students When placement. a and courses optional three for course, skills success seminar the take to students continue the as similar, fourth are and semesters third, field second, their The interest. in of placement a at working start students semester, second the in Beginning modifications. to appropriate students on and decide faculty with work also EAs yAgl Brown Angela by ALL FOR EQUALITY EDUCATION REFLECTIONS | ITR2008 WINTER 7 INREMEMBRANCEOF BERTDEJEET

by Rosanne Cannella

BERTDEJEET,FORMERDEANOFTHE

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIESJE DEBURGER DURHAMCOLLEGESCHOOLOFJUSTICE.

Bert Dejeet will be remembered as a turn their diploma into a degree. served as the former chair of Big Brothers charming man with a sense of humour, a “Bert was an extremely hard worker,”says and Sisters of Oshawa. love for the great outdoors and his pure John Green, a part-time professor at the “He was always a gentleman,”says Bev devotion to his community, Durham college. “He would work long hours, even Balenko, former academic vice-president College and especially its students. Sadly, on weekends, in his office at Durham of the college. “His supportive nature he passed away on June 25, 2007 after a College. His dedication was always towards allowed him to really connect with so short battle with cancer. A 29-year veteran the students. He cared so much about many different kinds of people, whether of the college, Dejeet finished his career what his job meant for the students and they were students at the college or as dean of the School of Justice, retiring was always putting them first, above all adults within the community. His passion in June 2005. else. I’m convinced he single-handedly and dedication for his work is quite appar- In 1977,he began his career at Durham as a made life better for many hundreds of ent with the accolades presented to him, department head for academic and business students at the college.” including the first dean emeritus at Durham programs. During his tenure, he was the Though dedicated to his career, Dejeet College. His dependability was something fundamental force in developing the justice was also an outdoors enthusiast, spending he was highly respected for and he will be program. When the School of Justice was much of his free time at his cottage in the greatly missed.” created in 2000, he became its first dean. Twin Lakes area near Peterborough with Dejeet’s achievements within the school He also played a crucial role in spearheading his wife, Durham College staff member have set a new standard for Durham the first Golf Management program at Liesje DeBurger. Along with a love of fishing College as well as its students. His goal Durham College. and playing golf, he was an amateur in the throughout his 29-year career never After retiring, he became a consultant maple syrup industry, supplying numerous changed: to make a difference in the lives for the University of Ontario Institute staff at Durham College with their fix of of students. Dejeet wasn’t a man who of Technology (UOIT) in the Faculty of homemade syrup. worked for the college, but a man who Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies. Dejeet was also a permanent fixture in worked for the students. In this new role, Dejeet orchestrated the the community with his dedication to the In addition to his wife Liesje, he is sur- bridging program between Durham Kiwanis Club of Oshawa, John Howard vived by their four children. College and UOIT to further the aspira- Society, Scouts Canada and the Durham tions and goals of students who want to Regional Police Services Board. He also

8 REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLOTTE HALE WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA The $3,000. to $350 from the ranged for art cost The show. the during continuously change to have realized would Hale artwork that the day first the in many pieces so sold gallery The 31. December until exhibit’s run the through and Gallery, Art opening Door Ontario’s Magic Sunderland, 29 at September the for out came colleagues and friends clients, gallery Many exhibit. Krasota the represented throughout equally were which of detail, all vivid with etchings and oil paintings sculptures, created have They Hale. said level, skill an technical possesses extraordinary and artform in her master or a his is one Each Shapira. and Natalia Shtelman, Alex Broytman, Israel Firer, Sergei Gefter, Ilya talented artists: incredibly Russian-born five of help the without possible been have not would exhibit Hale’s Krasota. works, contemporary Russian of exhibit second co-ordi- her recently nated Hale fact, in In found galleries. kind art the they’re still but is images, focus on her work, big of the Outside on picture. focus to has Hale Charlotte administrator, College Durham a As Shaughnessy Caitlin by EXHIBIT THE TO HALE oa,Hl steascaeda o the for dean associate the is Hale Today, programs. Design and Art in and Foundations Design Graphic the in teacher part-time a became she closed, gallery the ter af- Shortly ago. years a few closed it until ran she which Perry, Port in Vidi Veni called gallery art an up opened she graduating, after years few A 1990s. early the in college the at program Advertising in the student a was she when began photography, ically specif- art, in interest Hale’s piece.” each attached to story a always is there cause be- artwork, original energywith of gift a get “You Hale. says gallery,” great local a from it purchase to and York, New in seen be see really to should people that for artwork opportunity great a is “It future. plans the Hale in another curating that on success a such was exhibit OMNCTO RS IS ARTS, COMMUNICATION COL FDSG AND DESIGN OF SCHOOLS SOIT ENO THE OF DEAN ASSOCIATE EIDTEDS AND DESK THE BEHIND NTEATGALLERY. ART THE IN HROT HALE, CHARLOTTE RAIEMIND CREATIVE A raiigsoso exhibits. while or people shows to organizing art of joy the bringing since Gallery Art Door Magic the worked with has and her photography pursue for to passion time finds still She Arts. Communication and Design of School REFLECTIONS taac University, Athabasca through education her continuing currently is Hale undervalued.” be never should Artists life. in selves them- express to how know they because society to asset valuable a are “They Hale. says think,” they way the like I be them, to around like I artists, like “I own. her closing ocniu erigand learning continue is to goal Her topic. the on knowledge her further to workshops photography taking been also has She major. Communications a with Arts Professional of Bachelor a for studying | ITR2008 WINTER 9 THEARTOFGIVING

PROFESSORMARGARETRODGERS’ PAINTINGOFOSHAWAARTISTALEXAN- by Michelle McTeague DRALUKEWASDONATEDTOTHER.S. MCLAUGHLINDURHAMREGIONALCAN- CERCENTREINMEMORYOFLUCILLE BROADBENT.

Artist and part-time Durham College As a part-time teacher in the schools of English and Cultural Studies at Trent professor Margaret Rodgers raised her Design and Communication Arts, Rodgers University. She finished an undergraduate children in the same house that one-time has coached students in such classes as degree and continued on to do a master NDP leader Ed Broadbent grew up in. foundations in art and design, art history, of arts in Canadian Studies, finishing with When she was in university, Rodgers pop culture, painting and oral narratives. her thesis about the Oshawa-born Luke. focused her master’s thesis on Alexandra Rodgers has also organized special events Rodgers’ thesis was later published by Luke, a famous Canadian painter. at Durham College, including two speakers’ ECW Press. Recently, these two parts of her life series and Durham Goes Downtown, “I never felt that specific goals, five year merged when Rodgers’ art was sought where Foundations in Art and Design plans, held any meaning for me. I was after to commemorate the late Lucille students were able to showcase their much more interested in allowing directions Broadbent, Ed Broadbent’s wife. work in downtown Oshawa. to go where they might. I know this flies Lucille Broadbent died on Nov. 17, 2006 at In addition to her teaching career, Rodgers in the face of current career theories the age of 71, after a year-long battle with is the founder of the Iris group, consisting and that maybe I should have been more breast cancer. Rodgers said she was hon- of 12 women who share ideas, mutual focused, but nevertheless I think I have oured when the R.S. McLaughlin Durham support and develop projects for women had a rich and varied series of careers Regional Cancer Centre decided that in the arts. Rodgers credits the success anyway,”says Rodgers. Lucille should be memorialized as a strong of her art activities to the group. She continued enhancing her artistic woman who continued to support her Her art has been on display at several abilities by taking advantage of all the husband’s political efforts, even throughout locations around the Durham Region. In workshops in local galleries, particularly her illness. A pair of Rodgers’ portraits, addition to her donation to the cancer- life drawing classes with James Paget, The Luke Twins, were donated in Lucille’s centre, her work has also been displayed which she used to develop not only skills, memory, making the ceremony extra at the Grocery Tape Project, the Baghdad but also a sense of commitment to art. special. The local NDP organization Museum (Clarington, Stouffville, and approached Rodgers to buy one of her “I painted and drew constantly; my sleeping Toronto), Big Girls, The Shwa - a downtown children, yoga classes at the YMCA, works. She donated the painting and officials project, and Renewal at the Red Head in turn gave it to the cancer centre. Extendicare, wherever people would let Gallery. me draw them,”she says. “The painting is absolutely wonderful and In Rodgers’ school years, art was unfortu- definitely commemorates Lucille per- nately not widely available in post-secondary fectly,”says Sid Ryan, president of CUPE, education and she instead opted to study who attended the donation.

10 REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 You may not be able to dance to Mozart, send me to school so I could stay home but you can share a laugh. Local playwright and read all day long.” John Green wrote and directed the comedy Not only have his books been bestsellers, You Can’t Dance to Mozart, about Barney but they have also won many awards. and Kate, two retired neighbours with Three have won the Canadian Children’s opposite personalities, living in a rundown, Book Centre Gold Seal Award, including apartment building, who find love and Alice and the Birthday Giant, which was also concoct a real estate scheme designed to short-listed for a Governor General’s Award. bring their unethical landlord to his knees. “Writing children’s books was an incredible Actor, producer, businessman, and author experience,”says Green. “Something I – these are just a few of the additional always got a kick out of was visiting a roles Green has held during his eventful classroom of children whose teacher had career as a professor at Durham College. read the entire story to the students with A man of many talents, he has always had the exception of the last chapter and I would a passion for the dramatic arts and has never finish reading the book to the children. been one to shy away from a challenge. Watching their faces as we approached His most recent job title – playwright – the endings of the stories was always sprang from a lifelong interest in the theatre something I found most rewarding from PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA CHAMBERS arts. He’s been involved in live theatre writing children’s books.” since the age of seven and spent a short Green is also the founder of his own edit- time in professional theatre as an actor. ing business, KMG Corporate Learning Inc. JOHNOF “I have always had a love for linguistics,” “I had always wanted the opportunity to Green says with a smile. “I have written run my own business and I wanted to ALLTRADES quite a range of material for the theatre, find out if I could handle it. I wanted to be although not all of it has been good.” challenged,”he says. While he has seen several plays produced He launched KMG as a freelance editor, in amateur theatre, last July was the debut by Amanda Chambers writer and corporate language trainer. of his first professional production, You Although Green has put his company Can’t Dance to Mozart. The play, which he involvement on hold since Aug. 31, 2007, wrote and directed, turned out to be the he fully intends to pursue it again in the highest grossing box office production future. For now, he wants the time to showcased by The Class Act Dinner work on a number of writing and theatrical Theatre in Whitby during that season. projects. Despite his busy schedule, the English Following the recent success of You Can’t professor of 25 years continues to teach Dance To Mozart, Green is in the process communication courses at the college of writing a second play, another dramatic three days a week. He has many memories comedy. from working with students over the years. “Too many things to do,”he says. “I am “Although it is hard to mention just one in the process of trying to lessen things thing, knowing that I have passed critical in life and to make space. I want to act information on to students – particularly in again, however it takes a lot of commit- the media law courses I have taught – is a ment and you have to dedicate large rewarding feeling all by itself,”he says. blocks of time to the production.” Long before Green tried his hand at writing Although Green has not committed to any plays, he was writing children’s literature. particular roles for this year, he does want Eight of his stories have been printed and to concentrate his talent on character parts. are currently being sold worldwide. Some have been named bestsellers. “The only roles I won’t play anymore are leads, too many lines,”he says. “I love His upbringing was chock full of books. acting out character roles, something that “I had a very early love of books,”Green requires a lot of makeup, a lot of costuming remembers. “I would even make up and a lot of physical quirks, so I can become excuses to plead with my parents not to somebody else entirely.”

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 11 ALUMNIOFDISTINCTION DURHAMCOLLEGERECOGNIZEDOUTSTANDINGALUMNI

JOHNDRAPER Draper has received several awards for his Industrial Maintenance Techniques program, outstanding efforts, including the Joublin and completed academic upgrading before by Andrea Brazil Scholarship from the Toronto Community he decided to enrol in the Industrial Foundation, the Words + Scholarship Mechanic Millwright program in 1990. He from the International Society for said upgrading gave him the confidence Augmentative Communication, the and self-esteem to start his career, helping Glenn Crombie Memorial Award from him to acquire licences as an Operating the College Committee on Disability Engineer Class 4, Water Treatment Issues and most recently, the Durham Operator Class 3, Water Distribution and College Alumnus of Distinction award. Supply Subsystem Class 2 and Wastewater Treatment Operator Class 2. Durham College recognized his efforts by awarding him GARYCHRISTIAN with a 2007 Alumnus of Distinction award. by Andrea Brazil “I would not be in the position I am if it had not been for the opportunities from Durham College,”says Christian. “Any

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN DRAPER opportunities you have to learn, take them. Try not to specialize, because that John Draper, entrepreneur and 2005 limits you. Keep your visions open, you graduate of Durham College’s Journalism have nothing to lose. The idea is always program, has been receiving awards for his to move forwards or sideways, never efforts since his high school years. As an backwards.” individual with a disability, Draper uses his experiences and communication expertise When he is not at work or on call, Christian to inspire others to foster communities loves being with his family, traveling, that are open to people of all abilities. He working outdoors and, whenever possible, is currently running his own business, helping his elderly neighbours. Together We Rock!, where Draper and his team travel to schools, conferences and PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREA BRAZIL GAILELLIOTT meetings to promote equality, inclusion by Stacy Wilkinson and accessibility. Gary Christian, chief maintenance operator “Together We Rock! supports citizens in for the Regional Municipality of Durham, has their effort to build communities that are started his way up the managerial ladder by accessible to and inclusive of people with gaining many qualifications along the way. disabilities,”says Draper. The two-time Durham College graduate is Since obtaining his Journalism diploma, also a member of the college’s advisory Draper has gained experience in the committee for the Water Quality Technician communications and writing fields. He has program, which won the Ontario Public worked with the Canadian Imperial Bank Works Award in collaboration with the of Commerce, the Innovation Centre at Regional Municipality of Durham. Using Durham College and the Oshawa This his knowledge and expertise of the field, Week community newspaper. He is also Christian helps students to understand the a member of the Canadian Association of importance and the responsibility that this Journalists, the International Society for particular line of work entails. On site and Augmentative and Alternative Communication off, he works hard to help anyone he can. and the Writers’ Circle of Durham Region. “Whenever you have a chance to give A former teacher, school principal, Meals on As a volunteer, he sat on the Canadian back, do it,”says Christian. “Anything I can Wheels volunteer and volunteer member of Committee for the United Nations on the help with, show whoever what I know and the Youth Justice Committee, it’s clear that Rights of the Child with the Canadian the things I can do, I will. I am very open education and volunteering have been major Institute of Child Health. He also organizes to helping people who need assistance.” themes of Gail Elliott’s life since she an annual neighbourhood food drive. Christian graduated in 1986 from the graduated from Durham College’s Public

12 REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 Administration program in 1970 with the she and her company, Eclectic Events resulted in 500 patient referrals within a top marks in her class. International, have received more than 25 period of two years. A year later, Elliott graduated from teachers’ international nominations for their work. When she was director of Organizational college at a time when one could teach Luscombe founded the company, of which Development for Haliburton Highlands without a degree. She later received her she is president, in 2000 after earning her Health Services, Wood introduced patient bachelor’s degree from the University of Certified Special Events Manager certificate. safety programs that led to 28-per cent Toronto in 1977 and her master’s in 1981. She was the first Canadian event planner decrease in falls in the long-term care facility After teaching for nine years, she spent to receive the certification. and a 50-per cent decrease in acute care. eight years as a principal, first in Claremont Luscombe passes on her award-winning Her leadership in developing a corporate and later at an Ajax school. In 1992, she knowledge to her fundraising students continuous quality improvement program led was named Educator of the Year and went at George Brown College, who were to successes in meeting Ministry of Health, on to work as an administrative officer and nominated for an award for planning a Ministry of Environment and Canadian supervisory officer for the Durham District fundraiser for the September 11th Fund. Council of Accreditation standards. School Board. Luscombe also speaks across Canada Her passion for community health care issues Currently, Elliott is president of Durham and the United States numerous times goes beyond the workplace. Wood shared District 28 - Retired Teachers of Ontario. each year on current event and meeting her expertise as a part-time instructor at She also volunteers in several capacities management topics. She has presented , as well as a community with her church, including helping with its at Canadian and international event nurse at Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge food bank. conferences for many years, from Toronto Health Unit and with the Victorian Order of to Vancouver and Honolulu. Nurses. She volunteers her time with many Over the years she’s been recognized for organizations, including the Haliburton her career and volunteer work including Luscombe has sat on several college Highlands Health Services, the Haliburton being named an honorary member of the advisory boards, including for Durham Friends Network Committee at Fleming Ontario Public School Teachers’ Federation College’s Entertainment Administration College and the Registered Nurses of Durham District and most recently program. Association of Ontario. being named a Durham College Alumna of Distinction. Currently pursuing her master’s degree CONNIEWOOD in nursing, Wood has been seconded “I was recently awarded the big one,” as the lead registered nurse for quality says Elliott about receiving the one of the by Christina Ducey management collaboratives for family college’s most prestigious awards. health teams, which is working towards creating an infrastructure to support CAROLYN LUSCOMBE quality improvement approaches. by Stacy Wilkinson

NOMINATE AN OUTSTANDING GRADUATE

Do you know an outstanding Connie Wood has devoted 31 years to Durham College graduate who improving health-care services in her should be nominated for the community. She was recently recognized 2008 Alumnus of Distinction for her outstanding work as the recipient Carolyn Luscombe, a 1995 graduate of the of a 2007 Durham College Alumna of Award? Entertainment Administration program, has Distinction Award. We are accepting nominations recently added Durham College Alumna of Over the years, the 1976 Nursing graduate until April 18. Distinction to the long list of awards she has focused her career on long-term care, has received over the years. For more details, please visit acute care, and community nursing. Other awards Luscombe has won are www.durhamcollege.ca/alumni. Wood currently works as a Healthy Living Canadian Event Industry awards for Co-ordinator with the Haliburton Highlands Producer of the Year (2007), Most Family Health Team promoting strategies Outstanding Event (2005 and 2006) and for disease prevention and healthy living. an international award for Best Social As a diabetes educator her success has Event Planning for a Corporation. In all,

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 13 14

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBBIE SLINN REFLECTIONS de oteee-rwn ito support students. of for list ever-growing the been to have added clinic therapy athletic an and services counselling resource nutritionists, health centre, sexual a as such of variety services, wide A pharmacy. on-site an wellas as professionals, health other and thera- pists massage doctors, to home Health Centre, Campus the the houses injury, now an facility of event unfortunate the In gym. triple massive the overlooks track jogging indoor 200-metre the elevated addition, In saunas. and services with towel complete rooms, locker student staff and separate offers also area spacious The classes. fitness-related sports and to training dedicated rooms dual and dance studios two equipment, weight and cardio state-of-the-art featuring Flex, the centre, fitness massive original a the houses and of centre athletic size the times five than more is facility 90,000-square-foot The nity. commu- the and graduates staff, students, to opened expansion and Centre Recreation Wellness Campus the to doors the construction, and years planning three research, than of more after 29, June On gym. isn’t old this any again, then post-sec- But a campus. on ondary find might smelly, you typical gym the old not it’s – track elevated running an and spotlights shining with ceilings skyscraping seating, retractable rows of and rows floors, hardwood Gleaming Slinn Debbie by SHAPE CENTRE TAKES WELLNESS AND RECREATION CAMPUS | ITR2008 WINTER eiaini o hs fyuwoswthis saw who you of those for is “Our dedication Myers. many,” says hopes of the dreams on and built was facility new “This budget. time on on and built was their centre of the Because commitment, facility. to the fee for year pay per help $145 additional in an were of cent favour per 86 and voted population student the cent of per 24 than More history. secondary post- Canadian in turnouts highest the one of had building the construct to whether on referendum student a that so much So students. and staff faculty, of many joy and pride the been has Centre Wellness and Recreation Campus new The representatives. nity commu- of number a with along facility, $17-million the of 12 official Sept. the opening for Babcock Ken recreation athletics and of director Polonsky, Gary presi- dent UOIT and college former Ronald Bordessa, Dr. President UOIT Myers, Leah President College Durham joined Lazenby for come.” students to our generations of all for services complimentary health offer to able finally “Weare Services. Health Campus of Lazenby, director Kathy reality,” says a become has facility health superior a and with members students staff our providing of dream “Our IDADAHEALTHY A AND MIND TEEI DEFINITELY IS “THERE EWE HEALTHY A BETWEEN OY”-PRESIDENT BODY.” - CONNECTION A EHMYERS LEAH elesCnr,vsttewbieat www.campusrecreationcentre.com. website the visit Centre, Wellness and Recreation Campus the and memberships on information more For all to one futures.” important our an of is lives our wellness in and plays health that role body,” says “The healthy Myers. a and mind healthy between a connection a definitely is “There offer. to has the services centre many the from benefit to able be will community surrounding the in dents 2009. through events additional booked with is and ceremonies closing and opening Games Spring 2008 Ontario Region Durham Olympics Special the also hosting will be centre The concerts. and events sporting high-profile schools accommodate major and other with field a playing on level compete to the university at and sports college varsity all allow will capacity, increased the with along involvement, That contributions.” your remember always will We through. idea lmi nadto,resi- addition, In alumni. all for available also are rates Discount facility. the of development the to contributed they year every for membership one-year free a receive will UOIT and College Durham both from graduates Recent

PHOTO COURTESY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING NEWWOMEN’SCENTRE HELPFORTHEHURTINGANDHUNGRY

by Erin Boshart

With classes to attend, papers to write, Hector-Alexander. “If someone just needed tests to pass and assignments to complete, some space, or to grab a cup of coffee, a most students will tell you their lives are cup of tea, use the microwave, people can hectic and sometimes stressful. But for come in and chill between classes. some, studies are the least of their worries. “We sort of act as a bridge. If someone Some struggle with financial problems or comes to us and needs some support but are in need of basic necessities such as they don’t know where to go for it, then food, shelter or legal assistance. For Allison we can refer them.” Hector-Alexander, co-ordinator of the new Women’s Centre on campus, running into students with more woes than mere class attendance is a daily occurrence. Members of the 2006-2007 Student Association at Durham College, UOIT and Trent in Oshawa became aware that many students were coming to class hungry, hurting and dealing with issues far too big to conquer on their own. Their solution was The Service Centre, which opened in September in portables behind the Library. In addition to the Women’s Centre, the Service Centre contains a campus food centre that provides students with food supplies as a means of short-term assis- tance, a career boutique with gently-used, professional-looking outfits for students to borrow for job interviews and offices for various campus clubs. The Women’s Centre offers a safe place for women on campus and advertises PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIN BOSHART resources, advocacy, crisis management and conversation groups, along with assis- In its first semester of operation, the tance when a student is facing financial, Women’s Centre and food bank were child-care-related or abuse problems. If a helping 15 to 20 students weekly, but their student wants to find out what her options goal is to reach every student who needs are, the Women’s Centre can do the home- support. To do that, the staff wants to work so that she can make educated make the Women’s Centre more visible choices concerning her specific situation on campus and in the community. and her schoolwork doesn’t have to suffer. In November, it held the Clothesline Project There are many reasons a student might as part of the Violence Against Women come to the Women’s Centre. Awareness campaign. The event, a two-day meeting meant to mimic a time when “It could be a legal situation where they women would gather around the local need to go through the process of finding clotheslines, was a major stepping stone for a lawyer. But where do they start? How the Women’s Centre in raising awareness do they apply for legal aid? Would they about domestic violence against women. be eligible for legal aid? These are some It is looking to hold similar events in order of the questions we can help with,”says to create a strong presence on campus.

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 15 LEARNING: ALIFELONGAFFAIR

byTeresa McKenna

DURHAMCOLLEGEPRESIDENTLEAH MYERS(LEFT)MAKESHERINAUGURAL VISITTODURHAMLIFELONGLEARNING (DLL),MEETINGWITHDLLCHAIRBILL SHEPHERD, AND CO-FOUNDER JOYCE

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOYCE MARSHALL MARSHALL.

It could be a story told by a friend, a focus on one particular topic. There are proposal for a lifelong learning series, brochure in the mail or perhaps a magazine no tests, deadlines or anxieties, only she realized it fit perfectly with Durham at the doctor’s office. No matter what opportunities for reflection, sharing and College’s mission and values. Together, you heard or where you heard it, the fact social contact. they pitched the idea to Gary Polonsky, remains, in the past week, you have “To be exposed to a range of speakers, president of Durham College at the time, learned something new. on a variety of topics, and then be able who happily donated the space and parking Contrary to popular belief, learning is not to reflect on the various themes and to for the program. While Polonsky is modest just for students – it’s a lifelong affair. And discuss them with family and friends, helps about the contribution, Marshall says it thanks to the Durham Lifelong Learning us maintain, if not improve, intellectual played a key role. (DLL) association, currently celebrating functioning,”says Bill Shepherd, chair of “Lifelong Learning has been a real success,” its 10th anniversary, hundreds of adults Durham Lifelong Learning. “It actually helps says Marshall. “It filled a need in the from around Durham Region have learned us all to become more effective citizens. community. Mr. Polonsky was instrumental about everything from French Culture Moreover, it resonates with the basic in giving us the go-ahead and support to and Language to the History of Medicine. human instinct to continually learn.” make it happen.” The Lifelong Learning program is designed And there is certainly no lack of participants. That support has not been forgotten as for adults who have the desire to continue From an original group of 30 people in it continues today with current college learning while enriching their lives in the 1997 the program had grown to more than president, Leah Myers. process. Participants can attend an eight- 500 participants in 2007. DLL has had a For the past decade, Durham Lifelong lecture series in the spring and again in the tremendous impact on the community Learning has annually presented the college fall for only $30 per series. Each lecture is over the past decade, thanks to the insight with $2,500 towards a bursary and presented by a different speaker and each of the program’s founders, Joyce Marshall scholarship, showing not only its gratitude, series covers a variety of topics. Additionally, and Sally Elliott. but also allowing two students to continue participants may sign up for a four-week Marshall, a Durham College graduate and on their own paths of lifelong learning. seminar for $30. These more interactive former chair of the Durham College Board events occur several times a year and of Governors, said when she heard Elliott’s

16 REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 GETTINGHERFEETWET OVERTHEPOND

by Gordon Robertson

It wasn’t long ago that Emma Bowie moved into the student residence at Durham College. It was her first time away from home and she felt uneasy about the change. Today, just over a year after gradu- ating from the Public Relations program at Durham College, she’s completed a contract with international public relations firm Porter Novelli in Munich, Germany. At Porter Novelli, Bowie worked with both lifestyle and sport IT teams as a translator. Both sectors have major international clients that need English translation and proof- reading. Her duties involved writing weekly highlights, summary reports, and news releases; collecting press clippings; working in media relations; and pitching ideas. “I’ve gotten to do a bit of media relations. I don’t think there is a country in Europe I haven’t called. It’s great to be able to have relationships with journalists from all over the world,”Bowie says in an interview PHOTO COURTESY OF EMMA BOWIE PUBLIC RELATIONS GRADUATE EMMA BOWIE ENJOYSTHE SUN IN STOCKHOLM from Germany. SWEDEN.SHERECENTLYSPENTAYEARWORKINGFORINTERNATIONALFIRM When she originally applied for the job, PORTERNOVELLIINMUNICH,GERMANY. her German wasn’t fluent enough to write or communicate in a business manner. met new friends, but also helped guide about the job at F&H Porter Novelli in During the interview, the administration her team to an undefeated season and a Munich, she applied. liked her so much they agreed to hire trip to the national championships. While Durham College’s Public Relations program her if she took more extensive German the transition seemed easy, she found the really helped Bowie understand that lessons. Part of the reason why she was change in culture most challenging. communications can be challenging. She hired was because of her job experience “Culture in Germany is different. They’re benefited from the program’s two intern- in the workplace, acquired while fulfilling very by the rules and never break them. ships, one non-profit and one corporate. her internships. But I love the culture. They enjoy the sun, They provided her with experience and a While at Durham, she landed her non-profit and people walk and bike everywhere. credible resume, she said. internship with the Ottawa 67s Ontario It’s a much more active way of life, but I Before Christmas, Bowie decided not to Hockey League club. After graduation, guess you need to be with all the bread renew her contract at Porter Novelli. Her she decided that she would fulfil personal and beer,”she says. plans were to come home and return to aspirations to travel to Europe. The former Along with working and playing soccer, school to further her education. Durham varsity soccer star found a care- Bowie still found time to take German “I’m happy coming home on a positive taking position with a family in Germany language lessons twice a week. She and landed a roster spot on the semi-pro note, having one year of international work realized she was becoming more valuable, under my belt,”she says. soccer team, FSV Hohenrain. She not only so when she found out through a friend

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 17 E-LEARNINGTAKESNURSING TOACRITICALLEVEL

by Zoe Fitt

In a critical care unit, there’s no room for mistakes. When an ambulance arrives at the emergency doors delivering a burn victim, or when major brain surgery is taking place in neuro-intensive care, nurses are always at the scene, masks on, and prepared for the worst. For over 30 years, Durham College has been providing nursing education and preparing its students for these real-world situations. Based on new standards for critical care in Ontario, nurses today are being encouraged to have as much education and experience as possible. “There is a very serious shortage of nurses, especially in specialized areas such as critical care nursing,”says program co-ordinator and professor Sandra Goldsworthy. “When the SARS epidemic broke out, our health- care system almost collapsed because there were not enough nurses who had specialized in critical care nursing.” Durham College was chosen from a field of other colleges and universities to offer the new post-graduate Critical Care E-learning Graduate Certificate, and received a $1-million grant from the STUDENTSPRACTISENURSINGPROCEDURESINDURHAM’SSIMULATIONLAB. Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term THESELABSAREALSOUSEDBYCRITICALCAREE-LEARNINGSTUDENTS. Care to create this innovative program. life-and-death scenarios every day,”says or in Sydney, Australia, as long as students The program features a series of six online Goldsworthy. “It’s pretty intimidating going have access to the Internet and have theory-based courses, followed by hands-on out there as a new nurse without extensive a similar health-care system, then it’s simulation training at the college’s state- training, so it’s our goal to provide the definitely possible.” of-the-art lab or at one of the 10 affiliate students with the critical care nursing colleges and universities that have been The program is available to all nurses in education and practice they need.” trained at Durham for this program. Ontario, including new and experienced When it was launched in September 2007, critical care nurses. For more information, To complete the certificate, students must the online program had attracted almost please visit gain 120 hours of on-the-job experience in 80 applicants. Another intake began in www.durhamcollege.ca/criticalcare. a critical care setting under the supervision January and another is due to start in May. of a preceptor. The last two components Although the program is currently only of the course provide training in a safe, offered in Ontario, enrolment is expected high-tech, environment, helping students to increase and it may eventually become build the confidence they will need to available nationally and internationally. work in such an intense area of nursing. “That’s the beauty of being online,”says “Working in critical care requires highly Goldsworthy. “It doesn’t matter where you specialized skills and you’re dealing with are – whether you’re in London, England

18 REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 SONGBIRDS INTHEHALLS

byYoenel Esteirine-Prieto

The hills may be alive with the sound of In 1998-1999, the group participated in music but now so are the halls of Durham a special CD recording celebrating the College, with the sound of the Durham Region of Durham’s 25th anniversary. Community Choir members. “Handel’s Messiah is a staple of our fall These gifted songbirds are making an concert, but we have also sung Vivaldi’s impact on audiences in Durham Region. Gloria and J.S. Bach’s Magnificat at our fall The Durham Community Choir, made up of concert,”says Coolen. “Our spring concert 80 singers, are conducted by J.C. Coolen. has featured an eclectic variety of music, CONDUCTORJ.C.COOLENLEADSTHE A professional freelance musician, Coolen from African-American to pop to musicals DURHAMCOMMUNITYCHOIRINVOCAL has worked as a church musician, choral to choral music of the world.” EXERCISESONMONDAYNIGHTSINTHE and hand bell director and vocal and Upcoming performances include a secular DURHAMCOLLEGECWING. instrumental accompanist for 15 years. concert in Oshawa in April and a perform- core of the music we sing, involving the ance concert in Oshawa in November. “I provide musical leadership and direction audience in a shared experience of the The choir rehearses on Monday evenings for the choir,”says Coolen. “I conduct the essence of our common humanity,” in C113 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Potential choir in rehearsal and performances, and I says Coolen. love what I do.” choristers can register through Continuous Learning at Durham College. For more information on joining the choir, The choir, which does not require auditions, call: (905) 683-3197. has been together since the fall of 1994. “I hope that the choir conveys the emotional

NEWPROGRAMBOOSTS FIRST-YEAR MORALE

by Alyssa McCauley

New friends, new teachers, new school College staff member who is familiar with and a new life. These are just some of the campus activities and services. These stresses that affect the first-year experience volunteers help students to have a suc- for students new to college life. With all of cessful and enjoyable first-year experience these changes, it can be hard not to panic. by focusing on problem-solving and critical However, Durham College has come up -thinking skills. They also encourage the LUCYROMAO-VANDEPOL,DURHAM with a solution. students to participate in campus activities COLLEGE’SFIRST-YEAREXPERIENCE CO-ORDINATOR. The new Staff to Student Mentoring program and make use of student services. In its eases the academic and social transition first term, the program had about 40 staff campus. It also provides staff who may for new college students. In 2003-2004, and students enrolled. not work directly with students with an 59.9 per cent of students graduated from “I am very excited about being a part of opportunity to do so.” their programs at Durham College. This is this pilot project as I feel that this is a The main goal of the program is to give a typical figure for the college system. The wonderful program,”says Lucy Romao first-year students a positive outlook on hope is that this new program will help to Vandepol, first-year experience co-ordinator. college life, eventually leaving Durham increase that number by helping first-year “The Staff to Student Mentoring program as successful graduates. students through the adjustment process. provides first-year Durham College students with a link to the campus, and an opportunity Any student interested in joining the Under the mentoring program, first-year mentoring program can visit students are matched with a Durham to connect with a staff member who has inside knowledge of the workings of the www.durhamcollege.ca/firstyear.

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 19 HOMECOMINGWEEKEND MAY 2 AND 3, 2008

AGENDA

FRIDAY, MAY 2 8 P.M. Suds and Feathers (beer and wings) at E.P.Taylor’s

SATURDAY, MAY 3 11 A.M. – 4 P.M. Complimentary Barbecue lunch; Campus tours; Children’s activities; Varsity Alumni games; and Decade rooms/program rooms for reconnecting with old friends.

SATURDAY, MAY 3 COCKTAILS, 6 P.M., DINNER 7 P.M. Dinner/Dance at General Sikorski Hall: $60/ticket, $110/couple

Visit the website for registration and ticket information. WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA/40THANNIVERSARY

CLASS OF ‘82 /‘83 – MARKETING/PERSONNEL CONTACT METODAY!

Serving Durham 905-728-1600 Region Since 1985 www.MichaelBaird.ca

MICHAEL BAIRD SALES REPRESENTATIVE

20 REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 ALUMNIUPDATE

1969 1992 1999

KATHLEEN ROSE (Medical Secretary), resides DEREK GORDANIER (Journalism) resides in CHERYL BERRY (nee Lenner) (Legal in Oshawa, Ontario with her husband Frederick. Spencerville, Ontario with his wife Caroline Administration), resides in Severn Bridge, Rose currently works at Medex Nursing Homes and their four children, Drake, Veronica, Victoria Ontario, with her 13-year-old daughter Jessica, as a secretary and receptionist. and Calvin. After a career in weekly and daily five-year-old son Zachary, and three-year-old journalism as both a reporter and an editor for daughter Neleh. 1984 Metro Ottawa, Gordanier was named the founding managing editor of the newspaper. SCOTT CRAWFORD (Sports Administration), CAROL CHERRY (nee Judd) (Nursing), resides resides in St. Mary’s, Ontario with his wife in Cobourg, Ontario with her husband Shawn 1994 Samantha, two-year-old son Toby and three- and their three daughters, Victoria, 16, Olivia, 14, month-old son Noah, Scott currently works and Mariah, 12. DAWN CARNEGIE (nee Ward) (Interior Design), as the director of operations at the Canadian resides in Oshawa, Ontario with her husband Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Mary’s. 1987 Mike, five-year-old son Brenden, three-year-old son Matthew, and 10-month-old daughter Jessica. 2002 JOHN GALE (Advertising) resides in Oshawa, Carnegie currently works as the lead designer at Ontario where he owns and operates Gale Design. Shikatani Lacroix Design Inc. in Toronto. JOSHUATOUTANT (Business Administration – Gale has been involved in graphic design and Accounting), resides in Whitby, Ontario with his advertising since 1988 and services clients locally 1995 wife Jennifer and their three-year-old daughter, and in the . Gale recently Rebecca. Toutant currently works as a production received a national design award from Applied KEVIN WEATHERDON (Mechanical Engineering planner at Latham Splash in Ajax, Ontario. Arts Magazine for art direction of a direct mail Technician), resides in Oshawa, Ontario with HEATHER WINDSOR (Graphic Design) resides piece that competed in an international photog- his wife Shannon, three-year-old daughter in Oshawa, Ontario with her five-year-old son raphy proposal competition for Lowe’s Compa- Josephine Violet, and three-month-old daughter Kaeden. She is the proud owner of Heather nies, Inc., in the United States. This work will be Charlotte Francis. Weatherdon currently works Windsor Photography where she works as the part of Applied Arts Awards issue in November. as a Mechanical Maintainer at Ontario Power head photographer. Generation’s Darlington facility. 1989 1996 2003 SCOTT MACINALLY (Electronic Engineering MARTHA PETTERSEN (nee McLaughlin) (RN Technology) resides in Huntsville, Ontario with ADRIANA diploma) resides in Bailieboro, Ontario with his wife Jane, four-year-old daughter Caitlin and SEDORE her husband Stephen and their four daughters; two-year-old son Jack. MacInally currently works (nee Emons) Alexis, 3, Serena, 21 months, and twins Paige as a firefighter for the Oshawa Fire Service. (Dental and Peyton, 15 weeks. Martha also graduated Assisting) from the Dental Assisting program in 1997.She is resides in 1990 currently working at the Hospital for Sick Children Orillia, in Toronto, Ontario as a Registered Nurse. JOHN VESTERGAARD (Business Administra- Ontario with tion – Marketing), resides in Mount Albert, her husband Ontario with his wife Michelle, four-year-old Christopher and their three sons, Gavan, 6, 2004 daughter Elise and two-year-old son Erik. Vester- Ayden, 4, and their newest addition, nine- KAREN EMMERSON (nee Marconi) (Business gaard is currently an operations supervisor for month-old Nolan. Sedore has worked as Administration – Human Resources) resides in Enbridge Inc. in Richmond Hill. a Level 2 Certified Dental Assistant at Dr. V.G. Stouffville, Ontario with her husband, Derek. Skobe’s Dental Office in Brechin, Ontario since she graduated in 1996. 1991 ANTHONY SAUVE (Sports Administration) resides in Ottawa, Ontario, and currently works TERESA LOVE (nee Van Grootheest) (Entertain- 1997 at the Aboriginal Sport Circle as the national ment Administration) resides in Coldwater, co-ordinator for Coaching and Leadership Ontario with her husband Rob and their sons, CHRISTINE JERVIS (nee Shaw) (Interior Development. two-year-old Cody and three-month-old Calvin. Design) resides in Oshawa, Ontario and currently works as a Design Draftsperson at CHRISTOPHER RUZSA (Motive Power – Parts the Region of Durham. and Counter Personnel) resides in Pickering, Ontario, and currently works as an automotive MICHELLE FERGUSON (Human Services service advisor at Canadian Tire in Ajax, Ontario. Counsellor), resides in Oshawa, Ontario with her 16-year-old daughter Charity.

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 21 2005 2006 2007

NICHOLE PRICE (Human Services Counsellor) DONNA PRUST (nee Allinson) (Mechtronics), SEANA DEPAEPE (Office Administration – resides in Whitby, Ontario with her two resides in Sunderland, Ontario with her husband Legal) resides in Port Hope, Ontario. She daughters, Emma, 5, and Arianna, 1. Nichole Eric, 12-year-old daughter Taylor, three-year-old currently works as a legal assistant at McCarthy currently works as a customer service daughter Katherine and two-year-old son Michael. Tetrault LLP in Toronto, Ontario. representative at TD Canada Trust. Prust currently works at General Motors as a production supervisor in Oshawa, Ontario. CHRIS MAEDER (Business Administration – Operations Management) resides in Whitby, Ontario, and currently works as a vinyl scheduler for a pool manufacturer.

MARK MARTIRE (Music Business Management) resides in Toronto, Ontario where he founded Tambourine Magazine. Martire currently works as an editor and writer for the music magazine.

DURHAM COLLEGE Join us for a fun Friday April 25, 2008 | 7:30 p.m. MARKETING ALUMNI evening with FREE Shagwells on the Ridge in the new campus ice centre. finger foods, FREE SPEED prizes along with RVSP required by email to; MINGLING! Speed Mingling! [email protected]

You’re graduating and now looking for more education

Our Graduate Certificate programs offer you an added edge to take your education to the next level.

• Addictions Counselling • Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigations • Communicative Disorders Assistant • Court and Tribunal Agent • Critical Care Nursing (e-learning) • Emergency Management • Human Resources • Paramedic - Advanced Care • Penology and Youth • Sport Business Management

For more information, call 905.721.3033 or visit www.durhamcollege.ca.

22 REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 Keep the alumni association up-to-date on where you are living and working.

www.durhamcollege.ca/alumni/register

Reasons to celebrate this year! 2007 marks the 40th Anniversary of Durham College and also the beginning of a new partnership between your Alumni Association and Manulife Financial. This is significant because, now,you and your family can have the best combination of products and value in the market today!

• Term Life • Health & Dental • Child Life & Accident • Major Accident Protection • Income Protection Disability • Critical Illness

Check out the Needs Calculator and your Alumni rates at manulife.com/durhamcollege or call 1 888 913-6333

You may also contact your Agent of Record, Anthony Colangelo, CGA, at 905 479-9880 or [email protected]

Underwritten by:

The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | WINTER 2008 23