REFLECTIONS ISSUE 97 | SPRING 2020 CONTENTS

3. DC Celebrates Second 10. Success Without 16. From DCPR to NKPR 22. The Global Class: Annual Campus Pow Wow Borders Explore Durham’s 1 7. Public Relationship with Education Pangea 4. Mixing Busines & 11. Coffee: More than just Pleasure a hit of caffeine 24. Red-dress installation: 19. Creating a career out Call for awareness 6. Sport Managment Grad 12. The ASC... Your of passion returns to DC Biggest Support 21. The Long and Winding 8. Passionate teacher 14. The Beauty of Road to Becoming acknowledged for putting Perseverance Champions students first

About this issue: Editor-In-Chief: Matisse Hamel-Nelis Managing Editor: Aaron Mitchel l Art Director: Maddison Lake Associate Art Director: Debora Kabwika Copy Editor: Jaslin Grove Photo Editor: McKenna Modler DC Celebrates Second Annual Campus Pow Wow By Debora Kabwika Photo Credit: Durham College hether in college or in Wow theme was “Honoring Wuniversity, what better Nibi”(Water) with purpose way to welcome students back to raise awareness of water to school than with a campus pollution that is affecting Pow Wow? On Sept. 6, 2019, Indigenous communities in Durham College (DC) alumni . and students came together to celebrate Indigenous culture In our First Nations at DC’s second annual campus community, Pow Wow. It was a celebration “ capped with music, food, arts, there over 120 dances, regalia, and crafts. communities that It was held at the Polonsky can’t drink the water Commons ( campus), because it’s not safe. where a large crowd of DC ” and Tech students, At noon, during the Grand alumni and faculty members all Entry, flag carriers, drummers A First Nation man wearing traditional regalia, performing his dance at the Grand Entry. gathered. and traditional dancers were own unique regalia made out celebrate heritage with singing The pow wow was hosted by jamming their way to the feathers, porcupine hair and and dancing and honouring the the members of the Indigenous center of the circle (the arena), breastplates made out of ancestors. Centre in collaboration with surrounded by the audience, bones. The performance was It’s a way to Ontario Tech Unversity and to start the ceremony. powerful. honour the Carea Community Health The Scugog Island flag, the The event was exceptional. “ ancestors that Centre. Mississauga First Nation flag, This allowed Indigenous have fought for Peggy Forbes, an indigenous the DC flag, the Ontario Tech students, to acknowledge and their land. coach at DC, was surprised flag, the Canadian flag and gain pride in their culture. at how many people came the Carea Community Health It also gave non-indigenous Durham College is proud” to to the event. Apparently, 15 Centre flag were carried as the students an opportunity have celebrated the second elementary school buses were crowd welcomed them to the to learn and experience annual campus Pow Wow in an expected to come yet, four arena. Indigenous culture. effort to promote Indigenous more came. The event became Traditional dancers, lead The event overall was education and reconcile with packed. by one female and one male, meant to bring a diversity of Indigenous organizations This year’s campus Pow performed with each of their Indigenous nations together to and communities. Mixing Business & Pleasure By Kelly Baldini have sacrificed so much to get where I am today. Every hey say not to mix business holiday, birthday and family Twith pleasure, but for gathering,” says Schell. Durham College (DC) graduate Schell was enrolled in the Branson Schell, a motion Animation-Digital Production designer at Sportsnet and part- three-year diploma at Durham time artist it’s hard not to mix College and landed his first the two. job in his desired field after “To get a job, you really need graduation. to make it your lifestyle and A day in the life is never shy have a huge passion for it” says of interesting for Schell. From Schell. working on the Sportsnet Central show to covering It was an amazing on-air graphics illustrating the feeling. It was nice top sports of the night, Schell “ is always developing creative having the short- content. lived press and fame Before entering his second and knowing that all year at DC, Schell used his Durham College Graduate Branon Schell infront of his artwork. ( Photographer: Gary Blake) profits were for a great artistic talents to create a cause. watercolour painting of the singer Gord Downie after the Creativity is second nature Schell’s love for artwork ” news broke about his terminal to the 23-year-old motion influenced his current career. After all his drive and passion brain cancer. The Gord designer and part-time artist. His creativity is what keeps him is what propelled him. Schell Downie tribute was recognized Schell was always artistic, but driven in his day to day life. had a quick taste of success nationally raising funds for his passion took off when he “My ability to paint helps me at the age of 21. From being brain cancer research. attended DC. stay creative and also pushes a freelance motion designer, “I started painting after my my motion designs,” says “It was an amazing feeling,” working at Global News to first year at Durham College Schell. now working at Sportsnet in says Schell. It was nice having in 2016. I really loved the life Looking into the future, Toronto, Ont. the short-lived press and fame drawing class and wanted to Schell keeps his eye on the “It has all happened so and knowing that all profits apply what I learned to a new prize when growing his career. fast looking back on it. I were for a great cause.” medium, ” expresses Schell.

“My future goal is to develop my skills and experiences, “says Schell, “Rogers Sportsnet has been amazing to me, but I would like to settle down outside of the city and be my own boss.”

I started painting after my first year at Durham“ College in 2016. I really loved the life drawing class and wanted to apply what I learned to a new medium. ” Mixing business and pleasure is a successful strategy for Branson Schell and will undoubtedly continue to be as his career unfolds. To learn more and to see some of Schells work visit his website bransonschell.com

Water colour painting tribute of Gord Downie by Branson Schell. (Photogrpher:Branson Schell) Sport Managment Grad returns to DC By: Maddison Lake hen we set life goals, non-profits, and college and Wwe only ever dream of university athletics. As a grad, achieving them. But for Matt Manley says, “Going to a Manley, he keeps getting one sporting event now, instead step closer to his goal every of just paying attention to the day. game, I’m looking at things Photo Credit: Durham College The Durham College such as sponsorships and Manley drops the ceremonial puck at a game in 2014 with his sport man- sport management alumni is team budgets. It really gave agement professor, Matt Akler and classmate Jake Krotowski. From L to R: Trevor Smith, currently a supervisor at the me a new perspective from a Krotowski, Akler, Manley and an Carter Bancks. Campus Ice Centre and Vaso’s business aspect.” as Phil Pritchard, a curator at friendship with an major Field, both located a 10-minute I went in with a small the HHOF and the person in league all-star, “I actually walk from the Oshawa idea of what it was, charge of keeping the Stanley became pretty good friends “ Cup safe. with Josh Donaldson.” Manley campus. As a supervisor, but the program really Manley is responsible for the met Donaldson at a black tie opened my eyes. After graduation in 2015, maintenance of the ice rinks, Manley got a job with event where Donaldson was The sport management fields, cleaning the facilities, Frameworth Sports Marketing wearing Jordan brand sneakers program provides both ” Zamboni maintenance and where he was responsible with his suit, “I teased him volunteer and placement managing setup and take down for dealing with autographs over the shoes actually.” After opportunities to its students for special events. and memorabilia, working sitting with Donaldson in a and because of this, Manley with professional athletes, boardroom at the event getting After being out of school for was able to do his placement and traveling across North memorabilia signed and talking a few years, Manley found the with the Durham College America. “At Frameworths, we with him more, Donaldson sport management program and had exclusives with players like surprised Manley with a pair of and saw it as the perfect fit. “I (formerly University of Ontario [Carey] Price, [Patrick] Kane, Jordan sneakers for his then enjoy sports and everything Institute of Technology) [Jonathan] Towes and [John] newborn son, Colton, “He about them. I was interested athletics department. Through Tavares,” said Manley, “I was said every kid needs a pair of in the business side of sport,” the program he had some fortunate enough to visit the Jordans,” and from there the said Manley. cool experiences such as personal homes of [Evgeni] friendship grew. Donaldson The program covered all volunteering at the Hockey Malkin and [Sidney] Crosby to surprised Manley again for the aspects of what goes Hall of Fame (HHOF) induction get pieces signed” his sons first birthday, “For into running a sport program, ceremony. Manley shared that Coltons’ birthday, he ended up During his time with handling a team, learning he enjoys learning about other sending him a card, a Canada Frameworth, he formed a about professional sports, alumni of the program, such Goose winter jacket, and more sneakers.” The two kept in Ice Centre came up, he knew with a small idea of what it was, touch until Donaldson was where he wanted to go next. but the program really opened Information about the traded from the Toronto to “It’s a shorter commute and it’s my eyes.” Campus Ice Centre can be Cleveland and left the city. closer to where I want to be.” It really gave me a found at: Manley left Frameworth When asked if he had any “new perspective from a campusrecreationcentre. due to the long commute advice for those considering business aspect. the sport management com under ‘Facilities’ Manley still hopes to be program, he said, “Realize you more involved with the college” @CampusIceCentre on won’t be a general manager of Also keep your mind and university athletics and get Twitter a major league team when you open to different a job in the area, but he is also “ graduate. Also keep your mind happy where he is and looks @Campusicecentrearena opportunities even if open to different opportunities forward to what’s to come. on Facebook they aren’t exactly what even if they aren’t exactly you want or you’ll miss what you want or you’ll miss The Campus Ice Centre is out on a lot of out on a lot of opportunities.” located at: opportunities. He admits he wasn’t fully aware of everything to do with 2200 Simcoe Street North, every day and the travel” that college and university sports Oshawa ON, L1H 7K4 kept him away from his family. even though he’s always been When the job at the Campus interested in them, “I went in

Photo Credit: Nustudia Recreation The exterior of the Campus Ice Centre. Passionate teacher acknowledged for putting students first Photos and Story by: Jaslin Grove While pursuing these t is faculty members like Kris different interests, Felstead Felstead, who go above and I was also a part-time faculty beyond to ensure student member at the college. When success, that make Durham Durham College offered College such a great place to Felstead an opportunity to learn and grow. teach full time, he faced a Felstead didn’t set out to difficult decision — take the be an award-winning teacher, risk to become a professional but the co-ordinator of two racer or follow his new-found programs has done just that. passion of teaching. He had many interests but they

I get a great deal of satisfaction from “seeing the growth in my students from Year 1 to when they graduate.

” Kris Felstead smiles proudly with his Faculty Award of Excellence. He is a program “My dad’s a realist,” says coordinator for two programs within the School of Media, Art and Design. ultimately led him to his career Felstead. at DC where, in October pursue teaching, and he has and Advanced Filmmaking 2019, he was awarded Durham “He sat me down and helped been an invaluable addition programs. College’s Faculty Award of me put the situation into to the DC community Excellence. perspective. Do I reach for His love of DC stems from the brass ring now and take a eversince. Previously, he was the way the school encourages His road to teaching success shot with racing, or do I take the co-ordinator for both the student-teacher interaction. wasn’t a typical one, as he was the opportunity offered by the Interactive Media Design and “Durham College has pursuing a diploma in Massage college?” Contemporary Web Design always asked their teachers therapy, and living the dream Felstead ultimately sacrificed programs. Nowadays, he and instructors to mentor as an Indy-car racer. his racing career so he could oversees the Video Production and nurture student learning profit organizations like teaching methods and help Spinal Cord Injury Ontario to bring a lasting, positive impact provide students an authentic at the School of Media, Art workplace environment. and Design. Students have had the chance to work with real spinal cord injury survivors and take on the The Faculty Award of responsibility of telling their Education stories. This award is designed to “It’s powerful for the honour and acknowledge a students and the content they full-time faculty employee create,” Felstead says. who, by demonstrating “It’s really eye-opening for excellence in daily tasks, them to realize how fortunate has contributed to ongoing they are. It’s an empowering student success, his/her own professional development, project not only for them but departmental goals, and to Kris Felstead looks on at his award of excellence for 2019. Recipients of the award are for me and the staff working nominated by their fellow colleagues, and then analyzed by a select committee. the mission of the college. on it too.” as opposed to just delivering non-profit organizations, and It’s Felstead’s innovative Nominees and recipients information,” says Felstead. allowing the students to work teaching methods and his of the award demonstrate the “I get a great deal of on projects for them, just as if following: they were in the workplace. passion for students that satisfaction from seeing the earned him his award. “Some of the student • Commitment to growth in my students from Even though he had been projects have won awards for student sucess Year 1 to when they graduate.” nominated before, he’s humbled and honoured to • Leadership in teaching I was really honoured that my fellow faculty finally be the recipient of such • Significant impact on “ a prestigious award. would take the time to nominate me, because students that in itself means so “It was overwhelming to win,” says Felstead. • Sustainable much. commitment “I was really honoured that ” my fellow faculty would take • Adaptability Felstead takes this learning creating exceptional content the time to nominate me, growth seriously and has • Dedication to for non-profit organizations because that in itself means so implemented a work- improving their much.” integrated learning strategy that normally wouldn’t be able own education and into his programs. His teaching to due to lack of funding,” says Felstead is using the award knowledge strategy involves bringing Felstead. as motivation to continue in external clients, such as Felstead works with non- being innovative with his Success Without Borders By: Catalina Salas There are many reasons gave me the experience I Photo Credits: Mauricio Cuellar why people decide to move to needed to be successful another country. For Cuellar, even before graduation,” says etting out of our comfort it was to challenge himself. “I Cuellar. zone is not easy. There G wanted to have an international Cuellar and his family faced are people who are afraid of experience, and in a many challenges on arriving change and taking risks, while multicultural country as diverse in the Region of Durham. He there are others who are as Canada, it professionally had to find a place to live, constantly trying to challenge puts you on another level,” understand transportation themselves. Durham College says Cuellar. routes, adapt to a new culture. (DC) public relations alumnus Out of all of the colleges Yet, he always tried to think Mauricio Cuellar decided it in Canada, Cuellar chose of the bigger picture. “It is was time to leave the daily DC “The college provides important to realize that you grind and jumped right into the a lot of support and many are lucky, you are here for adventure of moving abroad to begin a new chapter in his life: living the international Life is like a roller coaster, but as long as you are clear about what you want... you will never Durham College public relations alumnus experience at DC. “ Mauricio Cuellar is currently working at With tickets and bags in lose sight of your objective. the AI/HUB. hand, Cuellar said goodbye opportunities for international a reason and that is to look one, to have their objectives to Mexico to embark on a ” students,” says Cuellar. More for more opportunities,” says clear, to believe in themselves, new adventure in Canada. so than other colleges he Cuellar. It’s important to have but above all, to always have Cuellar and his family moved researched before making a the strength and to have a fun. to Canada two years ago, a decision to move. goal in mind to get back up few weeks before starting the Moving to a diferent county One such opportunity is each time you fall. “Life is public relations program. DC can be challenging. However, the ability to participate in like a roller coaster, but as events such as international taking risks, and seeking new the IWorks program. IWorks long as you are clear about student orientation and start challenges can have a huge funds work-study positions what you want, and as long strong helped Cuellar to take impact on your success. for international students to as you establish your plan for the first step on his journey For Cuellar, DC played a work on campus during the the future, the road can be to success. “It helped me big role in his success as an academic year. Cuellar was complicated, but you will never understand the culture, the international student, providing able to work part-time in the lose sight of your objective,” expectations, and it also him with all the resources and college’s communications says Cuellar. helped me to start creating my tools to achieve success in his and marketing department. Cuellar advises international action plan for success,” says career. “Working at Durham College students to network from day Cuellar. Coffee: More than just a hit of caffeine Story and photo by: Maddy Jeffrey our morning java now has along with LinkedIn profiles. with other alumni in specific Ythe potential to bridge the Participants can then arrange lines of work, and upgrade gap between leaders of today a time to connect for endless mentoring and networking and those of tomorrow. learning and career growth, skills through real-world Durham College (DC) whether online or in-person. practice. students and alumni now have “Having a diverse access to life- and career- Having a diverse network can help accelerate changing advice based on network can help careers, allows students and their specific career interests accelerate“ careers, alumni to tap into the smart all over a freshly-brewed or allows students and thinking of peers locally and virtual cup of coffee. Coffee globally and is a powerful Conversations offers an alumni to tap into the contribution to the DC exclusive networking and smart thinking of peers community,” says McInerney. mentoring platform that allows locally and globally Students who join DC Coffee members to message and chat. and is a powerful Conversations will gain a A freshly brewed coffee paired with a new “DC Coffee Conversations contribution to the DC better understanding of what DC Coffee Conversations connection. led me to connect with community. careers are available to them. pair with next.” credible alumni and ask Networking with DC alumni DC Coffee conversations is “We wanted to provide valuable questions about my ” who have similar interests an exclusive networking and students with the opportunity interests and career path,” within their industry, who can mentoring platform powered to network with alumni and says current Public Relations provide the best advice for by Ten Thousand Coffees, the for alumni to give back to program student, Sarmad each individual, will provide social learning and networking students,” says Lisa McInerney, Shaikh. “I highly recommend students with advantages when platform that partners with manager, Alumni Engagement. this platform for students who entering the workforce. schools to build networks “Essentially, we want to give are looking for advice and “I felt awkward trying to between students, recent both students and alumni new alumni who are willing to share network with professionals graduates, and alumni. their experiences with future connections to learn, share and thought I was wasting To participate in DC employees of their industries.” and grow.” people’s time by reaching out,” Coffee Conversations, By joining this network, Once individuals join DC says Shaikh. “When I joined go to durhamcollege. alumni will partake in shaping Coffee Conversations, they will DC Coffee Conversations, tenthousandcoffees.com, sign the careers of students and receive new connections with it changed my thoughts on up and mentor the leaders of recent graduates with personal others based on career goals networking altogether. This tomorrow or connect with a experiences and tips. DC and interests on a monthly tool makes it easy and efficient leader of today, over a hot cup Coffee Conversations helps basis. All introductions arrive to connect with others and I’m of joe. directly in email inboxes to build professional networks always excited to see who I will The ASC...Your Biggest Support Story By: McKenna Modler program found her self-confi- services include peer notetak- “The ASC works together to Photo Credit: McKenna Modler dence improved after using the ing, peer coaching and assis- make sure students are getting ASC’s services. Kozlowski de- tive technology. Students who all the support they need,” said earning is a part of every- scribed the ASC as her biggest are deaf or have a hard time Mackintosh Lone’s lives, but it’s how a support when she attended hearing can get support with Callum Mackintosh is a person learns that makes the Durham College. computerized note-taking or part-time student at DC taking individual unique. An accommodation that the real-time captioning. computer programming. Cal- “The ASC can do plenty of ASC provides, is in most cases Students who may learn lum has always wanted to help things for students. We are access to the test centre. differently from their classmate students with specific needs, growing and changing in a Students can book online for may get alternate formats such so when the opportunity came sense to find out what each their test and take their test in as electronic copies or en- to work as an assistive technol- person needs,” said Callum a private area with no distrac- larged copies of their course- ogist, he jumped at the oppor- Mackintosh, Assistive Technol- tions. materials. tunity. ogist with the ASC. For Kozlowski, she found the Public Relations program to be The ASC works heavy course load, so by taking together to make sure a reduce course load through students“ are getting the ASC helped her. She used all the support they extra time for her tests and need. exams through the ASC. She struggled with her writ- ing, grammar in particular, but That’s where the” Access and with the ASC, she was able Support Centre (ASC) comes to understand the concept of in! The ASC at Durham Col- writing by using the support lege (DC) provides resources the ASC has to offer. for students who have trouble learning in the classroom. Students with the proper medical documentation to “Just because I had a learn- support the barriers that affect ing disability doesn’t mean I them can use the services pro- can’t accomplish whatever I vided by the ASC. want,” says Victoria Kozlowski. Counselling is available for Victoria Kozlowski, an alum- individuals or groups. Other Callum Mackintosh is a part-time student at Durham College and an Assistive na of DC’s Public Relations Technologist with the Access and Support centre In his role with the ASC, Cal- lum helps students who have a barrier in their learning to provide them with technology to function better in school. Callum and his colleagues provide students with assistive technology such as reading, writing and organization soft- ware. They offer students equipment such as recorders. Software like Read and Write or Kurzweil and accessible format textbooks to provide students with other ways to learn. Kozlowski used a speech reader which allowed her to listen to documents instead of reading them.

Just becuase I have a learning disbaility “doesn’t mean I can’t accomplish whatever I want.

Accommodation” and collab- Callum Mackintosh working at his desk in the ASC with booking appointments for students who need help with assistive technology. oration are what the ASC can offer for students as they help “The main thing is if some- to deal with it in a way that she body has something prevent- understands. The ASC is all Oshawa Campus to sort out any issues the stu- Monday to Thursday dents may have in school. ing them, they can come see about helping diverse learners. us to try to get it solved as it 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For Kozlowski, she was able To find opportunities to help depends on the student and Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to learn more about herself them succeed as a student and what specifically affects their Phone Number: and find out how she learns make their learning differences learning,” expressed Callum. 905-721-3123 through the ASC. unique to that person. Email: The centre has helped her to [email protected] understand her learning and The Beauty of Perseverance be downsizing, and Seeley Story and Photos By: Jamie Crawford had three weeks to decide her future. urham College (DC) After working at GM for 31 Dalumna and Oshawa years, Seeley ultimately made Durham College sports hall of the decision to retire, take her famer, Leslie Seeley has proven life in a different direction and what perseverance can do. considered opening her own After graduating from DC’s Pure + Simple spa. Sport Administration program, The Pure + Simple brand has Seeley pursued a job in sales been a favourite of Seeley’s at an Oshawa sports store. since her niece decided to She thought she was destined open her own spa in Waterloo, to be in sales forever, until Ont., five years ago. Through she had the opportunity to her nieces’ recommendations, work for General Motors Seeley fell in love with the spa’s (GM). She worked her way natural skin care products Leslie Seeley proud owner of Pure + Simple Spa located at 1053 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, Ont. up the corporate ladder, all and services. She imagined my plan of opening a spa in treatment, and an array while achieving her Masters what it would be like to open of Business Administration Oshawa. Four months later we of mineral-based makeup her own spa, but it was not opened our doors.” products. through Athabasca University. until she retired that she seriously considered the “We can do a lot to help We can do a lot possibility of opening her own Perseverance is a people feel good about their here“ to help people location in Oshawa, Ont. This “big word in my skin,” says Seeley. feel good about their was something the Oshawa vocabulary. Seeley’s determination and community had been lacking: hard work has led to her skin. Seeley’s Pure + Simple” spa a holistic and all-natural success, but it didn’t come celebrated its grand opening in She achieved her” main approach to skincare leading easy. September 2019. The spa career goal when she received to real results. “You have to reach out to offers a variety of services, a promotion and gained a new organizations and join and find “I did some soul searching such as Microdermabrasion, leadership role in the company. other organizations to network and investigated this option,” Aquabrasion, Intense Pulse Everything was going to plan, with and get yourself out says Seeley. “I had a meeting Light treatments, hair removal, until GM announced it would there,” she says. with Jean Eng and proposed skin rejuvenation, acne Seeley continues to set A DC grad, a Durham goals for herself and the spa. College sports hall of famer, For more information on Pure + Simple She hopes to expand and GM retiree and now a spa visit them on social media: potentially open another owner, Seeley’s perseverance location. almost guarantees her success. Twitter: @Pure+SimpleCA She remains optimistic about what the future can Instagram: @pureandsimpleca hold for her business and remarks,“Perseverance is a big Facebook: @PureandSimpleSkincare word in my vocabulary.“

Seeley stands in front of the all-natural skincare products offered at Pure + Simple Spa. FROM DCPR TO NKPR Story and photography by Olivia Oldfield rom Durham College country. Wilcox did not stop in the PR FPublic Relations (DCPR) there, and went on to perform world to her to NKPR, a public relations PR duties at the IT X Producers experience agency, Alex Wilcox, a public Ball, Toronto International Film as an intern. relations 2019 graduate, has Festival, which led to her being Wilcox says already made a name for offered a contract position that “It herself. The former public with NKPR immediately after [NKPR] really relations student became a finishing her placement. [does] give success among her fellow This is not to say that it you all the graduates and classmates, came easy. The world of skills you through her impressive public relations can only be need so it’s transition from public relations described in the most layman really easy Wilcox standing outside the NKPR offices in Toronto intern to account co-ordinator. of terms as fast-paced, and to slip into account During her time in the Wilcox was thrown into this coordinator, because to the PR world: “You should Durham PR program, Wilcox world immediately during her you are on so many accounts really over-communicate with completed her non-profit placement. As she moved as an intern and it’s so many your senior people. If you’re placement at Brimacombe ski into the role of account co- different ones…it also makes struggling let them know, or if resort in Orono, Ont., working ordinator, she took on more you more appreciative of what your workload is too heavy, let under the direction of fellow serious responsibilities. At the interns do because I was in them know. You aren’t going to Durham College (DC) public NKPR, she works directly with their shoes.” get in trouble.” relations graduate, Courtney clients to pitch ideas, planning It’s no surprise that Wilcox As Wilcox continues her Pope. She then completed her client events as well as being has become an inspiration career in the public relations corporate placement at NKPR, a primary point of contact for to all those graduating from industry, whether she stays one of the most well-respected interns. Durham College’s PR program. with agency life or moves into public relations agencies in the She attributes her success She has done what many the corporate world, she will thought would take years and be someone DC students and It [NKPR] really [does] give you all the skills countless more internships to graduates can always look up “ accomplish. Her impressive to. you need so it’s really easy to slip into account communication skills and sense coordinator, because you are on so many Her extraordinary transition of humour help get her to get from intern to account co- accounts as an intern and it’s so many different through the long days and is ordinator shows that she will ones…it also makes you more appreciative what has gotten Wilcox to the be a force to be reckoned with of what the interns do because I was in their incredible career position she as she continues to move up shoes. now holds. through the world of PR. ” Her advice for new arrivals Public Relationship with Basketball Story and photo by: Sarmad Shaikh inding the right balance college, she opted for the Fbetween work and play event-planning program at turned into an impressive Durham College, where she career for Durham College could combine her studies alumni Madeleine Dender. with playing for the school’s Born and raised in Pickering, highly regarded women’s Ont., Dender split her time basketball team. in high school between “I didn’t want to stop her classroom studies and playing basketball after I playing basketball at a highly finished high school, so I competitive level. “I’ve been made sure that wherever I playing basketball since I decided to go, I would still be was 10 years old,” she said. able to play competitively,” “I learned to multi-task my said Dender. studies and sports while in Two years and many Dender holding a Canadian Press Style Guide in one hand while holding her laptop in high school and I’ve always basketball games later, the other and balancing her phone on her ear. used basketball as an outlet Dender graduated from DC’s to help me get my mind off event-planning program, but worked out both ways.” her school workload and things.” on her last day of classes But taking her learning athletic career, which was she made the decision to game to the next level didn’t made easier through the continue her education. I felt like I still had a come easy for Dender. efforts of her PR professors. lot more to learn and “I felt like I still had a lot Once settled into the public- “All my professors made “ more to learn and wasn’t relations program, she admits sure I stayed up to par wasn’t ready to start ready to start working working just yet. it was sometimes difficult with my marks,” she said. just yet,” said Dender. balancing her school workload “Sometimes that would lead “My program coordinator with her responsibilities as a to me handing in assignments At the same time, Dender” suggested Durham’s public varsity athlete. On occasion, a few days before the deadline knew she wanted a full- relations program because her basketball games and or doing tests at a different time career that would be it correlated with event practices overlapped with time. Yes, it was tiring, but it a good fit for her outgoing planning. I also knew I wanted the due dates for her allowed me to continue doing personality. When the time to come back and continue assignments. By necessity, what I love.” came for her to choose a playing basketball, so it Dender learned to balance As an added bonus, Dender blind or living with vision loss. experience you get of being discovered that basketball “I absolutely love it,” she there.” was an excellent outlet that said. “When I first went into helped her immensely in PR, I didn’t think I would stressful times. “Going to ever work at a non-profit basketball practice at night organization, but every day is would always help me clear different at the CNIB.” my mind and focus on what’s Looking to the future, really important. It was a great Dender plans to stay in coping mechanism for me,” the public-relations field, she said. though she wants to make Dender admits that her use of her event-planning biggest career motivator has abilities. “Eventually I would always been her supportive like to incorporate my event parents, particularly her planning background into my mother. “She always career, since I would like to I just want to keep encouraged me to continue utilize the information I got Dender posing in her Durham Lord’s “learning and keep my work, no matter the from that program,” she said. basketball uniform. Photo taken by circumstances,” she said. Mauricio Cuellar. doing a job I love. “Both my parents are very ” respected in their careers, so You can’t plan for learning and keep doing a I always wanted to have that “what’s to come. job I love.” same reputation for myself Dender is living proof that wherever I work.” ” Should the opportunity students can successfully After two years in Durham’s arise for Dender to ever combine their academic PR program, all of Dender’s revisit her athletic career, studies with athletics and she hard work and dedication she’d jump at the chance. has some words of wisdom paid off. In her final semester, “Of course I’d love to be for future student-athletes she took on the role of doing something in sports who are considering Durham public relations intern for outside of work, like playing College: “You can’t plan for the Canadian National in a league, or coaching or what’s to come,” she said. Institute for the Blind (CNIB), teaching basketball. If I can “Work hard and you will a respected charitable get the chance to travel more, adjust to blending the worlds organization dedicated to that would be awesome too. of education and sports helping Canadians who are Mostly, I just want to keep faster. Enjoy yourself and the Creating a career out of passion.

By Candy Thomas Photo credit: Durham College, Kait Souch and Candy Thomas

Kait Souch working on DC’s social media platforms (Durham College).

that founded a then-prominent Kait Souch monitoring DC’s social media public relations firm — it activity (Thomas). appears Souch was destined for a career that allows her to represent the College in this merge these fields. Ontraio-wide competition. Each year, a few select Kait Souch, digital marketing strategist at Durham College (Durham College). “I was always encouraged to try new things,” she says. DC advertising & marketing students are given the in Advertising & Marketing “I was that kid in Grade 4 ho says you can’t create opportunity to participate in Communications. Using the that had a website. It’s how I Wa successful career out the Orange Juicer competition skills she gained from her naturally got into web design.” of your passion? There’s a where students tackle real studies at DC, she forged This love of design brought popular saying, “Do what you advertising issues, deadlines her path to a fulfilling and Souch to DC. With a laser- love, and you’ll never have to and work with real clients. successful career. like focus, she excelled in her work a day in your life.” That’s “I gained alot from that program, building valuable and exactly what Kait Souch, a Like all great success stories, experience,” she says. “As transferable skills that would Durham College (DC) alumni her story originates from a student, it allowed me to set her apart from her peers. and digital marketing strategist, humble beginning. Hailing from effectively place the skills I is striving to do. a family with a strong creative One notable experience was learned to real-life scenarios.” and technological background the prestigious Grip Orange In 2008, Souch graduated “I loved being a student — her father worked in IT, Juicer competition. In 2016, from DC’s Graphic Design at DC!” she says. “I felt her mother with a career in Souch was one of those lucky program. She returned in 2014 supported, like I was a part of marketing, and a grandfather students hand-selected to to complete a diploma something bigger.” So when the opportunity presented itself, Souch returned to the place that emboldened and challenged her, to lay permanent-roots. “I knew I wanted to come back,” says Souch. “It’s a great work environment here at DC. Everyone is so eager and willing to help.” As a digital marketing strategist, Souch works with the Communications and Marketing team to ensure DC continues to stand out and stay ahead-of-the-curve in this digital age. In 2015, Engagement Labs, a data and analytics firm, listed DC as one of the top Canadian universities and colleges on social media. She helps oversee all corporate social media accounts. Also acts as an agency for all other Kait Souch attending an on-campus event to gain content she will share on DC’s social media accounts (Durham College). departments, providing assistance with running It’s a great workenvironment here at DC. Everyone is so eager and successful social media willing to help! campaigns and training. “ “We function like an internal including fashion, beauty, local my love for social media,”” she new and exciting challenges.” agency,” says Souch. “With all community, food, DIYs and says. To the next wave of the other departments acting glutten-free living. As for what’s next, Souch is students pusuring their as our clients.” For approximately 10-years, excited to continue her work passion, whatever it may be, Off-the-clock, she runs a she worked digilently to build at DC. “Be confident in your work,” successful trendy lifestyle this platform to where it has “This is it for me!” she says. she says. “Great work always blog called, Teacups & become a part of her personal ”I love that no day is the same. speaks for itself.” Things. Teacups & Things creative brand. Each day the social media covers a range of topics, “Through blogging, I found landscape changes. It presents The Long and Winding Road to Becoming Champions By: Brayden Smith Photo credit: Al Fournier playing in countless exhibition he Durham College Men’s in the CCAA Finals. The team You always picture games as they worked to Soccer team has surpassed that captured provincial gold T reaching“ that goal of eliminate as many mistakes as all expectations heading into two years prior was finally possible. When the time came, the Canadian Collegiate getting their chance to capture becoming a national all their hard work paid off as Athletic Association (CCAA) as gold on Canada’s largest stage. champion. To actually they earned the program its under dogs, and finishing the “I just had a feeling achieve it is something first ever CCAA gold medal. tournament as champions. something special would you can truly never “Working so hard over Pierre Sanz, a graduate from happen that day,” says Sanz. prepare for. the last couple years, you the Durham College (DC) He wasn’t wrong. He “The addition of Joshua Lee always picture reaching that Broadcast Journalism program ” watched as the stands filled up top was huge this season,” goal of becoming a national has attended and reported on with hundreds of DC fans. says Sanz. “I would say the champion. To actually achieve every Durham Lord’s Men’s Along with him, Nate Paine, defence definitely improved it is something you can truly Soccer game for the last three one of the team’s starting 11, and having that winning never prepare for. We get years of his life. Working so began to notice as the crowd experience from the provincial to say we’re the champions. close to the team, he had the grew to unimaginable numbers. championship really helped We’ve made Durham College a opportunity to watch them “It was freezing cold that the guys have that winning national champion!” grow and surpass everyone’s mentality.” expectations particularly in day,” says Paine. “And to go 2019, when the team secured from having 25 to 50 people at In 2018, it was announced that Durham College would be the CCAA Championship. our regular games to over one thousand, it was unbelievable.’’ hosting the prestigious CCAA To go from having Paine made the easy decision National Championship. Along 25“ to 50 people at our to join the team back in 2017 with the honour of hosting regular games to over when he graduated from the tournament, teams are one thousand, it was Premier Elite Athlete Collegiate automatically given a position unbelievable. School for Elite Athletes. Since to represent their school. When Dave Ashfield, the The day was Nov. 9, 2019. then, DC’s passion to making ’’ the student experience come team’s coach, informed the Sanz woke up and proceeded team they would be placed to Vasco’s Field like any other first has helped make player development for him and his in the tournament, they game day, but unlike the other immediately got to work. days, this day was different. teammates a priority, while They spent the whole season This would be the day the encouraging them to reach practicing five days a week and Durham Lord’s Men’s Soccer their highest potential. Nate Paine prepares to strike the ball on net team would compete for gold just outside the 18 yard box. The Global Class: Explore Durham's Educational Pangea

By Nicole Lam Additionally, he’s also an Photo Credit Durham College award-winning journalist and documentary producer. He’s urham College (DC) has been around the world for Dbrought many innovative his work for networks like ideas to life over the past three Discovery Channel, Canadian years. One of these innovative Broadcasting Corporation, and ideas is the Global Class, a Citytv. It’s these experiences passport to the world through that ignited his passion for a new kind of learning. making education a more innovative and interactive We all need to experience. become“ planetary In simple terms, the Global thinkers, Class is a guided conversation with other classrooms while ” being live-streamed around the says Lon Appleby, professor world. Since its creation, it has of the Global Class. brought together professionals Global classs creator Lon Appleby teaching students. To that end, he’s managed and teachers from more than to network with like-minded 85 countries, creating an hosts students in the global Topics students have recently professors and experts around educational Pangea. classroom located in the new explored in the class include: the world to bring this idea of The guest list of the Global Centre for Collaborative racism and shootings, toxicity the planetary thinker to life Class has grown over the Education at Durhawm in gaming, and the power of and enhance the experience of years. Speakers who’ve joined College. social justice. DC’s Global Class. the class include: Dr. Rona The Global Class gives An alumnus of the Advanced Hart, psychology professor students in countries all over Journalism program at Durham at the University of East the world the opportunity College, Appleby is now a London, British biologist and to explore complex subjects professor in the college’s geoscientist, Hazel Barton, without conventional School of Interdisciplinary and Brazilian entrepreneur, classroom boundaries. Studies. Marcelo Da Luz. Lon Appleby “You never know what to expect when you enter one of Appleby’s classes,” says Aaron Mitchell, a former Global Class student.

You might find yourself discussing religion with“ students in Bangladesh, dissecting the educational system with professors in Zambia or analyzing racism with speakers in California.” In the fall of 2019, the Global Class examined many subjects including the road to entrepreneurship; ethical artificial intelligence; and relations between nations. The class takes place every Wednesday in the Centre for Collaborative Education. All live-streams are uploaded to the website, theglobalclass.org, where anyone can view them. “If students weren’t interested,

Lon Appleby showcasing the power of the global class during a lecture. then this wouldn’t exist,” says Appleby, “Not only do students like connecting, but we’re in a time right now where the education system is changing, and we need to change with it.” Appleby’s hope is that the Global Classroom will help students feel as if they’re together in the same room examining the issues that unify them –despite geographical, political, or cultural barriers. “We want students to exchange and create,” says Appleby. “That’s what this is about. In every discussion we are exchanging knowledge and ideas, gaining insight, then creating something brilliant together.” This concept makes the Global Class a truly unique learning experience at DC, combining technology and globalization in an engaging, dynamic, learning environment. With Appleby, students take a journey around the world, and education is their passport. Lon Appleby. Red -dress installation : Call for awareness Byline-Nihali Shah Photo credit: Mukti Darji

nishnaabemowin, the recognition of the murdered ADurham College First and missing indigenous Peoples Indigenous Centre women. It is a one-week (FPIC) is called “Suswaaning campaign. The FPIC had Endaajig.” It means “nest the red dresses hanged in away from home”. “That is the center of this building exactly what staff hope the and also everywhere else on centre feels like for Indigeno- campus. “Our motive behind us students; whether they’re theampaign is to gain support away from home for the day and spread awareness within attending class. FPIC utilizes and outside the college a holistic approach to serving campus. Girls are missing students, focusing on their physical, mental and spiritual every second day.” well-being. The centre has been providing services for Our motive behind more than 15 years such the“ campaign is to gain as the Indigenous Advisory support and spread Circle”. It was formed to awareness within and provide Indigenous Peoples A red dress sketch by artist Mukti Darji. with the opportunity to advi outside the college women so that week the week “To be an Indigenous and to se and make recommendati- campus. Girls are of February 10 to 14. “Like we be female moving throughout ons to the college. missing every second always had the red dresses the world, there is a risk of These recommendations day. stuck in the center, actually vioence that is different than will focus on creating a looks like we’re going to have other groups experience”, In the second” week of them hanged all months, but added Forbes. welcoming and respectful February the campaign environment that values that’s incredible that we want The motive of the campaign starts on-campus of Durham Indigenous history, culture, to push out to and encourage is to spread cultural and College, Oshawa. The world view, and ways of other areas of the college to communal awareness. Let’s volunteers and students, knowing. The FPIC focuses hang a red dressed like this is end discrimination to keep our specifically females, to dress in on one major campaign which something that lots of places women safe. red and discuss the campaign is organized in February do and it’s pretty astonishing with fellow students. So that is every year. ‘The Red Dress when you see it”, says Peggy in recognition of the murdered Installation’ campaign is in Forbes, the Indigenous Coach and missing Indigenous of Durham College FPIC. 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]